Paradise News

Tag: World

  • Drake intensifies legal action against Universal Music group over Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’

    Canadian-American rapper Drake has gone ahead to intensify legal action against Universal Music Group over Kendrick Lamar’s controversial song titled ‘Not Like Us.’

    The talented rapper says that his public image has been severely damaged by Lamar’s Grammy Award win and his recent Super Bowl halftime performance.

    Although the specifics of the lawsuit are still under wraps, insiders indicate Drake’s legal team is pursuing damages and may be trying to prevent the song from being distributed on streaming services in the future.

    According to sources close to the case, the Canadian rapper is claiming the song contains illegal samples and that UMG may have disregarded or permitted the release despite knowing there could be legal issues.

    READ ALSO: Kanye West seeks to mend broken relationship with rapper Drake

    Since its release, the song has received millions of streams and sparked a renewed discussion on the limits of hip-hop beefs. It is commonly perceived as a direct assault on Drake amid the two rap titans’ ongoing verbal spat. 

    In January, Drake accused UMG of defaming him by promoting Kendrick Lamar’s diss single, which contains extremely offensive words.

    Drake should be put on a local watch list, according to Kendrick Lamar’s lyrics, which call him a “certified pedophile” and a “predator.”

    Source: Ripples Nigeria

  • FAAN Shuts Enugu Airport For Emergency Runway Repairs

    The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has announced the temporary closure of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, Enugu State, for emergency runway repairs.

    The closure, which will last from April 22nd to May 6th, 2025, is due to a sudden and significant rupture in the asphalt surface at a critical section of the runway.

    The FAAN confirmed that the decision to close the airport was made in compliance with Nigerian civil aviation regulations, prioritising passenger safety and the modernisation of airport facilities.

    According to Mrs Obiageli Orah, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at FAAN, the runway will not be open for landings or takeoffs during the rehabilitation period.

    The statement noted that all flights to the Enugu airport will be diverted to nearby airports.

    Orah apologised for the late and unexpected notice regarding the closure. She appealed to all airport users and stakeholders for their understanding and cooperation during this time, emphasising FAAN’s commitment to safe skies, secure airports, and seamless travel.

    The authority emphasised its commitment to safe skies, secure airports, and seamless travel.

    FAAN Shuts Enugu Airport For Emergency Runway Repairs is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

    Source: The Whistler

  • Presidency debunks reports of armed men denying VP Shettima access into the villa

    The Presidency has refuted media reports claiming that Vice President Kashim Shettima was recently denied access to the Presidential Villa, describing the claim as “totally fabricated” and “a wild expression of wishful thinking.”

     

    In a statement issued on Saturday, April 19, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha, accused certain unnamed blogs of orchestrating a “deliberate and well-planned campaign of falsehood” targeted at sowing confusion and suggesting disunity within the Presidency.

     

    ‘’The latest in this string of disinformation is a report claiming that the Vice President has been refused entry to the Villa. This is a feeble attempt to traduce the person and office of His Excellency, Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON. For the record, NOTHING OF THE SORT EVER HAPPENED.”

    Nkwocha dismissed the allegations of armed military barricades and restricted access to the Vice President as not only “baseless,” but also “so far removed from reality that it can only be entertained by those unfamiliar with the inner workings of the Nigerian government.

    ‘’The recent publication by some obscure blogs alleging that armed military units have barricaded the Vice President from accessing the Presidential Villa is not only the wildest expression of wishful thinking but a clear indication that the purveyors of these tales have exhausted both ink and imagination. It is a story so far removed from reality that it can only be entertained by those unfamiliar with the inner workings of the Nigerian government.”

    It further noted that earlier in the week, the Presidency had similarly discredited reports about campaign posters bearing the images of President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Shettima for the 2027 elections, labelling them as another desperate attempt to stoke political tension.

    “It is understandable, though regrettable, that the mischief-makers continue to underestimate the strength of the bond and goodwill between the President and the Vice President,” Nkwocha said. “These fairy tales serve no purpose beyond mischief and distraction.”

     

    Reaffirming the Vice President’s commitment to his duties, the Presidency said Shettima remained focused on supporting President Tinubu to deliver on the administration’s agenda, and would not be drawn into what it called a “media circus.”

     

     

    Source: Linda Ikeji

  • Lagos court jails businessman, company for refusing to accept Naira as legal tender

    Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Thursday, April 17, 2025 convicted and sentenced a businessman, Aniogor Godswill Obiajulu and his company, ICE BY CW to five years imprisonment for their refusal to accept the Naira as a legal tender.

    Obiajualu, alongside ICE BY CW, was arraigned on Thursday on a two-count charge bordering on refusal to accept the Naira as a legal tender.

    Count one reads: “That you, ICE BY CW and Aniogor Godswill Obiajulu, on the 10th day of December, 2024 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, refused to accept Naira (Nigeria’s legal tender) by accepting the sum of $10,000 (Ten Thousand US Dollars) as a means of payment for the purchase of one diamond Clover bracelet and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 20(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.”

    Count two reads: “That you, ICE BY CW and Aniogor Godswill Obiajulu, on the 10th day of December, 2024 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, directly retained the total sum of $10,000 (Ten Thousand US Dollars), which sum you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of your unlawful activity to wit: pricing and accepting USD as a means of payment for goods and services and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 and punishable under Section 18 (3) of the same Act.”

    He pleaded “guilty” to the charges when they were read to him

    In view of his plea, prosecution counsel, C.C. Okezie, tendered, in evidence, the payment receipt of the bracelet dated December 10, 2024, the defendant’s statement dated December 27, 2024 and the Diamond bracelet.

    Okezie also urged the court to convict the defendant as charged.

    Delivering judgment, Justice Aluko found the first and second defendants guilty and sentenced them to six months imprisonment each, with an option of fine in the sum of N50,000 (Fifty Thousand Naira) on count one.

    The Judge sentenced the second defendant to four years imprisonment, with an option of fine in the sum of N1,000,000.00 (One Million Naira) on count two.

    Also, the Judge pronounced a fine of N1,000,000.00 (One Million Naira) on the first defendant on count two.

    The Diamond Clover bracelet was ordered forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

    The two convicts bagged their imprisonment for pricing and accepting United States Dollars as a means of payment for goods in and services in Nigeria contrary to the money laundering Act.

    Source: Ripples Nigeria

  • Cardoso’s Financial Sector Reforms Instrumental To Fitch Upgrade Of Nigeria’s Credit Rating—Standard Chartered Bank

    Standard Chartered Bank has hailed the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Olayemi Cardoso, for his transformative policies in the financial sector, which have repositioned the Nigerian economy on the path of sustainable growth.

    Standard Chartered, in a letter to the apex bank governor dated April 15, 2025, and signed by the Group Chief Executive, Bill Winters, said that Cardoso’s financial sector reforms have been instrumental to Fitch’s upgrade of Nigeria’s credit rating.

    Fitch Ratings had last week upgraded Nigeria’s outlook to Stable from Negative, highlighting renewed confidence in the government’s commitment to far-reaching policy reforms.

    While Nigeria’s long-term foreign currency rating remains at ‘B’, Fitch said the economic direction taken since mid-2023 is starting to bear fruit.

    In the Standard Chartered Bank letter to the CBN Governor obtained by THE WHISTLER, Winters said the upgrade is a direct reflection of the transformational reforms the Nigerian government has embarked upon since the administration of President Bola Tinubu took office in May 2023.

    He said that under the leadership of Cardoso as Governor of the CBN, the business community and financial markets have witnessed significant positive reforms that have transformed the economy and markets and placed growth on a sustainable upward path.

    The rating upgrade, he stated further, is more remarkable as it comes at a time of great uncertainty over the global economy, further underscoring the strong confidence and conviction in Nigeria’s economic outlook.

    As Sovereign Rating Advisor to the Nigerian Government for over a decade, the Standard Chartered Bank boss said the bank is honoured to have worked alongside Cardoso to make this upgrade a reality.

    He expressed appreciation for all the support that the CBN, under Cardoso, has afforded the bank and assured of continued partnership that would boost the Nigerian economy.

    The letter reads in part, “I write to congratulate you on behalf of Standard Chartered Bank on the recent upgrade of Nigeria’s Sovereign Credit Rating to B with a stable outlook by Fitch Ratings.

    “The upgrade is a direct reflection of the transformational reforms the Nigerian government embarked upon when the administration took office in May 2023.

    “Under your leadership as Governor of the CBN, the business community and financial markets have witnessed significant positive reforms that have transformed the economy and markets and placed growth on a sustainable upward path.

    “The rating upgrade is all the more remarkable in that it comes at a time of great uncertainty over the global economy, further underscoring the strong confidence and conviction in Nigeria’s outlook.

    “As Sovereign Rating Advisor to the Nigerian Government for over a decade, we are honoured to have worked alongside you to make this upgrade a reality. We appreciate all the support CBN has afforded us and hope that you have found our contributions helpful.

    “As always, we remain committed to supporting Nigeria in its work to consolidate the gains from its ongoing reform programme to achieve further sovereign rating upgrades for the benefit of the entire nation.”

    Key reforms such as exchange rate liberalisation, tighter monetary policy, removal of fuel subsidies, and an end to deficit monetisation have improved macroeconomic credibility, reduced distortions, and enhanced resilience to shocks.

    A key turning point for the Nigerian economy was the Central Bank of Nigeria’s introduction of a new FX matching platform and FX code in 2024 to enhance price discovery and transparency.

