News
Prison controllers suspended as probe of Bobrisky’s claim begins
The Federal Government yesterday suspended two senior officers of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) over alleged infractions regarding the incarceration of celebrity cross-dresser Mr Idris Okuneye (aka Bobrisky).
It followed the release of a voice recording by a social media influencer, Martins Vincent Otse (a.k.a VeryDarkMan), in which Bobrisky purportedly claimed that he spent his jail time for naira abuse in a private apartment.
In the same audio, Bobrisky was heard saying that he bribed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) with N15 million to drop money laundering charges against him.
EFCC Chairman Olu Olukoyede and Minister of Interior Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo had ordered investigations.
Yesterday, acting under the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board, the government said it suspended forthwith two senior officers directly connected with Bobrisky’s case.
In a statement by the Board’s Secretary, Ja’afaru Ahmed, two other officers were also suspended for similar misdemeanours in different facilities.
They are Michael Anugwa, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) in charge of Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Kirikiri, Lagos; and Sikiru Adekunle, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) in charge of Maximum-Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Kirikiri.
The Board also suspended ASC II Ogbule Samuel Obinna, serving at the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Afikpo, Ebonyi State, for allegedly accompanying a convicted inmate out of the Custodial Centre to a location outside the facility.
The Board has also suspended another Senior Officer, Iloafonsi Kevin Ikechukwu, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC), in charge of Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC), Kuje, for allegedly receiving monies on behalf of an inmate.
“The suspension of these officers is to allow for further investigation on the various allegations while assuring that the outcome would be made public when concluded,” the statement read.
Also yesterday, the House of Representatives said it would investigate the EFCC and the NCOs over the allegations.
The resolution followed a motion by Patrick Umoh (APC- Akwa Ibom).
“The house is disturbed by the damning allegations against Nigeria’s critical law enforcement agencies, the EFCC and the NCS, established by this hallowed chambers to fight corruption and incarcerate persons convicted of crime for correctional purposes.”
“Worried about the negative image and portrayal of Nigeria as a corrupt nation which Nigeria still struggle to redeem itself from such perception, a committee comprising of persons of unquestionable integrity to immediately probe the allegation be set up to investigate these allegations,” he said.
Bobrisky yesterday deleted all pictures and videos on his Instagram page.
In a Facebook post, he said he was contemplating suicide.
Bobrisky wrote: “I have never in my life thought about suicide in my life but now it is coming to my head seeing what human beings are doing to their fellow human just in the name you want to bring them down by force or because you don’t like them.
“I don’t need no sympathy from anyone. People I might have need sympathy from are my late parent. But who will fight for you? Friends? Haters you won.”
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) had also called for an independent probe by the National Security Adviser (NSA).
News
Video: Watch moment Senator Manu tasks NAFDAC officials on poor budget presentation
The Senator representing Taraba Central, Manu Haruna white washed officials of NAFDAC for poor budget presentation during 2025 budget defense on Friday.
In a video, Senator Manu a former Deputy Governor of Taraba State opened the underbelly of NAFDAC on improper presentation of figures in the outlines.
He pointedly told the officials that the presentation was designed to mislead senators.
Watch video below:
News
Why I returned N100m excess fund to Kano Govt Commissioner
The Kano State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Tajo Othman, who was recently in the news for returning N100 million excess fund to the state government, has revealed the reason behind his action.
The commissioner while addressing newsmen in Kano on Friday said his action was influenced by the state governor’s “exemplary leadership style,” adding that in an ideal situation, leaders are always a pace setter for others to follow.
He said he did not expect Governor Kabir Abba Yusuf to reveal the act to the public, but the governor chose to do so during the flag-off of the free uniform distribution to encourage the future generation to be transparent.
He said, “In an ideal governance setting, the leader is a pace setter for others to follow. We have seen the governor’s body language and as such we fall in. That is what exactly happened. it is the wish of the governor that everybody should be as transparent as possible.
“He is a transparent governor and therefore we should be transparent as well. I never expected the governor to go public with it, but I believe the reason behind his announcement is indeed genuine.”
The commissioner added that as the head of the committee for school uniform distribution, the state governor entrusted him with the task and advised the committee to execute it to the best of their ability.
