Author: Tech & Tools Desk

Senate President Godswill Akpabio returned to Nigeria on Monday morning after a short vacation in London, putting an end to widespread speculation about his health. Akpabio, who had earlier attended the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva from July 29 to 31, arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, at about 4:00 a.m. He was received at the Presidential Wing by senators, aides, and supporters. His arrival followed rumours circulating on social media that he had been hospitalised in critical condition while in London. These claims had been dismissed last week by former Ogun State Governor, Senator Gbenga Daniel, and Akpabio’s media aide, Jackson Udom. Speaking to journalists shortly after landing, the Senate President assured Nigerians of “robust legislative engagements” when the National Assembly reconvenes. He also defended the strong Nigerian delegation to the International Parliamentary Union in Geneva, stressing that the engagements would yield “more derivatives of democratic governance and stronger collaboration with other arms of government.” Addressing the speculation over his health, Akpabio remarked: “If you listen to the social media, you will go to war.” With his return, the Senate President has reaffirmed his readiness to steer the legislative agenda in the months ahead, despite distractions from political gossip and misinformation.

The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has described its performance in Saturday’s by-elections as a turning point that re-energises and refocuses the party ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a statement issued on Sunday, APC spokesman in Lagos, Seye Oladejo, said the outcome—victories in 12 out of 16 Federal and State constituencies—was a clear reaffirmation of the party’s dominance and a vote of confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s administration. “With APC dominance reaffirmed, the stage is set for a grand 2027 showdown,” Oladejo declared. Victory as a Referendum on Tinubu’s Leadership Oladejo emphasised that the victories served as a referendum on Tinubu’s leadership, policies, and reform agenda. Despite economic challenges and strong opposition propaganda, he said the electorate recognised the government’s efforts to stabilise the economy, tackle insecurity, strengthen infrastructure, and implement bold fiscal reforms. “These by-election results are a direct endorsement of that focus,” he noted. The APC’s wins spanned key constituencies, including the Edo Central Senatorial District and House of Representatives seats in Kaduna, Jigawa, Ogun, and Edo, as well as several State Assembly constituencies. Opposition Falters Oladejo pointed out that while the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) managed only one seat in Oyo, and the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) held onto a single seat in Kano, the Labour Party failed to register a win—highlighting, in his words, the gap between online popularity and grassroots political strength. “APGA, confined largely to the Southeast, secured two seats in Anambra. But these shifts did not alter the larger picture: APC remains dominant,” he said. Yilwatda’s First Major Test The by-elections also marked the first major test for new APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda. Oladejo credited him with providing the strategic direction, discipline, and grassroots engagement that helped deliver sweeping victories. “This is his first major outing as chairman, and the outcome reflects his vision and national outreach,” Oladejo added. Looking Ahead According to the Lagos APC, the results represent more than just numbers—they are a sign of Nigerians’ enduring trust in Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and in the APC as the party to lead Nigeria’s future. “When 2027 comes, Nigerians will remember who stood firm in uncertainty, who led with courage, and who delivered results,” Oladejo concluded. NAN

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a notorious drug kingpin, Sunday Ibigide, in Asaba, Delta State, after he allegedly attempted to move 250 blocks of skunk weighing 138kg in his distribution bus. Ibigide, who had been on the run for over three years, was captured alongside his aide, Clement Osuya, on Sunday, August 10, 2025. The NDLEA said he had been wanted since March 19, 2022, following a previous seizure of 24.1kg of skunk and 10 grams of molly linked to him. NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, in a statement on Sunday, confirmed the arrest and detailed several other high-profile operations across states that led to multiple arrests and massive drug seizures. In Enugu State, six suspects were arrested during raids on cannabis farms spanning 15 hectares, where 37,500kg of skunk was destroyed. Additional seizures included 20,700 pills of tramadol and cocodamol, along with 27.6kg of skunk recovered from suspects in Nsukka and Enugu. In Lagos, operatives arrested a 52-year-old woman, Muyibat Mumuni, and her son, Faruk, for storing 298 blocks of Ghana Loud weighing 149kg in Mushin. Another suspect was arrested in Ajah with 8.5kg of Canadian Loud. In Gombe and Kogi, NDLEA intercepted a combined total of 465,800 capsules of tramadol from different suspects, while in Taraba, 11,250kg of skunk was destroyed and nearly 30,000 capsules of tramadol seized during raids supported by local security outfits. Operations in Kaduna led to the arrest of four suspects over the seizure of tramadol, rohypnol, and 111kg of skunk, while in Onne Port, Rivers State, NDLEA and Customs officers intercepted five containers holding 875,000 bottles of codeine syrup valued at N6.1 billion and 3.5 million pills of benzhexol worth N1.7 billion. Further seizures were recorded in Edo, Kano, and Lagos-Badagry highway, with arrests tied to hundreds of kilograms of skunk, 4,320 ampoules of ketamine, and other psychoactive substances. NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Marwa (Rtd), commended the operatives for their coordinated efforts and urged them to sustain the momentum in the agency’s war against drugs.

