Metro Files

The federal government has introduced a monthly stipend of N45,000 for students enrolled in technical colleges across the country. Prof. Idris Bugaje, Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), disclosed this information in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja. According to Bugaje, “This stipend will enhance the attractiveness of technical colleges, enabling young people to acquire skills qualifications and secure employment opportunities both locally and internationally. “This initiative marks a significant turning point for the sector, which has experienced decline since the 1980s. Historically, TVET was prominent during colonial days and early independence, with 129 technical colleges existing at that time, compared to the current number and 15,000 senior secondary schools nationwide. The N45,000 stipend is a grant and not a loan, meaning that recipients will not be required to repay it. The ultimate goal is to increase enrollment in technical education.” 291 Views

A Mexican social media influencer was fatally shot while livestreaming at a beauty salon in a region notorious for cartel violence; prosecutors indicate that she was the victim of a targeted attack by a hitman. Valeria Márquez, a 23-year-old model and beauty influencer with more than 113,000 followers on TikTok, collapsed on camera after being shot in the head and chest by a masked gunman who fled the scene on a motorcycle with an accomplice, according to prosecutors. The murder is being investigated as femicide, a gender-based crime under Mexican law; Mexican President Claudia extended her condolences to the Márquez’s family and stated that Mexico’s security cabinet is working to solve the murder with the prosecutor’s office. (Source: Fox News) 327 Views

The State Criminal Investigation Department of the Lagos State Police Command has arrested five suspects, including a guardian, for abduction and child stealing. A complaint was lodged at Ajah Division on May 5, 2025, by an individual who reported that his 16-year-old cousin, Miss Happiness, was impregnated by an unidentified person. An investigation revealed that due to financial constraints, the complainant’s mother entrusted Miss Happiness to one Nonye Osi for accommodation until she delivered. However, Nonye Osi conspired with others to relocate Miss Happiness to an unknown location. When she was eventually found, she was without her pregnancy and the baby. Following the transfer of the case to the SCID for discreet investigation, the police arrested the following suspects, Nonye Osi, Akintan Adedayo, Jimoh Bashiru, Elizabeth Bishop, and Bukola Oladapo who had conspired and sold the baby for Three Million Naira (₦3,000,000.00). Through painstaking efforts, detectives traced and successfully recovered the stolen two-week-old baby boy from Agemuwo, Badagry area. The child was found safe and sound. The Gender/Anti-Human Trafficking Unit is currently handling the case and attending to the baby, who is in good health, pending his reunion with his biological mother 296 Views

In light of the recent demolition of a building allegedly used for illegal harvesting of human organs, among other illegal and criminal activities, an urgent call has been made to rethink how society responds to properties linked with such serious crimes. Speaking on behalf of NIDMECORP (the International Organisation for Nationals In Diaspora Mentoring Corp), Mentoring Cmdt Alistair called on government authorities at both state and federal levels to halt the practice of demolishing crime-linked buildings and instead, embrace a progressive approach that turns such structures into resources for healing, empowerment, and societal developmental growth. While no society can or should tolerate acts such as kidnapping, ritual killings, human trafficking, and proceeds of crimes, the destruction of valuable buildings—often worth tens or hundreds of millions of naira—represents a missed opportunity. These structures can serve as centres for trauma recovery, youth rehabilitation, health centres, law enforcement training, or NGOs focused on social justice and victim support. In recent years, several states in Nigeria have adopted demolition policies targeting properties associated with crime. Many states in the nation have demolished houses in local areas and other places allegedly used by kidnappers; sanctioned the demolition of buildings linked with crime syndicates and activities. Major cities around the country too have seen similar actions by authorities removing structures tied to criminal acts. While these actions are often celebrated as symbolic justice, they deny communities the chance to repurpose those assets for social upliftment. For example, a ₦50million building demolished becomes rubble, safety hazards and in need of the government to clear the challenge—but if converted, it could serve thousands through community programs, emergency shelters, or training initiatives. An Alternative Vision from NIDMECORP – Alistair added, 167 Views

Following an emergency abdominal surgery, reports indicate that Taiwo Awoniyi, Nigerian Super Eagles and Nottingham Forest striker, is receiving intensive care in an induced coma after undergoing urgent surgery for a severe abdominal injury that posed a significant threat to his life. Awoniyi collided with a post during Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Leicester, receiving several minutes of treatment before resuming play, only to be substituted later. Nottingham Forest confirmed on Tuesday that Awoniyi underwent emergency surgery after the injury’s severity was confirmed on Monday, prompting his hospitalization. Initial indications suggest that the surgery has been successful, and doctors anticipate completing the complex medical procedure. The injury’s nature is such that, in certain cases, it can be fatal. Nottingham Forest reports that the striker is recovering well. 330 Views

In a major operation, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled an 80-room hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos, used as a front for illicit substance distribution. After a thorough search, operatives recovered 589 bags of Canadian Loud, a strong strain of cannabis, weighing 417.3 kilograms and valued at ₦1,042,500,000. At least three suspects, Eze Ayitu, Ofuokwu Samuel, and Emmanuel Ameh, were arrested during the operation, which occurred between Friday, 25th and Saturday, 26th April 2025. Two other suspects, Noble Philip and Kenneth, are currently evading arrest. The recovered items, including vehicles and electronics, are believed to be proceeds of illicit drug trade. Items suspected to be proceeds of illicit drug trade recovered from the premises housing The Hook Hotel also known as Caesar Hotel and Caesar Lounge located at 16 Waziri Ibrahim street, off Elsie Femi Pearse street, Victoria Island, Lagos, include: Toyota Prado Landcruiser Jeep (Lagos AKD 472 OZ); Toyota Sienna Vehicle (Lagos KJA 79 HJ); Volkswagen Delivery Van (Lagos AAA 525 JE); Kia Ceranto Car (Lagos BDG 860 GQ); Grand Caravan Dodge (Lagos APP 847 YF); 74 new TV sets; 10 used TV sets; and 13 refrigerators, among others. 235 Views

