Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Delta Police Deny Custody Death Claim, Warn Against ‘False and Misleading’ Reports

By
Laziz Olatunde
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The Delta State Police Command has strongly refuted allegations circulating online that a suspect died in police custody at Ekpan Police Station, describing the claim as false and an attempt to undermine ongoing security operations in the state.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, the command dismissed a publication attributed to activist Israel Joe, which alleged that an unnamed suspect died while in custody. The police insisted that no such incident occurred anywhere in the state.

“The Command states unequivocally that the allegation is false, misleading, completely unfounded and an attempt to undermine the effort the command is putting to reduce crime in the state,” the statement read. “At no time did any suspect die in Police custody in Ekpan or any part of the state, as claimed.”

Providing context, the command said the report likely stemmed from a recent coordinated raid carried out between March 25 and 26, targeting identified criminal hideouts in Ughelli and Warri. The operation, led by Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, resulted in the arrest of more than 270 suspects, including individuals linked to drug trafficking and cult-related activities.

Police authorities confirmed that large quantities of illicit drugs were recovered during the operation and that all suspects were properly screened. Those found not culpable were released, while others remain in custody.

“All suspects arrested were duly screened. Those not found wanting or indicted were released, while others are currently in custody, in good condition,” the command stated, reiterating emphatically that “No casualty was recorded.”

The police further condemned what it described as the deliberate spread of misinformation, warning that such actions could erode public trust, mislead citizens, and distract security agencies from ongoing efforts to combat crime.

While acknowledging the role of civic engagement, the command cautioned individuals against disseminating unverified claims under the guise of activism or blogging. It warned that anyone found spreading false information about the police would be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The Commissioner of Police reaffirmed the command’s commitment to maintaining law and order, assuring residents that efforts to safeguard lives and property remain unwavering. The public was urged to rely on official communication channels for accurate information and to disregard the disputed report.

Team Nigeria Surge at World Relays Qualifiers as Mixed 4x100m, Men’s 4x400m Seal Spots

By
Kazeem Busari
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Team Nigeria’s campaign toward the 2026 World Relays Championships gathered pace in Botswana, with standout performances at the Lefika International Relays boosting the country’s qualification prospects and global ranking.

Backed by the National Sports Commission and supported by President Bola Tinubu, Nigerian athletes delivered decisive results that have now secured additional qualification slots ahead of the global event scheduled for May.

The mixed 4x100m relay team produced one of the most eye-catching performances of the meet, storming to victory in 41.45 seconds. The result propelled Nigeria from 21st to 12th in the world rankings, comfortably placing the team among the top 24 nations eligible for the World Relays.

Nigeria’s momentum continued in the men’s 4x400m event, where the quartet clocked an impressive 3:02.98 to clinch qualification, further strengthening the country’s representation at the championship.

The performances reflect a broader, strategy-driven push by Nigerian sports authorities to ensure athletes compete at key international meets within the qualification window. Officials say the approach is already yielding measurable gains, with improved rankings and competitive outcomes across relay events.

With these latest results, Nigeria has now secured qualification in three of the six relay categories, putting the country in a strong position ahead of the World Relays. However, attention has already shifted to maximizing remaining opportunities.

In a bid to further bolster qualification chances, the National Sports Commission has approved a request by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria for additional participation at the Botswana National Trials. The move is expected to provide remaining relay teams with another opportunity to meet qualification standards.

World Bank Activates Crisis Response as Oil, LNG Prices Jump Sharply

By
Kazeem Busari
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The World Bank Group has raised alarm over the growing economic fallout from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, warning that surging commodity prices and disrupted supply chains are beginning to strain emerging economies.

In a statement released on Saturday, the global lender said several of its client countries have already reached out for support as the crisis begins to ripple across key sectors, including energy, agriculture, and logistics.

“A number of the World Bank Group’s clients in emerging markets have reached out to us as the conflict in the Middle East has started to impact commodity prices and logistics,” the institution said, noting that it is working closely with governments, private sector actors, and regional partners to address the emerging challenges.

The bank disclosed that global markets have reacted sharply to the conflict, with crude oil prices surging by nearly 40 percent between February and March. It added that the cost of liquefied natural gas shipments to Asia has risen by almost two-thirds, while nitrogen-based fertilizer prices jumped by close to 50 percent within the same period.

According to the statement, disruptions to shipping routes have significantly increased transportation costs, while supply risks are spreading beyond energy markets into critical agricultural inputs, raising concerns about food production and inflation in vulnerable economies.

“Shipping route disruptions are increasing costs, and supply risks are spreading from energy into fertilizers and other critical agricultural inputs,” the bank said, highlighting the broadening impact of the crisis.

In response, the World Bank said it is preparing a coordinated intervention to help affected countries manage the economic shock. The institution pledged to deploy a mix of immediate financial relief, policy advisory support, and private sector financing to stabilise economies and protect jobs.

