IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has advised Senate President Godswill Akpabio to pursue a civil libel suit rather than involving the police in his defamation case against suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Akpabio had petitioned the Inspector-General of Police over remarks made by Akpoti-Uduaghan at a Kogi rally, alleging they constituted criminal defamation and incitement. He requested her prosecution, also copying the Attorney General of the Federation.

Responding, Falana described the matter as a politically motivated civil dispute, cautioning against criminalising free speech. Citing a 1985 Court of Appeal ruling, he stressed that public officials should seek redress through civil litigation, not state machinery.

“If defamed, Senator Akpabio should file a libel suit in the appropriate court,” Falana stated. 

Wife of the Ogun State Governor, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, has urged residents and stakeholders to intensify awareness efforts on the upcoming Measles and Rubella (M-R) vaccination campaign.

Speaking during a sensitisation programme for wives of Local Government Chairmen and other stakeholders in Abeokuta on Friday, Mrs. Abiodun emphasised the need to take the campaign to grassroots communities ahead of the nationwide rollout in October.

Highlighting alarming statistics, she noted that measles remains a leading cause of death among under-five children, with outbreaks still reported across Nigeria. She also warned of the dangers of rubella, which can cause severe birth defects if contracted during pregnancy.

Mrs. Abiodun described the introduction of the M-R vaccine as a vital step toward saving millions of lives and reducing the burden of preventable childhood diseases. She urged mothers and community leaders to prioritise children's health and support the vaccination drive.

Also speaking, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Tayo Lawal, stressed the importance of public education and engagement, recommending workshops, informational materials, and digital outreach to promote vaccine uptake.

Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Friday commissioned the newly built Ugborikoko Divisional Police Headquarters in Effurun, Uvwie LGA of Delta State. The facility was constructed and donated by TANTITA Security Services Nigeria Ltd., showcasing the impact of private-public collaboration on security development.

Represented by AIG Salma Garba Dogo of Zone 5, the IGP lauded TANTITA, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, and MD High Chief Kestin Pondi for their commitment to enhancing community safety. He described the station as a symbol of trust and shared responsibility in maintaining law and order.

TANTITA MD, Pondi, expressed pride in delivering the ultra-modern station, which includes a quarter guard, 30KVA generator, solar power system, patrol vehicles, CCTV, computer equipment, a conference room, and other modern amenities.

Divisional Police Officer, CSP Omosetemi Agbede Zuokumor, shared how the station evolved from a dilapidated structure to a fully equipped facility in seven months, thanks to TANTITA’s intervention.

The event underscores the power of community-driven partnerships in strengthening police infrastructure and public safety. 

Chairman of Air Peace, Dr. Allen Onyema, has pledged to fly back over 1,200 underage Nigerian girls trafficked to Côte d’Ivoire, following reports by social media influencer VeryDarkMan.

Onyema condemned the trafficking as “inhumane and ungodly,” and vowed free medical care for the girls at Duchess International Hospital upon return.

He urged the Nigerian Embassy in Côte d’Ivoire to coordinate the rescue, and called on the Federal Government to oversee their education and reintegration. 

Effective August 1, the Federal Government will impose strict penalties on visa overstays, including:

- $15 daily fine starting from visa expiry date  

- 5-year entry ban for overstays beyond 6 months  

- 10-year ban for overstays beyond 1 year

Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo announced the measures in Lagos while unveiling a new Expatriate Administration System aimed at tightening immigration control and improving data accuracy.

Starting May 1, the ministry will also roll out:

- Automated Landing/Exit Cards

- Electronic Visa system

- Expatriate Insurance & upgraded ID cards

- Revised Expatriate Quota system

Tunji-Ojo stressed the need for accurate data on foreigners, noting current figures fall short of reality. 

Galatasaray are set to make a blockbuster move for Victor Osimhen, preparing a €70 million offer to secure the striker on a permanent deal.

Osimhen, who joined the Turkish club on loan from Napoli after a failed transfer to Chelsea, has been in sensational form—netting 28 goals in 32 appearances and becoming a fan favourite as Galatasaray chase both the league title and domestic cup.

Determined to keep him beyond the current season, Galatasaray face stiff competition from European giants including Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, and clubs in Saudi Arabia.

According to Spanish outlet AS, via Cumhuriyet, the Turkish champions are ready to offer Napoli €70 million and propose a three-year deal for Osimhen, reportedly worth €15 million per season, excluding performance bonuses—putting the package on par with top Premier League offers.