The Update

  Pope Francis has described his ongoing hospitalisation as a “period of trial,” acknowledging his physical fragility while expressing gratitude to those who have been praying for him. The 88-year-old pontiff, who has been receiving treatment for pneumonia since February 14, shared a heartfelt message with the faithful on Sunday. In a statement released by the Vatican, the Pope reflected on his current condition, noting, “I am sharing these thoughts with you while I am facing a period of trial, and I join with so many brothers and sisters who are sick: fragile, at this time, like me.” He continued, “Our bodies are weak but, even like this, nothing can prevent us from loving, praying, giving ourselves, being for each other, in faith, shining signs of hope.” For the fifth consecutive Sunday, Pope Francis was unable to personally deliver the traditional Angelus prayer to the crowd gathered in St. Peter’s Square. Instead, his message was shared remotely. Last week, the Vatican reas...

  The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, on Sunday marked a joyful milestone as he celebrated the first birthday of his twins, Ooreade and Oreade. In a heartfelt message shared on his verified Instagram account, the revered monarch expressed gratitude and affection for his children. He wrote, “One year ago, the Almighty King of Kings blessed the Royal House of Oduduwa with double joy — Ooreade and Oreade. You are our priceless treasures, and we pray you grow to fulfill your dreams and aspirations.” Extending his goodwill beyond the royal family, Oba Ogunwusi added, “May Olodumare’s endless grace touch everyone seeking such a blessing. With love, Dad.” The Ooni and his queen, Olori Tobi Phillips-Ogunwusi, welcomed the twins in March 2024, bringing immense joy to the royal household.

 The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has thwarted multiple attempts by drug trafficking syndicates to smuggle consignments of illicit drugs to destinations including the United States, Saudi Arabia, Italy, Poland, and the United Arab Emirates. In a statement issued on Sunday by the agency's Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA disclosed that the intercepted substances included cocaine, tramadol, skunk (a potent strain of cannabis), loud, and molly. The drugs were concealed in various items such as prayer beads, board games, and female clothing. According to the statement, operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, arrested two key suspects involved in the trafficking attempts. One of the suspects, 43-year-old businesswoman Jakpor Egware May, was apprehended at the airport's Gate ‘C’ departure hall on March 8, 2025, while attempting to board an Air France flight to Italy. Upon searching her luggage, officers ...

  A police inspector, Ajele Oloyede, has reportedly died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at a ceramics company in Igbesa, Ogun State, where he was assigned as part of the security team. The tragic incident, which occurred on Thursday, was confirmed by the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, in a statement obtained on Sunday. According to Odutola, the incident was discovered by an officer from the Force Headquarters Annex, Lagos, identified as Tolorunloju Stephen. Stephen had returned from Ikeja at approximately 1:20 p.m. and found Inspector Oloyede resting his head on a table inside the security post. Upon inquiry about his condition, Oloyede reportedly assured Stephen that he was fine. Stephen subsequently placed his bag and service pistol on the table and stepped away to use the restroom. Shortly after, a gunshot was heard within the premises. Stephen, upon rushing back, allegedly discovered Oloyede lying in a pool of blood. “With the assistance ...

  The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has initiated legal action against the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, challenging what it describes as the “patently unlawful” suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja under suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/498/2025, the case seeks to nullify Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension, arguing that it infringes upon her fundamental rights and denies her constituents adequate representation in the National Assembly. SERAP previously issued a formal call for Akpabio to reverse the suspension or face legal proceedings. Following Akpabio's failure to act, SERAP proceeded with the lawsuit. The development was confirmed in a press statement released on Sunday by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare. In its application, SERAP is requesting an order of mandamus compelling the Senate President to lift the suspension, reinstate Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, and restore all...

