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Nigerians, others living outside Saudi barred from 2021 hajj

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Nigerians living outside Saudi intending to perform this year’s hajj will have to shelve the idea as Saudi Arabian government has said only those residing in the country will be allowed to perform the pilgrimage due to COVID-19.
For the second year non-Saudi residents will be missing the hajj.
In June 2020, the Saudi Arabia government had announced that only those residing in the country will be allowed to perform in hajj due to the coronavirus pandemic.
As of Saturday, June 12, Saudi Arabia has recorded 463,703 COVID-19 infections with 7,537 deaths and 10,112 active cases, according to data collected from worldometres.
The Saudi government says this year’s exercise will be restricted to only residents.
“In the light of what the world is witnessing with the continuing developments of the pandemic Covid-19, and the emergence of new variations, Hajj 1442 will be limited to the residents and citizens from within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ONLY ” the statement reads.
According to the statement, only 60,000 residents of the kingdom will be allowed to observe the Haji.
Residents who wish to register for the Islamic pilgrimage must be vaccinated against COVID-19, at least one dose of the vaccine.
The statement noted that the decision was taken in light of the “continuing developments of the pandemic Covid-19, and the emergence of new variations.”
“In the light of what the world is witnessing with the continuing developments of the pandemic Covid-19, and the emergence of new variations, Hajj 1442 will be limited to the residents and citizens from within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ONLY – (60,000),” the statement said.
“The total number of pilgrims this year is limited to only 60,000 people, for residents of all nationalities and citizens inside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“The health status of those wishing to register for Hajj 1442 must be from the following categories: a vaccinated person, a vaccinated person who has completed one dose and spent 14 days, or a vaccinated person recovering from infection.”

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Mother of Three Dies by Suicide After Fiance’s Family Rejects Marriage in Ijebu-Ode

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Suicide by poision

Mother of Three Dies by Suicide After Fiance’s Family Rejects Marriage in Ijebu-Ode

A 30-year-old woman, Abigail Adebayo, has died by suicide in Ijebu-Ode, following the reported rejection of her marriage by her fiancé’s family, authorities and community sources confirmed.

Abigail had been in a relationship with Oniga Abiola since September 2025, with plans to marry. About two weeks ago, Abiola introduced her to his relatives, but his mother reportedly disapproved upon learning that Abigail had three children from a previous relationship. The objection was later reinforced by Abiola himself, leading to heightened emotional distress for Abigail.

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Family sources say Abigail was later found motionless in her room and rushed to the General Hospital, Ijebu-Ode, where she was confirmed dead on arrival. The circumstances reportedly indicate that she ingested a toxic substance.

Her fiancé reported the incident to the Atan Ijebu Division, Ogun State Police Command, and police sources confirmed that detectives inspected the scene and examined her body, noting no visible marks of violence. The matter remains under investigation as authorities work to determine the full circumstances of her death.

The tragic incident has reignited discussions on the importance of mental health awareness, emotional support for women in relationships, and community interventions to prevent similar tragedies. Experts stress the need for counseling services and support networks for individuals facing familial and relational pressures.

Mother of Three Dies by Suicide After Fiance’s Family Rejects Marriage in Ijebu-Ode

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RCCG Pastor Peter Akpe Confirmed as Bayelsa Deputy Governor

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RCCG pastor Peter Akpe

RCCG Pastor Peter Akpe Confirmed as Bayelsa Deputy Governor

Mr. Peter Akpe, a pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has been officially confirmed as the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State following approval by the Bayelsa State House of Assembly.

The confirmation comes after a thorough vetting process by the state assembly, which assessed Akpe’s qualifications, leadership experience, and eligibility to hold the office of Deputy Governor under the Nigerian Constitution. Lawmakers expressed confidence in his ability to support the Governor and contribute to the state’s developmental agenda.

Peter Akpe’s appointment fills the longstanding deputy governorship vacancy and positions him to play a critical role in policy implementation, governance oversight, and coordination across state ministries and agencies.

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The Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly praised the smooth confirmation process, describing it as a demonstration of the legislature’s commitment to transparency, political stability, and due process.

Akpe is expected to be sworn in shortly, marking the formal commencement of his duties as the state’s second-in-command. Sources indicate that his priorities will include enhancing governance efficiency, supporting development projects, and strengthening collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of government.

As an RCCG pastor, Peter Akpe is also expected to bring his experience in community engagement, mentorship, and faith-based leadership to the office.

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BREAKING: IGP Kayode Egbetokun Steps Down as Tinubu Names Tunji Disu as New Police Chief

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Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu

BREAKING: IGP Kayode Egbetokun Steps Down as Tinubu Names Tunji Disu New Police Chief

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has stepped down from office following a directive from President Bola Tinubu, marking a significant shift in the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force.

Senior government and security officials confirmed that the decision was reached after a closed-door meeting between the president and the outgoing police chief at the Presidential Villa on Monday.

Following the meeting, President Tinubu nominated Tunji Disu, an Assistant Inspector General of Police, as Egbetokun’s replacement. Preparations are already underway for a formal handover ceremony at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja, although an official announcement by the presidency is still pending.

Egbetokun was appointed as the 22nd Inspector General of Police in June 2023, with his appointment later ratified by the Nigeria Police Council in October of the same year.

His tenure placed the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force under intense public scrutiny, particularly over issues of tenure elongation, succession planning, and compliance with statutory retirement provisions. At the time of his appointment, Egbetokun was close to the mandatory retirement age of 60, a development that triggered legal debates and criticism from civil society groups and constitutional lawyers.

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In response to the controversy, the National Assembly amended the Police Act in 2024, allowing an Inspector General of Police to complete a single four-year tenure irrespective of age or prior years in service. Based on the amendment, Egbetokun was expected to remain in office until October 2027.

Despite the legislative backing, his continued stay in office attracted mixed reactions, with critics questioning the broader implications for institutional norms and seniority within the police hierarchy.

Tunji Disu’s emergence as the new police chief places him at the helm of one of Africa’s largest law enforcement institutions, with the responsibility of stabilising internal morale, strengthening operational capacity, and restoring public confidence in policing amid persistent security challenges across the country.

Security analysts say the leadership change reflects President Tinubu’s growing willingness to recalibrate key security appointments as his administration confronts complex national security realities, including violent crime, insurgency, and public distrust in law enforcement.

As of the time of filing this report, the presidency has yet to issue a formal statement confirming Egbetokun’s resignation or announcing Disu’s appointment. However, sources within the presidency said an official announcement is expected later on Tuesday.

BREAKING: IGP Kayode Egbetokun Steps Down as Tinubu Names Tunji Disu New Police Chief

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