    Following a 40 per cent naira depreciation last year, these reforms helped narrow the official-parallel market gap and boosted FX liquidity.

    Net FX inflows through official and autonomous channels surged by 89 per cent in Q4 2024, compared to an 8 per cent rise the previous year.

    However, Fitch expects modest depreciation in the short term, particularly as external risks mount.

    Gross reserves climbed to $41bn by end-2024, before easing to $38bn due to external debt servicing, including a $1.1bn Eurobond repayment due in November.

    Nigeria’s current account recorded a $6.8bn surplus in 2024 (6.6 per cent of GDP), aided by FX formalisation and reduced import costs.

    Net external reserves stand at about $23bn, and the CBN has reduced its reliance on FX swaps, with such liabilities now just 14 per cent of gross reserves, down from 25 per cent in November last year.

    Cardoso’s Financial Sector Reforms Instrumental To Fitch Upgrade Of Nigeria’s Credit Rating—Standard Chartered Bank is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

    Source: The Whistler

  • Singer Portable knocks out Speed Darlington in the first round of their celebrity boxing fight (Videos)

    Controversial singer, Badmus Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has knocked out his rival, Darlington Okoye, aka Speed Darlington, in a celebrity boxing fight.

     

    The fight tagged ‘ Chaos in the rings’ took place at the Balmoral Events Centre in Lagos on Saturday morning.

     

    Portable defeated Speed Darlington by technical knockout after an injury to his right wrist.

     

    It was also gathered that the ‘Baby Oil’ singer left the ring in an ambulance after he lost the bout.

    After the bout, Speed Darlington took to Instagram to accuse his opponent of using ‘juju’ on him despite being willing to continue the fight. 

     

    Watch the videos below…

     

     

     

     

    Source: Linda Ikeji

  • ’You are bitter, hypocritical,’ Arewa youths lash Atiku over attacks on Tinubu

    The Arewa Youth Council (AYC), has berated former Vice President Atiku Abubakar over his constant criticism of President Bola Tinubu, labelling him a bitter hypocrite who is being driven by his desperation to become Nigeria’s president after several failed attempts.

    The AYC, in a statement issued in Kaduna on Thursday, said Atiku’s actions were both laughable and shameful for a man who oversaw the “reckless sale” of Nigeria’s national assets to his allies and cronies during his tenure as head of the National Council on Privatisation, only to turn around and present himself as a reformer and moral authority.

    In the statement signed by AYC’s President, Comrade Adams Reuben, the group said Atiku’s recent push for a coalition ahead of the 2027 general election, was a “failed train heading nowhere”.

    “Atiku might be suffering from his serial rejections at the polls,” the AYC President said.

    “How does a man so deeply involved in the systemic weakening of Nigeria’s economic backbone now question a leader who is working tirelessly to repair the damage?

    “He supervised the transfer of Nigeria Telecommunications Limited (NITEL), Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON), and other prized national assets to associates under the guise of reforms that left millions of Nigerians worse off. That’s the legacy he’s running from, and he thinks we’ll forget by screaming ‘coalition’ and throwing jabs at Tinubu.”

    Continuing, the Arewa youth group said:

    “Nigerians have seen through that smokescreen. This so-called coalition is nothing but a gathering of political orphans, desperate to regain relevance. It is a failed train heading to nowhere — and Atiku is not only the conductor, he’s the last passenger too.”

    The group also took out time to extol President Tinubu, stressing that while Atiku has been perpetually chasing the presidency, Tinubu got it at the first time of asking because of Nigerians’ trust in his leadership.

    “This is Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s first time on the presidential ballot — and he won because Nigerians believe in his vision, his intellect, and his ability to take tough decisions. Atiku has contested six times, lost each time, and still thinks we owe him the presidency?

    “He (Atiku) has failed. Nigerians have moved on. It’s time Atiku does the same. His bitterness will not change the fact that the country is finally in the hands of a thinker, a builder, and a leader.

    “Those who sow division, incite bitterness, and attempt to whitewash their tainted legacies in the name of political opposition,” the group concluded.

    Source: Ripples Nigeria

  • Many Feared Trapped As Building Collapses In Lagos

    A four-storey building located on Oremeta Street in the Ojodu-Berger area of Lagos State has collapsed.

    Several people are feared trapped under the rubble, as emergency responders are currently on the scene.

    The structure, which reportedly housed a popular local restaurant, collapsed around 8 a.m. on Saturday.

    As of the time of filing this report, the number of casualties remains unclear.

    THE WHISTLER reports that this incident comes just days after two adult males were rescued alive on Sunday from the debris of a one-storey building under construction that collapsed in the Idumota area of the state.

    That incident occurred on Agarawu Street, off Aroloya Central Mosque, near the Idumota Bus Stop on Lagos Island.

