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 Four Sentenced to Death Over Benin City Vegetable Market Kidnapping Benin City, Edo State — September 29, 2026 Edo state court  The Edo State Special Criminal Court sitting in Benin City has sentenced four defendants to death following their conviction over the kidnapping of a woman at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road. The judgment was delivered on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, in what was the court's first judgment in a kidnapping case since the specialised court was established. The defendants are Marvellous Isaac, Wisdom Michael, Rufus Emete Michael and Gift Raphael. They had faced charges relating to kidnapping, conspiracy, armed robbery, cultism and unlawful possession of firearms. Vegetable Market Kidnapping The case arose from the abduction of a woman at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road in Benin City on June 14, 2026. The incident happened in broad daylight and prompted a police investigation that eventually led to the arrest of the four defendants. The vi...

 Ebola Is Back in Africa: Nigeria Raises Alert as Deadly Outbreak Spreads in DR Congo Ebola virus  The Ebola virus has returned to the headlines following a rapidly expanding outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), prompting renewed public-health concern across Africa and increased preparedness measures in Nigeria. The current outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, a type of Ebola virus. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the outbreak in the DRC has continued to expand geographically, with cases reported across seven provinces. As of September 23, 2026, the country had recorded 7,890 confirmed cases and 3,799 deaths, giving a reported case-fatality ratio of 48.1 percent. The outbreak has become particularly concerning because of its continued geographical expansion and the possibility of cross-border transmission. WHO reported that two additional health zones were recently affected, including one in Sud-Ubangi province and another in Haut-Ué...

Meet Marvis Okoro Ogbawe, popularly known as Big Marviskm—a Nigerian social-media personality from Benin City whose journey has taken him from Upper Sokponba to Italy, where he continues to build his family, identity and digital presence. Marvis Okoro Ogbawe, popularly known as Big Marviskm. Marvis Okoro Ogbawe, popularly known as Big Marviskm, is a Nigerian social-media personality whose story connects his roots in Benin City, Edo State, with his life and digital presence in Italy, Europe. Born on 31 December 1996 into the Okoro family in Upper Sokponba, Benin City, Marvis grew up surrounded by the culture and traditions of Edo State. His Nigerian heritage remains an important part of his identity, even as his journey has taken him abroad. Today, Marvis is based in Italy, where he has established a life for himself as a husband, father and social-media personality. Online, he is known by the name Big Marviskm, with his TikTok presence under @d_bini_boy1. BUILDING A DIGITAL PRESENCE: S...

 Nigerian Musician and Entrepreneur victor efe airianosa also known as Vbrown pullenwiser Announces Alignment of Music and Business Activities Victor efe Airianosa (vbrown pullenwiser) Independent Nigerian Afrobeats artist and business executive Victor Efe Airianosa, professionally known as Vbrown Pullenwiser, has announced an alignment of his musical career and business activities. His work spans music and business interests under the "Wiser" name. Operating under the "Wiser" umbrella, Victor Efe Airianosa serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Wiserexchange, a digital finance business involved in cryptocurrency and digital asset trading, as well as Wiser Global Logistics Services, a logistics business focused on supply chain services. "The modern artist is no longer just a creator; we are brands and enterprise builders," said Victor Efe Airianosa, performing under the moniker Vbrown Pullenwiser. "Aligning my creative output under Wiser Music Empir...

 Lebara Launches Nationwide Operations in Nigeria, Becomes New Telecom Operator Lebara lunches it's service in Nigeria  Nigeria’s telecommunications industry has welcomed a new player as Lebara Nigeria officially begins nationwide commercial operations, offering Nigerians another option for mobile voice, SMS and internet services. The London-based telecommunications brand commenced commercial operations in September 2026, entering Nigeria through the country’s growing Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) market. LEBARA ENTERS NIGERIA AS AN MVNO Unlike traditional telecom operators such as MTN, Airtel and Glo, Lebara does not operate by building its own nationwide radio network. Instead, the company operates as an MVNO, using existing telecommunications infrastructure while focusing on its own services, customer experience, distribution and digital products. Lebara Nigeria operates through VAS2Nets Telecommunications Limited, which holds a Tier 5 MVNO licence issued by the Ni...

 Veteran Nollywood actor and film executive Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84. Veteran actor olu Jacob dies at 84 His death was announced on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, by his son, Olusoji Jacobs, with his wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, also confirming the passing. In a statement announcing his death, the family described him as “The Lion of Lufodo” and said: “It is with gratitude to God for a life well lived and fought that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father, grandfather and uncle.” The family also appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect their privacy as they mourn their loss. Born on July 11, 1942, Olu Jacobs built a remarkable career spanning theatre, television and film. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before becoming one of the most recognisable and respected figures in Nigerian cinema. He was also a recipient of the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic ...