NEWS
NNPC Cuts Petrol Price To N965 Per Litre
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has reduced the pump price of petrol at its retail outlets in Abuja to N965 per litre, down from N1,030 per litre.
The new pricing, confirmed at NNPC stations in the Central Area and Nyanya suburbs of the Federal Capital Territory, reflects intensified competition in the downstream petroleum market, particularly with the entry of products from the Dangote Refinery.
This is the second price cut by NNPC in two weeks, following a previous reduction from N1,060 to N1,030 per litre.
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Motorists have expressed cautious optimism over the adjustment, describing it as a step in the right direction but calling for further reductions.
“I noticed the new price yesterday,” said Adamu Shuaibu, a commercial driver on the Nyanya-Zuba route.
“The government is trying, but they should do more. The price should return to N530 per litre so that the cost of other goods can decrease too.”
Similarly, Taofeek Adetunji, a private car owner, attributed the price reduction to President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms and expressed hope for sustained improvements.
“When the President promised his reforms would yield results, many doubted him. But now you can see it. We are optimistic that prices will keep dropping. Petrol is vital to the economy, and this reduction will soon reflect in the cost of goods and services,” Adetunji said.
Motorists have urged the Federal Government to continue its efforts to make petrol more affordable, emphasizing its significance to the nation’s economy and the cost of living.
International News
Turkish Model Arrested Over Plan To Sleep With 100 Men In 24 Hours
A 23-year-old Turkish OnlyFans model, Ezra Vandan, also known as Azranur AV, has been detained in Istanbul for publicly announcing her plan to engage in sexual activity with 100 men within 24 hours.
The announcement, made on social media, sparked outrage and led to her arrest by the Istanbul Security Branch Directorate’s Morality Bureau.
Vandan had shared her intentions on January 14, 2025, posting a photo of herself in red lingerie with the caption: “My goal is to break a Turkish record first, then a world record! I’m starting with 100 men in 24 hours.”
She reportedly planned to live-stream the event, which was widely criticised as “obscene” and “damaging to societal morals.”
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According to reports, the post drew the attention of authorities, who initiated an investigation and apprehended her while she awaited a cosmetic surgery operation in Atasehir. Footage captured her being escorted down the stairs of a hospital by female officers, her wrists bound behind her.
In a controversial twist, Vandan allegedly uploaded a revealing image taken during her arrest by a police officer, captioning it, “I had the photo taken by one of the officers, he didn’t object much.”
Her husband, Pedram Behdar Vandan, 25, was also briefly detained but later released.
The Istanbul 6th Criminal Judgeship of Peace has charged Vandan with obscenity, resisting an officer on duty, and slander, stating that her actions and posts were “damaging to moral values” and “provocative to society.”
Defending herself in court, Vandan argued that her posts were personal and did not harm anyone. “I do not deserve to be judged,” she said.
The case has reignited debates in Turkey about personal freedom and societal values.
International News
Train Accident In Maharashtra Claims 11 Lives After Panic Over Fire Alarm
Eleven passengers tragically lost their lives on Wednesday in Maharashtra, India, after jumping off a moving train amid fears of a fire, only to be struck by an oncoming train.
The incident occurred in Jalgaon district, approximately 400 kilometres from Mumbai, and has once again highlighted safety issues in India’s extensive railway network, which serves millions of passengers daily.
Ayush Prasad, a senior district official, confirmed the fatalities and stated that five other passengers are receiving medical treatment. “People were run over by a train,” he said, without clarifying if the fire alarm was genuine or false.
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According to a spokesperson for Indian Railways, the chaos began when someone activated the “alarm chain” on the Mumbai-bound train, prompting several passengers to disembark. Tragically, they were struck by a train traveling in the opposite direction.
India’s interior minister, Amit Shah, expressed his grief over the incident, saying, “Deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this accident.” Maharashtra’s chief minister, Devendra Fadnavis, described the tragedy as “deeply disturbing” and said he was “deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives” in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Despite efforts to modernise the railway infrastructure with a $30 billion investment aimed at improving safety and connectivity, accidents remain a significant concern. Official records indicate that an average of 20,000 people died annually in rail-related accidents between 2017 and 2021.
In 2023, one of the country’s deadliest rail disasters claimed nearly 300 lives when a passenger train collided with a stationary goods train, leading to further collisions.
India continues to grapple with balancing its rapid economic growth with ensuring the safety of its ageing railway network.
NEWS
Joy In Enugu As Beatrice Ekweremadu Released From UK Prison
Mrs Beatrice Ekweremadu, wife of Nigeria’s former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has been released from a United Kingdom prison after serving her sentence.
Sources confirmed that she returned to Nigeria on Tuesday and is currently in Abuja.
The news of her release has sparked widespread celebration in her hometown of Mpu, located in the Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State.
Mrs Ekweremadu was jailed in 2023 alongside her husband and one Obinna Obeta for an organ-trafficking plot. While Beatrice has returned home, her husband remains in custody, prompting prayers from the community for his release.
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Mr Benjamin Chijioke, President of the Mpu Town Union Federated, expressed immense relief and joy over her return. “Our joy as Mpu people knows no bounds. It is a great day for us. Since morning, it has been jubilation and celebration in all the villages. People are shedding tears of joy, especially those who depended on the philanthropic disposition of the family to survive,” Chijioke said. He also prayed for Senator Ekweremadu’s safe return, noting the significant setback their absence had caused the community.
Ogbuka Edwin, the councillor of Mpu Ward, described the day as a “public holiday” in the community. “The absence of Senator Ike Ekweremadu and his wife created a big gap in the community. We are not going to relent in our prayers until our hero and leader joins his family, and we are trusting what God can do. It is celebration galore,” Edwin stated.
The entire Mpu community came alive on the Orie market day, with jubilations marking the family’s partial reunion. Meanwhile, supporters continue to hope and pray for the Senator’s eventual release.