The Police Service Commission (PSC) has recently announced the promotion of 8,053 senior police officers to various higher ranks within the force.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the PSC’s spokesperson, Ikechukwu Ani, the promotion involved 1,348 Superintendents of Police who were elevated to the rank of Chief Superintendent.

Additionally, 876 Deputy Superintendents of Police were promoted to the rank of Superintendent, while 5,829 Assistant Superintendents were moved up to Deputy Superintendents.

These promotions followed the recommendations of the PSC’s standing committee on police promotions, which is chaired by Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Taiwo Lakanu.

The statement reads, “The promoted Officers included: Anjuguri Manzah, DCO, Onne Port Division; Ihunwo Josephine, Zonal Public Relations Officer Zone 13 Ukpo; Matilda Umiah Ngbaronye former Public Information officer, African Union Mission in Somalia, former Deputy PPRO, Lagos state Command, former DPO Ilupeju and currently DPO Iponri; Opara Angela Precious, IGP Secretariat, Force Headquarters, Abuja; Ajaka Chinedu, Admin Officer, 44 PMF; Felix Ekpoudom, O/C Quick Intervention Unit, Akwa Ibom State and former DPO, Eket; Ehinola Temitope Layomi, 2 PMF, Lagos; Okebugwu Eggbath Chidozie DPO, Abakaliki Road, and Okereke Joy Onyedikachu, O/C Servicom, Enugu State Command.

“Others include:Aminu Mohammed Abdulkadir; Danladi Ameh Musa; Alhasan Yahaya, Adamu Muye Jesyca Gobum, Police Adviser to the United Nations; Mohammed Yusuf Adamu, 2/ic Base 3 SPU; Martin William, O/C Provost SPU; Ephraim Aneto, DLS , Zone 9 Umuahia; Isa Ibrahim Umuoru, Boarder Patrol; Ejiro Aganbi Daniel, Commander EOD, Rivers State; David Samuel, Commander CTU Lafia and Ogu Caleb Ikechukwu FCT Command.

“Omoarebun Iluobe, CSO, to Delta State Governor; Shaaba Gboyako Adamu, CSO to Imo state Governor; Ochogwu Sunday Okpe, DPO Otolo Nnewi; Iheme Chijioke Jerry, Nimo Division, Anambra state, Ani Gospel Obichi, Zonal Intelligence Dept Zone 7 Abuja; Harrison Owoh, Abia Command; Iheanetu Bruno Chukwudara, Zonal PRO, Zone 9; Kontongs Bello O/c Edo South special Operations; Lawal Opeyemi, National Cybercrime; Mgbamijolo Akpobeme Augustina, Special Anti Cultism, Enugu Ukwu; Gerald Udechukwu, IGP Task Force on Petroleum; Adamu Adamu Sulieman, 40 PMF;

“Eliagwu Austin, Commander FOB, Aguata; Oche George State marine Office, Anambra; Ikechukwu Henry Onyeanula, DPO Ideato, Imo state; Odemerho Festus Ichioma; Adeyemi Olufemi; Abubakar Ibrahim, PMF 50; Sirajo Abdullahi, Zamfara Command; A. Bature, Force Secretary Staff Officer; Nweke Ebele Adaob, Maritime; Jokpeyibo Andy Igho, DPO Neni Anambra state; Ibrahim Ezekiel FID, Garba Musa Mahuta, FCID, Abuja; Suleiman Idris Mohammed, Commander EOD, Base 37, Abia state; Aguade Samuel; Katie Bukola Yemisi, PSO 3 IGP;

“Christian Diala, Project Officer, Works Department, Abuja; Pharmacist Abubakar Abdul Qadir, Kano state command; Omorodion Newton, DCO, Ugbekun Division, Edo State; Ifa-Uwadiae Ebendvbe, DCO Oba Market, Division, Edo State; Salau, Agboola Lateef O/C Surveillance, Boarder Patrol Seme, Lagos and Haruna Usman Chiri of Interpol; Ofoegbu Uche Ralph, Deputy Contigent Commander, NFPU Peace Keeping Somalia were also some of the Superintendents promoted to Chief Superintendents of Police.”

