Peller, the Nigerian TikToker, has addressed the controversy
surrounding his recent visit to the Benin Kingdom, following condemnation from
the Benin traditional council.

The council had criticised the visit, describing it as
“unauthorised” and a breach of palace protocol.

It also summoned Peller to appear before a committee of
chiefs and warned that the queen involved in the encounter could face removal
from the palace.

In a statement released on Thursday, Peller’s management
clarified that the visit was properly initiated through official channels and
was never intended to disrespect Benin culture.

According to the statement, a formal request for a courtesy
visit was submitted to the palace on February 23. The visit was initially
scheduled for March 3 but was later moved to March 6. To substantiate their
claim, the team attached a copy of the submitted letter.

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They explained that although they had been informed ahead of
time that the Oba would not be available, they were nonetheless welcomed into
the palace and received by chiefs, who guided them through its history and
traditions.

The team acknowledged that certain moments during the visit
may have been perceived as inappropriate but insisted there was no ill intent.

“We would like to sincerely address the concerns surrounding
Peller’s recent visit to the Benin Kingdom. First and foremost, we acknowledge
the deep cultural significance of the Benin Kingdom and extend our utmost
respect to its traditions, heritage and people,” the statement reads.

“Peller and his team, with the facilitation of Uyiekpen
Ogiefa, son of Chief Courage Uyi Ogiefa, the N’ozeben of the Benin Kingdom,
formally submitted a letter on February 23rd to the palace requesting a
courtesy visit scheduled for March 3rd, and it was later moved to March 6th
(letter attached herein).

“Ahead of the visit, the team was clearly informed that the
Oba would not be available. However, they were graciously welcomed to the
palace, with arrangements made for them to be received by Uyiekpen Ogiefa and
the palace chiefs, as well as guided through the palace while being educated on
its history, culture, and traditions.

“This was fully respected, and the visit proceeded
accordingly. That said, we understand that certain moments during the visit may
have been perceived as inappropriate. We sincerely wish to clarify that this
was never the intention. Any mispronunciations or actions were unintentional
and purely human, possibly influenced by excitement and the warmth of the
reception.”

The statement reaffirmed Peller’s commitment to promoting
Nigerian culture, stressing that he would never deliberately disrespect the
heritage he is passionate about showcasing to the world.

“Peller is deeply passionate about promoting Nigerian
culture, and it would never be his intention to disrespect the very heritage he
is committed to showcasing to the world. At no point was it the mission or
intention to offend or disrespect the culture in any way,” they continued.

“We, however, acknowledge that there may have been
misconceptions arising from the visit and sincerely apologize for any such
misunderstandings. We appreciate the feedback and the continued support.”

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The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has said it is leveraging the historic state visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the United Kingdom to deepen diaspora enrolment in the National Identification Number (NIN) scheme.

The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the commission, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, was among top government officials who received the President and the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, during the visit hosted at the invitation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

NIMC said the visit reflects Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in critical areas, including digital transformation, identity management and innovation.

In a statement, the commission’s Head of Corporate Communications, Kayode Adegoke, noted that the engagement created “a strategic platform to advance the ongoing diaspora National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment initiative.”

He added that the initiative is designed to ensure Nigerians in the diaspora are seamlessly integrated into the national identity database, in line with the government’s broader digital inclusion agenda.

“For NIMC, the occasion is far more than diplomatic pageantry. It is a strategic opportunity, one the Commission is seizing with purpose.

” At the heart of its agenda is the on-going diaspora National Identification Number (NIN) enrollment initiative, a drive to ensure that Nigerians living abroad are not left behind in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving digital ecosystem”, Adegoke said.

Adegoke quoted the NIMC boss as saying that the Commission had resolved to not only expand NIN enrollment access globally but also to significantly scale up operations in the United Kingdom.

“The UK is home to one of the largest Nigerian diaspora communities in the world,” she noted, and highlighted the deep historical, economic, and diplomatic bonds that make the present push both timely and necessary.

She assured that more enrolment centers would be opened with better service delivery, and seamless digital processes as Nigerians abroad deserve nothing less.

“The stakes are real. Enhanced NIN services in the UK mean that Nigerians in the UK can obtain their NIN and NIN-related services without delays, access essential services, and seamlessly plug into Nigeria’s growing digital economy, from wherever they are in the world.

