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Police pensioners rally for protests after talks collapse

Published

6 months ago

October 8, 2025

Retired police officers under the Contributory Pension Scheme have vowed to resume their protests on October 14 at the National Assembly, despite recent interventions by the Inspector General of Police and President Bola Tinubu.

The retirees have for years demanded their removal from the CPS and the creation of a dedicated Police Pension Board, similar to those enjoyed by the military and the Department of State Services.

In response to their protest in July, the IG, who decried the humiliating conditions of retirees under the scheme, said the police leadership had initiated efforts to augment the pension of retired officers and had presented its position to the National Assembly during the public hearing of the bill seeking to exempt the police from the scheme.

Also, on August 7, the president ordered the immediate implementation of overdue pension increases and the rollout of free healthcare access for low-income retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme.

He also ordered PenCom to resolve the issue surrounding police pension.

Speaking with our correspondent on Tuesday, the leader of the aggrieved officers, CSP Mannir Lawal (retd.), said the retirees had grown frustrated over the continued delay in exiting the scheme, which he described as exploitative and unfair to members of the Nigeria Police Force.

“We are coming out en masse again on October 14 at the National Assembly. An order was given by the President, but they are trying to moderate the CPS to attract our attention. But we have told them that no matter the adjustments, we don’t want to remain under it. We want a total exit and the establishment of the Nigerian Police Pension Board.”

He disclosed that the leadership of the National Pension Commission had met with the group, but the retirees insisted on their position.

“The PenCom boss met with us, and we made it clear that we don’t want to remain under the CPS. The Army, the DSS, and the NIA have all exited the scheme. Why are the police being treated differently? Did we commit a crime by serving as police officers?”

Lawal expressed frustration that many Nigerians were unaware of the difficulties facing retired officers under the scheme, describing it as a “scam.”

“People outside don’t know what is happening, but we inside know. The CPS is a scam—a real scam. We have been on this for over 15 years. We have written to Mr. President several times, but there has been no concrete response. We have been pushed to the wall.”

Lawal said the October 14 protest would continue until the government grants their demand for a full exit from the CPS and the creation of a dedicated Nigerian Police Pension Board.

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News

Autopsy reveals what led to singer Destiny Boy’s death

Published

3 hours ago

April 4, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

The cause of death of Nigerian singer Afeez Adesina, popularly known as Destiny Boy, has been revealed months after his passing.

According to P.M News, the 22-year-old artiste, who died on January 17, 2026, had sparked speculation at the time, especially after videos from the scene circulated online.

While his family initially stated that he had been dealing with a long-term health condition that caused seizures, new findings have provided more clarity.

According to the Ogun State Police Command, an autopsy carried out by the State Criminal Investigation Department showed harmful levels of tramadol and methamphetamine in his system.

The report concluded that the cause of death was aspiration pneumonitis resulting from the ingestion of these substances.

Police spokesperson, DSP Babaseyi Oluseyi, also confirmed that one suspect has been arrested in connection with the case, with investigations still ongoing.

Destiny Boy rose to fame in 2019 after his Fuji-style cover of Davido’s song If gained attention online.

He is survived by his partner, Iremide, and their child, whom they welcomed in November 2024.

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Cuba releases more than 2,000 prisoners amid US pressure

Published

3 hours ago

April 4, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

The Cuban government on Saturday morning, April 3, announced plans to release 2,010 prisoners in what it described as a “humanitarian gesture,” as pressure from the United States continues to mount.

The announcement was shared by the Cuban Embassy in the US on social media, with officials linking the move to the observance of Holy Week rather than directly referencing tensions with Washington.

According to the government, those set to be released include foreign nationals, Cuban citizens living abroad, young people, women and older adults. Authorities said the decision was based on factors such as good conduct, time already served, the nature of the offenses and the health condition of the inmates.

No timeline was provided for when the prisoners will be released, and officials did not disclose the specific crimes committed by those affected. It also remains unclear whether individuals convicted during protests are among those included.

While Cuban authorities deny holding political prisoners, rights group Prisoners Defended has reported that more than 1,200 people are detained on political grounds.

The move comes as the administration of Donald Trump intensifies economic pressure on the island, including an effective oil blockade that has contributed to fuel shortages and economic strain.

Washington has pushed for political and economic reforms in Cuba, although details of those demands have not been made fully public. The US has also signaled that sanctions relief would depend on significant changes by the Cuban government.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has previously stated that Cuba would need to undergo major reforms to qualify for any easing of sanctions, stressing that the country’s economic challenges are tied to its political system.

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PHOTOS: Man hospitalised after sustaining injuries from beatings while portraying Jesus Christ during Good Friday procession

Published

4 hours ago

April 4, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

A second-year law student at Kampala International University, Dennis Zziwa, sustained injuries while portraying Jesus Christ during a Good Friday Way of the Cross procession at Our Lady of Africa Church, Mbuya, Uganda.

Dennis sustained injuries from the beatings he received during the intense scenes of the reenactment.

He received immediate first aid from Red Cross responders.

He was later taken to Lamone Health Center in Luzira for further medical attention.