Ace film actor cum Producer Femi Adebayo has been awarded a sum of ₦25million in a lawsuit that involves his company and an unnamed YouTube content aggregator! In case you missed it, the said YouTube Channel was reported to have overlay promotional materials of Femi Adebayo\’s 2019 theatrical movie titled, “Survival of Jelili” to hoax audiences into believing they were watching the actual film. This deception boosted the views of another YouTube title that earned unaccounted revenue streams over a period of time. Reacting to the court judgement, Femi Adebayo wrote on his X page, \” The Nigerian film industry has experienced exponential growth over the years, but we haven\’t been able to maximise the true dividends of this business because of dare devil pirates who benefit where they didn\’t sow. This is a major reason why investors find it hard to commit their funds to filmmakers. However, through persistence and the use of the legal framework covering intellectual property, we can bring their activities to a gradual halt. Several times, I have been a victim of movie pirates and I never spare them. I recently concluded a legal battle with a notable media company that owns a big radio station and also engages in youtube content distribution. During the cinema run of \”Survival of Jelili\” in 2019, my movie was gathering good numbers at that time. They decided to use my movie poster and title to promote a movie on their platform, thereby deceiving fans and diverting revenue accrued to me. It took 3 years, but my trust in the legal and justice system remained unwavering. With the dedication of our legal team, Bola Adebowale & Co Legal Practitioners, who are seasoned professionals with a wealth of experience in handling such cases. They presented undeniable evidence, put up a strong argument, and took the case to trial. Their promptness, efficiency, and attention to detail played a huge part in the direction of the case. We won and were awarded a total of Twenty Five Million Naira. This isn\’t just my win as a filmmaker and content producer but a win for all of Nollywood. We need to be ready to fight IP theft and piracy at all levels. Every win brings us closer to protecting and getting the true economic value of our works\”. #saynotopiracy 541 Views

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has dissociated itself from a phantom report circulating in sections of the media claiming it has released a full list of ex-governors being investigated for alleged corruption. In a recently released press statement, EFCC said, \”the report headlined: \”EFCC Releases Full List of 58 Ex-Governors that Embezzled N2.187 Trillion\”, in one of the news outlets, is false and mischievous as the Commission neither issued the said list nor entertained discussions on investigation of ex-governors with any news medium. This invariably means that the so-called list is a disingenuous fabrication designed to achieve motives known only to the authors. The public is enjoined to ignore the report as it is false and misleading. The media is advised to endeavour to crosscheck facts pertaining to matters under investigation with the Commission to avoid misleading the public with false and inaccurate reports\” . 584 Views

Anyim Vera, the lady who was accused of giving false testimony by the Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Abuja, Paul Eneche, on Sunday, April 14, has taken to her Facebook page to clear all doubts. Speaking via her Facebook page on Monday, April 15, Vera said she was disgraced and labelled a liar by her spiritual leader just because she couldn\’t speak English and mistakenly said B.Sc instead of LLB. She further stated that she graduated with a 3rd class from NOUN and was no. 2262 on the list of graduates from the school. She wrote: \”It\’s disheartened because I couldn\’t speak English like lawyers. I was labelled a liar for mistakenly saying B.Sc instead of LLB. Actually, I graduated with a Third Class at NOUN. “The rejected stone can become the cornerstone. We\’re reminded not to look down on anyone. U can\’t imagine what I endured throughout the service. How shattered I must have felt to be disgraced by my spiritual leader in such a manner? “I am no. 2262 on the list. I Vera deserves better now\” In another post, she wrote: \”The Devil came to steal my testimony but Jesus said NO!\” A photo on her Facebook page suggests she is a policewoman as she was seen adorned in their uniform. You may recall that on Sunday, April 14, Vera came on the altar to share her testimony of how God made her the “only graduate in her family\” adding she graduated with a \”BSc in Law\” from the National Open University of Nigeria. While giving her testimony, Pastor Eneche asked what degree she graduated with and she said ‘’Law\”, he asked further, what kind of Law degree, and the lady answered \’BScc in Law\’\’ after which he accused her of lying. 632 Views

Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court, sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Friday, April 12, 2024, sentenced Idris Okuneye, a.k.a Bobrisky, to six months imprisonment over mutilation of the Naira notes. He was arraigned on Friday, April 5, 2024, on a four-count charge bordering on mutilation of the Naira notes to the tune of N490,000,00 (Four Hundred and Ninety Thousand Naira). He pleaded “guilty” to the charges when they were read to him. Delivering judgment , Justice Awogboro held that “  The act of mutilating the Naira notes has become a menace, which has continued to damage the image of the country. “Enough of people mutilating and tampering with our currencies. It has to stop. His will serve as a deterrent to others.” The Judge, therefore, sentenced him to six months imprisonment, without an option of fine, from the date of his remand. 662 Views

Operatives of the Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have commenced investigation of Idris Okuneye, a.k.a Bobrisky, for allegedly spraying Naira notes. The EFCC had invited the 31-year-old following a video report of spraying and flaunting wads of new Naira notes at the premiere of a movie, Ajakaju, produced by Eniola Ajao, a Nollywood actress and producer, at Film One Circle Mall, Lekki, Lagos on March 24, 2024. The investigation also revealed that he had also committed the alleged offence at some other event centres and parties at different times. Following the invitation by the Commission, he arrived at the Lagos Zonal Command of the EFCC on the morning of Wednesday, April 4, 2024, for interrogation and volunteered his statements. He will soon be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations. 661 Views