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The chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, on Thursday, said Nigeria is 855 days away from the 2023 general elections. Yakubu, at the inauguration of the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review, urged the National Assembly to work fast on the exercise, ahead of the polls. He said the 2023 presidential election is scheduled to hold on February 18, 2023. More details to follow... 

 The Federal Government has approved the reopening of all camps where the National Youth Service Corps orientation exercises hold on November 10. The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, made this known in a tweet on Thursday. He tweeted, “The Resumption of the NYSC Orientation Camp for prospective Youth Corpers has been approved and opens on November 10th 2020. Full COVID-19 Protocols will be enforced.” The Federal Government had ordered the closure of the NYSC orientation camps nationwide over coronavirus fears on March 18. Meanwhile, the Nigeria Center for Disease Control announced 179 new COVID-19 infections in the country on Wednesday.

 Kyrgyzstan’s President Sooronbay Jeenbekov has resigned today, saying he wanted to bring an end to the crisis sparked by disputed parliamentary elections earlier this month. Protests had erupted after the election on October 4 was won by parties loyal to Jeenbekov but opponents said was hit by vote-buying. The results were later annulled but this did not quell the tensions. “I am not clinging to power. I do not want to go down in the history of Kyrgyzstan as a president who allowed bloodshed and shooting on its people. I have taken the decision to resign,” Jeenbekov said in a statement released by his office. More than 1,200 people were injured and one killed during the clashes in the wake of the elections between protesters and police. The move came as supporters of Prime Minister Sadyr Japarov — who was serving jail time for hostage-taking only last week — gathered once more Thursday to demand Jeenbekov’s immediate resignation. “The current situation is close to a two-sided conflict

 Serie A announced that Juventus FC have been awarded a 3-0 win over Napoli after the visitors did not travel to Turin for a scheduled match on October 4. In addition, Napoli have been punished with a one-point deduction for failing to turn up for the game at Allianz Stadium. Napoli were blocked from travelling to the match by local health authorities after two players, Piotr Zielinski and Eljif Elmas, tested positive for Covid-19 along with a member of staff at the club. Though Napoli did not travel, Juventus did turn up to the game, which was officially cancelled 45 minutes after kick-off by the referee. Gennaro Gattuso's side had hoped that the match would be rescheduled, but a judge from Serie A has ruled that "force majeure", the legal term for an extraordinary event or circumstance beyond any party's control, did not exist in this case. "In the opinion of this sports judge, the case of force majeure is not proven," a statement read. The judge would go

 Some suspected thugs attacked  #EndSARS protesters in Abuja, injuring many of them and disrupting their peaceful rally. The thugs, who stormed the venue around 1pm on Wednesday, reportedly fired gunshots in the air before chasing away the #EndSARS campaigners.  The protesters had blocked the Julius Berger roundabout, Wuse, with disused tyres and stones, and also prevented motorists from plying the route as they occupied the bridge. They were singing solidarity songs when their attackers suddenly appeared and assaulted them. The attackers, who were speaking Hausa language, also vandalised about five cars parked in the vicinity.  However, no life was lost as the police took control of the situation while the injured were taken to the hospital. This is happening 24 hours after soldiers assaulted the protesters and harrassed an Arise TV cameraman at the Three Arms Zone. When contacted, the Federal Capital Territory police spokesperson,  ASP Mariam Yusuf, promised to find out and report ba

 The Court of Appeal has declared as unconstitutional and void, the Police Act 2020, enacted in September this year as it affects the constitutional mandate of the Police Service Commission. It ruled that the provision of the Act was in conflict with paragraph 30 Part 1 of the Third Schedule to the 1999 Constitution “which empowers the commission to appoint persons into offices in the Nigeria Police Force except the Office of the Inspector-General of Police.” The judgment also nullified the recruitment of 10,000 constables carried out by the police authorities last year. However, the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has appealed the ruling which nullified the earlier order of the Federal High Court, Abuja. The PSC spokesman, Ikechukwu Ani, in a statement on Wednesday, explained that the details of the Appeal Court judgment were contained in the Certified True Copy received on Tuesday. The statement was titled, ‘Appeal Court declares Police Act 2020 as it affects PSC mandate