“We are ready to respond at scale — combining immediate financial relief with policy expertise and private sector support for the recovery of jobs and growth,” the statement noted. It added that support would include leveraging existing financing programmes, activating crisis response tools, and deploying fast-disbursing funding instruments tied to sound economic policies.

The bank also said its private sector arms would step in to provide liquidity, trade finance, and working capital to businesses facing disruptions, particularly in import-dependent economies.

While acknowledging that the full economic impact of the conflict remains uncertain, the World Bank cautioned that a prolonged crisis could deepen the challenges, especially if critical infrastructure continues to be affected.

“Clearly, this is an evolving situation and we cannot predict the full range of impacts… the longer this lasts, and the more damage there is to critical infrastructure, the more challenging this will be for our clients,” the institution stated.

Despite the uncertainty, the bank reaffirmed its commitment to supporting vulnerable economies, stressing that its priority is to safeguard the development gains achieved in recent years and help countries navigate the unfolding crisis.

APC Debunks ‘2027 Nomination Form Price List’ as Fake News

By
Laziz Olatunde
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National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka

The All Progressives Congress has dismissed as false a widely circulated report claiming to detail the cost of expression of interest and nomination forms for the 2027 general elections.

In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the party described the report as “fake” and urged the public to disregard it entirely, stressing that no official decision has been taken regarding the pricing or sale of forms for the next electoral cycle.

“The APC states categorically that the report is FAKE, and did not emanate from the Party,” the statement read. “To be clear, no decision or announcement has been made on the sale or pricing of forms for the 2027 elections. The report is a mere figment of the writer’s mischievous imagination.”

The clarification follows the circulation of what purported to be an official price list for party nomination forms ahead of the 2027 elections, sparking discussions among party members and political observers. The ruling party, however, moved swiftly to distance itself from the claims, insisting that any information regarding its internal processes would be formally communicated through official channels.

The statement, shared publicly by presidential aide Bayo Onanuga, further called on the media and the general public to exercise caution and verify information before dissemination, particularly on politically sensitive matters.

“We urge Party members, the media, and the general public to disregard the report in its entirety,” Morka added.

ICPC Releases El-Rufai to Attend Mother’s Burial Amid Legal Questions

By
Kazeem Busari
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Nasir El-Rufai

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has temporarily released former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on compassionate grounds following the death of his mother.

Sources within the anti-graft agency confirmed that the former governor was granted temporary release to enable him participate in the burial rites of his mother, Hajiya Umma El-Rufai, who died on Friday while receiving medical treatment abroad.

An official familiar with the development described the move as humanitarian, stating, “He was granted compassionate bail yesterday to bury his mother. That is all I can confirm. It is a sensitive issue.”

El-Rufai had been in ICPC custody since February following his arrest over alleged corruption-related offences, including money laundering, fraud, and abuse of office. He was recently arraigned before a Federal High Court in Kaduna alongside a former aide, where both men pleaded not guilty to the charges. The court had ordered his remand pending the hearing of his bail application, which is scheduled for March 31.

The decision to release him, however, has sparked debate within legal and public circles, particularly regarding whether the anti-corruption agency acted within the bounds of the court’s remand order. Some legal practitioners have questioned the procedure, noting that a defendant held by court order is typically released only with the court’s approval.

The development comes amid an outpouring of condolences to the former governor and his family. President Bola Tinubu and other political figures have expressed sympathy over the loss, describing the late matriarch as a respected figure who lived a meaningful life.

Oluremi Tinubu Meets US Envoy, Pushes Education, Child Welfare Agenda

By
Laziz Olatunde
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Nigeria's First Lady Oluremi Tinubu with Charles Harder

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to prioritising education and child welfare as central pillars of national development during a high-level engagement with a United States envoy in Washington.

Tinubu made the remarks while meeting with Charles Harder on the sidelines of the global summit, stressing that the administration of Bola Tinubu is focused on building a strong educational foundation for future generations.

“Promoting education, using every necessary incentive, is one of the pivotal programmes of the Bola Tinubu administration,” the First Lady said, noting that the government is working to establish a durable framework anchored on quality learning.

She disclosed that her office is set to launch a nationwide campaign aimed at improving child nutrition in the coming days, describing it as part of broader efforts to enhance the well-being and development of Nigerian children. Tinubu also emphasised the continued relevance of traditional learning tools, insisting that books must remain a core component of education despite rapid technological advancement. She warned that overreliance on digital platforms could expose students to distractions, particularly from social media, potentially undermining learning outcomes.

The meeting formed part of engagements linked to the “Best Future Generations” initiative, a global programme championed by Melania Trump. The initiative focuses on addressing key challenges affecting children worldwide, including access to nutrition, healthcare, and protection from abuse.

