IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

The Ebonyi State Police Command has discovered additional exhibits related to the recent attack on Amegu Nkalaha community in Ishielu Local Government Area.

In a statement issued on Friday, the command’s spokesperson, SP Joshua Ukandu, confirmed the development, emphasizing the Commissioner of Police, CP Adaku Uche-Anya’s commitment to eradicating criminal elements in the state.

According to Ukandu, police operatives, in collaboration with Nigerian Army troops, acted on credible intelligence and targeted suspected criminal hideouts in Amegu and Umulesha villages.

Upon arrival, the hoodlums opened fire, but security forces engaged and overpowered them with superior firepower. While most of the suspects escaped into the bush, one was arrested during the operation.

The security operatives destroyed the criminals’ shrines and camps and recovered the following items:

Two Dane guns

A mobile phone

A motorcycle

The statement reaffirmed the police command’s dedication to bringing the perpetrators to justice and urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. 

The President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Alhassan Yahya, has reaffirmed his commitment to improving journalists’ welfare, announcing that a Media Enhancement Bill is in progress.

Speaking at a reception in Abuja for former NUJ President Chris Isiguzo, Yahya emphasized the need for unity among journalists to address low remuneration and lack of legal protections. He revealed that a committee will draft the bill, with input from key stakeholders like the Nigerian Guild of Editors, International Press Institute (IPI), and NGOs.

Yahya stated that some lawmakers are ready to sponsor the bill in the National Assembly, expressing confidence that this collaborative effort would succeed.

Chris Isiguzo praised Yahya’s leadership, highlighting past failed attempts to establish legal protections for journalists and stressing that joint efforts with media organizations would improve the chances of success.

Several NUJ leaders and media professionals commended Isiguzo’s contributions and expressed support for Yahya’s initiatives. The event was attended by key media figures, union leaders, and stakeholders. 

Tigran Gambaryan, Head of Financial Crime Compliance at cryptocurrency firm Binance, has accused three Nigerian lawmakers of demanding a $150 million bribe while he was in detention.

Gambaryan, who spent eight months in custody over alleged money laundering charges, claimed that members of the House of Representatives—Philip Agbese, Ginger Onwusibe, and Peter Akpanke—sought the payment in cryptocurrency.

Taking to his verified X handle, he alleged that the meeting was staged with fake cameras, adding that the lawmakers insisted Binance comply with their demands.

However, Agbese, who also serves as Deputy Spokesman of the House, dismissed the claims as false, challenging Gambaryan to provide evidence or risk legal action.

“I have never used cryptocurrency, nor do I own a crypto wallet. Gambaryan should retract his claims within seven days or face legal consequences,” Agbese stated.

Onwusibe, Chair of the House Committee on Anti-Corruption, declined to comment, citing ongoing legal proceedings, while efforts to reach Akpanke were unsuccessful. 

Popular Nigerian on-air personality, Chinedu Emmanuel, widely known as Nedu Wazobia, has announced his exit from The Honest Bunch Podcast following ongoing controversy involving social commentator Martins Vincent Otse, also known as Verydarkman.

The drama started after reality TV star Deeone claimed on the podcast that Verydarkman had an interest in men. However, instead of addressing the allegation, Verydarkman shifted focus to Nedu, revealing private conversations and making accusations about his past relationships.

As the controversy escalated, Nedu took to Instagram on Friday to announce his decision to step down from the podcast, citing the need to protect his peace of mind, family, and the integrity of the show.

In his official statement, Nedu expressed gratitude for the podcast's journey but acknowledged that the intense scrutiny, criticism, and accusations had taken a personal toll. He emphasized his dedication to meaningful conversations but stated that stepping away was necessary to end the negativity surrounding his name.

“The past week has brought a lot into perspective for me. Hosting The Honest Bunch Podcast has been an incredible journey—one built on open conversations, bold perspectives, and tackling difficult topics.

But with that responsibility has come an overwhelming level of scrutiny, antagonism, and unfounded accusations that have taken a personal toll.

In light of recent events, I have made the difficult decision to step away from the podcast—for my peace of mind, family, and the integrity of the show.

I hope this decision puts an end to the negativity surrounding my name and allows the show to continue thriving.”

Created by Glitch Africa in 2022, The Honest Bunch Podcast features four main hosts: Nedu, Husband Material, Deity Cole, and Ezinne.

The Delta State Government has approved a ₦1 billion revolving fund to be managed by the Bank of Industry (BOI), offering loans at a single-digit interest rate to support Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the state.

The State Commissioner for Economic Planning, Sonny Ekedayen, announced this during a post-Executive Council (EXCO) briefing at Government House, Asaba, on Thursday.

Ekedayen stated that the initiative is designed to boost entrepreneurship, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth by providing accessible financing to small business owners at affordable rates.

“This is exciting news for MSMEs, manufacturers, hoteliers, and small-scale industries in Delta State. The Exco has approved a ₦1 billion managed fund with the Bank of Industry—another laudable achievement of the Oborevwori-led administration,” he said.

He emphasized that the low-interest loan would help businesses expand operations, improve productivity, and sustain growth.

“Many businesses struggle due to high prime lending rates, which are around 30%. However, this initiative guarantees business owners access to a single-digit interest loan from the Bank of Industry,” Ekedayen explained.

He further clarified that the fund is a loan, not a grant, and will be available to serious-minded entrepreneurs with a proven track record. The repayment period will range from one to five years, with a flexible moratorium period.

Delta State Medium-Term Development Plan Approved

The commissioner also announced the approval of the Delta State Medium-Term Development Plan (2024-2027), which will serve as the strategic framework for project approvals and implementation under the Governor’s MORE Agenda.

“This document encapsulates the Governor’s vision and mission and will guide government spending—all without borrowing,” he added. 

The National Examination Council (NECO) has announced the release of the 2024 Senior Secondary School Certificate External Examination results.

According to the Registrar and Chief Executive of the Council, Professor Dantani Wushishi, 57,114 candidates secured credits in English and Mathematics, representing a 67.53% pass rate.

A total of 86,067 candidates sat for the examination, which saw a significant reduction in malpractice cases. The number of candidates booked for various forms of malpractice decreased by 27.7% compared to 2023, with 6,160 cases recorded.

The results were released just 62 days after the final examination, marking a notable improvement in the council’s processing time. Candidates can check their results on the NECO website using their registration numbers and exam details.