President Bola Tinubu has praised the All Progressives Congress (APC) for its strong performance in Saturday’s by-elections, where the ruling party secured 12 of the 16 contested constituencies across 12 states. In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting what he described as largely peaceful and credible polls. Breakdown of results showed APC won 12 seats, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) took two, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) claimed one each. Tinubu also lauded newly appointed APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, for steering the party to its first major victory under his leadership. “Chairman Yilwatda has shown leadership and proven what unity and credible candidates can achieve,” the President said. The President further congratulated APC governors and leaders nationwide, while thanking party members and voters for their support. “Our Renewed Hope agenda is not just a slogan. Together, we will build a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Nigeria, by God’s grace,” he assured. Tinubu also commended other political parties and candidates who contested, urging them to embrace sportsmanship, fairness, and unity as pillars of democracy.

IPERU, Ogun State — Aug. 16, 2025: Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, cast his ballot on Saturday at Polling Unit 002, Ita Osanyin, Iperu Ward 3, Ikenne LGA, in the Remo Federal Constituency by-election, commending the orderly conduct and strong voter turnout. Speaking to journalists after voting, Abiodun praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its preparedness and early delivery of materials. “I have just exercised my franchise. I’m impressed that electoral materials arrived early and the turnout is encouraging. Voting is peaceful,” he said, noting that in a few locations the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) initially lagged—possibly due to the weather—before stabilizing. “INEC is improving year in, year out,” he added. “Everything is going well—no rancour, no fighting.” There was a heavy security presence across Sagamu, Ikenne and Remo North as the poll got underway. Personnel of the Nigerian Army, Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) manned major roads to enforce movement restrictions and were stationed at polling units to maintain order. Field reports indicated robust voter participation at several locations, including Westley Primary School, Iperu (PU 004, Ward 5); Westley School, Ogere (PU 002, Ward 7), both in Ikenne LGA; and Polling Unit 7, Ward 2, Iga Olusi, Sagamu. The exercise remained largely calm across the units visited.

Security agents in Kaduna have arrested a suspected vote buyer found with ₦25,963,000 in cash, hours before Saturday’s August 16 bye-elections in parts of the state. The suspect, identified as Shehu Aliyu Patangi, was picked up around 3:30 a.m. at a popular hotel along Turunku Road by a joint team of the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS). Spokesman for the Kaduna State Police Command, DSP Mansir Hassan, said preliminary findings indicate the money was intended to induce voters and compromise the polls. He added that the suspect has confessed and pleaded for leniency, according to the Command. The Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, vowed that the Command would clamp down on anyone attempting to undermine the electoral process. “The suspect was arrested with the said amount, believed to have been earmarked for bribing voters… Anyone found attempting to undermine the electoral process will face the full wrath of the law,” he said. The Command warned political actors and their supporters against violence, vote buying, thuggery, and other illegal acts, noting credible intelligence about plans by some individuals to instigate unrest. In response, security personnel have been deployed to polling units, collation centres, and other strategic locations across the state to ensure a peaceful exercise. The police urged residents to come out and vote peacefully, assuring adequate security before, during, and after the elections. PUNCH

Abuja — August 15, 2025. Eleven Nigerian miners who were stranded for months at a remote Central African Republic (CAR) mining camp have been evacuated to Abuja in a federal operation coordinated by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Nigeria’s embassy in Bangui. The group arrived on Thursday, August 14, and was received by officials who provided immediate medical checks, meals, and temporary accommodation. The evacuation capped a three-week effort that began after a July 24 video showed several of the men pleading for help from a forest site in the Bambari region of Ouaka. Embassy officials and CAR security services subsequently moved the miners to Bangui, where they were sheltered while travel documents were processed. According to the embassy, the group was successfully shuttled out of the interior to the capital on July 28, ahead of yesterday’s repatriation. Officials say the men had been working at a site in or around Bambari, roughly 850 km from Bangui, when contact with their employer broke down. The camp’s remoteness complicated access and logistics until the video triggered a rapid response. Several of the miners allege they were abandoned without pay for many months by recruiters linked to a Chinese-run operation, claims that first surfaced in late July and are now the subject of official scrutiny. Some also described harsh conditions and intimidation at the site. The men say they are seeking recovery of outstanding wages. In Abuja, authorities emphasized the government’s obligation to protect citizens abroad. The embassy said it had covered accommodation, feeding, and medical care for the miners in Bangui pending their flight home, while NEMA handled reception and welfare on arrival. The House of Representatives Committee on China has already opened an inquiry into the miners’ complaints, part of a broader look at overseas recruitment practices. The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) previously indicated that a local agent allegedly involved in recruiting the men had been identified for prosecution, signaling potential legal action on the domestic end of the chain. Why it matters The episode highlights systemic risks around informal cross-border recruiting for extractive work: inadequate contracts, poor oversight in conflict-affected zones, and weak grievance pathways when wages go unpaid. With more Nigerians taking opportunities abroad, consular protection—and enforcement against abusive recruiters at home—will remain central to preventing repeat crises. Timeline at a glance July 24, 2025: Video of stranded Nigerian miners in CAR goes viral. July 28, 2025: Embassy/authorities move the group from the interior to Bangui. August 14, 2025: Evacuation to Abuja; NEMA/Foreign Affairs receive the miners.

Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade says players are still waiting for the promised allowances and bonuses, including the $100,000 reward announced after their Women’s AFCON triumph. Speaking on an upcoming episode of With Chude hosted by Chude Jideonwo, Ajibade expressed frustration over repeated assurances that have not translated into payment. “We have not received our money… all the promises you heard, we have not received anything,” she said, adding that even match bonuses remain “a work in progress.” She noted the team was told funds had been allocated but nothing has reached the players. The 24-year-old urged authorities to keep their word, saying the delay is taking a toll. Announced in July 2024 following Nigeria’s historic 10th WAFCON title in Morocco, the cash reward was meant to be a token of appreciation for the squad’s achievement. Ajibade also reflected on her journey, revealing she spent 10 years at FC Robo Queens without a salary and grew up in a crowded compound in Mushin, Lagos, where she did odd jobs to make ends meet. She moved to Norway’s Avaldsnes IL at 17 and joined Atlético Madrid Femenino in 2021.

The United States has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to Nigeria covering munitions, precision bombs and rockets, and related support, with an estimated value of $346 million, according to a Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notice dated August 13 and emailed on Thursday. DSCA said it has notified the US Congress of the prospective deal, which is intended to bolster Nigeria’s capacity to counter terrorist groups and combat illicit trafficking in-country and in the Gulf of Guinea. The sale “will not alter the basic military balance in the region” and will have no adverse effect on US defense readiness, the agency noted. Requested items include: 1,002 MK-82 (500 lb) general-purpose bombs 1,002 MXU-650 Air Foil Groups for Paveway II GBU-12 (500 lb) 515 MXU-1006 Air Foil Groups for Paveway II GBU-58 (250 lb) 1,517 MAU-169/MAU-209 computer control groups for GBU-12/GBU-58 1,002 FMU-152 joint programmable fuzes 5,000 APKWS II all-up-rounds (WGU-59/B guidance section, HE warhead, MK66-4 rocket motor) The package also covers non-major defense equipment and services, including FMU-139 joint programmable fuzes, bomb components, impulse cartridges, high-explosive and practice rockets, integration and test support, and US government/contractor technical and logistics assistance. Principal contractors are RTX Missiles & Defense, Lockheed Martin Corporation, and BAE Systems. No offset arrangements are currently known; any such terms would be set during negotiations. DSCA added that implementation will not require additional US personnel in Nigeria. The final contract value may be lower, depending on requirements, budgets, and signed agreements.

Cristiano Ronaldo and long-time partner Georgina Rodríguez are officially engaged, capping a nine-year relationship that began in Madrid and has unfolded under the brightest global spotlight. Rodríguez, 31, shared the news on Instagram with a close-up of a dazzling ring and the caption in Spanish, “Sí, quiero” (“Yes, I do”), prompting an outpouring of congratulations from fans and fellow stars. The couple’s story began in 2016 when they met at a Gucci store, where Rodríguez worked at the time. Since then, they’ve built a blended family and a life that has spanned multiple countries and clubs. They share two daughters and together raise Ronaldo’s three other children. In 2022, they suffered the loss of one of their newborn twins, a boy—an experience they spoke about publicly, earning widespread empathy for their openness and resilience. Ronaldo, 40—whose career has taken him from Sporting CP to Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, and now Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia—has long been one of the most followed athletes in the world. Rodríguez has built her own profile as a model and entrepreneur, with high-visibility brand work and a hit Netflix docu-series that offered a rare, personal look at their family life. Details of the proposal and wedding plans haven’t been disclosed, but the announcement alone was enough to dominate timelines across continents, reflecting the couple’s massive cultural footprint that stretches far beyond football. For fans, the engagement feels like a natural next chapter: a relationship forged in the glare of fame, steered through triumphs and heartbreak, and now set for a formal “I do.” Expect intense interest in everything from venue rumours to guest lists in the weeks ahead. For now, the post says it all—an image, a ring, and a promise—and the internet is celebrating right along with them.