In his remarks, Harder said the discussions were aimed at deepening collaboration on issues affecting Nigerian children. He explained that the initiative seeks to provide coordinated solutions to challenges around food security, health, and child protection on a global scale.

The bilateral engagement took place during the “Fostering the Future Together” Global Summit, which brought together over 45 First Ladies and global stakeholders. The forum also examined the growing influence of artificial intelligence on children and adolescents, with participants exploring both opportunities and risks associated with emerging technologies.

Troops Repel ISWAP Assault, Kill 38 Terrorists in Fierce Mandaragirau Battle

By
Kazeem Busari
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Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have successfully repelled coordinated attacks by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province in Mandaragirau, Borno State, killing at least 38 insurgents in a fierce early morning battle.

The attack, which targeted a Forward Operating Base in the Mandaragirau area of Sector 2, occurred on Saturday, March 28, 2026, as terrorists launched what military sources described as a multi-front offensive. However, troops mounted a swift and coordinated counteroffensive, supported by air power, forcing the attackers into a chaotic retreat.

In a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer at the Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI, the military confirmed that the troops decisively overpowered the insurgents during the encounter.

“Troops engaged the attackers with a well-coordinated offensive response, forcing the criminals to disorderly withdraw while the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI provided close air support,” Uba said.

He added that follow-up operations along the terrorists’ withdrawal routes dealt further blows to the fleeing fighters. “Subsequent exploitation along the terrorists’ withdrawal routes inflicted further losses, eliminating 38 terrorists,” he stated.

Local sources in the area also reported additional casualties among the insurgents. According to residents, more than 30 bodies were sighted along the Garin Mallum–Garin Gajere axis extending into the notorious Timbuktu Triangle, a known stronghold for insurgent activity in the North-East.

Security sources confirmed that several weapons were recovered during the operation, although details of the cache have yet to be fully disclosed. The military has continued clearance operations in the area to ensure that remnants of the fleeing insurgents do not regroup.

Frequent Ejaculation May Improve Sperm Quality, New Study Suggests

By
Agency Report
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A new scientific analysis is challenging long-standing assumptions about male fertility, suggesting that ejaculating more frequently could improve sperm quality and potentially increase the chances of conception.

The research highlighted in a recent report published by The Conversation indicates that sperm stored for long periods in the male reproductive system may accumulate damage, including oxidative stress and DNA fragmentation, which can reduce fertility potential. Scientists say this means shorter intervals between ejaculations may help release “fresher” sperm with better biological integrity.

The findings are based on a large review of studies involving tens of thousands of men, alongside evidence from research on multiple animal species. Researchers observed that sperm quality tends to decline the longer it remains stored in the body, regardless of a man’s age. One of the study’s authors, biologist Dr. Krish Sanghvi of the University of Oxford, said the effects observed were significant, noting that “the negative effects… on sperm DNA damage and oxidative damage were large-ish,” adding that the team considers the findings biologically meaningful.

For decades, medical guidelines such as those from the World Health Organization have typically advised men to abstain from ejaculation for two to seven days before providing sperm samples for fertility testing or treatment. Those recommendations were designed mainly to maximise sperm count rather than quality. The new evidence suggests the balance between quantity and quality may need closer consideration, especially during assisted reproduction procedures.

Researchers point to clinical data that reinforce the argument. In one study involving couples undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF), pregnancy rates were higher when men abstained for less than 48 hours compared with those who followed longer abstinence periods recommended by traditional guidelines. The results suggest that fresher sperm may play a more important role in successful fertilisation than previously assumed.

Other scientific literature also supports the emerging view that frequent ejaculation can improve key sperm parameters such as motility and DNA integrity. While longer abstinence can increase semen volume and total sperm count, extended storage may lead to reduced motility and higher DNA fragmentation, factors that can affect fertility outcomes.

Experts caution, however, that male fertility is influenced by a wide range of factors, including age, overall health, lifestyle habits, and underlying medical conditions. As a result, doctors stress that recommendations on ejaculation frequency should be tailored to individual circumstances, particularly for couples undergoing fertility treatment.

Still, the latest findings are contributing to a growing reassessment of long-standing clinical advice and may influence how fertility specialists counsel men trying to conceive, whether naturally or through assisted reproductive technologies.

Wizkid Extends MOBO Dominance as Ayra Starr Wins Again at Star-Studded 30th Anniversary Awards

By
Justice Oladapo
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Nigerian music icon Wizkid reinforced his legendary status on the global stage after clinching the Best African Music Act at the 2026 MOBO Awards, extending his record as the most decorated African artist in the history of the awards.