“But the Commission’s ambitions don’t stop at international borders. Back home, NIMC is simultaneously executing a ground-level revolution through its ward-level enrollment strategy, a grassroots initiative designed to carry identity services directly to the people, especially in rural and underserved communities where access has historically been limited.

“No more long distances. No more unnecessary barriers. Identity, delivered to the doorstep.

This dual-track approach, scaling the diaspora enrollment drive while intensifying registration at the ward level, is not coincidental.

” It is deliberate, and it reflects NIMC’s deep commitment to inclusive identity management. It is also perfectly aligned with the Federal Government’s broader vision of harnessing digital identity as a catalyst for economic growth, social protection, and effective governance” Engr Coker-Odusote said.

She added that the visit to the United Kingdom not only reinforced Nigeria’s diplomatic and innovation agenda, but also highlighted the critical role of identity infrastructure in connecting citizens at home and abroad to opportunities in an increasingly digital world.

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The Imo state police command has arrested 75 suspects over a
range of criminal offences, including kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism,
murder, theft, child trafficking and terrorism.

Parading the suspects on Wednesday, Audu Garba Bosso, the
state commissioner of police, said the arrests followed “intensified, proactive
and intelligence-driven policing” carried out in collaboration with other
security agencies and community stakeholders.

Bosso noted that the coordinated efforts have contributed to
a reduction in crime across the state, improving safety for residents and
visitors.

He added that several weapons and stolen items were
recovered during the operations, including three AK-47 rifles, three magazines,
65 rounds of live ammunition, two locally made pistols, a Beretta pistol, and
six stolen motorcycles.

The CP explained that on March 3, operatives of the
anti-kidnapping unit responded to a distress call from the Adapalm facility in
Ohaji/Egbema LGA, where suspected IPOB/ESN members had set heavy equipment
ablaze.

“Security personnel engaged the attackers in a gun battle,
during which one suspect was shot and later died in the hospital. His body was
deposited in the mortuary for autopsy and investigation,” he said.

“Following the incident, security was reinforced in the
area. On March 14, operatives on surveillance encountered the suspects again,
leading to another exchange of gunfire. The attackers fled with gunshot wounds,
abandoning three AK-47 rifles and magazines loaded with 65 rounds of
ammunition.”

In a separate operation conducted between February and
March, police, in collaboration with the military and other security agencies,
carried out a counter-terrorism mission in Orsu LGA. The operation led to the
destruction of an IPOB/ESN camp known as “Mother Valley”.

He said during the raid, two suspects were killed, while
others escaped with injuries.

Security operatives reportedly recovered more than 300
improvised explosive devices, including those concealed in gas cylinders and
pipes, as well as five exotic vehicles.

Bosso urged residents to continue providing credible
information to security agencies, assuring them of confidentiality.

He also said adequate security measures have been put in
place ahead of the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, including the deployment of
personnel to strategic locations and traffic control measures across the state.

He advised residents and travellers to comply with traffic
regulations and cooperate with security agencies to ensure a peaceful festive
period.

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Niger State Governor Umar Bago has said his government is ready to confront bandits and their informants.

The governor made this known on Thursday in a video clip published by Gaskiya News Hausa, in which he warned bandits, informants and those harbouring them to reveal their identities to the security agencies.

The governor visited Borgu Local Government Area in Niger State where he had a chat with the Emir over the bandits’ disruption of schooling and farming activities.

Bago disclosed that his government had received support from the federal government and foreign partners to strengthen operations against the terrorists.

He stressed the impact of insecurity on education and agriculture in the state, saying banditry had disrupted schooling and farming activities and had drawn the state backwards.

“I’m warning you all, I swear to God Almighty, we are now fully ready to confront bandits and we have started. We have gotten enough support from the Federal Government of Nigeria and the foreign governments to do the needful.

“I was in Borgu three days ago and I told them but they thought I was joking. But the way and manner I spoke to them, they should understand that it is no longer business as usual,” he said.

Bago urged residents to join hands to rid the state of the menace and not to hide bandits or their informants, and to provide information to the security agencies.

He disclosed that the government had technology in place to monitor communications linked to criminal activities, accepting personal responsibility for actions against informants in the course of operations.

“Don’t hide them, don’t hide informants or any suspects in your houses and forests. Give us information and we will pick them up.

“Niger State’s agriculture and education have been hampered. Students no longer attend boarding schools and this has drawn us backwards.

