Author: News Room

A UK-based Nigerian writer, Dotun Olufokunbi, has released a new literary work on Yoruba cultural practices surrounding kingship, succession and ambition. According to Olufokunbi, the play titled “The Return” dwells on the history and customs of the old Oyo Empire. “The work draws on Yoruba traditions, particularly the practice in which an Aremo, the crown prince, was expected to die alongside a deceased king to prevent rivalry and instability within the kingdom,” he said. Speaking further, he explained that “The Return” was inspired by his engagement with Yoruba history, particularly the political structure of the Oyo Empire, which played a…

Jumia, one of Africa’s largest e-commerce platforms, has strengthened its internal governance and access controls as it steps up efforts to protect consumer data and maintain trust amid Nigeria’s fast-growing digital economy, its chief executive said. As online shopping expands beyond major cities and more Nigerians transact digitally for the first time, concerns around how personal information is collected, stored and used have become central to consumer confidence. Industry players say weak safeguards risk slowing adoption and undermining the gains of digital inclusion. Chief Executive Officer of Jumia Nigeria, Temidayo Ojo, said in a note shared with The PUNCH that…

Last week, the Department of Justice released a trove of documents related to its case against Jeffrey Epstein, its largest to date. Amid the millions of files were many mentions of Elon Musk. A search of Musk’s name in the department’s database results in at least 1,500 hits.Since the release, Musk has been — what else? — posting through it, defending himself and his correspondence with Epstein on his social media platform, X. Musk said he had “very little correspondence” with Epstein and “declined repeated invitations” to go to Epstein’s island, despite emails showing he had been in touch with…

Several New York district attorneys have reportedly warned about the US federal stablecoin law, the GENIUS Act, claiming it fails to adequately address fraud.According to a Monday CNN report, New York Attorney General Letitia James and four district attorneys signed onto a letter saying that the GENIUS Act will “provide legal cover” for stablecoin issuers to potentially participate in fraud. The letter reportedly pointed a finger at issuers Tether and Circle, claiming that the companies have profited off crimes in stablecoin markets, specifically accusing Tether of only freezing some suspicious transactions in USDt (USDT).“The reality for many victims, therefore, is…

Authorities are revealing more information about how Today coanchor Savannah Guthrie and her family discovered matriarch Nancy Guthrie is missing. During a Monday, February 2, press conference, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nano shared that the 84-year-old’s disappearance was first reported one day prior. Nano claimed that a friend from Nancy’s church noticed she was not present at the service and called one of her children. (Nancy shared daughters Savannah, 54, and Annie and son Camron with late husband Charles, who died from a heart attack at age 49.) The friend then went to Nancy’s home and “did some searching and…

Blessing Odenigbo, the mother of premature triplets recuperating at an Enugu hospital, has appealed to Nigerians and the Enugu State Government for financial assistance to settle hospital bills exceeding N3.8 million. Mrs Odenigbo, a fruit seller who hails from Aku community in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu, delivered her triplets at Divine Assurance Hospital, Ologo, beside Police Detective College, Enugu. She explained that complications developed during the pregnancy after her blood pressure reportedly spiked to 196/100, impairing her breathing. “So based on medical advice, I was rushed to the theatre for emergency surgery to save my life and that…

Prominent Niger Delta leader and philanthropist, High Chief Hon. Amb. Sobomabo Jackrich (Egberipapa), has congratulated renowned civil engineer and oil and gas entrepreneur, Engr. Matthew Tonlagha, on the occasion of his birthday, describing him as “a visionary trailblazer and a shining beacon of hope to the Niger Delta.” In a congratulatory message made available to journalists on Sunday, Jackrich praised Tonlagha’s contributions to indigenous engineering, logistics and technical services in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, saying his corporate career reflects innovation, resilience and forward-thinking leadership. “Engr. Matthew Tonlagha’s outstanding corporate and business career stands as a testament to excellence and innovation…

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has intensified moves to overcome its internal crisis, as the Board of Trustees, BoT, and the National Caretaker Committee reaffirmed commitment to unity, respect for court rulings and preparations for outstanding congresses ahead of a national convention. Speaking at the 85th meeting of the PDP Board of Trustees in Abuja, factional BoT Chairman, Senator Mao Ohuabunwa, described the party as being at a critical crossroads, urging leaders to put collective interest above personal ambition. Ohuabunwa said the PDP had weathered months of turbulence marked by leadership disputes and legal battles, but survived due to its…

Chelsea, on Monday, secured transfer deals for three of its players. The Blues made the announcement in a statement on their website on transfer deadline day. The players are Joel Philbert, David Fofana, and Aaron Anselmino. Philbert completed a permanent transfer to Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur. He joined Chelsea at age 14 during the 2023/24 season and developed through the club’s academy ranks. Similarly, Fofana joined Strasbourg on loan until the end of the season. The Ivory Coast international signed for the Premier League west London club from Molde in January 2023. The 22-year-old spent the 2024/25 season with…

Operatives of the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have arrested 10 suspected illegal miners along the Ilorin–Ogbomosho area of Kwara State. The anti-graft agency disclosed this in a statement shared via its official social media handles on Monday, noting that the suspects were apprehended following credible intelligence on unlawful mining activities in parts of Kwara and Oyo states. According to the EFCC, the arrest was carried out on Sunday, February 1, 2026, during a well-coordinated sting operation targeting the illegal excavation and transportation of solid minerals in the area. “The suspects were arrested following actionable…