Allegations of money laundering, tax evasion trail Rev. Mother Ajayi’s suspected ban from UK

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

Who is after Reverend Mother Esther Abimbola Ajayi, the General Overseer of Love of Christ (LOC) Generation Church, United Kingdom? This is the mind-boggling question that has been troubling many of her admirers and followers. The highly revered evangelist, preacher, motivational speaker and philanthropist has become a subject of derision among some Nigerians living abroad, especially in the United Kingdom, where her church is based. The church, which sources said is small, is reportedly located in Clapham, London. Sources disclosed that Iya Adura, as Rev’d Mother Ajayi is fondly called,…

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Dana Air overshoot runway at Lagos Airport, management expresses regrets

Jide Ige

A Dana Air aircraft overshot the runway at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Tuesday morning. The incident was reported to have occurred a few minutes past 10 am. Reports claim there are no casualties recorded, but details of the incident are still sketchy as of the time of filing this report. The management of Dana Air has however confirmed reports that one of its aircraft with registration number 5N BKI skidded off the runway at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Tuesday morning. The airline…

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FG to sell Abuja, Benin, Kaduna, Kano, Ibadan DisCOs within three months

Jasmin Ekua, Banking & Finance

The federal government on Monday, April 22, vowed to sell off the five electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) now under the management of banks and Asset Management Company (AMCON) in the next three months to reputable technical power operators. Recalled that Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) is currently under the management of the United Bank of Africa (UBA), Fidelity Bank manages Benin Electricity Distribution Company, Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company, and Kano Electricity Distribution Company while Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company is under the AMCON management. They all found themselves under the new…

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Gov. Adeleke’s wives in hot battle for First Lady’s office

Jide Ige

The two wives of Osun Governor, Ademola Adeleke, Ngozi and Titilola are embroiled in a hot battle for who occupies the office of first lady in the state. The two women blew the battle for supremacy open as they attempt to outdo each other as the state hosts the First Lady of the Federal Republuc of Nigeria, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu on Tuesday, April 23. Ngozi and Titilola released different posters welcoming Senator Oluremi Tinubu to Osun State. Both wives, Ngozi and Titilola, have consistently laid claim to the Office of…

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Other aspirants protest as Gov. Aiyedatiwa wins Ondo APC governorship ticket

Jide Ige

The Ondo State Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Sunday, emerged the winner of the governorship primary of the ruling All Progressives Congress in the state held between Saturday and Sunday. Though as of the time of filing this report, the results of the poll were still being announced by the chairman of the primary election committee and Governor of Kogi State, Mr Usman Ododo, Aiyedatiwa was in clear lead. As of the time of filing this report, results from 15 out of the 18 local government areas in the state…

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First Bank names Alebiosu as Adeduntan’s replacement

Jide Ige

First Bank of Nigeria has named Mr. Olusegun Alebiosu as its acting managing director with effect from April 2024. The Bank stated this in a release signed by its acting company secretary Adewale Arogundade. Alebiosu takes over from Adesola Adeduntan, who gave up the role abruptly on Saturday even though he was due to complete his tenure in December 2024. The release stated that “following the resignation of the managing director/CEO of FirstBank, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, the Board of Directors has appointed Olusegun Alebiosu as the acting CEO of the…

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Nadeem Anjarwalla, fleeing Binance chief arrested in Kenya, to be extradited to Nigeria

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

Police authorities in Kenya have arrested Nadeem Anjarwalla, a Binance Holdings Ltd. top executive, who escaped from detention in Nigeria and the International Criminal Police Organisation is finalizing moves to extradite him to Nigeria soonest. Government sources familiar with the case who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak on the matter confirmed the development to our correspondent on Sunday night, reports The PUNCH newspapers. One of the sources said, “Binance executive, Nadeem Anjarwalla, has been arrested by the Kenya Police Service, and he would…

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Access Pensions to empower Africa’s next wave of talents with market readiness training