The commissioner who was a retired customs officer was in the news when the Governor Yusuf publicly commended him for returning N100 million in unspent funds from a N2 billion budget earmarked for the production of 798,000 uniforms for pupils of primary 1 in the state.
News
Nigerian Online Population Shows Strong Enthusiasm for AI – Report
A new global survey report from Ipsos and Google has shown widespread use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools among Nigerian online population.
The study, tagged: “Our Life with AI: From Innovation to Application,” surveyed 21,000 people across 21 countries, and observed that global AI usage has jumped to 48 per cent and excitement about its potential now exceeds concerns (57 per cent vs. 43 per cent, up from 50 per cent / 50 per cent last year).
According to the report, in Nigeria, AI adoption and enthusiasm are even higher, as 70 per cent of the Nigerian online population used generative AI, surpassing the 48 per cent global average. Moreover, 87 per cent are excited about AI’s potential and see its benefits outweighing the risks.
Analysing the report, President of Global Affairs, Google & Alphabet, Kent Walker, said: “AI is starting to deliver magic at scale, making people’s lives easier and better. The survey results show the more people use these tools, the more excited they get about the possibilities and about the personal, professional, and scientific breakthroughs on the way.”
The survey results indicate that optimism about AI is growing within the surveyed online community in Nigeria. Key findings from the survey, show that among survey participants in Nigeria, 70 per cent reported using generative AI in the past year, which is significantly higher than the global average of 48 per cent. A substantial 87 per cent of Nigerian respondents feel that AI’s potential benefits outweigh the associated risks, suggesting a strong belief in the positive impact of AI. A significant 81 per cent of surveyed Nigerian adults believe AI will positively change the economy.
Furthermore, 90 per cent of the survey respondents in Nigeria anticipate AI having a positive impact on science and medicine, demonstrating the widespread belief in the potential of AI to drive progress in these sectors.
According to the report, Nigeria’s online population demonstrates a higher level of excitement and adoption of AI when compared to other regions. The survey indicates: Nigeria is among the top countries in terms of AI usage and excitement about its potential.
This contrasts with more cautious sentiment in some European and North American countries.
The report also said the Nigerian online community saw immense potential for AI in science and medical advancements:
“A significant 90 per cent of survey respondents expect AI to have a positive impact on science and medicine. This is one of the highest rates globally, highlighting the strong anticipation of breakthroughs in these fields through AI,” the report said, and onlinerd that the population in Nigeria recognised AI’s potential to enhance personal and professional development:
“Many believe AI can make people’s lives better by boosting productivity and providing access to resources. Within the Nigerian online population surveyed, there is a prevailing sentiment that supports the fostering of AI advancement rather than restrictive regulations. This suggests that those surveyed are keen to embrace innovation,” the report further said.
The survey results highlight the strong enthusiasm and optimism of the surveyed online population in Nigeria about the role of AI in various aspects of life, particularly in the economy, healthcare, and scientific advancement. The findings suggest that Nigeria’s online community is among the most enthusiastic globally about the transformative potential of AI.
Google has been pursuing AI boldly and responsibly for years. In 2018, Google was one of the first companies to establish AI Principles grounded in beneficial use and avoidance of harm. Two years ago, it unveiled its opportunity agenda, which shard concrete recommendations for governments to ensure AI benefits the broadest range of people possible.
-
Sports24 hours ago
SAD: Footballer slumps, dies during match in Osun
-
News16 hours ago
How my 34-Yr-Old graduate son took his own life after NYSC Service Year – Mother
-
News23 hours ago
HoR minority caucus sad over demise of principal officer, Onanuga, says lawmaker was quintessential, pragmatic in her duties
-
News23 hours ago
MAPOLY may expel 49 final year students over fake results
-
News19 hours ago
Just In: TikTok to be yanked off in the US from Sunday, Supreme Court rules
-
News19 hours ago
Just in: AIG’s wife kidnapped in Ogun
-
News21 hours ago
Police bust illegal weapons factory, arrest cultist, two murder suspects
-
News24 hours ago
Otti promises support for NDLEA in fight against drug abuse