The menace that is SARS just keeps getting worse. As young Nigerians take to the streets all over the country to protest the unjust acts of the former Special Anti Robbery Squad – which is now being rebranded as SWAT – Wizkid recently announced that ‘Made In Lagos’ will no longer be dropping this week. We all know how eagerly fans have been waiting for this project, and we were nearly there this time. Having dropped two singles and the official album art, there was a palpable excitement for what was to come, and while this is very annoying, it’s important to note what it means for Wizkid to put this project on pause. The entire country is united in the fight against years of systemic rot and oppression, starting with unjust killings of many young Nigerians by SARS as the entry point. Right now, the young people of Nigeria are at war with the state and there is no reason to celebrate. We are all connected in this fight and that is currently the most important thing at the moment. Last S

 Ondo State Governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, and the Deputy Governor-Elect, Lucky Ayedatiwa, have received Certificates of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission. Akeredolu received the certificate from the Ondo State INEC’s  Resident Electoral Commissioner,  Ambassador Rufus Akeju, at the headquarters of the commission in Akure, the state capital on Tuesday. The governor commended the INEC for the successful conduct of the election on Saturday. The governor, who commended the efforts of the security agents for ensuring that the election went smoothly, dedicated his victory and the certificates to God and the people of the state. 

 The Federal High Court in Lagos has further adjourned hearing till November 16 in a suit challenging the conviction and sentencing of 237 persons, including a popular actress, Funke Akindele, alias Jenifa, her husband, Abdu Rasheed Bello,aka JJC Skillz, over the violation of Lagos State COVID-19 law. Justice Maureen Onyetenu, who had earlier scheduled the case for hearing on Tuesday, said the case would be further adjourned till November 16 “for definite hearing”. The suit was filed by an activist lawyer, Olukoya Ogungbeje, who is challenging the constitutionality of the Lagos State Infectious Diseases (Emergency Prevention) Regulations 2020, pursuant to which Akindele and others were convicted. Ogungbeje is seeking a court declaration that “the purported arrest, arraignment, trial, conviction and sentence of person/Nigerian citizens under the Lagos State Infectious Diseases (Emergency Prevention) Regulations 2020 for an alleged offence unknown to law and violation of same, which cann

 No fewer than five mobile policemen were feared killed in a fatal accident along the Oba Ile Road, Akure, the Ondo State capital on Tuesday. It was gathered the victims were in a Toyota Hilux and were heading towards the airport when the incident happened. An eyewitness reported that the accident occurred as a result of speeding at a sharp bend on the road. The police Public Relations Officer, Mr Tee-Leo Ikoro, confirmed the incident but said he was yet to ascertain the number of the victims. “I will have to go to the hospital where they (victims) were taken to, to ascertain the number of the casualties.” More details to follow... 

 Renowned poet and Emeritus Professor of Literature, John Pepper Clark, has died. The professor’s death was announced in a statement signed by Prof. C. C. Clark for the family and Ilaye Clark, for the children. He passed away earlier today. “The Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo Town, Delta State, wishes to announce that Emeritus Professor of Literature and Renowned Writer, Prof. John Pepper Clark, has finally dropped his pen in the early hours of today, Tuesday, 13 October, 2020. “Prof. J. P. Clark has paddled on to the great beyond in comfort of his wife, children and sibling, around him. “The family appreciates your prayers at this time. Other details will be announced later by the family,” the statement read. John pepper Clark Bekederemo, born on April 6, 1935, was one of Nigeria’s foremost anglophone dramatists and poets. Clark, born of Ijaw parents, received his early education at the Native Administration School and the Government College in Ugheli. He got his Bachelors

 The Speaker of the Edo House of Assembly, Hon. Francis Okiye has been Impeached. Okiye’s impeachment followed a motion by the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Henry Okhurobo. The impeachment letter was signed by nine of the 10-members who were present at the brief sitting on Monday. The House has elected Hon. Marcus Onobhu as the new speaker. Hon Onobhu is representing Esan West constituency. More details to follow... 