Jide Ige

As the job market welcomes a new wave of talent post NYSC, Access Pensionshas announced the ‘Shape Your Future’ live empowerment webinar. This session is designed to prepare and equip young individuals as they transition into the business world or workforce, whether as employees or entrepreneurs. Scheduled for April 25, 2024, from 12:00 WAT, ‘Shape Your Future’ brings together industry experts and thought leaders to share invaluable insights and strategies for success. The sessions will feature distinguished speakers including Joycee Awosika, Founder/CEO Oriki Group who will speak on the topic‘Getting…

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Access Holdings’ shareholders back capital raising plan, hail Aig-Imoukhuede’s return as chairman

Jide Ige

The shareholders of Access Holdings Plc at the 2nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on Friday, April 19, 2024, unanimously backed the Group’s plan to establish a capital raising programme of up to US$1.5 billion as well as the subset initiative to raise up to N365 billion, specifically, through a Rights Issue of ordinary shares to its shareholders. The proceeds of the Rights Issue would be used to support ongoing working capital needs, including organic growth funding for its banking and other non-banking subsidiaries. The shareholders also ratified the appointments…

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FG declares Kogi ex-Gov., Yahaya Bello, wanted

Jide Ige

The Federal Government on Thursday put the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, on its watchlist to prevent him from escaping from the country. The Nigerian Immigration Service, in a circular dated April 18, 2024 and signed by Assistant Comptroller of Immigration DS Umar, for the Comptroller-General, Kemi Nandap, alerted the police and the Department of State Services to effect the former governor’s arrest. This came hours after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission declared Bello wanted in connection to an alleged case of money laundering to the…

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RC Ojodu hosts Rotary Family Health Day

Jide Ige

*Rotary Club of Ojodu Hosts Successful Rotary Family Health Day, Benefiting Hundreds in Lagos-Ogun Outskirts* The Rotary Club of Ojodu, a beacon of community service and humanitarian efforts, recently concluded a highly successful Rotary Family Health Day (RFHD) from Tuesday, April 16th, to Wednesday, April 17th, 2024. The event, held in front of Destiny Child Primary School, 30 Paul Avenue, Powerline Yakoko, Ojodu, witnessed an outpouring of support from volunteers and medical professionals, all dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the local community. This year’s RFHD was Chaired…

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Cubana Chief Priest pleads not guilty to Naira abuse, gets N10m bail

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

Businessman and socialite, Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, on Wednesday, pleaded not guilty to tampering and abusing the naira during his trial at the Federal High Court, Lagos. Cubana Chief Priest was arraigned before Justice Kehinde Ogundare of the Federal High Court in Lagos on three counts bordering on abuse of naira by allegedly spraying and tampering with the nation’s currency at a social event, contrary to the provisions of the Central Bank Act of 2007. He was alleged to have sprayed the naira on February 13,…

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NUBIFIE pickets Heritage bank for dismissing over 1000 staff

Jide Ige

The National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees (NUBIFIE), today shut down Heritage Bank’s head office in Lagos following the sack of over 1000 personnel by the management of the bank led by Mr. Akinola George-Taylor without following due process, The union said it had resolved to continue with the picketing until the management of the bank decides to do the needful by ensuring the sacked workers get their legitimate severance package. The aggrieved ex-staff of the bank have locked the gate and prevented anyone from going in…

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More troubles for ex-Gov. Yahaya Bello as FG condemns Gov. Ododo’s rescue mission, EFCC issues wanted notice

Jide Ige

Trouble seems not to have abated for ex-Kogi State governir, Yahaya Bello as the federal government in strong terms condemned his rescue effort by the Kogi State governor, Usman Ododo even as the Economic and Financial Crimes Comission has declared him wanted, threatening to enlist the military to effect his arrest. The EFCC declared the former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, wanted for offences relating to economic and financial crimes. This was according to a notice posted on the commission’s official Facebook page on Thursday. “Former Kogi State Governor,…

