Lagos baby factory uncovered, JAMB releases UTME results, and over 1,000 abducted Nigerians remain in captivity
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
A baby factory operating in Okuju, Ilado, Badagry, Lagos, has been uncovered by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Lagos Command. Newborns were allegedly sold for up to N1 million, and during an overnight raid, officials rescued 18 pregnant women and 10 children, arresting two suspects, Joy Okeke and Raphael Agwu. Meanwhile, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has released 632,788 results for candidates who took the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination on Thursday, April 16. In other news, families of over 1,000 abducted Nigerians are facing despair as their relatives remain captive across the country. The Lagos State Ministry of Justice has released four policemen and a developer accused of killing six traders in Owode Onirin, Kosofe. The Nigeria Police Force has also dismissed claims that the extradition of murder suspect Matthew Adebiyi to the United Kingdom was ethnically motivated. Finally, global oil market tensions may be easing with the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, potentially leading to a decrease in petrol prices in Nigeria to around N1,000 per liter, though immediate relief is not expected.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
American internet personality Darren Watkins Jr., known as IShowSpeed, has released an unofficial tournament anthem titled "World Cup Champions," which has generated significant online discussion. The music video, which premiered on YouTube on June 1, garnered over 3.3 million views within 24 hours. The track features crowd chants from various footballing nations, with a focus on Ghana, where Watkins holds honorary citizenship, and includes appearances of flags and traditional dancers. Following its viral success, Watkins tagged the Federation of International Football Associations, requesting the song be adopted as the official anthem. FIFA's verified account responded, "We will be in touch." This development has led to online debates, with football fans and commentators comparing IShowSpeed's song to the official FIFA soundtrack, "Goals" by Lisa, Anitta, and Rema, ahead of the global tournament starting on June 11. Some X users praised Watkins for his cultural representation, suggesting his song feels more organic than the official one. However, others in the music community criticized the track's raw internet style, defending the artistic merit of the official soundtrack and questioning FIFA's response. As of the time of reporting, FIFA has not released an official statement regarding any changes to its musical lineup or opening ceremony schedule.
Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori stated it would be "evil" for Deltans to vote against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, emphasizing the President's personal and family connections to the state. Speaking on Arise Television, Oborevwori highlighted that President Tinubu is the only leading presidential contender with a direct affiliation to Delta State through First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, who has ancestral ties to the region. The Governor described Tinubu's candidacy as a "family affair," noting that the First Lady's influence, particularly among the Itsekiri ethnic group, has strengthened support for the President in the state. He also defended the Tinubu administration's economic policies, asserting that recent reforms have improved revenue allocation to states, including Delta. Oborevwori mentioned that the First Lady was conferred with a traditional title in the Warri Kingdom in February 2026, an event that reinforced cultural ties. These comments are expected to spark debate on the role of ethnic and family affiliations in electoral politics ahead of the 2027 general election.
Must ReadDiscussions regarding workers' welfare have intensified in Nigeria as governors reportedly consider a new minimum wage of ₦100,000. However, labor leaders contend that this amount is insufficient for Nigerians to cope with the rising cost of living. The debate highlights concerns among citizens about whether any proposed wage increase can effectively address soaring food prices, transport costs, rent, and other essential expenses.
Must ReadThe main airport in Bunia, Ituri province, Democratic Republic of Congo, reopened on Tuesday after a 10-day closure. The closure was implemented for safety reasons related to the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the region. Authorities had previously suspended all commercial flights, permitting only medical and humanitarian planes, to allow for the implementation of health measures to protect travelers. The transport ministry stated that conditions are now in place for a gradual and safe resumption of flights. The DR Congo is currently battling a significant Ebola epidemic, with the African Union's health agency, Africa CDC, reporting at least 246 suspected deaths in the country and neighboring Uganda.