Metro Files

The wait is finally over! 🎙️✨ The NEXTBROADCASTSTAR CHALLENGE is HERE! Calling all Mass Communication & Media Studies students across Nigeria! 🎙️📺📰 Your moment to step into the spotlight has arrived! 🌟 The NEXTBROADCASTSTAR CHALLENGE is officially OPEN for registration! Are you talented in: 🎤 Broadcasting 📻 Radio Presentation 📺 TV Hosting 🗞️ News Reporting 🎬 Content Creation 🎙️ Voice Presentation & Media Communication? Then this is YOUR chance to shine before top media professionals and industry leaders in Nigeria! 🇳🇬✨ BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATING: ✅ National recognition & exposure ✅ Mentorship from respected broadcasters ✅ Networking opportunities with media professionals ✅ Exciting prizes & career opportunities ✅ Platform to showcase your broadcasting talent ✅ Opportunity to become Nigeria’s NEXT BROADCAST STAR! 🎓 Students of Mass Communication, Media Studies, Theatre Arts, Performing Arts and other communication related disciplines are highly encouraged to participate! Whether you’re passionate about radio, TV presentation, announcing, reporting or digital media, this challenge is designed for YOU! 📌 Registration is NOW OPEN! Register here: https://nbmawards.com/next-broadcaststar-registration/ 📲 Scan the QR/Bar code on the flyers to register instantly and get more information. Your voice deserves to be heard. Your talent deserves a platform. Your journey starts NOW! 🚀 #NextBroadcastStar 28 Views

The organizers of the Nigerian Broadcasters Merit Awards (NBMA) have officially announced that the 7th edition of the prestigious awards ceremony will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Oriental Hotel, Lagos, as preparations intensify for another historic celebration of excellence in Nigerian broadcasting. As part of the activities leading up to the main event, NBMA has issued a final call for nominations across various award categories, urging industry stakeholders, media organizations, and the public to submit deserving entries before the nomination deadline. Registration has also officially opened for the maiden edition of the Next BroadcastStar Challenge, a talent discovery initiative designed to identify, mentor, and showcase the next generation of outstanding broadcasters and media personalities in Nigeria. The organizers have unveiled an exciting lineup of pre-event activities, including the Ambassador Olusola Annual Lecture, campus engagements, and networking sessions scheduled for July 21st at Unilag, and a Celebrity Football match for July 30th at Yabatech; both events aim to promote media excellence, youth participation, and industry collaboration ahead of the award night. Speaking on the announcement, Adeolu Gboyega, Group COO of Cresthills Media Group and a member of the NBMA Advisory Board, described the upcoming edition as a major step forward for the industry. “NBMA has grown beyond an award platform; it is now a movement dedicated to preserving broadcasting excellence while empowering the next generation of media professionals. The 7th edition promises to be impactful, inspiring, and unforgettable.” According to the organizers, the 7th NBMA promises to be bigger, more impactful, and more inspiring as it continues its mission of celebrating voices and preserving the legacy of broadcasting excellence in Nigeria. Interested participants, nominees, partners, and sponsors are encouraged to follow NBMA’s official platforms for nomination details, registration links, and updates on all scheduled activities. Nomination Portal: https://nbmawards.com/merit-awards-categories/ Next BroadcastStar Challenge Registration: https://nbmawards.com/next-broadcaststar-registration/ ….#NBMAwards: Celebrating Voices, Inspiring Excellence. 22 Views

A notable instance of effective collaboration between Nigeria and the United States in counter-terrorism efforts was recorded overnight. In a bold joint operation, the Nigerian Armed Forces and the United States Armed Forces joined forces to deliver a significant blow to the Islamic State. Preliminary assessments indicate that the senior IS leader, Abu-Bilal Al-Manuki, also known as Abu-Mainok, was eliminated along with several of his lieutenants in a targeted strike on his compound in the Lake Chad Basin. 30 Views

