Storytimes Newspapers

  Nigerian music icon Davido (David Adeleke) has once again proven why he and wife Chioma Adeleke remain one of Afrobeats’ most adored power couples. The superstar took to Instagram in the early hours of Tuesday to share a series of lovely, heartwarming videos from their ongoing romantic getaway – dubbed a “baecation” – in the sun-kissed city of Honolulu, Hawaii.b6b7f1 The clips, which have since gone viral, capture the couple enjoying pure bliss away from the spotlight. Dressed in adventure gear with helmets and harnesses, Davido and Chioma were spotted hiking lush trails and soaring through the Hawaiian canopy on a thrilling zip-line experience alongside friends. One standout moment shows Chioma’s hilarious yet adorable facial expression mid-air on the zip-line – a clip that fans have replayed endlessly, flooding social media with laughter and love emojis.20912e “OBO too dey enjoy!” – that seems to be the collective cry from fans who cannot get enough of the couple’s chemistry. T...

  In a tragic development that underscores the brutality of prolonged captivity in Nigeria's bandit-plagued northwest, two of eight people abducted in Sokoto State have given birth while still held hostage in the criminals' hideout. The victims—one delivering a baby boy and the other a baby girl—endured their pregnancies and labours in the harsh conditions of the bandits' den, without access to proper medical care or humanitarian aid, according to sources close to the families. The abductions occurred several weeks ago, with the group consisting of five women and three men taken by armed bandits operating in the region. A relative of the victims, speaking anonymously for fear of reprisals, confirmed the births took place approximately seven weeks into their captivity. "The situation is heartbreaking," the relative said. "These women were pregnant at the time of their abduction, and now they have delivered in such terrible conditions—far from hospitals, family...

 Ozonna Soludo, the UK-based Afro-fusion singer and eldest son of Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo, has once again turned heads with a fresh hairstyle transformation. The talented artist recently transitioned from his signature afro to intricate braids, sharing snaps of the sleek new style that has sparked widespread reactions online. In the photos circulating on social media, Ozonna rocks neatly braided hair, giving off a bold and modern vibe. The change marks a departure from his previous looks, including a much-talked-about blonde dye job earlier, and highlights his flair for experimenting with personal style while staying true to his artistic persona. Fans and followers have been buzzing about the update, with many praising how the braids suit him perfectly and add to his charismatic presence. As a London-trained musician known for his fusion sounds and energetic performances, Ozonna continues to blend creativity in both his music and appearance. The first son of Anambra h...

 In a landmark verdict that could reshape accountability for parents in school shootings, Colin Gray was convicted Tuesday of second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter for giving his teenage son the assault-style rifle used in the 2024 Apalachee High School massacre that killed four people. A Barrow County jury deliberated for less than two hours before finding Gray, 55, guilty on all 29 counts against him, including two counts of second-degree murder, multiple counts of involuntary manslaughter, and child cruelty charges. The decision marks one of the first times in U.S. history a parent has been held criminally responsible for murder in connection with a mass school shooting carried out by their child. Gray faces 10 to 30 years in prison on the murder charges alone when he is sentenced at a later date. Prosecutors argued that Gray knowingly gave his then-14-year-old son, Colt Gray, access to the AR-15-style rifle as a Christmas gift in 2023 — despite clear warning signs t...

  Inter Milan president Giuseppe Marotta has debunked reports claiming that Arsenal are planning to sign Francesco Pio Esposito. Esposito is enjoying an impressive break-out campaign with the table-topping Inter in 2025-26, and has already established himself as an option in attack for Gennaro Gattuso and the Italy national team at just 20 years of age. The forward has seven goals and six assists in 36 appearances across all competitions for the Serie A giants. Speaking with the   club’s website , Marotta has firmly denied recent reports linking Arsenal with a move for Esposito. “Arsenal did not ask for Pio Esposito despite reports,” he said. “We are not planning to sell top players; player trading is not our priority. We see Pio Esposito as key gem for our future. “Anything can happen in the future, but I mean a very far future”.

 In a bizarre and tragic incident that has shocked residents of Sepeteri in Oyo State, a 43-year-old man identified as Lateef Suleiman has been arrested by the Oyo State Police Command for allegedly beating his elder brother to death with a heavy rock. The suspect reportedly claimed that the attack was in retaliation for being "shot" by his brother in a dream the previous night, which he interpreted as a spiritual assault. According to police sources, the incident occurred in Alegunlode Compound, Sepeteri area of the state. One Badmus Yunisa reported the matter to the authorities, stating that Lateef Suleiman attacked his elder brother, Mustapha Amidu, aged 52, following the dream accusation. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the argument escalated quickly in the early hours, with the suspect picking up a heavy rock and striking his brother repeatedly about the head and body. The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital but was confirmed dead on arrival due to severe head injuri...