“For the informants present here, we have gadgets capable of tracking and monitoring your calls and if we discover you spoke or were in communication with bandits or anyone on our wanted list, we would add you to the list of wanted bandits and informants.

“If any informant goes missing, I, Bago, am responsible for their disappearance. I swear to Almighty God to hold me responsible. If you know any informants and you are here, I, Bago, will hunt you down,” he said.

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The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Bauchi State has commenced moves to reconcile aggrieved members following the resolution of its prolonged leadership crisis by the court.

DAILY POST reports that the crisis, which pitted rival factions against each other over control of the party structure was recently settled by a High Court ruling that affirmed Hassan Haruna as the legitimate state chairman.

Responding, the party set up a reconciliation committee to unite members and restore cohesion ahead of future political activities.

Deputy State Publicity Secretary, Arsanu Guyaba, who spoke to journalists on Thursday, described the judgment as a turning point, saying it provides both legal backing and a pathway to stability within the party.

He disclosed that the leadership has extended olive branches to dissenting members, urging them to return and work collectively to reposition the ADC.

Guyaba added that the party is now focusing on strengthening its internal structures and mobilising support in preparation for the 2027 general elections.

He noted that while the opposing faction may still explore legal options, the party remains committed to dialogue and peaceful resolution of differences.

He also commended the national leadership of the ADC for its support and non-interference, allowing the state chapter to resolve its internal issues.

With reconciliation efforts ongoing, the party says it is shifting attention to grassroots mobilisation and strategic positioning, expressing optimism about its performance in the next electoral cycle.

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Russia will refer women who do not want to have children to psychologists under new health guidelines designed to address a systemic demographic crisis.

Russia’s dwindling birth rate has been one of President Vladimir Putin’s main worries during his 25-year rule and with Moscow having sent hundreds of thousands of young men to the front in Ukraine over the last four years, the problem has only worsened.

Under new guidelines from the health ministry for reproductive health checks, doctors will ask women how many children they want to have.

If the woman answers zero, “it is recommended to send the patient to a consultation with a medical psychologist with the goal of forming a positive attitude towards having children.”

The recommendations were approved in late February but only picked up by state media this week.

The Kremlin chief casts Russia’s shrinking population as a matter of national survival — warning in 2024 Russia faced “extinction” if it did not boost birth rates.

Russia’s birth rate is running at a 200-year low of around 1.4 per woman — far below the 2.1 that demographers say is necessary for a stable population.

In recent years Moscow has tightened abortion rules and passed bills to make so-called “child-free propaganda” illegal.

Large families are heralded as national heroes and offered a host of financial and social benefits from the state.

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King Charles III says Nigeria has “profoundly enriched” the
British culture in more ways than one.

The monarch spoke on Wednesday while delivering a speech at
the state banquet hosted in honour of President Bola Tinubu and his wife,
Oluremi Tinubu.

The president and the first lady are in the United Kingdom
for a state visit — the first by a Nigerian leader in 37 years.

King Charles III described the bond between Nigeria and the
UK as enduring, adding that Britons “cherish their personal connection to
Nigeria”.

“We in the United Kingdom are blessed that so many people of
Nigerian heritage, having chosen Britain as their home, are now at the heart of
British life through excelling at the highest levels of business, technology,
academia, law, science, sport, literature and the arts, and public service,” he
said.

“I have met so many of these quiet heroes in our schools,
businesses, National Health Service and universities, including countless young
people who have flourished through the work of my King’s Trust over the last
fifty years. Only last week, I was delighted to host a rather lively group of
them for a ‘Jollof and Tea’ party at St. James’s Palace. I was firmly assured
that the Jollof was only the best: Nigerian, of course… or perhaps Ghanaian or
Senegalese. Diplomatically, I cannot remember!

“But who could have imagined that, when I first visited
Nigeria thirty-six years ago today, so many of those I might have met would
have gone on to have such an impact in the United Kingdom. From Afrobeats
filling our concert halls and Nollywood captivating our screens, to stars
competing in our Premier League and adjudicating our highest courts, so much of
Britain’s culture is, in truth, profoundly enriched by Nigeria.

“Whether they are Nigerians who have chosen Britain as their
adopted place to invest, trade or study, or Britons who cherish their personal
connection to Nigeria, they all represent a living bridge of over half a
million people who connect our nations, Mr President, and help make our
cultures richer, our shared security stronger and our economies more
prosperous.”