Former Minister of Youths and Sports, Solomon Dalung, has said President Bola Tinubu meant the words he said to National Assembly members on Wednesday during the 2025 budget presentation.

Recall that President Tinubu while addressing the Joint Session of the federal lawmakers, Tinubu described the 10th NASS as 11th NASS.

When his orderly and chorus voices of the lawmakers reminded him he was addressing the 10th NASS, he said he wrote 11th.

His words: “In fulfillment of one of my constitutional duties and with unyielding commitment to rebuilding Nigeria towards ensuring that we remain steadfast on the journey to a prosperous future, I hereby present the 2025 budget to the joint session of the 11th National Assembly… 10th? I wrote 11th…. which means you are all re-elected (sic).”

Reacting to the words of the President on Thursday, in an interview with News Central, Dalung claimed that Tinubu disclosed to Nigerians what would happen in 2027.

The former Minister,  argued that Nigerians may not be able to change the current government in 2027. He also added that governors across the 36 states may have solidified their chances in 2027 through the way local government elections were conducted.

“When he said all of you are just re-elected, that is not just a joke, The President is telling Nigerians about what will happen in 2027. And I have said this a couple of times that.

‘I don’t think from the attitude of this government and the way the governors have conducted the local government elections, Nigerians should look forward to 2027 to change anything because the President has just confirmed that they were only going to announce themselves return to power. So congratulations Mr President,” Dalung stated.

The House of Representatives announced plans to donate ₦704.91 million to President Bola Tinubu on December 31, 2024, aimed at supporting vulnerable Nigerians facing economic hardships due to the recent fuel subsidy removal.

Naija News recalls that back in July, the House resolved to donate 50% of their salaries for six months to alleviate the challenges faced by ordinary Nigerians. This decision followed a motion moved during a plenary session.

During Thursday’s plenary, Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, addressed his colleagues, saying, “If you recall, about five months ago, we decided to contribute half of our salaries to address the critical needs of the Nigerian people. I am happy to inform you that so far, we have contributed ₦704,907,578.82.

“On December 31, I will lead a delegation of leadership to hand over the money to the president for the exclusive use of the vulnerable Nigerians who really need it.

“The contributions you made highlight the steadfastness and dedication of members to addressing the critical needs of Nigerians.”

This initiative came after a motion led by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu in July, where the House pledged to donate part of their salaries to help ease hunger and prevent further protests related to governance issues.

Kalu explained at the time, “This government is doing its best, but one year is not enough to address the challenges of this country. I want to plead with our colleagues to sacrifice 50 per cent for a period of six months.

“Our salary is ₦600,000 a month. I want to plead that we let go of 50 per cent of our salary for a period of six months.”

The principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, Abdullahi Fasasi, has been taken into police custody by the Oyo State Police Command following a tragic stampede at the school.

Sources confirmed to DAILY POST that Fasasi was invited to the police station on Wednesday and has remained detained since then.

Naija News understands that the detention is reportedly linked to the stampede that occurred during a children’s carnival at the school.

The incident, which took place during an event reportedly organized by Naomi Silekunola, the estranged wife of the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, left at least 32 children dead, according to reports.

The carnival was held at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, where the tragic incident unfolded.

An insider familiar with the situation disclosed that Fasasi was invited by the police at around 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday and complied with the invitation. However, upon his arrival, he was detained.

Fasasi is currently being held at the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in the Iyaganku area. At the time of this report, he had not been released.

A source close to the school principal shared: “The principal of the school, Mr. Abdullahi Fasasi, has been detained by the police.

“He was invited around 4:00 p.m. yesterday, and he honored the invitation.

“He has been detained since then. He has not been released.”

The brides, who were well cared for before the wedding, received the necessary attention for their beautification.

