BREAKING: Nollywood Veteran Actress, Rachel Oniga Dies At Age 64

Information reaching Naijaloaded has it that Nigerian multi talented actor, Rachel Oniga, has passed away today.

The cause of her death is still unknown. Taking to his Instagram page, producer cum investigative blogger, Samklef, revealed that the Nollywood veteran actress, Rachel, has died.

Late Mrs Rachel Oniga’s last post on Instagram was in June 2021, which she took with Denrele Edun. She was born on 23 May 1957 (aged 64 years).

Samklef confirmed:

“Sad news another legend is gone. Rip to my childhood actor @racheloniga May her soul Rest In Peace. Nollywood lost an angel.”

Hushpuppi Allegedly Name Dino Melaye, Linda Ikeji, Daddy Freeze, Among Others As His Accomplices – Kemi Olunloyo Says

Investigative journalist Kemi Olunloyo has disclosed that alleged fraudster Hushpuppi has named Dino Melaye, Linda Ikeji, Daddy Freeze, and some others as his accomplices.

Kemi Olunloyo has been saying this for a very long time now and has confirmed it in a video sighted online but this time around added a few names such as Dino Melaye and Daddy Freeze as she didn’t mention their name initially.

According to Kemi Olunloyo, Linda Ikeji and Dino Melaye are guilty of the accusation leveled against them but Daddy Freeze had no idea what Hushpuppi was up to when he went to his house sometime to eat and enjoy with him.

Kemi Olunloyo also added that they all have no idea that Hushpuppi has mentioned their name and investigations will follow very soon just as Abba Kayri’s name was mentioned for accepting a bribe to arrest another fraudster.

Going by what Kemi Olunloyo said, Daddy Freeze has been implicated in this fraud case just because he went to the house of Hushpuppi some time ago when he had no idea what he was up to and now needs to prepare for the outcome.

BBNaija: Meet ‘Shine ya Eye housemates

Season six of the Big Brother Naija reality show premiered on Saturday with 10 housemates from different parts of the country contesting for the grand prize.

This winner of this year’s edition titled ‘Shine ya Eye’ will walk away with N90 million worth of prizes.

The show host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu also announced that Season 6 will run for a period of 10-weeks

He had earlier said viewers in the UK for the first time ever can now watch BBNaija live on Showmax rather than youtube.

Also, there would be no SMS voting for season 6 housemates.

Below are the housemates:

1. Boma Akpore- Model and a former footballer

2. Saga Adeolu From Lagos State. 28-years old and an Engineer.

3. Yousef- 29-years old a teacher and model from Jos State.

4. Pere- A drama King and into real estate.

5. Whitemoney- Businessman.

6. Niyi-34-years old, married and from Oyo State.

7. Yerins- Medical Doctor, 27, From Bayelsa State.

8. Jaypaul- 28-years old, Cross Rivers State

9. Emmanuel- 24-years old from Akwa-Ibom.

He loves travelling, driving fast cars, reading and doesn’t like hatred and envy. He loves working out and he is competitive.

10. Sammie—Kaduna, a student from ABU Zaria.

11. Cross- A 31yrs Adventurous and forgiving personality. He loves clubbing. He loves pretty women. He likes to see ladies fight for him.

Comedian Oluwadolarz involved in ghastly car accident (Video)

Popular content creator, Ogunleye Olamide Babatunde better known as Oluwadolarz is involved in a car accident along Lekki-Epe expressway, Lagos.

According to reports, the comedian crashed his white Lexus Salon car almost to the point of no repair. He however escaped the auto crash with few bruises on the hand and the head.

No official statement is yet to be released on the accident from Oluwadolarz or any of his team as regards his health after being rushed to the hospital for necessary medical attention.

Nigerian Army Welcomes 28 Boko Haram, ISWAP Fighters, Families Who Surrendered In Borno

The Director of Army Public Relations, Brig Gen Onyema Nwachukwu disclosed this in a statement.

