EVENTS
Boat driver who carried actor Junior Pope, others is not certified — NSIB
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has released preliminary report on the boat accident involving actor Jnr Pope and others which occurred in Anam River in Anambra State on Wednesday, April 10, 2024.
The boat was conveying 12 actors and crew members before it crashed resulting in loss of five passengers including Jnr Pope, Ms. Abigail Frederick, Mr. Precious Oforum, and Mr. Joseph Anointing.
The NSIB at a press briefing on Friday, May 24, said that the boat driver was not certified.
Presented by the Director General, Capt. Alex Badeh Jn were two Aviation incident final reports, one aviation incident preliminary report, and a marine accident preliminary report, along with 20 safety recommendations.
Engr. Abdullahi Babanya, Director, Transport Investigation, who presented the findings of the preliminary report and others during the briefing, stated that the speed boat capsized and all occupants were flung into the Anam River.
According to him, “There was only one person on the wooden fishing canoe. This rowdiness in the boat distracted the driver and he was not looking out as required. The boat was on high speed and the crossing canoe was moving at a much slower speed.
The only occupant of the canoe, on sighting the fast approaching boat jumped into the river and escaped; The boat collided with the canoe at a high speed which resulted in the boat capsizing and all persons onboard were flung into Anam River.
Only one passenger on the outboard engine fibre boat was wearing a life jacket. The only passenger wearing a life jacket came with it and was not provided by the operator.
The passenger wearing the life jacket was one of the survivors. The boat was fitted with an outboard engine. There was no manifest of passengers and persons onboard the boat. Rescue operation was not timely and there were no trained divers around to assist in the operation.”
EVENTS
Wike at 58: “You’re a Shinning Star in my Cabinet, Tinubu hails Wike.
President Bola Tinubu congratulates Chief Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on his birthday, December 13.
President Tinubu celebrates with the Minister and former governor of Rivers State, giving thanks to God Almighty for enriching him with a life defined by purpose, service, and courage.
The President describes Chief Wike as an audacious top performer who defies obstacles and delivers results.
President Tinubu acknowledges the ongoing transformation of the Federal Capital Territory through infrastructure expansion, highlighting the Minister’s recent intervention that broke the 14-year logjam in the construction of the Apo-Karshi road.
The President commends Chief Wike for his resilience, can-do attitude, and commitment to excellence in all assignments.
President Tinubu thanks the Minister for his consistent efforts in delivering results and wishes him a happy birthday and strength to further his good work in the FCT.
“Nyesom Wike has been one of the shining stars in the cabinet, an exceptional performer, developing infrastructure in the Federal capital as never seen before and proving that his moniker as ‘Mr Project’ is not limited to his home state of Rivers.
“I commend him for being one of the champions of our Renewed Hope Agenda, even though he belongs to another party and wish him well as he marks another year in his life journey”.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information and Strategy)
December 13, 2025
EVENTS
Lady cries out after her brother was knocked down by keke on his way to early morning test at UniAbuja, faces possible leg amputation
A visibly distressed lady has cried out over a tragic accident involving her younger brother, a student of the University of Abuja.
According to her account, the incident occurred in the early hours of the morning when students were struggling to get to school for a test allegedly scheduled around 5 a.m.
She explained that while her brother and a coursemate were trying to cross the road in front of the University of Abuja, a commercial tricycle (keke), reportedly driving against traffic, knocked them down.
As of the time she shared the video, her brother was said to be unconscious and already being prepared for surgery. Doctors, she stated, described his condition as critical, adding that there was a possibility his leg might have to be amputated.
The lady further claimed that although the tricycle rider was arrested, there were moves to release him, and that the school authorities had not reached out or offered any form of support since the incident.
She also revealed that the hospital initially rejected her brother due to the seriousness of his condition before eventually admitting him, while medical bills continued to pile up beyond what she could afford.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSLsOa4DNRv/?igsh=MWI5cjlsNnV0cW1hbA==
📹: TT/Teemhar1234
EVENTS
DSS Officers Seek VIP Escort Roles Amid Police Withdrawal, Stir Debate Over Security Reforms in Nigeria
In the wake of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to withdraw police officers from providing personal security and escort duties for very important persons across Nigeria, some officers of the Department of State Services are reportedly lobbying influential Nigerians for redeployment as personal security details.
The move comes after the Nigeria Police Force pulled back thousands of officers from VIP protection duties to strengthen frontline policing and respond to escalating insecurity across the country. The withdrawal, championed by the presidency as part of broader security reforms, aims to free up police manpower for community protection and crime prevention.
According to multiple reports, some DSS operatives have approached high-profile individuals, offering their services as security escorts in the emerging vacuum created by the police exit. These approaches have raised eyebrows among security analysts and VIPs alike, as the DSS traditionally focuses on intelligence and national security rather than routine personal protection.
A handful of elite Nigerians told journalists that officers had visited their offices to request intervention with state directors for deployment as personal protectors, describing the assignments as desirable postings.
While the statutory mandate of the DSS does include the protection of certain national assets and persons, any deployment of officers for individual VIP security is subject to established operational protocols, sources stressed.
The shift has also triggered a surge in demand for private security services nationwide. Security companies report that requests for travel escorts and protective details have spiked since the police withdrawal, with many VIPs and travelers seeking alternative arrangements.
Lawmakers and public figures have weighed in on the reforms. Some members of the House of Representatives argue that Nigerian citizens should not be denied access to extra security if they desire it, suggesting a broader debate over security privileges and equity.
President Tinubu has defended the policy, reiterating that the withdrawal of police from VIP protection is intended to reallocate scarce resources toward combating kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism. He has insisted there will be no reversal of the order, urging full compliance by security agencies.
As the debate continues, experts say the success of the reform will depend on how effectively security gaps are filled, whether by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, private security firms, or other authorized entities, and how well public safety is balanced with the security needs of public figures.
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