    Similarly, in March, a building under construction in Lekki also collapsed, with at least 14 individuals rescued and taken to the hospital. Unfortunately, two victims were later recovered dead.

    Many Feared Trapped As Building Collapses In Lagos is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

    Source: The Whistler

  • Nigerian punter, Killaboi arrested in Doha, extradited to Nigeria

    ‎The Nigeria Police Force has successfully completed the extradition of Benjamin Best Nnayereugo, widely known as “Killaboi,” from Doha, Qatar, to Nigeria.

     

    A statement released today by ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, spokesperson of the force, says the fugitive, who had been on the run for the murder of Miss Augusta Oseodion Onuwabhagbe, was returned to the country in the early hours of today, Saturday, 19th April 2025, through the coordinated efforts with the Ministry of Justice, INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), Force Headquarters Abuja and the Qatari Judicial Authorities. 

     

    Adejobi added that the extradition followed a petition from the family of the deceased, submitted through their legal representatives, dated 29th September 2024. The matter was assigned to INTERPOL NCB Abuja for investigation. 

     

    Investigations revealed that the suspect, Benjamin Best Nnayereugo, murdered Miss Onuwabhagbe, a 21-year-old first-class student of Lead City University, Ibadan, at his residence located at No. 24a Abiola Apooyi Street, Oral Estate, Ajah, Lagos, on 13th July 2023. After committing the crime, he fled Nigeria and later released an online video purporting to confess to the act, a deceptive strategy to derail investigative efforts.

    ‎”‎Following his declaration as wanted by the NPF Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) on 13th October 2023, an INTERPOL Red Notice was issued for his global apprehension. He was initially arrested in Freetown, Sierra Leone, on 20th October 2023 under the false identity “KANU PRINCETON SAMUEL,” but escaped custody during a prison break on 26th November 2023 in Feeetown.

    Further intelligence gathering revealed that the suspect continued to evade law enforcement, traversing multiple regions including West Africa, East Asia and the Middle East, under forged identities before eventually relocating to Doha, Qatar on 24th January, 2025. Operating under the alias “TOURE ABDOULAYE” with a fraudulent Guinean passport, he secured illegal employment and concealed his identity.”

    ‎

    ‎Through robust international cooperation and the use of advanced biometrics, INTERPOL NCB Abuja, in collaboration with INTERPOL NCB Doha, confirmed his identity, leading to his arrest by Qatari authorities in February 2025. An official extradition request, processed via the Federal Ministry of Justice, Abuja, was subsequently approved by the Qatari judicial authorities, resulting in his repatriation to Nigeria.

    ‎

    ‎The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, while recognising the strength in the synergy amongst nations to curb trans-border crimes, commended the diligence of INTERPOL NCB Abuja and extended sincere appreciation to the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Government of Qatar, INTERPOL NCB Doha, and the Nigerian Embassy in Qatar for their invaluable collaboration in securing the fugitive’s return.

    ‎

    ‎The Inspector-General of Police further assured the general public of the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to ensuring that the suspect faces diligent prosecution, as part of the NPF’s dedication to justice and the safety of all Nigerians.

     

     

    Source: Linda Ikeji

  • IMF recommends tight monetary policy to lower Nigeria’s inflation

    The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Friday called for a tight monetary policy to firmly lower Nigeria’s inflation.

    IMF’s mission chief for Nigeria, Axel Schimmelpfennig, made the call in a statement following his visit to hold discussions for the 2025 Article IV Consultations with Nigeria.

    Schimmelpfennig led an IMF team to Lagos and Abuja from April 2 to 15.

    He said: “The Nigerian authorities have taken important steps to stabilise the economy, enhance resilience, and support growth.

    “The financing of the fiscal deficit by the central bank has ceased, costly fuel subsidies were removed, and the functioning of the foreign exchange market has improved.

    “Gains have yet to benefit all Nigerians as poverty and food insecurity remain high.

    “The outlook is marked by significant uncertainty. Elevated global risk sentiment and lower oil prices impact the Nigerian economy.”

    He said the reforms since 2023 had put the Nigerian economy in a better position to navigate the external environment.

    “Looking ahead, macroeconomic policies are needed to further strengthen buffers and resilience while creating enabling conditions for private sector-led growth,” the IMF official added.

    He said the Nigerian authorities communicated to the mission that they would implement the 2025 budget in a manner that was responsive to the decline in international oil prices.

    Schimmelpfennig said a neutral fiscal stance would support monetary policy to bring down inflation.

    “To safeguard key spending priorities, it is imperative that fiscal savings from the fuel subsidy removal are channelled to the budget.

    “In particular, adjustments should protect critical, growth-enhancing investment, while accelerating and broadening the delivery of cash transfers under the World Bank-supported programme to relieve those experiencing food insecurity.

    “A tight monetary policy stance is required to guide inflation down firmly,” he concluded.

    Source: Ripples Nigeria