File photo used for illustrative purpose

According to a report by SaharaReporters, the Nigerian Army has said that 28 fleeing members of the Boko Haram and the Islamic State for West African Province groups as well as their families surrendered to troops of 151 Task Force Battalion under 21 Special Brigade in Borno State.

The Director of Army Public Relations, Brig Gen Onyema Nwachukwu disclosed this in a statement.

The statement said the terrorists, who were fleeing intense aerial and artillery bombardments, surrendered to troops after sustained interdiction and were received by the soldiers.

It added that the terrorists and their families were taken in at the outskirts of Aza and Bula Daloye villages in the Bama Local Government Area of Borno state by troops of the battalion on fighting patrol at Miyanti and Darajamel.

“The arrested suspects comprised of 11 adult male terrorists, five adult females and 12 children. The troops also recovered 27 rounds of 7.62 mm (special) ammunition, three AK 47 rifle magazines and a black fragmental Jacket from the suspects,”the statement stated.

The army added that the suspected terrorists were undergoing preliminary investigations.

“In a separate operation on July 17, 2021, troops of 7 Division Garrison in conjunction with Civilian Joint Task Force, acting on credible intelligence tracked and arrested Boko Haram informants and logistics suppliers, during a cordon and search operation in Lawanti and Gongolun Communities of Jere Local Government area of Borno State.

“During preliminary investigations, the suspects confessed to have been working as informants for the terrorists, whom they provide with information on troops’ movements, locations, deployments, strength, calibre of weapons and other activities.

“They also admitted to supplying terrorists with basic logistics for their daily survival, ranging from Petroleum Oil and Lubricant (POL), drugs, mosquito nets, kolanuts, recharge cards and food stuff.

“The suspects disclosed that they were remunerated by the terrorists with proceeds made from selling dismantled old motorcycle parts to dealers in order to fund their purchases,”Nwachukwu added.

BREAKING: Yoruba Nation agitator Sunday Igboho arrested in Cotonou

Yoruba nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo also known as Sunday Igboho, has been arrested in Cotonou, Benin Republic, The PUNCHhas learnt.

He was arrested at the Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport on Monday night, a top source familiar with the matter told our correspondent.

Igboho was arrested by the security forces in Benin Republic about three weeks after the Department of State Services declared him wanted for allegedly stockpiling arms, an allegation he has since denied.

The source toldThe PUNCHthat Igboho would be repatriated to Nigeria on Tuesday (today) from Benin Republic, one of Nigeria’s neighbouring countries in the West African sub region.

“He was arrested in Cotonou while he tried to travel out on Monday night. His destination was Germany. The security forces in Benin Republic should repatriate him to Nigeria on Tuesday,” the source said.

The Nigerian secret police had raided Igboho’s Ibadan residence in the Soka area on July 1, 2021, arrested about 12 of his aides and killed two of them in a gun duel.

The Federal Government of Nigeria had placed the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Nigeria Customs Service on alert to stop Igboho from leaving the country.

When contacted, a member of Igboho’s legal team, Pelumi Olajengbesi, said he would speak with the lead counsel, Yomi Aliyu (SAN), to verify the report.

DSS spokesman, Peter Afunanya, did not respond to a text message seeking confirmation on the matter. Afunanya at a briefing on July 1, 2021, had vowed that “Igboho may run as far as he can. He may hide as long as he wants…But this will be the end of his shenanigans.”

BREAKING: Pilot escapes as another military jet crashes in Zamfara

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Monday, confirmed the crash of an Alpha Jet aircraft in Zamfara.

The aircraft was returning from air interdiction between the boundaries of Zamfara and Kaduna States.

In a statement signed by the Director Public Relations and Information Nigerian Air Force Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the jet came under enemy fire but the Pilot, Flight Lieutenant Abayomi Dairo, successfully ejected.

It read: “on 18 July 2021, at about 12.45 pm, a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Alpha Jet aircraft, returning from a successful air interdiction mission between the boundaries of Zamfara and Kaduna State, came under intense enemy fire which led to its crash in Zamfara State. Luckily, the gallant pilot of the aircraft, Flight Lieutenant Abayomi Dairo, successfully ejected from the aircraft.