The Federal High Court in Abuja has acquitted and discharged suspended DCP Abba Kyari and his two brothers in a 23-count case brought by the NDLEA over alleged non-declaration of assets. Justice James Omotosho held that the prosecution’s evidence was insufficient, describing the case as ‘watery’ and noting that there was no proof linking Kyari to disputed properties in Abuja, Maiduguri, or Borno State. The court faulted the inclusion of Kyari’s brothers in the conspiracy charge, characterizing it as unsubstantiated and malicious. The ruling pertains only to asset declaration allegations, with other cases, including drug-related charges, still pending. 134 Views

It is not news that the stool of the Awujale, the revered monarch of Ijebu land, is currently vacant, and the competition to occupy this esteemed position is intensifying. Prince Abimbola Onabanjo’s name has been gaining traction online, with some quarters projecting him as a strong contender for the crown. However, in a surprising turn of events, Prince Abimbola has distanced himself from the speculation by releasing a statement to debunk the rumors. The statement reads, “I, Omooba Abimbola Onabanjo of the Fusengbuwa Royal House, sincerely appreciate the outpouring of goodwill, prayers, and expressions of support received from friends, associates, and well-wishers across various platforms in recent days. I feel the love overwhelmingly and remain deeply grateful for it all. I am truly honoured by the love and confidence shown by you all and feel profoundly humbled. However, I respectfully emphasise that the process for the selection of the Awujale of Ijebuland is a sacred and time-honoured tradition, governed strictly by established customs. As the saying goes, ‘ilufẹ́mil’óyè’ it is the town that bestows the crown and I feel the love from my people, which is why, in the interest of preserving the sanctity, dignity, and integrity of Ijebu tradition, I, Omooba Abimbola Onabanjo, humbly appeal to supporters, well-wishers, and members of the public to kindly refrain from referring to me as the Awujale or circulating materials that suggest a conclusion has already been reached. I remain committed to upholding the values, unity, and heritage of Ijebuland and respectfully urge all concerned to allow the rightful processes to take their course. I am sincerely grateful for the continued goodwill and assure everyone of my utmost respect for tradition, peace, and harmony within Ijebuland. 111 Views

A Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Isah Abdullahi, attached to the armoury of the 12 Police Mobile Force in Minna, Niger State, has allegedly died by suicide amid investigations into the illegal sale of arms and ammunition. The Niger State Police Command spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident in a press statement, noting that DSP Abdullahi was arrested on December 15, 2025, following allegations that he was involved in the unlawful sale of arms and ammunition to bandits. According to the police, an arms audit was conducted on December 16, 2025, to determine the number of missing rifles and ammunition. During the audit and ongoing investigation, DSP Abdullahi reportedly shot himself in the head with a pistol and died instantly. SP Abiodun further disclosed that the officers assigned to conduct the audit and investigation have been arrested for negligence, for allegedly allowing the suspect access to a firearm. He added that other suspects connected to the incident are currently under investigation. 149 Views

Operatives of the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have discovered a large sum of counterfeit foreign currency notes, totaling $3,430,000 and €280,000, in the possession of a five-member syndicate that was arrested for allegedly defrauding one Halima Sanni of the sum of N26,550,000. The arrested herbalists, Akingbola Omotayo, Adeola Funsho Ogunrinde, Yahaya Amodu, Kubratu Babalola Olaitan (female), and Familola Sunday Olaitan, were arrested on December 7 and 8, 2025, at their shrines in Osun and Lagos States, respectively, following a thorough surveillance and intelligence gathering on their fraudulent activities. Investigations revealed that the suspects were allegedly defrauding unsuspecting individuals of their legitimate earnings under the guise of providing spiritual cleansing and solutions to various ailments. They also allegedly assured their victims of their powers to conjure up large sums of money, which would need to be cleansed by a genie through spiritual sacrifice before being spent. The suspects achieved this by hypnotizing their victims into providing money for the sacrifice. Other items recovered from the suspects include two exotic cars and a mobile phone. 147 Views

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) 209 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. 305 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. 372 Views