Storytimes Newspapers

  Thai authorities have arrested a 19-year-old woman at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport after she was allegedly caught smuggling dozens of protected tortoises taped to her body. Officials said the suspect, a Taiwanese national, raised suspicion due to her unusual behaviour while preparing to board a flight to Taipei. A subsequent search at the airport’s departure terminal uncovered 30 Indian star tortoise, 29 alive and one dead, hidden under her clothing. According to Thailand’s wildlife conservation department, the animals had been immobilised with adhesive tape, placed in cloth bags, and strapped to her body in an attempt to evade detection.   Authorities said the tortoises are protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species and are highly sought after on the black market. The seized animals were estimated to be worth around $9,000. The suspect has been charged with illegal transportation of protected wildlife and evading customs controls. Investig...

 A family mediation aimed at resolving a troubled marriage turned deadly in Beitbridge, Zimbabwe, after a man allegedly attacked and killed his wife during a meeting with relatives. Police said the incident involved Mukhosi Shadreck Mulaudzi Muthavhatsindi, a 56-year-old from Malala village, and his wife, who had both recently returned from South Africa amid ongoing marital disputes. According to authorities, efforts to reconcile the couple led to a family gathering at Matshiloni village on April 26, where relatives suggested divorce as a possible resolution. Chief Superintendent Mesuli Ncube said tensions escalated during the discussions. “Preliminary investigations reveal that the couple was staying together in South Africa and they returned to Zimbabwe on April 24. Upon arrival, the suspect went to his home in Malala while the now deceased went to her maiden home in Matshiloni due to a long-standing domestic dispute,” he said. He added: “During deliberations, the wife’s relative...

 US congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has suggested that the United States may already have had a gay president, challenging assumptions about the country’s political history. Speaking to reporters on Capitol Hill, Ocasio-Cortez was asked whether the U.S. would see a female or a gay president first. She pushed back on the premise of the question, arguing it assumes no past president has been attracted to men. While she did not name any specific individual, her remarks echo long-running historical debates about Abraham Lincoln. Some historians and commentators have pointed to Lincoln’s close relationship with Joshua Speed as part of discussions about his personal life. The topic has been explored in books and documentaries, including Lover of Men: The Untold History of Abraham Lincoln, which examines claims about Lincoln’s relationships and s3xuality. The film’s director, Shaun Peterson, has previously argued that historical evidence suggests Lincoln may have had deeper-than-pl...

 Residents of Eda-Oniyo Ekiti, the headquarters of Ilejemeje Local Government Area in Ekiti State, have been thrown into grief following a d3adly attack by suspected bandits on a church gathering in the community. ‎The incident occurred on Tuesday evening, April 28, 2026 at the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Number Two, where worshippers had gathered for a special revival programme. ‎Eyewitness accounts revealed that the attackers stormed the church at about 6:45 p.m., opening fire on the congregation and causing panic among worshippers. A visiting revivalist from Osun State, identified as Pastor Aregbe, was reportedly shot d3ad during the attack. ‎Several other worshippers sustained varying degrees of injuries, while at least six persons were reportedly abducted by the assailants. ‎A prominent community leader, who confirmed the incident said the gunmen arrived shortly before 7 p.m. and carried out the attack with little resistance ‎“The entire community is in mourning. Families a...

  The House of Representatives has approved a request by Bola Tinubu to secure a $516,333,007 syndicated loan from Deutsche Bank AG for infrastructure development.  The approval was granted on Tuesday during plenary in Abuja following the presentation of a report by Abdullahi Rasheed. The loan will fund sections of the proposed Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, a flagship project of the Tinubu administration aimed at improving connectivity across key regions of the country. In a letter to the National Assembly, Tinubu explained that the facility would finance Sections 1, 1A, and 1B of the project. Approval is sought for the syndicated financing facility from Deutsche Bank in the total sum of $516,333,007 for the execution of Sections 1, 1A and 1B of the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway Project,” the president stated.   The proposed 1,000-kilometre highway is expected to link the North-West and South-West regions, passing through Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos st...

  Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the Labour Party’s vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, has announced his intention to leave the party and join the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP). Baba-Ahmed made the announcement on Tuesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s "Politics Today," citing internal disagreements and a departure from the party’s founding ideals as the primary reasons for his exit. “I am leaving the Labour Party tomorrow. There is more to it. When there was real peace in the Labour Party, was when they posted back. They redeployed someone with a specific purpose, and because of the antecedent of the individual to make life difficult, particularly for me. What the Labour Party stood for then is no longer what it is today,” he said. The former vice-presidential candidate confirmed that his defection would take effect at midnight, identifying the PRP as his new political destination. “I am leaving the Labour Party [at] midnight, and I am joining...

  A special forces soldier involved in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro pleaded not guilty Tuesday to charges that he used classified information about the operation to secure over $400,000 in illegal profits. Gannon Ken Van Dyke, a 38-year-old active-duty soldier stationed at Fort Bragg, appeared in a New York federal court to face the allegations. The case marks a landmark legal moment as the first time federal prosecutors have brought charges related to bets placed on prediction markets, platforms where users wager on the outcomes of geopolitical events, sports, and pop culture. Prosecutors allege that Van Dyke, who was reportedly part of the team that extracted Maduro from Caracas on January 3, used his insider knowledge to place $32,000 in bets on Polymarket. His wagers correctly predicted that Maduro would be out of Venezuela by the end of January, resulting in a payout exceeding $400,000. Defense attorney Mark Geragos defended Van Dyke as an "American hero...

  Nigeria’s non-oil export sector recorded a historic milestone in 2025, with export value hitting $6.1 billion and market reach expanding to 210 countries, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has disclosed. Executive Director of NEPC, Nonye Ayeni, shared these figures in Abuja during a conference titled “Strengthening Women-led Businesses for Resilience, Recovery and Inclusive Economic Growth.” She noted that the performance underscores Nigeria’s growing capacity as a regional and global trade hub. According to Ayeni, the country exported 281 products across Africa, Asia, America, Europe, and Oceania, with a footprint spanning 36 African countries, including 11 within ECOWAS. “In 2025, Nigeria recorded the highest value of non-oil exports at $6.1 billion and the highest volume at 8.02 million metric tonnes. These are the highest in the country’s history since the Council was established,” she said. “Nigeria has what it takes to serve as a trade hub within ECOWAS, Africa a...

  World Cup players who cover their mouths during confrontations with opponents will face a red card as part of a new initiative aimed at combating racism, world governing body FIFA said on Tuesday.    In a statement following a meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) in Vancouver, FIFA confirmed that the rule was one of two law changes that would be introduced at this year’s World Cup. “At the discretion of the competition organiser, any player covering their mouth in a confrontational situation with an opponent may be sanctioned with a red card,” FIFA said in a statement.   The new rule follows controversy earlier this year when Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni was accused of racially abusing Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior during a Champions League game in February.    Prestianni was accused of calling Vinicius a “monkey” repeatedly while covering his mouth. While he denied the racial abuse, he was later banned for six matches f...

 The family of Abdulsamad Jamiu, a serving National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member k!lled by soldiers of the Guards Brigade Quick Response Force in Dei-Dei, Shagari Estate, Abuja, has rejected the military’s account of the incident. On Sunday, April 26, the Nigerian Army released a statement claiming late Jamiu was caught in a crossfire on April 25 when troops responded to a distress call from residents reportedly under attack by armed robbers. “Upon arrival, the troops came under gunfire from the fleeing armed robbers, resulting in a brief but intense exchange. In the course of the engagement, Mr Jamiu was caught in the crossfire. Despite efforts by troops to secure the area and preserve lives, he sadly succumbed to his injuries.” The Army described the situation as “fluid and highly volatile” and said the deceased’s remains were handed to civil authorities at Kubwa General Hospital. However, in a statement released, the family of the deceased said “physical evidence disproves ...

  Starting from a reflective angle, she said young people need to appreciate their parents more, noting that adulthood is far from easy, especially in today’s economy. She revealed that she has gone as long as two weeks without making any sales, despite investing in her business and consistently promoting her products online. According to her, expenses like rent, electricity, and daily living costs continue to rise, while income remains unstable. She added that she now relies on her savings to cover both personal and business expenses. She also pointed out that months into the year, she cannot confidently say she has saved up to ₦1 million, describing the situation as frustrating.   Watch video below..  

  In a video, she alleged that soldiers entered their compound by climbing over the fence while chasing suspected thieves. According to her, they went straight into her brother’s room and sh*t him twice without any provocation.   She further claimed that after the incident, the soldiers cleaned up the bl**dstains in the house and later described the sh00ting as a “mistake.”   This comes after the Nigerian Army confirmed the D3ath of a service NYSC member in Abuja   Watch video below..  