A dowry of one hundred and fifty-one thousand Naira was paid for each bride by the Governor’s wife.

Huriyya Dauda Lawal also provided essential household items, including sets of furniture such as cushions, beds, wardrobes, mattresses, and kitchen utensils.

She also presented a financial assistance of N50,000 to each groom as a grant to start a business and become self-reliant.

Hajiya Lawal urged the brides to show respect to their husbands and practice patience.

She added that the Zakkat and Endowment Board would always be available to support them in case of any issues with their husbands.

The Oyo State Police Command says it is investigating the circumstances surrounding the alleged death of 32 children during a stampede at a funfair in Ibadan, the state capital, on Wednesday.

PUNCH Metro gathered from multiple eyewitness accounts that the stampede occurred when participants rushed to gain access to the venue of the event reportedly organised by the ex-queen of the Ooni of Ife, Prophetess Naomi Shikemi, and an Ibadan-based broadcaster, Oriyomi Hamzat.

Investigations by PUNCH Metro also showed that the victims were stampeded to death while trying to break through the main gate of the school.

It was further gathered that provision was made for 5,000 children but the number that turned up for the event was reportedly over 7, 500.

Narrating the scenario in a video, an eyewitness at the scene of the incident, who did not mention her name, noted that the organisers had invited 5,000 participants for the funfair but the situation got out of control when the scene became rowdy leading to a stampede that led to several casualties.

She said, “Oriyomi Hamzat said he wanted 5,000 participants but because we were not organised, that was why the situation got to this. We were not even up to 5,000 participants.”

Another participant claimed he lost a child during the incident.

“Rather than attend to us very well, they wanted to fight us. We just lost one child who has been taken to the University College Hospital,” he said.

The video showed rowdy scenes as some children were rushed out of the venue while a woman wailed about the loss of her child following the stampede.

Reacting to the incident, the management of Agidigbo FM, owned by Oriyomi Hamzat, sympathised with the victims in a statement signed by its Director of Programmes, Olayinka Abdulwahab.

Abdulwahab, however, stressed that the radio station was a media partner to the event and not the organiser of the funfair.

He stressed that the management made frantic moves to sensitise the participants when it realised that the venue was crowded.

Abdulwahab stated, “This is to inform the general public that the management of Agidigbo FM, Ibadan received the news of the tragedy that heralded the children’s funfair at Islamic High School, Bashorun, Ibadan, organised by the WINGS Foundation, with great shock and wholeheartedly commiserate with the families involved.

“Amidst the tragedy, the news making the rounds is that Agidigbo FM is the organiser of the children’s funfair. However, the management wishes to state that Agidigbo FM is not the organiser of the event but one of the media outfits used to promote the event.

“Upon receiving the notice that a mammoth crowd had assembled before 5am at the venue, Agidigbo FM, the people’s voice, used all media strategies to sensitise the populace with jingles and public service announcements from that time, that people should stop going to the venue of the funfair.

“This is not the time to spread misinformation. The management of Agidigbo FM implores the general public to continue to pray for the speedy recovery of those in various hospitals and sympathises with the family of those who lost their lives.”

When contacted via a text message for a reaction, the spokesperson for the Oyo State Police Command, Adewale Osifeso, confirmed the incident, noting that an investigation had commenced.

“Investigation is in progress. Updates will be provided accordingly, please,” Osifeso said.

Multiple sources told our correspondents that some of the children, including their parents, were said to have kept vigil at the venue of the event.

One of our correspondents observed that an uncontrollable crowd caused gridlock on the Basorun-Idi Ape Road.

An Administrative Officer of Patnas Hospital, Basorun, where some of the victims were admitted, Olufeyemi Tolulope, said, “The affected children were brought in some minutes past 8am. Six children were brought into the hospital out of which five died while the other one is recuperating.

“We were told that the deceased fainted at the venue of the event. We were able to rescue one while the remaining five died. The surviving child has been discharged and released to her parents.