 In a startling turn of events that has sparked widespread debate among couples and faith communities, a young Nigerian couple has ended their marriage after only three months, with the central flashpoint being an irreconcilable disagreement over which church to attend as a family. The couple, who tied the knot in a lavish ceremony in late November last year amid family celebrations and high expectations, reportedly began experiencing cracks in their relationship almost immediately after the honeymoon phase. Sources close to the family revealed that the husband, a devoted member of a prominent Pentecostal congregation in Lagos, insisted that his new wife join him in worship at his church every Sunday. The wife, however, was equally committed to her longstanding place of worship—a different denomination where she had been actively involved in ministry and community activities for years. Friends of the couple described the issue as "more than just preferences." The husband view...

  Four abducted worshippers from a Celestial Church of Christ parish in Uso, Owo Local Government Area, have regained their freedom after their families reportedly paid a N5 million ransom to their captors. The victims were released on Monday evening at Ilado community, following days in captivity. Sources close to the families confirmed the payment, noting that the kidnappers had initially demanded significantly higher amounts before negotiating down. This incident is part of a disturbing wave of kidnappings targeting residents and worshippers in Ondo State in recent weeks. Earlier reports highlighted similar abductions, including a couple in Ilu Abo, Akure North LGA, who were freed after a N5 million payment (from an initial N40 million demand reduced during talks). Security analysts and community leaders have expressed concern over the rising insecurity, with calls for enhanced measures by state authorities and security agencies to curb banditry and kidnapping for ransom. While ...

  The University of Ibadan (UI) community and the medical fraternity are in mourning following the untimely death of a 300-level medical student who allegedly ingested a poisonous insecticide, leading to his demise on Sunday night. The incident occurred at Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall, where a fellow student reportedly discovered the victim on the ground floor, exhibiting severe symptoms including frothing at the mouth and appearing disoriented. Sources close to the matter revealed that the student had admitted to consuming the substance, commonly identified as "Sniper"—a widely available household insecticide—prior to losing consciousness. Emergency response was swift, with the student rushed to the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, for urgent medical intervention. Despite efforts by healthcare professionals, he was pronounced dead on Sunday evening. Confirming the incident, the Public Relations Officer of UCH, Funmi Adetuyibi, stated: “The boy passed away on Sunday evening....

 In a renewed push to eradicate the lingering effects of the Monday sit-at-home order, the Anambra State Government has sealed the popular Nkwo-Ogbe Market in Ihiala Local Government Area. The closure, effective immediately, is set to last one week as a punitive measure against traders who refused to open their shops for business on Monday, March 2, 2026. The decision was confirmed by the Chairman of Ihiala Local Government Council, Hon. Anayochukwu Charles Ojiako, who described Nkwo-Ogbe as the only market in the area that has consistently and blatantly defied the state government's directive to resume normal commercial activities on Mondays. According to the chairman, multiple efforts had been made to sensitize and persuade traders at Nkwo-Ogbe to comply, but these appeals were ignored. “We have tried on several occasions to get Nkwo-Ogbe market traders to commence Monday activities, but all to no avail,” Ojiako stated. He highlighted that other markets in the locality, including...

 In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing Middle East crisis, two drones attributed to Iran struck the United States Embassy compound in the Saudi capital of Riyadh early Tuesday morning, igniting a limited fire and causing minor material damage, according to Saudi officials and U.S. sources. The Saudi Ministry of Defense confirmed the incident in an official statement, describing the attack as involving two drones that breached the embassy's perimeter shortly after 5:00 a.m. local time. "A limited fire broke out at the U.S. Embassy compound following the impact, resulting in minor material damage to the building," the ministry said. No injuries were reported, as the embassy was operating with a reduced staff during the overnight hours. The U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia quickly responded by issuing a security alert urging American citizens in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dhahran to shelter in place immediately and to avoid the embassy compound "until further notice due to an at...

 In a swift and decisive operation, operatives of the Zamfara State Police Command have successfully thwarted a large-scale attempted attack by suspected armed bandits on worshippers observing Ishai (night) prayers in the Ruwan Dorowa axis of the state. According to credible security sources and community accounts, the incident occurred yesterday when hundreds of bandits, heavily armed and moving in a coordinated manner, approached the district through the Maru axis with apparent intent to target praying residents and possibly carry out abductions or unleash violence on the community. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the area, upon sighting the approaching bandits, immediately mobilized the division's strike force. A fierce gun battle ensued between the police operatives and the assailants. The superior firepower and tactical response from the police overwhelmed the bandits, compelling them to retreat hastily into nearby forests, leaving behind evidence of injuries as some we...