 Rafael Nadal demolished Novak Djokovic 6-0, 6-2, 7-5 to win his 13th French Open and equal Roger Federer’s all-time record of 20 Grand Slam titles on Sunday. For world number one Djokovic, the defeat ended his hopes of an 18th Slam and of becoming the first man since Rod Laver in 1969 to win all four majors twice. Nadal, 34, claimed his 100th match win at Roland Garros against just two defeats since his 2005 debut. The Spaniard, the oldest champion in Paris since Andres Gimeno in 1972, claimed the title without dropping a set. He finished the one-sided affair with just 14 unforced errors to his opponent’s 52. “Congrats to Novak for another great tournament. Sorry for today. We’ve played plenty of times together – one day one wins, another the other,” said Nadal. “After all the things I have been through in my career with injuries, I could not have done it without my family.” Nadal said he wasn’t even thinking about matching Federer’s record. “It’s been a very tough year. Winning here

 The dynamic duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis lifted the Los Angeles Lakers to the franchise's 17th NBA title Sunday night, bringing a curtain on the most unusual season in league history. James recorded a triple-double and Davis a double-double as Los Angeles cruised to a 106-93 victory over the Miami Heat, ending the best-of-seven championship series in six games. The exhausted Heat, with little left in the tank after an emotional Game 5 victory on Friday, were lead by Bam Adebayo (25 points, 10 rebounds) and Jimmy Butler (12 points, 8 assists). But it was no contest on Sunday, as Los Angeles raced to a 30-point lead late in the second quarter and coasted to victory. It is the fourth championship for James, one of the world's best known and most respected basketball players, who completed his second season in Los Angeles. He led the Heat to titles in 2012 and 2013 and then brought an NBA championship to his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016. After the game, James, 35,

 Mr Rotimi Akeredolu has been re-elected as Governor of Ondo State on the back of a campaign in which he promised to provide composed and focused leadership marked by economic growth and improved security for people in the state. The incumbent governor, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, swept to victory by winning 15 of the 18 local governments. Governor Akeredolu of the All Progressives Congress got 292,830 votes, while Mr Eyitayo Jegede of the Peoples Democratic Party and Mr Agboola Ajayi of the Zenith Labour Party came second and third in the election with 195,791 and 69,127 votes, respectively. “Having satisfied the requirement of the law and scored the highest number of votes, I hereby declare Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu of the APC as the winner, and he is hereby returned elected,” Chief Returning Officer for the election, Professor Olayinka said. Professor Olayinka, who is the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, announced the winner on Sunday at the o

 Nigerian popstar Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun popular known as Wizkid, and several Nigerians staged a protest against police brutality in London.  The protest took place at the Nigeria High Commission, Thai Square on Sunday with the singer urging Nigerian youths to speak up against ills in the country. “My people, I want this message to go out to every Nigerian youth. Your voice has been heard,” he added. “Don’t let anyone tell you you don’t have a voice. You all have a voice! And don’t be scared to speak up.” While reiterating that Nigerians “deserve good government,” Wizkid thanked the protesters for coming out en masse to agitate against police brutality and concluded that “we have achieved our goal.” The protest in London comes after similar agitations had taken place in several cities in Nigeria, calling for the scrapping of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a unit of the Police loathed by millions in the country. But after days of widespread protests, the Inspector-General of Po

 Former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has revealed why he would never take a role as a director of football – either at the Emirates Stadium or anywhere else. The 70-year-old, who is now FIFA’s head of Global Football Development, left day-to-day management in 2018 after more than two decades in charge at the Gunners, and while there has regularly been spculation that he could return to club football since then, he does not believe that such a position would suit him. Wenger did, however, confess that he may consider a different role. “I would have considered being on the board at Arsenal as an adviser,” he told The Guardian in response to a question asked by long-time rival Jose Mourinho. “I believe that honestly there is a deficit of knowledge in the big clubs of top, top-level competition and games of top-level sport. And I believe we have seen recently that there are many ways to be successful in football.  “For example, there’s the Bayern [Munich] way, where the whole success and

 The online and offline protests against the Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigeria Police Force continue to gather force one week after the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, banned SARS operatives from engaging in routine patrols, stop-and-search, mounting of roadblocks and traffic checks. The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), had in a statement appealed to the protesters to give the police time to reform SARS but the #EndSARSNotBanSARS hashtag continues to trend on social media with prominent figures including the daughter of the President, Zahra Buhari-Indimi; as well as the daughter of the Vice-President, Kiki Osinbajo, endorsing the movement. Over 11,000 protesters have since signed a petition to the United States government to impose visa restrictions on all Nigerian public office holders and high-ranking police officers including the IGP. The petition titled, “Call For US Visa Ban On Nigerian Public Officials For Negligence On SARS Brutality’, was

 The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has announced the dissolved the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigeria Police Force. He said the operatives will be redeployed to other police formations and commands. Adamu announced this in a live broadcast on Sunday afternoon. The announcement came after days of online and offline protests against the brutality and extra-judicial killings by SARS operatives nationwide. At the briefing, the IGP said, “The Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Nigeria Police Force otherwise known as SARS is hereby dissolved in all the 36 State Police Commands and the Federal Capital Territory.”