  The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) airstrikes have successfully destroyed terrorist hideouts in the Southern Tumbuns area of Borno. This is contained in a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, on Saturday in Abuja. Ejodame said the operation was conducted on Friday at about 1850 hours over Ali Sheriffti, a known terrorist enclave, following credible intelligence on insurgent activities. “The NAF air assets carried out a focused surveillance sweep, during which several insurgents were sighted moving along concealed tracks and were trailed to structures hidden under dense foliage. “Following positive identification, the NAF executed a precise strike, engaging the structures with onboard munitions. “The operation achieved the desired effect, with terrorist structures destroyed, further degrading their capability and freedom of movement in the area,” he said. Ejodame said the strike underscored NAF’s sustained commitment to intell...

 Air Peace has reduced its Abuja-London flight frequency to three times per week amid Jet A1 (aviation fuel) supply constraints The airline made the announcement in a statement it posted on X on Saturday. We wish to inform you that our Abuja to London service has been temporarily adjusted to three weekly flights until July 1 This is due to the current aviation fuel supply constraints affecting flight operations nationwide and around the world. “This measure is necessary to maintain the highest standards of safety and operational reliability during this period, with full operational frequency on our London service scheduled to resume from July 1. “We recognise that this adjustment may impact your travel plans, and we deeply appreciate your patience and understanding,” it said. It gave the assurance that it was monitoring the situation and working closely with relevant stakeholders. The airline reaffirmed its commitment to  serving its customers safely, reliably and with care. ...

  The Senator who represented Kogi West in the 9th Assembly stepped out in this unique black trouser on Friday, April 24, as he embarked on a trip to the US. Recall that last week, he made a statement with his outfit when he hosted the ADC convention in Abuja. See  here   See more photos below…  

 A resident of the state shared the video on social media stating that incident left many motorists plying the road terrified. In a statement posted on his X handle, the state Commissioner of Environment and Water Respurces, Tokunbo Wahab, said some arrests had been made. ''Following the videos circulating online with reports of unrest in Lekki today, the Lagos State Commisioner of Police carried out a rapid  investigation and launched a sting operation between the axis, Chisco and Osakpa bus stop. This led to successful identification and arrest of a number of hoodlums.   The commissioner of Police has assured law abiding citizens that the security of their lives and properties is guaranteed under his watch.''

 The troops of the Nigerian Army have recovered the remains of two personnel who were k!lled in April 2022 while travelling for their traditional wedding in Imo State, security analyst Zagazola confirmed.  Recall that the couple Master Warrant Officer (rtd) Linus Musa Audu and Lance Corporal Gloria Mathew, were abducted and k!lled by suspected IPOB/ESN elements along the Ubaha–Orsu axis of Imo State. On that fateful day, Linus and Gloria set out on a journey that should have been one of the happiest moments of their lives.  They were heading to Gloria’s hometown in Imo State for their traditional wedding ceremony. It was meant to be a formal introduction of families, a celebration of unity across regions and backgrounds. Linus, a retired senior non-commissioned officer, had already spent years serving the country. Gloria, still in active service.  Gloria was serving in Sokoto while Linus lived in Makurdi. The couple was abducted by the IPOB terrorists somewhere along...

  As the Xenophobic attacks continue in South Africa, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has asked Nigerians residing in the country to shut their businesses and avoid confrontations. The advisory comes amid growing anti-foreigner protests across South Africa, where some of the indigenes have called for the expulsion of foreigners in their countries and the close of foreign businesses in their country. In a statement released, NiDCOM said the advisory follows a circular from the consulate-general of Nigeria in Johannesburg on Wednesday. According to the commission, protests in East London, Cape Town, Durban, and KwaZulu-Natal have turned violent, leading to looting, destruction of property, and injuries. NiDCOM said intelligence from the consulate indicates that fresh protests are planned in Gauteng province between April 27 and 29, with demonstrators seeking to pressure the South African government over the presence of foreign nationals. The commission advised Nigerians...

  Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP informant loitering around a military location at the Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo Airport in Damaturu, Yobe State.   The suspect was apprehended at about 5:30 a.m. on April 23, 2926 by troops of Sector 2, deployed at the airport.   According to security analyst, the individual was found moving suspiciously around the troops’ location and was immediately taken into custody.   The suspect declined to provide useful information despite efforts to interrogate him at the point of arrest.   He was subsequently transferred to the Military Intelligence Bureau (MIB) for further interrogation and necessary action.   Sources added that the general security situation across the theatre remains calm but unpredictable, while troops’ morale and combat efficiency remain high.  