  A National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member serving in Lagos, Ushie Uguamaye, has raised alarm over alleged threats she received after posting a viral video criticising the administration of President Bola Tinubu. In the video, which was shared on her TikTok account, #talktoraye, on Saturday, Uguamaye expressed deep concerns about Nigeria’s escalating inflation and economic challenges, stating that hard work no longer yields meaningful results amid the prevailing financial difficulties. Uguamaye did not hold back in her critique of the President, referring to him as a “terrible leader” and questioning the government’s commitment to addressing the hardships faced by citizens. She also directed criticism at Lagos State, describing it as a “smelling state” and highlighting issues such as poor sanitation and deteriorating living conditions. The video quickly gained traction online, sparking widespread reactions and debates. However, Uguamaye has since reported receiving threats, pro...

  Former Jigawa State Governor and prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sule Lamido, has firmly rejected a call by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, urging opposition leaders to defect to the Social Democratic Party (SDP). El-Rufai, who recently announced his departure from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the SDP, made the appeal during an interview with BBC Hausa.   Although El-Rufai did not mention Lamido by name, he specifically invited key opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola, to join him in the SDP.   In a separate interview with BBC Hausa on Sunday, Lamido dismissed the invitation as an insult, asserting that the PDP, which he helped establish, laid the foundation for El-Rufai’s political career.   “The party we formed, the PDP, is the one that gave birth to El-Rufai. You’re not significant enough to make us leave the PDP,” Lamido stated.   He ...

In a coordinated operation on Saturday, joint security forces in Katsina State successfully foiled a planned bandit attack, resulting in the neutralization of one suspect. The operation was carried out under the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Aliyu Abubakar Musa, in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (KSCWC). According to a statement issued by the Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Abubakar Sadiq, the operation was launched in response to credible intelligence received from DSS operatives in Danmusa. The intelligence indicated that a group of bandits had gathered at Maijele Mountain in Danmusa Local Government Area, preparing to attack Dan Takuri village. The statement detailed that upon receiving the information, a joint team of police operatives and KSCWC members, led by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Danmusa, swiftly moved to the location. A fierce gun battle ensued, during which one ...

  The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully intercepted a significant quantity of cocaine cleverly concealed in prayer beads and shoes. The operation, which highlights the agency's vigilance in combating drug trafficking, underscores the innovative tactics employed by traffickers to evade detection. According to a statement released by the NDLEA, the illicit substances were discovered during a routine inspection at a major transportation hub. The cocaine was meticulously hidden within the folds of prayer beads and the soles of shoes, demonstrating the lengths to which traffickers go to smuggle illegal drugs. NDLEA officials emphasized that the interception is part of the agency's ongoing efforts to curb the distribution of narcotics and protect the public from the harmful effects of drug abuse. The agency also warned against the increasing use of religious and everyday items to disguise illegal substances, urging citizens to remain vigilant and report su...

  The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has announced that it is thoroughly reviewing a recent court ruling regarding faded vehicle number plates and has pledged full compliance with the judgment . On January 17, 2025, the Federal High Court in Lagos issued an order prohibiting the FRSC from arresting or fining motorists with faded number plates. The court's decision came in response to a lawsuit filed by Chinwike Ezebube, who argued that the FRSC, as the exclusive designer and producer of vehicle number plates in Nigeria, bears responsibility for their quality and durability.  The case, registered as FHC/L/CS/253/2024, raised critical questions about the FRSC's accountability for the fading of number plates and its authority to penalize drivers for issues stemming from substandard production. FRSC spokesperson Olusegun Ogungbemide clarified that the fading of number plates is primarily due to normal wear and tear rather than poor manufacturing quality. He emphasized that the N...

 The Nasarawa State Police Command has announced the killing of a notorious kidnapper in Akwanga Local Government Area. Police spokesperson, Superintendent of Police Ramhan Nansel, said in a statement on Saturday that the operation was carried out by a joint team of police officers, soldiers, and local vigilantes. The suspect, known as Honor, was the leader of a kidnapping and robbery gang in the area. 

 Nine people, including journalists, were killed in Israeli airstrikes in northern Gaza on Saturday, according to Gaza’s civil defense agency. Hamas condemned the attack, calling it a "blatant violation" of the ongoing ceasefire.