IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital (MMSH) in Kano has become a hotspot for criminal activities, with rising cases of phone snatching and attacks on staff, patients, and visitors. Reports indicate that hoodlums are increasingly operating around the hospital, instilling fear among healthcare workers and the public.

A midwife was recently injured in a violent phone-snatching incident, while past cases include a doctor being threatened and a nurse hiding under a patient’s bed to evade attackers. Despite efforts by hospital management to enhance security, the surrounding area remains unsafe.

Investigations confirm an increase in insecurity, with criminals targeting healthcare workers, including doctors on night shifts. Residents now prioritize safety over carrying phones after dark.

Attempts to reach Kano State Police Command for a response were unsuccessful. While the state government declared a state of emergency on phone snatching in 2023, residents and security experts continue to urge caution, advising people to avoid using phones in public, especially at night.

Arne Slot said "emotions got the better of me" as the Liverpool head coach waits to learn his punishment after being sent off in Wednesday's Merseyside derby. Dutchman Slot, 46, was shown a red card after approaching referee Michael Oliver on the pitch following the full-time whistle at Goodison Park.

Everton scored a 98th-minute equaliser in a dramatic conclusion to the 2-2 draw, in which Everton's Abdoulaye Doucoure and Liverpool's Curtis Jones were both also sent off after the game had ended. About the incident which led to his red card, Slot said on Friday: "There is an ongoing process now and I have to respect that." He added: "Emotions got the better of me. If I could do that differently, if I look back I would love to do that differently, and I hope to do that differently next time."

As it stands, Slot will be on the touchline for Sunday's Premier League match against Wolves at Anfield (14:00 GMT) while the Football Association reviews Oliver's report and decides whether it will take further action. The Premier League initially reported on its website that Slot would be banned for two matches "for using offensive, insulting, or abusive language" - but that was later deleted. It is understood human error was to blame for the erroneous post.

Liverpool were adamant that James Tarkowski's late leveller, which was checked by the video assistant referee (VAR), should have been ruled out for a shove on defender Ibrahima Konate in the build-up. But Slot, who was unable to speak to the media after Wednesday's match because of his red card, also voiced frustration over the amount of stoppage time played, after five minutes were initially added.

"I think what happened was that the extra five minutes ended up being eight. It happened a lot," said Slot, whose assistant Sipke Hulshoff was also sent off. "I should have acted differently after the game, but it's an emotional sport and sometimes individuals make wrong decisions and that's definitely what I did." 

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.