Metro Files

Although AFRIMA is striving to position itself as Africa’s version of the Grammys, history reminds us that the continent once had a stronger contender, the Kora Awards. For years, Kora held its ground as Africa’s biggest celebration of music, drawing continental attention and even competing in relevance with the Grammys. But contractual disputes and funding shortfalls soon became its undoing. The last edition was held in 2012, a sad marker of another promising African idea lost to mismanagement and neglect. That story captures a recurring theme across Africa’s creative landscape: a tendency to undervalue our own initiatives and let them fade. Many African music and film awards start with lofty ambitions but rarely stand the test of time. Internal politics, greed, and an enduring inferiority complex often cloud the vision. Everyone wants a piece of the presumed largesse that comes with organizing an award, and soon enough, the focus shifts from excellence to entitlement. Of course, the problem isn’t peculiar to Africa. Around the world, some awards have been accused of bias or influence-peddling. But in many African contexts, the issue runs deeper. Recognition too often depends on who you know or how much you can offer, rather than on genuine merit. Still, awards play an important role. They reflect a spectrum of human motivation, from those who simply value acknowledgment, to those who crave the spotlight, to those who appreciate recognition most when it comes unexpectedly. This dynamic also fuels corporate sponsorship, as brands align themselves with the celebration of excellence and visibility. But it’s worth remembering: the Grammys, often seen as the global gold standard, didn’t earn its prestige overnight. Like ancient Rome, it was built over time, surviving storms known only to its organizers. Its endurance lies in a clear mission, consistency, adaptability, and, most importantly, an institutional system that believes in and supports it. African and Nigerian music awards, on the other hand, often fail not for lack of talent or creativity, but because of poor management and shortsightedness. Ironically, this decline comes at a time when African music, especially Nigerian sounds, is dominating the global stage. Now more than ever, Africa’s creative community must rally together to build a credible, all-inclusive award system that transcends regional and national divides. One that represents every genre, upholds integrity, and earns at least 85 percent credibility in the eyes of the people. And perhaps most crucially, African artistes themselves must learn to value and support what is theirs, through their presence, their platforms, and their voices. Because without their buy-in, even the brightest ideas will keep fading before they find their light. (#VoicesInMyHead By Omogbolahan Akinwumi, renowned journalist formerly known as Kazeem Popoola) 37 Views

A soldier by the name, Lance Corporal Akenleye Femi has been ‘confirmed’ to have killed his wife and committed suicide. The tragic incident which occurred on 11th of October, 2025 at Wawa Cantonment, Niger State, has caused a tensed atmosphere, leaving the barracks residents in shock as to the circumstances that could have led to such an unfortunate incident. Lance Corporal Femi who was serving at 221 Battalion, Wawa Cantonment, and his wife were suddenly found dead in their apartment at Block 15, Room 24, Corporals and Below Quarters, Wawa Cantonment. Preliminary investigation revealed that the soldier was on duty within the Cantonment, and had sought permission from his superior to attend to personal needs and return to duty. This followed the discovery of the dead bodies lying in their apartment. The remains of the deceased have been preserved, while an in-depth investigation has since commenced to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident. The Commander 22 Armoured Brigade, Brigadier General Ezra Barkins, assures the general public that the circumstances that led to the sad incident will be thoroughly investigated, and the outcome relayed to the general public accordingly. 156 Views