“One of the parents of the deceased, who was sighted at the hospital premises wailing, said, “I did not bargain for what happened to me. We slept together at home yesterday (Tuesday) not knowing that it would be the last time. My daughter is not dead. Please doctor wake her up.”

Other parents, who did not want their names in print, called on the government to prevail on the management of the various hospitals for the release of the corpses of their children.

The victims, according to a statement by the state’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, were admitted at the following hospitals: Patnas Hospital, Basorun; Western Hospital, Basorun; Ring Road State Hospital; Molly Specialist Hospital and University College Hospital.

One of our correspondents was turned back at Molly Hospital, Idi-Ape and Western Hospital, Basorun by the security guards, who insisted that no victim was on admission at the two hospitals.

However, some of the parents were sighted at UCH lamenting the death of their children.

While at the UCH, the hospital’s Public Relations Officer, Mrs Funmi Adetuyibi, told PUNCH Metro that five of the victims of the incident, were brought in dead.

She, however, did not confirm the sex or age bracket of the victims, adding that none of the victims of the incident was on admission at the facility as of the time of filing this report.

Also at Molly Hospital, an eyewitness, who did not want his name mentioned, told our correspondent that some unspecified victims brought to the hospital by rescue workers were brought in dead.

A staff member of the hospital, who spoke with PUNCH Metro on condition of anonymity, said none of the victims of the tragedy was on admission as of the time one of our correspondents  visited the facility at past 7pm on Wednesday.

Efforts to get the Ooni’s ex-wife, Naomi, the organiser of the event that led to the stampede, proved abortive as her phone number was not available. A text message sent to her was not responded to too as of the time of filing this report.

A stone tablet carrying engravings of the 10 Commandments sold for $5 million at auction on Wednesday, Sotheby’s, a leading New York auction house specialising in art and historical artefacts, announced.

The high figure was notched despite questions around the tablet’s authenticity: no one has claimed it is the original, of Biblical fame, but some experts expressed doubts around its purported provenance, dating between the years 300 and 800 CE.

Another ding against the 115-pound (52-kilogramme) slab, said to be discovered in 1913 in what is now Israel, is that it only contains nine of the 10 commandments considered holy by both Jews and Christians.

Excitement around it prevailed, however, as bids eventually raced up to $4.2 million, with the final sale coming in at $5 million, including fees.

Those shocked at the price can swear freely: the tablet doesn’t contain the commandment against taking the Lord’s name in vain.

The New York auction house had expected it to sell for $1-2 million.

The tablet was said to be discovered during excavations for the construction of a rail line.

It carries a Paleo-Hebrew script, and, according to Sotheby’s, was held privately until an archeologist living in Israel realised its importance and purchased it.

“It’s been thrilling to work with this object of antiquity. There is no other stone like it in private hands,” Sharon Liberman Mintz, a specialist on Jewish texts for Sotheby’s, told AFP.

The slab eventually made its way to the Living Torah Museum in Brooklyn before being sold to a private collector.

In a statement, Sotheby’s said that the tablet has been studied “by leading scholars in the field and published in numerous scholarly articles and books.”

However, multiple experts told the New York Times they had questions about its origins.

“Maybe it’s absolutely authentic,” said Brian Daniels, of the Penn Cultural Heritage Center in Philadelphia, though he cautioned: “Objects from this region of the world are rife with fakes.”

“There is no way” the age of the inscription can be known, Christopher Rollston, a professor of Biblical and near eastern languages and civilizations at George Washington University, told the paper.

“We have zero documentation from 1913, and since pillagers and forgers often concoct such stories to give an inscription an aura of authenticity, this story could actually just be a tall tale told by a forger or some antiquities dealer.”

AFP

Point-of-Sale (PoS) operators across Nigeria have raised their withdrawal fees, charging between ₦150 to ₦200 for every ₦5,000 transaction, up from the previous rate of ₦100.

The operators attribute this increase to the ₦50 Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) imposed by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) on financial technology (fintech) companies.

In September, fintech firms announced their intention to apply the ₦50 levy on transactions of ₦10,000 and above, citing compliance with FIRS regulations.

This levy is a one-time charge on electronic transfers or receipts of ₦10,000 or more into both personal and business accounts via any commercial bank or financial institution.

The federal government officially enforced the policy on December 1, compelling major fintech platforms like OPay, Moniepoint, Kuda, and others to implement the charge.

Why the Hike in PoS Charges?

Speaking to TheCable, Sarafadeen Fasasi, National President of the Association of Mobile Money and Bank Agents in Nigeria (AMMBAN), confirmed that the levy had triggered an adjustment in PoS transaction fees.

“Yes, it is because of the electronic levy. We have to transfer the cost of the charges being imposed. It started immediately after FIRS implemented the directive for the ₦50 charge,” Fasasi explained.

Clarifying the ‘Stamp Duty’ Policy

Fasasi further noted that the stamp duty itself is not a new policy but that its implementation had been inconsistent. Previously, only bank-affiliated PoS agents were charged the ₦50 levy.

However, the policy has now been extended to fintech companies, which control about 70% of the PoS market.

Fasasi stated, “Stamp duty is not new but the implementation has been partial. Only agents that are of banks origin… you know we have two types of agents. There are agents that are deployed by commercial banks, the UBA, Zenith and we have those that are of non-banks, that are of fintechs, like OPay, Moniepoint, Paga and Palmpay.

“Before now, only bank agents that are of bank origin are being charged N50 because the bank has implemented it for long. But now, the regulator has now extended it that whether you are fintech or anything, just go and charge that N50. So immediately they started… and you know they control the larger part of the agent space, about 70 percent. That is why it’s like a new policy.

“It is not a new policy but it’s because it is now being implemented by the majority of fintech. Then, the PoS agents have no choice than to also implement it immediately.”

The Lekki Central Mosque in Lagos State has taken down a controversial banner that stated, “Jesus Christ is Not God.”

Naija News reports that the message conveyed on the banner caused a series of mixed reactions on social media, with Christians, Muslims, and people of traditional beliefs sharing their thoughts.

These commentators strongly disapproved of the mosque’s management, calling on relevant authorities and stakeholders to take action.

See the image below:

Hours after backlash on the above, a community member named Tunde Alabi took to X to confirm its removal.

In a viral video clip, Alabi claimed to have visited the mosque on Wednesday evening to confirm the banner’s removal.

By removing the banner, the mosque’s administration appears to have responded to the considerable public outcry and criticism, acknowledging the banner’s perception as inflammatory and divisive.

In a video shared by an X user, Adeleke Opeyemi, the community source, Tunde Alabi, said the backlash pushed him to ask for the removal of the banner.

The video narrator said: “My name is Tunde Alabi. I am a member of the Lekki Muslim Community. I noticed a banner pasted in front of our mosque, causing some controversies. I sent a message to the mosque community and was told that it had been removed, so I came to confirm myself. As you can see, the one that was removed is supposed to be behind me.”

Alabi also expressed remorse for the controversies that followed the placement of the religious banner.

“I am not speaking on behalf of the mosque. I am speaking for myself. I am sorry for any inconvenience this might have caused. Today is the 18th of December,” he added.

Nigerian singer, Timi Dakolo, has reflected on his journey to becoming a professional musician.

The ‘Great Nation’ crooner explained that music for him was initially a hobby and not a career.

Featuring in a recent episode of the ‘On The Record’ podcast, Dakolo said he decided to do music professionally after winning the inaugural season of Idols West Africa in 2007. In his words:

“I still see myself as an accidental musician. Yeah, I used to sing in choir. I used to just like that I sang. The first idea of music was during morning devotion.

“Then, we started singing street songs. We used to have notebooks where we write songs and they were girls to impress. So music was not something I thought I would do professionally. It was after Idols that I decided to do music professionally.

“I said to myself, ‘Okay, we are here. Sometimes you meet your destiny on the road you take to avoid it.”