Day: July 6, 2025

Niger Police rescues 35 Kidnapping victims in daring operations

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Niger State Police Command has successfully rescued 35 kidnapping victims in a series of coordinated operations conducted between July 3 and 5, 2025. The victims, including women and children, were abducted from various locations across the state, such as Pandogari, Madaka, Allawa, Sarkin-Pawa, and even Taraba State. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, the rescue operations followed intelligence reports that suspected bandits were relocating from Birnin-Gwari forest due to security forces’ clearance operations in the area. Police tactical teams stationed along Madaka-Makujeri road intercepted a…

As court convicts Natasha, validate Senate’s power to suspend By Ken Harries Esq

Emporium Reporters

Since the suspension of the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, by the Senator Godswill Akpabio-led 10th Senate on March 6, 2025, for gross misconduct, there has been a cacophony of voices and divergent views as to the propriety, constitutionality, and legality of the action. Natasha, on her own, has been globetrotting, preaching the gospel of innocence and alleging victimization and sexual harassment.   Senator Natasha made an infamous appearance at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Women’s Assembly held at the United Nations headquarters in New York, twisting…

NCS disclaims fake CBT Recruitment shortlist circulating online

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has discredited a fake press release currently circulating across social media and messaging platforms, which falsely claims the Service has released a shortlist for a Computer-Based Test (CBT) scheduled for July 2025 as part of its recruitment process.   In a statement issued on Saturday, the NCS categorically stated that the alleged shortlist and accompanying test schedule are fictitious and did not originate from the agency. The Service warned the public to disregard such misleading information and urged citizens to rely solely on official communication…

King Charles honours Nigerian-Born Community Leader MaryAnne Oduntan for Outstanding Voluntary Service in UK

Lukman Laleye Babalola

A Nigerian woman based in the United Kingdom, Ms. MaryAnn Kikelomo Oduntan, has been honoured with the King Charles’ Award for Voluntary Service, the highest recognition bestowed on volunteer groups and individuals in the UK. MaryAnne, a dedicated Community Project Worker and Manager of the St. Barnabas Centre in Oldham, was recognised for her exceptional commitment to community empowerment and grassroots development.   She become one of the few Black recipients of the prestigious royal honour, which celebrates individuals making significant impacts through voluntary service.   At the helm of…

ADC: Death, Onikoyi and a hunter’s pouch By Festus Adedayo

Emporium Reporters

“Death does not kill alone/Nor does he fight singly/He goes to war with plenty of warriors…/He sends Disease first/He sends Paralysis next/He sends Loss/He sends Curses…/Death finally comes to kill the hunter’s father/Who drinks now of heavenly water.”   The lines above are from Professor Bade Ajuwon’s, ‘Ogun’s Iremoje: A philosophy of Living and Dying’, taken from Sandra Barnes’ ‘Africa’s Ogun: Old World and New’. It is a chant (Ìrèmòje) by one Lamidi in Akeetan, Oyo, Oyo State in 1976 for Ogundele, a deceased hunter.   Ìrèmòje is Yorùbá poetic…

There is pain behind that smile. Just do your bit, by Hassan Gimba

Emporium Reporters

One learns every day. Anyway, a man is supposed to learn from cradle to grave, as said by the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (SAW). And so, I have learnt a great deal about people throughout my life.   I have come to understand that life is fleeting, and our perceived years on earth are but a fleeting moment, passing at the speed of light. It is also true that behind every smile, we may see multiple pains that surface the moment the smile is wiped away, just as screensavers disappear…

Late Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata Was Correct When Prayed That He Should Be Buried In The City Of The Prophet (Madinah)! By Imam Murtadha Gusau

Emporium Reporters

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful   All perfect praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds. May His peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and upon all his family and companions.   Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return!   Dear brothers and sisters! The remains of our late father, a prominent Nigerian businessman and philanthropist, Alhaji Aminu Alhassan Dantata, were laid to rest in the city of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon…

NDLEA intercepts UK, Saudi-bound Cocaine in Lipsticks, Property Papers …. arrests Drug Kingpin, Family Syndicate, Recovers $17.7m Cheques

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its clampdown on drug trafficking networks with a series of major operations across the country, resulting in multiple arrests, large drug seizures, and the interception of a staggering sum in counterfeit travelers’ cheques.   In Lagos, NDLEA operatives from the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI), working at a courier company, intercepted cocaine consignments hidden in unusual packages. On Thursday, 3rd July 2025, officers recovered 420 grams of cocaine concealed in 84 female lipsticks bound for the United Kingdom. Another…

Prevailing Through Faith: Rev. Matanmi Adebisi on Overcoming Trials

Emporium Reporters

By Afolabi Olajuwon   The sermon titled “Prevailing In The Name Of Jesus,” delivered at the Foursquare Gospel Church in Abuja, encapsulated the robust spiritual theme of empowerment and victory through faith in Jesus Christ. Below is an analysis of the service, tying in relevant biblical references and their significance as applied during the sermon.   Praise and Worship Session Led by Sister Ruth Adison, the session was uplifting and set a vibrant tone for the day. Praise and worship play a vital role in preparing the congregation spiritually, aligning…