King Charles III added that the state visit is an
“opportunity to celebrate the fact that Nigeria is investing in Britain’s
future as much as Britain is investing in Nigeria’s”.

“The friendship between our two countries, Mr President, is
a partnership of equals that has brought us both enormous benefits. It has been
described to me as a deeply spiritual connection – beyond churches and mosques
– a deep bond through which we have strengthened our shared security, ensured
our economies are more prosperous, and empowered each other to believe in a
more hopeful future,” the monarch said.

Aprokorepublic

By Ejike Abana, ABS Awka

A commission of inquiry constituted by the Anambra State Government has affirmed Chief Gibson Nwosu as the lawful traditional ruler of Awka, bringing fresh clarity to a protracted leadership crisis that has polarised the community and raised concerns about the integrity of customary governance processes.

The panel, chaired by retired Justice Paul Obidigwe, submitted its report to Governor Chukwuma Soludo after weeks of sittings marked by detailed submissions and testimonies. In all, the commission received 32 memoranda and heard 28 oral testimonies from stakeholders, including kingmakers, community leaders, and other interested parties.

Presenting the report, Mr Obidigwe said the panel found no lawful basis for the purported dethronement of Igwe Nwosu. According to him, the process fell short of the requirements of due process and breached the principle of fair hearing, rendering the action “unlawful, invalid, and of no legal effect.”

The commission further determined that the emergence of Chief Austin Ndigwe as a rival claimant to the stool did not comply with laid-down procedures. It held that both his selection and enthronement contravened statutory provisions guiding the appointment of traditional rulers in the state, thereby stripping his claim of legitimacy.

Mr Obidigwe described the crisis as not only a local dispute but also “an affront to constituted authority,” warning that disregard for established legal frameworks in traditional institutions could undermine public order and governance.

Background to the dispute

The Awka traditional stool tussle has lingered for months, with factions within the community divided over the legitimacy of the existing leadership structure. Attempts at internal reconciliation reportedly failed, prompting appeals to the state government to intervene.

The dispute reflects broader tensions often associated with succession processes in traditional institutions, where customary practices intersect with statutory regulations. In Anambra, as in many parts of Nigeria, the recognition of traditional rulers is subject to both community customs and state laws, creating potential flashpoints when procedures are contested.

Government response and next steps

Receiving the report, Governor Soludo said the state government would subject the findings to careful review and subsequently issue a White Paper to determine the official position and outline actionable steps.

Mr Soludo recalled that the government had initially refrained from вмешment, allowing the Awka community space to resolve the matter internally. However, he said the state stepped in after it became evident that local mechanisms had failed to produce a consensus.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, stressing that Anambra must remain a state where legal frameworks guide both formal governance and traditional institutions.

The governor also sent a broader signal to communities across the state, warning against situations where multiple individuals claim the same traditional stool.

“No community will be allowed to have more than one traditional ruler,” he said, adding that the government’s intervention was not intended to create winners or losers but to restore order and legality.

“There is no victor and no vanquished,” the governor stated, urging all parties to embrace reconciliation in the interest of peace and communal development.

The Kaduna state government has compensated the residents of
Malali Low-Cost, whose houses were demolished by the administration of Nasir
el-Rufai, with new plots of land.

Bashir Garba Ibrahim, director general of Kaduna Geographic
Information Service (KADGIS), who presented the land titles to the
beneficiaries, said that the gesture was aimed at fulfilling Uba Sani
administration’s commitment to ensure justice for the victims.

He said the compensation with the land titles is the outcome
of a stakeholders meeting, which took place on January 21, and resolved to
investigate the circumstances around the demolition.

While counselling against reselling the plots of land,
Ibrahim advised the beneficiaries to develop the land quickly.

“We want you to become homeowners and contribute to the
growth of our state,” he said.

While responding to the gesture of the state government on
behalf of the beneficiaries, Mohammed Auwal, chairman of the former Malali
Low-Cost residents, expressed gratitude to the governor for addressing their
concerns.

Auwal appreciated the director-general for facilitating the
new land allocation after years of struggle to get compensation.

The Kaduna State Development and Property Company (KSDPC)
had given the residents of Malali Low-Cost a seven-day notice to evict the
community in October 2020.

Although residents protested the short notice and the need
to give them the right of first refusal, the decision was shelved at the time.

However, in March 2021, another three-day notice was served
to the residents, and after the expiration of the notice, more than 80
structures were demolished.

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