“Using his survival instincts, the pilot, who came under intense ground fire from the bandits, was able to evade them and sought refuge in nearby settlements awaiting sunset. Using the cover of darkness and his phone set for navigation, Flight Lieutenant Dairo was able to elude several bandits’ strongholds and maneuvered his way to a Nigerian Army Unit, where he was finally rescued”.

The statement added: “It is instructive to note that upon receipt of the news of the crash, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao, had directed that all efforts must be emplaced to rescue the pilot. Accordingly, NAF Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms and helicopter gunships provided close air support to NAF Special Forces and Nigerian Army troops who were able to locate the crash site and the pilot’s parachute, while also combing nearby locations for any sign of the pilot.

“It is gladdening to note that while in hiding, Flight Lieutenant Dairo confirmed that the presence of NAF aircraft within the vicinity of the crash site helped in scaring the bandits who were after him, thus enabling him to find refuge and escape to a safe location.

“It is important to also recall that only recently, the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, had directed the Armed Forces of Nigeria to do all it takes to flush out criminal elements in Katsina, Zamfara and Kaduna States.

“It is in fulfilment of this directive that the NAF, in conjunction with surface forces, has in the last 2 weeks mounted intensive day and night air interdiction operations against bandits and their hideouts, especially in these 3 states. Through these intensive air operations, hundreds of bandits have been neutralized and several of their hideouts destroyed.

“Despite the setback of yesterday’s crash, the NAF remains committed towards fulfilling Mr President’s mandate as well as other constitutional roles assigned to it. The willingness, readiness and tested ability of the NAF remains unshaken and unwavering as it continues to carry out its assigned roles”.

[Photo] Slain Army General, Hassan Ahmed Buried In Abuja

Slain Army General, Hassan Ahmed has been buried in Abuja on Friday.

As reported by The Nation, the remains of Major General Hassan Ahmed killed by gunmen along Lokoja-Abuja highway on Thursday have been buried in Abuja.

Major General Ahmed was a member of the 40th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) and former Provost Marshal of the Nigerian Army.

He was recently appointed Director Veterans Affairs at the Army Headquarters, an office he was yet to resume.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt Gen Faruk Yahaya said the incident was sad and shocking.

According to him: “It is indeed sad and shocking incident given the circumstances when it happened but we can’t question God. His will will always be done. All of us are on the way only we don’t know when. That is reserved for God.

“He had to go to that place for him to go there all of us have our chosen places where our lives will be taken. It is very painful but we can’t question God.”

The COAS, who was quiet on the Army’s next move following the murder of a senior military officer, said the military will ensure prompt payment of benefits.

He added his administration will improve on the welfare and entitlements of personnel killed in active service.

Avoid non-essential interstate travels during Sallah, NCDC warns Nigerians

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has cautioned Nigerians against non-essential interstate travels.

This, it said, was to prevent the spread of the Delta variant of the COVID-19.

The Head of Risk Communications Division, NCDC, Dr Yahya Disu, gave the warning during a Channels Television programme, ‘Sunrise Daily’ breakfast show, monitored in Abuja on Wednesday.

He said the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic was triggered in Nigeria by travellers, who moved across states for the last Christmas and New Year holidays last December.

Disu urged Nigerians to learn from that experience and avoid unnecessary trips for the Eid-el-kabir next week.

The PUNCH had earlier reported warnings by experts against a fresh lockdown because of its likely impact on the economy.

Disu said, “More importantly, Sallah is coming when people just travel and that makes the risk higher in villages in different parts of the country.

“So, we need to warn people that they don’t need to travel if it is not necessary; you can celebrate where you are. During Sallah, we go to the mosque in large numbers, but this is the time we need to be very cautious.

“We are working with religious organisations. The second wave in Nigeria started because of Christmas, because people travelled for Christmas. So, we can avoid it; we can learn from it. A life that we lost is very important for every one of us; it could be anybody. So, it is not worth it to lose a life because we want to celebrate Sallah or Christmas.”