According to the Police, the suspects are: 1. Shamsudeen Hassan ‘m’ from Malumfashi LGA Katsina state 2. Hassan Isah ‘m’, 22 years from Zaria kaduna State 3. Abubakar Alkamu a.k.a. abba ‘m’, 27 years from Musawa LGA katsina state 4. Sani Sirajo a.k.a. dan borume ‘m’ 20 years from Malumfashi LGA katsina state 5. Mashkur Jamilu a.k.a. abba ‘m’ 28 years from Igabi LGA kaduna state 6. Suleiman Badamasi a.k.a. dan-sule ‘m’ 21 years from Malumfashi LGA katsina state 7. Abdul Salam saleh a.k.a. na-durudu ‘m’ from katsina lga katsina State 8. Zaharadeen Muhammad a.k.a. gwaska ‘m’ 23 years from chikun lga kaduna state 9. Musa adamu a.k.a. musa hassan ‘m’ 30 years from malumfashi lga katsina state 10. Sumayya Mohammed a.k.a. baby ‘m’ 27 years from Sammaka LGA, Kaduna state 11. Isah Abdulrahman a.k.a. abbati ‘m’, 25 years from Zaria LGA, Kaduna state 12. Musa Umar a.k.a. small ‘m’ 31 years from Maiduguri LGA Borno state. Shortly after the robbery incident, four (4) of the suspects shamsudeen hassan, alkamu, sirajo and one other person were apprehended through the tracking of phones stollen from the apartment during the robbery. During interrogation, Shamsudeen Hassan confessed that he shot the security guard when he attempted to prevent them from gaining access to the apartment. Sani Sirajo confessed to have tried to hold Somtochukwu Christella Maduagwu from falling off the three-storey building but was overwhelmed by her weight. Shamsudeen further confessed that he drove the white honda CR-V jeep out of the apartment after the operation. The four suspects admitted that they each received ₦200,000 from the proceeds of the crime. Recovered exhibits include: One (1) fabricated ak-47 rifle Thirty-six (36) rounds of 9mm live ammunition One (1) locally made pistol One (1) pump-action gun Two (2) live cartridges Four (4) mobile phones of the victims Two (2) sharp knives One (1) cutlass Nine (9) torchlights used during the operation In continuation of investigations, yesterday, 08/10/2025, acting on a tip-off and actionable digital intelligence also provided by us, the remaining members of the gang, Musa umar a.k.a. small, Hassan Isah and other accomplices involved in the Gishiri robbery were intercepted while enroute to an already planned armed robbery operation scheduled to hold at maitama in the early hours of this morning. All suspects have confessed to the crimes, investigation is ongoing. 202 Views

Uche Nnaji has stepped down as Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology due to allegations of certificate forgery. Nnaji has been under fire for allegedly falsifying credentials submitted to President Bola Tinubu and the Senate during his ministerial confirmation. PREMIUM TIMES’ investigation revealed that Nnaji did not complete his university education and that the bachelor’s degree and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate he presented to Tinubu, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Senate were forged. In a statement, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, stated that President Bola Tinubu has accepted Nnaji’s resignation. Nnaji’s resignation letter thanked the President for allowing him to serve Nigeria, citing blackmail by political opponents. President Tinubu expressed gratitude for Nnaji’s service and wished him well in future pursuits. 178 Views

Lagos Police Command has confirmed the arrest of John Samuel, a notorious armed robbery kingpin, hired assassin, and murderer behind the Allen Avenue gold jewellery armed robbery attack. On 19/09/2025, at about 1400hrs, operatives of the Lagos State Police Command successfully tracked, trailed, and arrested John Samuel, a notorious armed robber, hired assassin, and murderer, later identified as John Samuel, 28 years old, from Akwa Ibom State, in his hideout at Epe. The suspect, who was recently released from prison on 18/08/2025, fired and wounded a businessman, Gbenga Obama, and robbed him of an expensive gold necklace and other valuables in broad daylight at Gbajobi Street, Allen Avenue, Ikeja. John Samuel, an ex-convict, is vicious and notorious for armed robbery, assassination, and murder of some of his victims. He was released recently after serving a six-year jail term for the capital offence of armed robbery. After his release from prison, he returned to crime and criminality with even more viciousness. He is notorious for shooting at victims before dispossessing them of their valuables. CCTV footage of the 18/08/2025 incident obtained clearly captured the suspect when he fired at the victim with an English pistol before dispossessing him of his gold necklace jewelry while his accomplice waited on a motorcycle for their escape. The victim, who sustained serious gunshot wounds during the attack, has since been treated and discharged. The suspect, John Samuel, confessed to selling the stolen jewelry for ₦4 million, far below its actual value. The Lagos State Police Command is currently intensifying efforts to arrest other members of his gang and bring them to justice. They will all be prosecuted on completion of investigation. 196 Views

