EFCC Arrests Five Herbalists, Recovers $3.4m, €280k Fake Currencies in Osun, Lagos

The EFCC’s Battle Against Fraud and the Arrest of Five Herbalists

The recent arrest of five herbalists by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Osun and Lagos States has once again spotlighted the persistent menace of fraud and the creative, often bizarre, methods employed by syndicates to exploit unsuspecting Nigerians.

According to the EFCC, operatives of its Ibadan Zonal Directorate dismantled the group, recovering a staggering $3.43 million and €280,000 in counterfeit foreign currencies. The suspects, Akingbola Omotayo, Adeola Funsho Ogunrinde, Yahaya Amodu, Kubratu Babalola Olaitan, and Familola Sunday Olaitan, were apprehended at their shrines after thorough surveillance and intelligence gathering.

Japa: Public varsities on edge over exodus of best brains, dons

Japa - Public Varsities on Edge Over Exodus of Best Brains, Dons

Nigeria’s higher education system is facing a silent but devastating crisis: the mass departure of its brightest academics, a phenomenon popularly known as “Japa.” This exodus threatens the very foundation of public universities, leaving them understaffed, under-resourced, and struggling to maintain quality.  

The term “Japa,” derived from Yoruba slang meaning “to flee,” has become a shorthand for the wave of emigration sweeping across Nigeria’s intellectual class.

The cabal made Buhari lock his room against me —Aisha

The Cabal Made Buhari Lock His Room Against Me - Aisha Buhari

In a dramatic revelation that has stirred public discourse, former First Lady Dr. Aisha Buhari disclosed that her late husband, President Muhammadu Buhari, was influenced by a powerful cabal within the Presidential Villa to mistrust her during his time in office.

This startling account is documented in the newly launched biography From Soldier to Statesman: The Legacy of Muhammadu Buhari, authored by Dr. Charles Omole and unveiled at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja.

FG bans wood export, revokes licences

FG Bans Wood Export, Revokes Licences

Nigeria’s Federal Government has announced an immediate nationwide ban on the export of wood and allied products, revoking all previously issued licences and permits.

This decisive move is aimed at curbing illegal logging, halting deforestation, and safeguarding the country’s fragile forest ecosystems.  

How Russia is looking to help replicate Africa’s 60s independence movement, today

How Russia is Looking to Help Replicate Africa’s 60s Independence Movement, Today

Russia is positioning itself as a partner in Africa’s renewed quest for autonomy, drawing parallels with the continent’s 1960s independence era by leveraging nuclear agreements, cultural exchanges, economic partnerships, and military cooperation.

In the 1960s, Africa witnessed a wave of independence movements that reshaped the global order. Newly liberated states sought to break free from colonial domination and establish sovereignty over their political and economic destinies.

US Embassy honours five Nigerian content creators

US Embassy Honours Five Nigerian Content Creators

The United States Embassy in Nigeria has celebrated five outstanding Nigerian content creators for their creativity and cultural impact through the “Made in America, Loved in Nigeria” video contest.

The recognition highlights the growing cultural and economic ties between both nations. 

Nigeria apologises over Burkina Faso military flight that saw 11 servicemen detained

Nigeria Apologises Over Burkina Faso Military Flight Incident

Nigeria has formally apologised to Burkina Faso after a military aircraft carrying 11 servicemen made an unauthorised landing in Burkinabè territory, sparking a diplomatic row and leading to the temporary detention of the personnel.  

The incident unfolded on December 8, 2025, when a Nigerian Air Force plane en route to Portugal developed technical problems and was forced to land in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso’s second-largest city.

The Pulse of Social Media | At This Time

The Pulse of Social Media: At This Time

Social media this December is awash with festive cheer, nostalgic reflections, and viral trends that capture the spirit of closing out the year. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) are dominated by content that blends holiday aesthetics with year-in-review storytelling, creating a unique cultural moment that feels both celebratory and introspective.  

One of the most prominent currents sweeping through feeds is the advent calendar craze. Influencers and brands alike are posting daily unboxings of beauty products, fashion accessories, and gourmet treats, turning the countdown to Christmas into a ritual of surprise and delight. These short, visually engaging clips have become a staple of December content, offering audiences both entertainment and inspiration for last-minute gift ideas.  