Sylva: Petrol subsidy will be removed after Buhari signs PIB

Timipre Sylva, minister of state for petroleum resources, says petrol subsidy will be removed after President Muhammadu Buhari signs the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) into law.

The senate passed the PIB on July 1.

Sylva said this on Monday in Abuja at a media briefing to mark Nigeria/Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC): 50 Years of Partnership.

Nigeria joined OPEC on July 12, 1971.

According to Sylva, the removal of petrol subsidy is in the best interest of Nigeria, especially as the PIB has no provision for subsidy.

“This (subsidy removal) is desirable for the interest and growth of Nigeria. Of course, everybody will have their perspectives, but from where I sit, I believe that subsidy removal is the best thing for Nigeria, not just the industry,” he said.

“So far, the discussions with stakeholders are still ongoing. But I will also bring it to your attention that today, when the President assents to the PIB, subsidy will become a matter of law, because it is already in the PIB that petroleum products will be sold at market determined prices.

“The removal of subsidy has the potential of unlocking a lot more funds for deployment to development. Unfortunately, what we are doing by way of subsidy is like cutting our nose to spite our face.”

Sylva noted that the federal government would soon commence the rehabilitation of the Warri and Kaduna refineries in order to increase domestic refining of petrol and to cushion the impact of subsidy removal.

He said the OPEC quota given to Nigeria for crude oil production in June was 1.554 million barrels per day, adding that the quota system had helped in balancing oil prices globally.

Nnamdi Kanu’s Successor On Radio Baifra Revealed l

Following the detention of Nnamdi Kanu, the Director of Radio Biafra, Simon Ekpa, one of the arrowheads of the agitation for the state of Biafra in Finland has been appointed to take over daily broadcast in the station.

Mr. Ekpa disclosed his appointment bus his official Facebook page, noting that it is honour to serve the Biafra nation and a call to serve lovers of freedom.

“Our Leader, Mazi Nnamdi on this day, 8th of July 2021 directed that I, Simon Ekpa should start broadcasting from Radio Biafra with immediate effect.

“On this note, it is honour, and at the same time, a call to service, a call to serve Biafra nation, and a call to serve lovers of freedom.

“This task, I will do with everything in me to see that we maintain the momentum and the legacy of our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and IPOB.

“I will serve with everything in me and I will double my effort in media, diplomacy, and otherwise to the best interest of Biafra people.

“I am just a servant and I will serve. Our leader will continue to lead this struggle from wherever he is.

“I am Simon Ekpa, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s disciple on Biafra restoration.”

Simon Ekpa LL.M (Master of Laws) is a human rights activist and a legal researcher and advisor.

He is a native of Ngbo in the Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State in Southeastern Nigeria.

He is said to be a chief and one of those in line to the throne as the son of the late King Nwangbo (The Ogaba Idu of Ngbo clan).

Simon has been living in Finland for more than a decade. He is a Finnish citizen and a politician. He was recently elected deputy councillor in his municipality.

Radio Biafra stands at the centre of the Biafra agitation struggle since its inception

BREAKING: Nigerian Singer, Sound Sultan Dies

Nigerian singer, Olarenwaju Fasasi popularly known as Sound Sultan is dead.

Sound Sultan was diagnosed with throat cancer.

The deceased had been undergoing chemotherapy in a hospital in the United States of America.

His demise was announced in a statement by his family on Sunday.

Lanre Fasasi: Family Releases Statement on What Killed Sound Sultan

Nigerian singer, Olarenwaju Fasasi popularly known as Sound Sultan is dead.

The Editor Nigeria reports that Sound Sultan who was diagnosed with Angioimmunoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma died on Sunday at the age of 44. The deceased had been undergoing chemotherapy in a hospital in the United States of America.

Sound Sultan (born Olanrewaju Fasasi on November 27, 1976) was a Nigerian rapper, singer, songwriter, actor, comedian and recording artist. He was regarded as one of the pacesetters of modern hip hop music in Nigeria.

