Newspaper Headlines Today, 18th December 2024

Here are top trending newspaper headlines today, 18th December 2024

1. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has disclosed that Nigerians paid N2.2 trillion in ransom between May 2023 and April 2024. This revelation came from its latest report, titled “The Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey 2024,” released yesterday in Abuja.

2. A Delta State High Court in Ibusa, Oshimili has sentenced three individuals to death for the murder of Obi Edward Ofulue III, the traditional ruler of Ubulu-Uku. The convicts were found guilty of conspiracy, kidnapping, robbery, and the monarch’s murder on January 6, 2016.

3. The Edo State House of Assembly has suspended the chairmen and vice chairmen of all 18 local government areas in the state for two months over allegations of gross misconduct and insubordination. The legislative leaders of the councils have been directed to take over administration during the suspension.

4. President Bola Tinubu will present the N47.9 trillion 2025 budget today, Wednesday, December 18, 2024, after the presentation, initially scheduled for yesterday, was postponed. Sources within the National Assembly confirmed the rescheduling.

5. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has secured a $1 billion crude-backed loan to support operations at the 650,000 barrels per day Dangote Petroleum Refinery. Additionally, it facilitated a $3 billion Gazelle loan to help stabilize the federation’s foreign exchange situation.

6. The Lagos State Environmental Taskforce arrested 17 persons, including eight minors, for street begging in parts of the state. The Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, revealed the operation aims to maintain law and order in the metropolis.

7. The Jigawa State Government uncovered 6,348 ghost workers during a staff verification exercise. Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sports, and Culture, Mr. Sagir Musa, made the announcement yesterday in Dutse.

8. The Delta State Police Command paraded over 30 suspects for crimes including robbery, kidnapping, cultism, and murder. Among them was a young woman, Blessing Ibuku, accused of killing her 10-month-old baby. The police also recovered 150 arms, including 32 AK-47 rifles.

9. The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast dust haze across the country from Wednesday to Friday. Visibility in the northern region is expected to range from 2km to 5km, with moderate dust haze predicted for Wednesday.

10. The Kano/Jigawa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has seized 2,179 kilograms of pangolin scales in collaboration with the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC). One suspect was arrested in connection with the operation in Mubi, Adamawa State.