  Rising Nigerian Afrobeat sensation FOLA (Folarin Odunlami, also known as Fola Pondis) has just unleashed his latest single, “fine ting (fine $hit)”, and the streets are already buzzing. Released on April 24, 2026, under Dangbana Republik Records / EMPIRE, the track comes with an official music video that’s turning heads and racking up early streams. The song is pure summer energy wrapped in laid-back, confident Afrobeat grooves. With catchy repetitive hooks like “Fine shit, fine shit” mixed with Yoruba-infused lines (“Ẹ wo orente”, “Abi ẹ o ri bi”), FOLA delivers smooth vocals and playful lyrics that celebrate a “fine ting” — that irresistible, high-quality vibe (or person) that just hits different. It’s flirty, unbothered, and made for late-night drives, pre-drinks, or anytime you need something smooth to ride to. Fans and critics are already calling it a “chune” — a certified vibe that works perfectly in any setting. Within hours of release, the single climbed the Apple Music N...

  Nigerian music powerhouse Teni (Teniola Apata, popularly known as Teni the Entertainer) has released a fresh collaboration with rap legend Olamide (Baddo) titled “Zion”. The mid-tempo Afrobeat track dropped on April 24, 2026, and is already generating buzz as the lead single from Teni’s forthcoming EP, The Wellness Package, expected in May 2026. Produced by DeeYasso, “Zion” blends Teni’s signature soulful, emotive vocals with Olamide’s confident, street-smart rap verse. The song runs for about 3:58 and features warm melodic lines, symphonic keys, bolsterous drums, and a catchy whistle refrain that lingers long after the track ends. It perfectly fuses Teni’s melodic ease with Olamide’s grounded energy, creating a balanced and addictive vibe that feels both intimate and expansive. Themes and Lyrics At its core, “Zion” is a heartfelt romantic anthem that portrays love as a safe haven and personal paradise amid life’s chaos. Teni opens with vulnerable lines about wanting to run away,...

  Rising Nigerian artist IBRAHIMCOAL has officially released his highly anticipated new single "CASAMIGOS", now available on all major streaming platforms via DistroKid under his label Coal Nation Worldwide. Dropped on April 24, 2026, the track arrives with smooth, infectious energy that perfectly captures the celebratory and luxurious feel associated with its title. Drawing inspiration from the ultra-premium tequila vibe (Casamigos is known worldwide for its smooth, party-ready appeal), IBRAHIMCOAL delivers a feel-good anthem that’s already generating early buzz with lines like: "Casamigos on a roll Give me overdose Make I feel am, make I go! Ani ki'emi sha ti lowo, sure mo ma blow Them must feel..." The song blends Afro-pop rhythms with catchy hooks, showcasing IBRAHIMCOAL’s signature style that mixes street swagger, ambition, and good-time energy. Fans can expect high-energy vibes perfect for parties, clubs, and late-night drives. This release marks another s...

Centenary City is fast taking shape as major infrastructure works move ahead at a pace. The project, driven by Centenary City PLC, brought in Julius Berger Nigeria Plc to handle key road construction—including a 4.3 km access road—while Dar Al-Handasah oversaw the engineering design. Beyond construction, the development reflects strong community support and a shared vision for a modern, sustainable Abuja. Designed as a pedestrian-friendly, multifunctional city, Centenary City is expected to boost investment, create jobs, and offer a complete live-work lifestyle. The initiative also enjoys backing from FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and the Toge community, whose support has been vital to its progress. Centenary City is no longer just a plan—it’s becoming a reality.

 The Nigerian naira continues to trade within a relatively narrow band against the United States dollar across both the official and parallel foreign exchange markets, reflecting sustained demand pressures and cautious market sentiment. At the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), which serves as the official window, the naira is trading around ₦1,350 to ₦1,355 per dollar based on the most recent trading data and trends observed in the week. This aligns with recent figures showing the currency hovering near ₦1,351.59/$ and about ₦1,350.74/$ in preceding sessions. The official rate continues to be influenced by the Central Bank of Nigeria’s managed float system, with modest fluctuations driven by liquidity conditions and ongoing FX interventions. In the parallel market, also known as the black market, the naira trades at a significantly weaker level due to higher demand for dollars outside official channels. Latest data from Bureau De Change operators indicates the dollar is bein...