SEB BLOG NOTES | AT THIS TIME

The Pulse of Nigeria Through Linda Ikeji’s Blog Today

Today’s headlines once again capture the diverse realities of the nation, ranging from crime and justice to politics, family tragedies, and celebrity updates.

One of the most striking reports today is the sentencing of two Lagos traders for cannabis trafficking. This case underscores the ongoing battle against drug-related offenses in Nigeria, highlighting the judiciary’s firm stance on curbing illicit trade. In another corner of the justice system, police in Benue successfully arrested a notorious kidnap kingpin, a development that will likely bring relief to communities plagued by insecurity. These stories remind readers of the constant tension between crime and enforcement in the country.

FEEL MY PULSE | AT THIS TIME

FEEL MY PULSE

Nigeria: Political Shifts and Governance Challenges  

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to present the 2026 Appropriation Bill before a joint session of the National Assembly on Friday. The budget presentation comes amid heightened scrutiny of his administration’s fiscal policies and promises of economic stabilization. In a dramatic turn, the Chief Executives of both the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) have resigned following corruption allegations linked to the Dangote Group. Their departures mark a significant shake-up in Nigeria’s oil regulatory landscape. Meanwhile, the United States has imposed new visa restrictions on Nigerians, citing persistent vetting concerns and high overstay rates, a move expected to impact travel and diplomatic relations.

Rob Reiner's son arrested after parents found dead at LA home

The Arrest of Nick Reiner Following the Tragic Deaths of Rob and Michele Reiner

Summary: Hollywood has been shaken by the shocking news that acclaimed filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Singer Reiner were found dead in their Los Angeles home. Their son, Nick Reiner, has been arrested and charged in connection with their deaths.

The entertainment industry and the wider public were stunned on Sunday, December 14, 2025, when police discovered the bodies of Rob Reiner, aged 78, and his wife Michele Singer Reiner, aged 68, at their Brentwood-area residence in Los Angeles.

According to law enforcement officials, both victims suffered fatal stab wounds. The discovery was reportedly made after a call to the Los Angeles Police Department, and the case was immediately treated as a homicide investigation.

Trump’s Chief of Staff Susie Wiles says he has an 'alcoholic's personality'

Susie Wiles’ Remark on Donald Trump’s “Alcoholic’s Personality”

In December 2025, a striking comment from Susie Wiles, Chief of Staff to President Donald Trump, drew widespread attention.

Wiles reportedly described Trump as having an “alcoholic’s personality,” a remark that quickly reverberated across political and media circles.

The statement was notable not only for its bluntness but also because Trump is famously known for abstaining from alcohol throughout his life, citing the tragic death of his brother Fred Trump Jr., who struggled with alcoholism, as the reason behind his lifelong avoidance of drinking.

Buhari had the wrong people in the right places and didn't change them for 8 years over fear of being called a dictator - Aisha Buhari

Aisha Buhari’s Revelation on Leadership Choices of Muhammadu Buhari

In a striking disclosure that has reignited debates about Nigeria’s governance under Muhammadu Buhari, former First Lady Aisha Buhari revealed that her late husband, who served as Nigeria’s president from 2015 to 2023, deliberately retained underperforming aides and appointees throughout his tenure.

 According to her, Buhari’s reluctance to make sweeping changes stemmed from a deep-seated fear of being branded a dictator, a label that had haunted him since his military era.

Mortuary attendant nabbed by police for allegedly harvesting organs from a corpse in Edo

Mortuary Attendant Nabbed in Edo Over Alleged Organ Harvesting

In Edo State, Nigeria, a disturbing incident has gripped public attention after a mortuary attendant was arrested for allegedly harvesting organs from a corpse.

The case unfolded at Akugbe Mortuary, located in the Upper Sakponba area of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, and has sparked outrage among residents and relatives of the deceased.

The Timeline of Donald Trump Jr. and Bettina Anderson’s Path to Engagement

The Timeline of Donald Trump Jr. and Bettina Anderson’s Path to Engagement

The announcement of Donald Trump Jr. and Bettina Anderson’s engagement at the White House in December 2025 was not an isolated moment but the culmination of a series of public and private milestones that charted the evolution of their relationship.

Their journey reflects both the personal transitions of Trump Jr. and the growing prominence of Anderson within the Trump family’s orbit.

Donald Trump Jr. and Bettina Anderson Reveal They're Engaged at the White House in Announcement from Donald Trump

Donald Trump Jr. and Bettina Anderson Announce Engagement at the White House

On December 15, 2025, President Donald Trump publicly announced at the White House that his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., and socialite Bettina Anderson are engaged.