  In a major consumer protection move, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has proposed that telecommunications operators must give subscribers at least 14 days’ notice before deactivating their SIM cards due to inactivity or post-paid churn. The directive, contained in a fresh consultation paper titled “Stakeholders Consultation Process for the Telecoms Identity Risks Management Platform,” aims to shield millions of Nigerians from sudden loss of mobile numbers while strengthening the fight against digital identity fraud. Under the proposed amendments to the Quality-of-Service (QoS) Business Rules, operators will be required to notify affected subscribers through an alternative mobile line or email. The notice must be sent “at least 14 days before the final date for the churn of the number.” The same 14-day protection will apply to both prepaid and post-paid lines. This marks a significant shift from the current rules, which allow deactivation after six months of no Revenu...

  In a development that has sent ripples through the music industry and beyond, Sean "Diddy" Combs, the influential hip-hop entrepreneur and founder of Bad Boy Records, is set to walk free from federal prison more than a month and a half earlier than previously anticipated. According to updated records from the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), Combs' projected release date has been advanced to April 25, 2028, down from the earlier June 4, 2028 projection. The 56-year-old music mogul, who has been incarcerated at the low-security Fort Dix Federal Correctional Institution in New Jersey since late 2024, is currently serving a 50-month (just over four-year) sentence following his October 2025 conviction. Combs was found guilty on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution after a high-profile federal trial that spanned several weeks in the summer of 2025. He was acquitted on the more serious charges of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking by force, fraud, o...

 Suspected armed bandits struck communities in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State in a brazen overnight operation, killing one resident and kidnapping four others, including three members of the same family and a nurse. The attack, which occurred recently in the troubled region plagued by persistent insecurity, has heightened fears among locals already grappling with frequent raids by criminal elements operating in the northwest. According to community sources and initial reports, the gunmen invaded homes and targeted individuals in separate but coordinated incidents within the local government area. The deceased was shot dead during the chaos, while the abducted victims were whisked away into nearby forests, a common tactic used by bandits to evade security forces. Among those kidnapped are three relatives from one household—believed to include family members such as parents and possibly a child or sibling—and a female nurse who was reportedly taken from her residence or...

  A Nigeria Immigration Service officer was discovered dead in his apartment in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, sparking an ongoing police investigation. The deceased, identified as Wofai Benson Akpama (also referred to in some reports as Benson Akpama or Wofai Benson Akpama), was a 30-year-old officer with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS). He was found lifeless in his room at No. 34 Mbora Street, Etta-Agbor, in Calabar Municipality over the weekend (reports indicate the discovery was reported on Friday, around late February 2026). His sibling, Joy Benson, who resides on Holland Street in Calabar, alerted the police to the sudden and described "unnatural" death. Officers promptly visited the scene, where the body was examined. According to police sources, no visible signs of violence or injury were observed on the corpse, and no foul play is suspected at this initial stage. The remains were evacuated to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) for pr...

  A Nigerian tugboat has sunk off the coast of South Africa, leaving one crew member presumed dead, 12 rescued, and five others missing, according to maritime authorities. The vessel, identified as the tugboat LEO, was carrying 18 Nigerian crew members when it transmitted a distress call at approximately 1702 GMT on Saturday, reporting severe water ingress and requesting urgent assistance. The boat ultimately sank in the early hours of Sunday, roughly 80 nautical miles south of Mossel Bay in South Africa's Western Cape province. South African Search and Rescue (SASAR), a multi-agency body coordinating the response, confirmed in a statement that search and rescue efforts remain ongoing despite challenging weather conditions. To date, 13 of the 18 crew members have been accounted for: 12 survivors have been rescued, while one is presumed deceased. Operations continue to locate the five missing individuals. Details on the cause of the sinking—such as mechanical failure, rough seas, or...

  Iran’s national football team faces an uncertain future at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the president of the Iranian Football Federation expressed deep doubts about participation following US and Israeli airstrikes that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The dramatic escalation in Middle East tensions has plunged the tournament — co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico and due to kick off in just over three months — into potential chaos. Iran, which qualified comfortably through the Asian confederation for a fourth successive appearance, had been drawn in Group G alongside New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt. Their opening match is scheduled for June 15 or 16 against New Zealand at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, followed by clashes with Belgium in the same city and Egypt in Seattle. Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj delivered the stark warning in comments reported across Iranian media and picked up by international outlets. “With what happened today a...

 Major disruptions hit the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) in Abuja over the weekend as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) fully implemented its "Go Cashless" programme, banning cash payments at airport access gates. The policy, which took full effect on March 1, 2026, requires motorists to use prepaid "Go Cashless" cards or electronic payment methods for tolls and access. This aligns with the federal government's push for cashless transactions to enhance transparency, reduce revenue leakages, and promote digital efficiency. The initiative, piloted since late 2025 in partnership with platforms like Paystack, now covers key airports including NAIA in Abuja and Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos. However, the sudden strict enforcement caught many off guard. Long queues formed at toll gates as motorists without the prepaid cards were denied entry, turned back, or directed to on-site registration points. This led to seve...