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested Mrs. Ifeoma Henrietta Ezewuike, a 50-year-old widow and fashion designer, attempted to traffic 1.3 kilograms of cocaine, using a fake pregnancy as a means to avoid detection. The widow, a mother of one and owner of Golden Star Creation, a fashion outfit in Ago palace way, Okota Lagos, was arrested at a bus terminal in Jibowu, Yaba area of the state on Friday, 22nd August 2025, while attempting to move the cocaine consignment to customers in Abuja. A follow-up operation at her house in Ago palace area led to the recovery of 200 grams of cutting agent used in the production of a strain of cocaine. According to Ezewuike, she inherited the illicit trade from her late husband, who died two years ago, while she has been in the fashion business for 20 years. 247 Views

The Nigerian aviation sector has experienced a surge in dramatic incidents, including K-I’s shameful display and Ms Comfort’s confrontation with Akwa Ibom’s cabin crew and airport security. In an effort to ease the escalating tension, Festus Keyamo, the Aviation Minister, issued a press release outlining the final decision: DECISION TO WITHDRAW CRIMINAL COMPLAINT AGAINST MS. COMFORT EMMANSON AND TO ADDRESS RELATED MATTERS 1. In the last 48 hours, I have been in consultation with critical stakeholders in the Aviation Sector and those involved in the unfortunate incidents regarding the unruly behaviours of certain individuals at our airports of recent. 2. Though regrettable, we think valuable lessons have been learnt by all sides to these incidents and airport security protocol, especially, have been well highlighted for the travelling public. If nothing at all, the episodes have undoubtedly helped to raise public awareness about appropriate conduct within the aviation space. 3. As highlighted in my previous statements on the last two incidents, clear wrongs were committed by both the offending passengers and staff of the airlines involved from all the evidence available to us and those available to the public. It is clear that all the actors involved cannot continue to highlight the injury or injustice done to them without acknowledging their own equal culpability. 5. Therefore, after reviewing the entire incidents, including appeals made by well-meaning individuals and remorse shown by the actors, the following decisions have been reached: THE CASE OF IBOM AIRLINE AND MS. COMFORT EMMANSON (a) In the case of the unruly passenger, Ms. Comfort Emmanson, on the Ibom Airline on Sunday, the 10th of August, 2025, I have conferred with Ibom Airline to withdraw the Complaint against her today. When the Police took her Statement in the presence of her lawyer, she exhibited great remorse for her conduct. (b) Subsequent to the withdrawal of the complaint by the Complainant, the CP of Airport Command and the Police Prosecutor will immediately take the remaining steps to facilitate her release from Kirikiri Prisons within this week. (c) I have also conferred with the leadership of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) and have appealed to them to lift the life-time flying ban imposed on her, to which they agreed. The details of the resolution will be made public by the AON subsequently. THE CASE OF VALUEJET AND WASIU AYINDE MARSHALL (KWAM 1) (d) In the case of KWAM 1, the NCAA is to reduce his flight ban to a one-month period. FAAN will also work with the music star with a view to engaging him as an ambassador for proper airport security protocol going forward. (e) Having publicly demonstrated penitence, the NCAA is also to withdraw its criminal complaints against KWAM 1 earlier lodged with the Police. (f) In the case of Captain Oluranti Ogoyi, and the co-pilot, First Officer Ivan Oloba of VALUEJET, the NCAA is to restore their licenses after the same period of one-month ban after undergoing some mandatory professional re-appraisal. The details will be announced by the NCAA. AIRLINE OPERATORS, AVIATION AND OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCIES 6. I have directed all relevant Aviation agencies in collaboration with other complementary agencies outside aviation to IMMEDIATELY begin a retreat NEXT WEEK to properly retrain and prepare our Aviation security personnel on how to deal with errant and disruptive passengers and how to deescalate potentially explosive situations. The retreat will be fully covered by the Press with the opportunity to ask all the relevant questions. 7. The Airlines will also have their own session when the conduct and attitude of their staff towards members of the travelling public will be in full focus. FINAL COMMENTS 8. These above decisions were taken by Government and the airline operators purely on COMPASSIONATE grounds as Government will never pander to base sentiments, politically-motivated views or warped legal opinions when clear encroachment of our laws are involved. 9. We are also sending a CLEAR MESSAGE that we take safety and security in the aviation sector very seriously and we have decided to draw a line after these clemencies. FESTUS KEYAMO, SAN, CON, FCIArb (UK) Wednesday, August 13, 2025 300 Views