The announcement was made in front of attendees and later circulated through social media, marking a significant moment for the Trump family.

Insecurity: Kogi Govt Promises Major Revelation Within 24 Hours

Insecurity in Kogi State - Government Promises Major Revelation Within 24 Hours

The Kogi State Government has announced that it will make a significant revelation within the next twenty-four hours, a disclosure described as one that will “shake the country.”

This statement was made by Kingsley Fanwo, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, during an interview on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief.

Alleged Corruption, Dangote Submits Petition To ICPC Against NMDPRA MD Ahmed

Dangote’s Petition Against NMDPRA MD Ahmed

In a dramatic escalation of tensions within Nigeria’s petroleum sector, Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Dangote Group, has formally submitted a petition to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) against Engr.

Farouk Ahmed, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). The petition, filed on December 16, 2025, through Dangote’s lawyer Ogwu Onoja (SAN), accuses Ahmed of corruption, abuse of office, and financial impropriety.

CBN Revokes Licences of Two Mortgage Banks Over Financial Mismanagement

CBN Revokes Licences of Two Mortgage Banks Over Financial Mismanagement

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has taken decisive regulatory action by revoking the operating licences of two primary mortgage institutions—Aso Savings and Loans Plc and Union Homes Savings and Loans Plc.

This move, announced on December 16, 2025, marks a significant intervention in Nigeria’s financial sector aimed at safeguarding stability and protecting depositors.

Niger Gov Bago Sacks All Special Advisers

Niger Gov Bago Sacks All Special Advisers

In a decisive move aimed at restructuring governance in Niger State, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has terminated the appointments of all his special advisers.

The announcement was made during his maiden Council meeting with newly sworn-in Commissioners at the Government House in Minna on December 16, 2025.

Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, Dies at 71

The Passing of Former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad

The Nigerian judiciary and the nation at large have been thrown into mourning following the death of former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad, who passed away at the age of 71.

His death occurred in Saudi Arabia, just two weeks shy of his 72nd birthday, which would have been on December 31, 2025. The news was confirmed in Abuja by the Nigerian Association of Muslim Law Students (NAMLAS), which described his demise as a monumental loss to the judiciary, the legal profession, the Muslim community, and the country.

Timeline of María Corina Machado’s Escape and Aftermath

Timeline of María Corina Machado’s Escape and Aftermath

Prelude to Escape

María Corina Machado, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Venezuelan opposition leader, had long been under constant surveillance and pressure from the regime. Her outspoken criticism of corruption and human rights abuses made her a target, and as threats escalated, she began planning a daring escape.

The Fishing Boat Departure

In the dead of night, Machado boarded a small fishing boat to evade detection. The vessel was chosen for its inconspicuous nature, blending into the daily rhythms of Venezuela’s coastal life. The journey was fraught with danger: rough seas, the risk of interception, and the physical strain of remaining hidden for hours.

Nobel Peace Prize winner treated for fractured vertebra after escape from Venezuela in fishing boat

Nobel Peace Prize Winner’s Daring Escape from Venezuela

In a dramatic turn of events that has captured global attention, Nobel Peace Prize laureate María Corina Machado was treated for a fractured vertebra following her perilous escape from Venezuela.

The opposition leader, long known for her defiance against the country’s authoritarian regime, fled the nation under extraordinary circumstances, aboard a fishing boat that carried her across treacherous waters to safety.

Canada Rolls Out Express Entry Pathway For Migrant Doctors

Canada Rolls Out Express Entry Pathway for Migrant Doctors

In December 2025, Canada announced a landmark immigration initiative designed to address the country’s persistent physician shortages and strengthen its healthcare system.

The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) revealed that beginning in early 2026, a new dedicated Express Entry category will be introduced specifically for international doctors.

The Malami-EFCC Standoff and Nigeria’s Anti-Corruption Crossroads

The Malami-EFCC Standoff and Nigeria’s Anti-Corruption Crossroads

The unfolding confrontation between former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is seemingly more than a personal dispute, it is allegedly a test of Nigeria’s institutional integrity and the credibility of its anti-corruption framework.

Malami’s demand that the EFCC Chairman recuse himself from the investigation highlights a deeper crisis of confidence in the impartiality of Nigeria’s enforcement agencies.