 The Nigerian naira remains under pressure against the British pound across both official and parallel foreign exchange markets, with rates reflecting persistent demand for foreign currency and tight supply conditions. At the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), the pound is trading around ₦1,820 to ₦1,835 per £1, based on the latest available data and recent trading patterns. Earlier this week, the currency was quoted near ₦1,817.83/£, with only slight day-to-day fluctuations, indicating relative stability within the official window. Mid-market indicators also show the pound hovering in a similar range, with recent averages around ₦1,830–₦1,845, suggesting minimal volatility despite ongoing pressure on the naira.  In the parallel market, however, the naira trades significantly weaker against the British currency. Latest figures show the pound being bought at about ₦1,840 to ₦1,865 and sold between ₦1,885 and ₦1,900, depending on location and transaction size.  This c...

  Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s request for a fresh $516 million external loan to fund a major section of the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, calling it another step into unsustainable debt without proper safeguards. In a statement released through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku acknowledged that connecting Nigeria’s Northwest to the Southwest through this ambitious 1,000-kilometre highway is important for national integration. But he warned that good intentions cannot justify reckless fiscal choices. “At a time when Nigeria is already groaning under the weight of unsustainable debt, the resort to yet another foreign loan—without transparent terms, clear cost-benefit analysis, and a credible repayment framework—raises profound questions about prudence and accountability,” Atiku said. He stressed that Nigerians deserve development that is sustainable and not mortgaged against future gener...

  The Central Bank of Nigeria has raised the fee for issuing new ATM cards by 50%, bringing it to ₦1,500. This increase, which many banks have started applying, affects both new customers and anyone needing a replacement card. Previously around ₦1,000, the new rate has sparked complaints from Nigerians already dealing with higher withdrawal charges and other banking costs. CBN hasn't issued an official statement yet explaining the hike, but banks say it's to cover rising production and operational expenses. Customers are advised to check with their specific bank for exact charges, as some include VAT while others don't.

This new release captures pure emotion and real-life experience, making it more than just a regular love song. It reflects a time when love was still present, full of passion and meaning — now shared as a memory through music. “ Let Me Love You ” stands out because of its sincerity. Every line feels real and the delivery carries a calm but deep emotion that listeners can easily relate to. The sound blends Afrobeats with Highlife touches and alté elements, giving it a smooth and relaxing vibe. It’s the kind of song you can play on repeat, whether you’re thinking about love, memories or just enjoying good music. With this release,  Dsolid  continues to show his strength as an artist who creates from a place of truth. His sound is clean, emotional, and easy to connect with. If you appreciate songs that carry meaning and feeling, then this track is worth your time. Download, listen, and share your thoughts in the comments section below:   CLICK HERE TO STREAM VIA DIGITAL STOR...

  Ivorian rap star Didi B has released a brand-new single titled “Fire in Your Eyes” featuring fellow artist Mavo. The catchy Afrobeats-infused track dropped on April 20th and is already making waves across West Africa. Blending smooth melodies with Didi B’s signature rap flow, the song explores themes of love, passion, and undeniable chemistry. Fans are loving the infectious beat and the emotional fire in the lyrics. You can stream it now on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. Perfect addition to any summer playlist. In the Conclusion, the song is an amazing record, if you enjoy fantastic music, you should have in your collection. Didi B – Fire in your Eyes ft. Mavo MP3 Download Audio.

Talented singer and songwriter Bella Shmurda is storming the music scene with his brand new single titled “Ara (600M)”, featuring rap heavyweight Olamide. The song serves as a powerful follow-up to his previous extended playlist, “Holy Jah”. “Ara (600M)” is already turning heads as a potential hit, blending catchy melodies with street energy that’s made for every playlist. Music lovers are calling it an absolute must-have, and with Olamide’s signature delivery on the track, the song is set to dominate airwaves and charts. You can download Bella Shmurda – Ara (600M) ft. Olamide now and enjoy this fresh banger.   The song “Ara (600M)” is an amazing number which is a must for your playlist. In the Conclusion, the song is an amazing record, if you enjoy fantastic music, you should have in your collection. Bella Shmurda – Ara (600M) ft. Olamide (Mp3 Download).