His demise was announced in a statement by his family on Sunday.

The statement read, “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of multitalented veteran singer, rapper, songwriter Olanrewaju Fasasi aka Sound sultan. He passed away at the age of 44 following a hard-fought battle with Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma.

“He is survived by his wife, three children and his siblings. We, his family will appreciate the utmost privacy as we come to grips with the tragic loss.”

Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) is a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which is a group of related malignancies (cancers) that affect the lymphatic system (lymphomas). Lymphomas are the cancer of white blood cells (lymphocytes) and can be divided depending on the type of cells, B-lymphocytes (B-cells) or T-lymphocytes (T-cells), AITL is a T-cell lymphoma.

The lymphatic system functions as part of the immune system and helps to protect the body against infection and disease. It consists of a network of tubular channels (lymph vessels) that drain a thin watery fluid known as lymph from different areas of the body into the bloodstream.

Prophet TB Joshua's Corpse Arrive Synagogue Church Of All Nations (Photos)

The body of Prophet Temitope Balogun Joshua , the founder of Synagogue Church of All Nations has arrived at the church for the lying in state service.

There is tight security at the church as security operatives and traffic controls could be seen putting all things in order to ease the stress of members attending the service.

It was gathered that people arrived at the church as early as 8 am on Thursday as attendees go through Covid protocol before they enter the church.

The team from the Lagos state government carried out the inspection of the church for COVID-19 measures alongside the Incident Manager of the Emergency Operation Centre of Lagos Covid Response, Dr Ismail Abdul Salam.

The remain of the televangelist and founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations who died on 6th June 2021 arrived at the church with dignitaries escorting the vehicle that carried his body.

See photos below:

Photos: Arms, ammunition DSS recovered from Sunday Igboho’s house

Nigerian forces raided the home of Yoruba activist, Sunday Igboho in the wee hours of Thursday.

The joint operation was carried out by the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Army.

The operatives invaded Igboho’s residence in the Soka area of Ibadan, two days before the planned Yoruba Nation rally in Lagos.

Two aides of the agitator were gunned down; twelve males and one female were arrested.

DSS spokesman, Peter Afunanya in a statement Thursday night, announced that several arms were found.

The weapons include 7 AK-47 assault rifles, 3 pump action guns, 30 AK-47 magazines, 5,000 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

Others are 5 cutlasses, 1 jack knife, 1 pen knife, 2 pistol holsters, 1 binoculars, 5 cartridges and 3 voodoo charm jackets/traditional body armour.

Igboho has gone into hiding but the DSS isn’t giving up. The agency has declared him wanted and advised that he turn himself in to the nearest security agency.

“Igboho may run as far as he can, he may hide as long as he wants, he might have attacked security operatives as his strength carried him. But this will be the end of his shenanigans.

“Soon, he will not have a hiding place. His strength will surely fail him. And the law will catch up with him. The law may be slow. But it will be steady”, Afunanya added.

Photos of the firearms recovered from Igboho’s house below:

BREAKING: Gunmen abduct Igboho’s wife, others

The wife of Yoruba rights activist, Sunday Adeyemo aka Sunday Igboho, has been abducted by the gunmen who attacked his house in the early hours of Thursday.

This is according to the leader of the umbrella body of Yoruba self-determination groups, Ilana Omo Oodua, Emeritus Professor Banji Akintoye.

He said this in a statement personally signed by him and made available to newsmen by his Communications Manager, Mr. Maxwell Adeleye.

The statement was titled, ‘Yoruba Nation: Elements of the Nigerian Army, Accompanied by International Terrorists hired by the Nigerian State attacked Sunday Ighoho’s Residence – Akintoye.’

According to the Communications Manager, Akintoye alleged that “the assailants were all dressed in military uniform and spoke French language fluently.

“He further said that the gunmen killed seven occupants in the building and whisked Igboho’s wife and several others away.”

The incident happened 72 hours to the Yoruba Nation rally slated for Saturday in Lagos which will be attended by Akintoye and Igboho.