American singer Trey Songz and Detroit raised rapper Big Sean are lending their voices to the #EndSARS protest. In a series of tweets on Saturday Trey Songz said he is hurt to hear about what is happening in Nigeria. “After doing a little research I would like to speak out against what’s going on in Nigeria right now. Their pleas to #EndSarsNow IS VERY REAL. “I have so much love for my Nigerian fans and it’s so hurtful to hear what’s happening. “Police brutality here in America often is an abuse of power-driven by race. To be brutalized, extorted, and murdered by your own people is unimaginable. Prayers up and I’m researching ways I can help. #EndSARS” In a similar post, American rapper Big Sean has called for an end to police brutality by men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) saying he has Nigerian roots.  

 The Super Eagles of Nigeria have lost 1-0 to African champions, Algeria in a friendly match played in Klagenfurt, Austria on Friday night. Missing four of their regular players, Wilfred Ndidi, Joe Ayodele-Aribo, Oghenekaro Etebo and marksman Victor Osimhen for different reasons, Nigeria had to start with an unfamiliar midfield trio of Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, debutant Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi, with left back Zaidu Sanusi getting Coach Gernot Rohr’s nod ahead of regular Jamilu Collins to earn his first cap. The Fennecs started powerfully and quickly forced a corner kick in the third minute, which was bundled to safety. Three minutes later, the African champions got the lead when Ramy Bensebaini reacted faster to a loose ball from another corner kick. The goal was actually a reflection of the state of flow of the game, as the Algerians reacted faster and controlled the ball better.  Iwobi, latching onto the ball as Samuel Chukwueze cut inside from the right, saw his shot blocked. Okoye s

 President Muhammadu Buhari has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ending security challenges and improving the welfare of both serving and retired officers. The President made this known on Saturday during the passing out parade of cadets 67 Regular Course and Short Service Course 46 (Army) at the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna. President Buhari in his address assured the passing out officers of the Federal Government’s commitment to end the myriads of security challenges confronting the nation and improving the welfare of serving and retired military officers who laid down their lives for the security and peace of their fatherland. He also tasked the newly commissioned military officers to contribute their quota in the ongoing war against the Boko Haram insurgents, bandits, and other criminal elements that are threatening the peace and security of the nation. The curriculum of their course includes fitness training, rigorous training in basic military subjects, and

 The Commission on Presidential Debates said Friday it has cancelled next week’s showdown between Donald Trump and his challenger Joe Biden, after the president said he would not participate in a virtual format. “Each (candidate) now has announced alternate plans for that date,” the commission said in a statement, adding “it is now apparent there will be no debate on October 15.” The move leaves just one more debate on the schedule — October 22 in Nashville, Tennessee — before the November 3 election. Debates have been a feature of every US presidential election since 1976, with three debates near the end of a campaign the standard since 2000. The commission had announced Thursday it was converting the October 15 town hall debate to a virtual affair out of an abundance of caution because Trump had tested positive for the coronavirus. But the president, who has been eager to return to the campaign trail and hold live events, refused to participate in the virtual format and sought unsucc

 The People's republic of China has signed up to a deal to ensure future Covid-19 vaccines are distributed to developing countries, the biggest economy yet to join the World Health Organization-led bid to control the pandemic. The COVAX pledge to get vaccines to poorer nations as soon as they are developed aims to head off fears rich countries will limit distribution of game-changing medicines made by their pharmaceutical companies. The deal gives China, the country where the virus first emerged, a prominent role in the global effort to share vaccines with less-developed countries. China joined COVAX to “honour its commitment to turn Covid-19 vaccines into a global public good,” foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said Friday of the October 8 agreement. She gave no details on how much money China would commit to the deal, which has a fundraising goal of $2 billion and aims to provide 92 low and middle-income countries with a future vaccine. Chinese vaccines “will be provided