The milestone victory came on a landmark night that also saw fellow Nigerian star Ayra Starr secure back-to-back wins in the Best International Act category, underlining the continued global rise of Afrobeats. While Starr did not deliver a quoted acceptance speech in immediate reports, her consecutive triumph further cemented her position as one of the genre’s fastest-growing international exports.

The 30th anniversary edition of the MOBO Awards made history of its own, taking place for the first time in Manchester at the Co-op Live arena, where a packed audience witnessed a celebration of Black music and culture across genres. The event was streamed live on Twitch via Amazon Music, reflecting its expanding global reach.

Despite the international spotlight, British talent dominated the night’s major categories. Singer Olivia Dean emerged as the biggest winner, taking home three awards, including Best Female Act, Album of the Year for The Art of Loving, and Song of the Year for “Man I Need.” Accepting her first award, Dean told the audience, “Hi everyone! It’s such an honour to be here. I just feel so proud to be a black British female artist,” before dedicating the win to her family. Later, while receiving Album of the Year, she added, “This album was really just born from me wanting to write something about love,” dedicating the project to “bell hooks and all the black feminists who inspired me to love better.”

Elsewhere, rising star Jim Legxacy claimed Best Male Act, while Central Cee took home Best Hip-Hop Act. Chip won Best Grime Act, and Twin S secured Best Drill Act. R&B trio Flo won Best R&B/Soul Act, while Nova Twins triumphed in the alternative category.

Emotional moments punctuated the ceremony, with DC3 winning both Best Newcomer and Best Gospel Act, visibly moved as he accepted his awards. Raye was honoured with Video of the Year for “Where Is My Husband!”, while jazz collective Ezra Collective and electronic artist Sherelle also secured wins in their respective categories. Producer P2J was named Best Producer.

Beyond music, media personality Niko Omilana was recognised, while actor Stephen Graham won Best Performance in a TV Show/Film for Adolescence, telling the audience, “This recognition for me means the world. I’d like to give love and respect for my fellow nominees. This is just as much theirs as it is mine.”

Special honours added further prestige to the evening. Dancehall star Vybz Kartel won Best Caribbean Music Act, hip-hop legend Slick Rick received the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Pharrell Williams was presented with the Global Songwriter Award.

Hosted by Eve and Eddie Kadi, the ceremony featured electrifying performances from Aitch, Flo, Myles Smith, Olivia Dean, Estelle, Tiwa Savage, and Slick Rick.

Full list of winners:

Best male act – Jim Legxacy

Best female act – Olivia Dean

Album of the year – Olivia Dean, The Art of Loving

Song of the year – Olivia Dean, Man I Need

Best newcomer – DC3

Video of the year – Raye , Where Is My Husband! (directed by The Reids)

Best R&B/soul act – Flo

Best alternative music act – Nova Twins

Best grime act – Chip

Best hip-hop act – Central Cee

Best drill act – Twin S

Best international act – Ayra Starr

Best media personality – Niko Omilana

Best performance in a TV show/film – Stephen Graham, Adolescence

Best African music act – Wizkid

Best Caribbean music act – Vybz Kartel

Best jazz act – Ezra Collective

Best electronic/dance act – Sherelle

Best gospel act – DC3

Best producer – P2J

Mobo global songwriter award – Pharrell Williams

Mobo lifetime achievement award – Slick Rick

FG Moves to Scrap Common Entrance Exams, Introduces Learner ID System

By
Justice Oladapo
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Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa

The Federal Government has unveiled plans to phase out the long-standing Common Entrance Examination, replacing it with a nationwide Learner Identification Number system designed to track pupils’ academic progress from early schooling through their educational journey.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, who said the reform is part of a broader strategy to modernise Nigeria’s education system and improve learning outcomes through data-driven monitoring.

Under the proposed framework, every pupil will be assigned a unique Learner Identification Number (LIN), which will function as a centralised academic record capturing each child’s performance, progression, and educational history over time. The system is expected to follow students across schools, ensuring continuity in assessment even when they transfer between institutions.

Speaking on the reform, Alausa said, “This is a decisive shift from reliance on a single examination to a more comprehensive evaluation of a child’s learning journey,” underscoring the government’s intent to move away from high-stakes testing toward continuous assessment.

The Common Entrance Examination, which has historically determined admission into secondary schools, has come under sustained criticism for placing undue pressure on pupils and focusing narrowly on one-off performance rather than overall academic development. Education stakeholders have also argued that the system fails to capture a student’s full capabilities.

With the introduction of the LIN system, assessment will instead be based on continuous evaluation, incorporating classroom performance, participation, and skills development over time. The approach is aimed at providing a more holistic measure of learning while promoting fairness and inclusivity.

The minister noted that the reform would also strengthen education data management, enabling authorities to better monitor student outcomes and address systemic challenges such as dropout rates. “This is about creating an education system that works for every Nigerian child, one that is efficient, transparent, and focused on long-term development,” he said.

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