After months of fleeing abroad to evade arrest, the founder and General Overseer of The Turn of Mercy Church, Prophet Adefolusho Aanu Olasele (alias Abbas Ajakaiye) has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for masterminding multiple shipments of illicit drugs into Nigeria. Prophet Adefolusho was arrested at his church located in Okun Ajah, Ogombo road, Lekki area of Lagos on Sunday 3rd August 2025 by NDLEA officers who waited for him since morning to conclude the Sunday worship service in the evening before moving in on him the moment he stepped out of the church premises. The arrest came after he had evaded arrest twice and fled to Ghana to hide since June when operatives started trailing him following the seizure of two shipments of Ghana Loud, a strain of cannabis linked to him. The first seizure of 200kg of the psychoactive substance was made at Okun Ajah beach on 4th June 2025 while another consignment of 700kg of the same substance was recovered from his delivery van on 6th July 2025. In his statement, he admitted ferrying the illicit consignments through the waterways from Ghana into Nigeria, adding that he had fled to the West African country to hide after he escaped arrest twice in the recent past. 278 Views

Former President Buhari passed away today in London at approximately 4:30 pm, following a prolonged illness. President Tinubu has spoken with Mrs. Aishat Buhari, the former President’s widow, and offered his sincerest condolences. President Tinubu has also directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to proceed to the United Kingdom to escort the remains of former President Muhammadu Buhari back to Nigeria. Former President Buhari was twice elected Nigeria’s President, in 2015 and 2019. He also served as military head of state from January 1984 to August 1985. President Tinubu has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff as a mark of respect for the departed leader. 296 Views

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has set a benchmark of 150 as the cut-off mark for admission into universities in the country. This resolution was passed on Tuesday during the 2025 Policy Meeting on Admissions, held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja. Furthermore, the cut-off marks for colleges of nursing, colleges of agriculture, and colleges of education have been set at 140, 100, and 100 respectively. “The minimum admissible scores for admissions for the next academic session have been fixed at 150 for universities, 100 for polytechnics, 100 for colleges of education, and 140 for colleges of nursing sciences by the stakeholders (Heads of Tertiary Institutions),” JAMB announced on its X handle. 270 Views

As part of its rehabilitation efforts, the Nigerian Correctional Service has facilitated the participation of over 25 inmates from the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Warri, Delta State, in the ongoing NECO examination. The two-week exam, which started on Wednesday, covers subjects such as English Language and Government. The Centre’s Officer-in-Charge, DCC Richard Egbede, expressed confidence in the inmates’ preparedness, highlighting the importance of education in their transformation. He noted that this initiative positions them for potential further education with the National Open University of Nigeria. Representatives from NECO and external invigilators praised the centre’s orderliness and serenity during the examination process. 239 Views

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested an ex-international football player, Segun George Hunkarin, along with his businessman partner, Ntoruka Emmanuel Chinedu, over an attempt to smuggle a consignment of cocaine into Nigeria through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos. Chinedu, a frequent flyer known for conveying clothes from Turkey to Nigeria and foodstuffs from Nigeria to Turkey, was the first to be arrested upon his arrival at the Lagos airport on Tuesday, 24th June 2025. A search of his carry-on bag revealed 37 wraps of cocaine weighing 800 grams were concealed therein. Investigation showed that the suspect was coming from Turkey on Ethiopian Airlines flight but transited through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he collected the luggage from another person before heading to Nigeria. Further checks revealed that an accomplice, who turned out to be the former professional footballer, Segun Hunkarin, was waiting for Chinedu at the airport car park to collect the consignment from him. Hunkarin, who had spent years in Brazil playing for football clubs, was promptly tracked and arrested at the car park. In his statement, Hunkarin claimed that while playing professional football in the South American country, he had only trafficked drugs twice from Brazil to Ethiopia but had never brought any to Nigeria. 299 Views