 Argentina captain Lionel Messi put his Barcelona troubles behind him to fire Argentina to an opening 1-0 victory over Ecuador in World Cup qualifying match. The 33-year-old great has been in open conflict with his club but it had no detrimental effect on his form as his 13th-minute penalty was the difference in a tight encounter. The six-time Ballon d’Or winner unsuccessfully tried to force his way out of the Catalan giants in the close season but he seemed much happier in the light blue and white jersey of his country. And Argentina needed him to be on top form in a bid to avoid slipping up at home to Ecuador for the second successive time in an opening World Cup qualifier having lost 2-0 to the same opponents four years ago. In the surreal atmosphere of an empty Bombonera — the iconic stadium in Buenos Aires that is usually bouncing from the passion of fervent fans was left barren by coronavirus restrictions — Argentina never looked in danger of another shock defeat. The hosts predi

 President Muhammadu Buhari has asked the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu to address the concerns of Nigerians. The President’s directives followed the ongoing protests against brutality and extortion by operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). In a series of tweets on Friday, President Buhari ordered the police chief to reform SARS nationwide after meeting with the police chief. “The IG already has my firm instructions to conclusively address the concerns of Nigerians regarding these excesses, & ensure erring personnel are brought to justice,” he said. “I appeal for patience and calm, even as Nigerians freely exercise their right to peacefully make their views known. “I met again with the IGP tonight. Our determination to reform the police should never be in doubt. I am being briefed regularly on the reform efforts ongoing to end police brutality and unethical conduct, and ensure that the Police are fully accountable to the people. "The vast majority o

 US Presidential candidate, Joe Biden says the next presidential debate on 15 October should not take place if rival and president, Donald Trump still has Covid-19. Trump, 74, announced last week Friday two days after his first debate with Biden in Cleveland that he had tested positive for Covid-19.  He was admitted to hospital on Friday but left this week Monday after his doctors said he responded well to treatment. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines say people who test positive for the virus should stay home for at least 10 days after symptoms first appear, while people who become severely ill might need to stay home for up to 20 days. Trump, meanwhile has given no indication he would bow out of the forthcoming debate, saying in a tweet that he is "looking forward" to the debate even as his close associate, Stephen Miller became the latest White House adviser to test positive for the virus. Democrat Joe Biden has now stated he would be opposed to deba

 It's only a few weeks since 90 Day Fiance couple, Nigeria's Michael Ilesanmi and America's Angela Deem, got married but the cultural difference has become an issue and may lead to the courthouse. Michael's relatives want Angela to allow Michael get a child through another woman and Michael agrees, but Angela won't have it. This leads to an argument during which Angela is asked to be submissive and respect Michael as the man. The argument degenerates from there as Angela and Michael's relative, Lydia, get into a verbal fight. Angela tells Lydia - who she calls Aunt Lydia based on Nigerian culture - that since she wants her to be submissive and respect Michael as the man based on Nigerian culture, she (Lydia) has to respect her (Angela) since she's older than her and African culture asks younger ones to respect their elders. Lydia tells Angela it doest work that way because in Nigerian culture, the woman who married into the family first is the elder, irrespe

 Davido Music Worldwide Boss, Davido, has taken to his verified Instagram page to announce that he has terminated his contract with Lil Frosh over domestic violence allegation. The Fem singer noted in the press statement that his organisation does not condone domestic violence and the contract termination takes effect immediately. “In light of recent allegation made against Mr Sanni Goriola Wasiu a.k.a. Lil Frosh, we would like to state that as a record label, domestic violence is not a trivia matter and we will never support or condone such behaviour. There is no excuse for the actions of Lil Frosh and we understand that there is nothing that can be said or done to take away the insensitivity shown. “Upon internal investigations carried out by the label, we are left with no option than to terminate the recording contract that exists between the label and Lil Frosh, effective immediately. We hereby immediately severe all affiliations with Mr Sanni Goriola Wasiu a.k.a. Lil Frosh. Once a

Governor Dapo Abiodun has appointed the winner of the 2020 Big Brother Naija Season 5, Lekan Agbelesebioba, aka Laycon, as Ogun State Youth Ambassador. The governor also announced the donation of N5m and a three-bedroom bungalow to the BBNaija winner. Abiodun disclosed this today while playing host to Laycon in his Oke-Mosan office in Abeokuta, the state capital. The governor while congratulating Laycon on his success at the reality show, said he demonstrated the “Omoluabi” virtue the Yoruba people are known for. He said, “We are not only celebrating you but we have also decided to make you the Youth Ambassador of Ogun State. “I want to motivate you and motivate others, we are giving you a three-bedroom bungalow and in addition to that, we will be giving you N5m.”

Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil roared to the rescue of the club's recently made redundant employee who dresses up as the Gunnersaurus mascot on Tuesday, offering to pay his salary as long as he remains at the club. Jerry Quy, who had a role as an away supporters liason as well as entertaining home fans at the Emirates Stadium as the green dinosaur, was recently leg go by the club due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to British media reports. However, Arsenal said that the mascot was not extinct and would return once supporters were allowed back at English soccer games after coronavirus safety measures were eased, although they did not clarify whether Quy would continue in the role. "Gunnersaurus will always be an important part of Arsenal and we look forward to him entertaining our fans when they’re allowed back at matches," the club said in an emailed statement, but adding it could not discuss personal staff information.

A 47-year-old suspected fake lawyer, Tajudeen Idris, has been arrested by men of the Ogun State Police Command for posing as a legal practitioner. The suspect was arrested at Magistrates’ Court 6 in the Ifo Local Government Area of the state. Idris was said to have appeared before Chief Magistrate I. A. Arogundade in a civil case between one Ifeanyi Chuckwu and Ayo Itori. He allegedly claimed to be a counsel from Tajudeen O. Idris & Co. Chambers and was representing one of the parties. The state Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Oyeyemi, disclosed this in a statement on Monday. Oyeyemi said the suspected fake lawyer’s conduct and his manner of presentation before the chief magistrate aroused suspicion about his qualification as a lawyer. The PPRO said the suspect’s action prompted the chief magistrate to ask him for the year he was called to the bar, which he claimed to be 2009. “But further enquiry revealed that his name was nowhere to be found among those c

Investors in the Nigerian equity market gained N297bn on Monday as 36 firms recorded price appreciation at the end of trading. The equity market sustained its positive outlook as the Nigerian Stock Exchange All-Share Index and the market capitalisation rose further by 2.11 per cent. The market breadth closed positive with 36 gainers against 10 decliners. The ASI rose by 568.72 basis points or 2.11 per cent to close at 27.554.49 as against 26,985.77 recorded the previous day. The market capitalisation of equities appreciated by N297bn to close higher at N14.40tn from N14.11tn as market sentiment remained in the green territory. Meanwhile, a turnover of 603.95 million shares in 5,984 deals was recorded in the day’s trading. The premium subsector was the most active (measured by turnover volume), with 331.07 million shares exchanged by investors in 2,610 deals. Volume in the subsector was driven by trading activities on the shares of the United Bank for Africa Plc and Zen

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, says operatives of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad in the state no longer have the authority to unilaterally detain suspects. Odumosu, this morning while featuring on Channels Television‘s programme, Sunrise Daily, said he held a sensitisation lecture with the officers of the Force on Monday to sensitise them on the new directive of the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu. There was outrage across the country on Sunday over the harassment, extortion and extra-judicial killings of innocent Nigerians by SARS operatives. Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo; the Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege; and the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo, were among Nigerians who expressed dissatisfaction over the conduct of  SARS operatives, describing it as unacceptable. Adamu had in a swift reaction banned SARS personnel from engaging in routine patrols, stop-and-search, mounting of roadblocks and traffic checks

The International Monetary Fund on Monday approved new emergency aid for 28 of the world’s poorest countries to help them alleviate their debt and better cope with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The announcement, which follows a similar measure passed in mid-April for 25 countries, is intended to help the countries cover their debt repayments to the IMF for the next six months and “free up scarce financial resources for vital emergency medical and other relief efforts” during the pandemic. The 28 countries receiving the second tranche of aid are Afghanistan, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Nepal, Niger, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone, the Solomon Islands, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Togo and Yemen. Mali is also eligible for aid but has not yet been added to the list because “there is a lack of cla