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Tinubu orders NOUN graduates to be admitted into NYSC, Law School

Jide Ige

The President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Ministry of Education to include National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) graduates in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme. He also directed graduates of the Law faculty in the institution to be allowed to enrol in Law School upon graduation. Tinubu gave the orders through the Deputy Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Biodun Saliu, who represented the President at the institution’s 13th convocation ceremony on Saturday, April 13. “With the changing demographics of our great nation, the…

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Kogi Gov., Ododo smuggles embattled godfather from EFCC siege

Jide Ige

Usman Ododo, the governor of Kogi state’s visit to the Abuja home of his predecessor and political godfather saved the day for the embattled ex-Gov. Yahaya Bello ad he was reportedly smuggled out of EFCC siege by his godson. Gunshots were heard in the premises while the former governor was being smuggled out of the premises by his successor and kinsman. An EFCC official could be overheard speaking with someone suspected to be his superior on the phone, stating that Bello was inside Ododo’s car, which departed. Operatives of the…

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Naira appreciates, sells for N1,100/$ at parallel market

Jasmin Ekua, Banking & Finance

Nigeria’s currency, the naira rose further on Monday in the parallel section of the foreign exchange (FX) market. At the Lagos street market, currency traders, also known as bureau de change (BDC) operators, quoted the naira at N1,100 to the greenback. The traders put the buying price of the dollar at N1,070 and the selling price at N1,100 — leaving a profit margin of N30. The figure represents an appreciation of N50 or 4.34 percent from the N1,150/$ it traded on April 12. At the FMDQ Exchange, a platform that…

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Rumble in Kano APC as party sack ward exco over Ganduje’s suspension

Benjamin Chukwudaalu, Political Reporter

The All Progressives Congress, APC, state working committee in Kano, has suspended some Ward Party Leaders who suspended the National Chairman of the Party, Umar Abdullahi Ganduje. APC Ganduje ward in Dawakin Tofa Local Government was said to have suspended Ganduje but in a quick counter, the party’s local government officials thwarted the suspension and sacked those behind it. The APC Dawakin Tofa Local Government Chairman, Inusa Dawanau, told Newsmen that those behind the suspension of the National Chairman were caught in anti-party activities and their records of meetings with…

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Jazzist Yinka Davies to serenade as Rotary rewards Humanitarian reporters

Jide Ige

Sensuous Jazz singer, lyricist and vocalist, Yinka Davies is to perform and serenade guests at Rotary International District 9110 Humanitarian Reporting Awards (RHRA) on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at Keystone Hall, Rotary Centre, 8 Ladoke Akintola Street, Ikeja GRA, Lagos. According to Rotary International District 9110 Governor, Rotarian Ifeyinwa Ejezie “ the renown jazz musician, lyricist, and dancer, Yinka Davies would entertain guests, journalists and Rotarians at the Rotary District 9110 Humanitarian Awards ceremony.” Ejezie further stated that“ RHRA Awards is aimed at recognising and honoring journalists for their support…

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How parents, doctor’s negligence caused Sylvester Oromoni’s death -Coroner

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

The Coroner Inquest sitting in Ogba Magistrate Court examining the death of a 12-year-old student of Dowen College, Lekki, Sylvester Junior Oromoni, has attributed his death to his parents’ and doctor’s negligence. The Coroner Magistrate, Mikhail Kadiri, held that Oromoni died as a result of failed treatment for his enlarged liver. Oromoni died on November 30, 2021. His death was attributed to bully and an alleged poisonous substance he was forced to drink in the school. He was said to have mentioned that he was beaten up by five senior…

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WEMA Bank’s depositors, stakeholders jittery as scammers cart away N685.5m

Jide Ige

Wema Bank Plc is swimming in troubled waters as depositors and stakeholders are jittery over the safety of their funds and the health of the lender over the high level of fraud cases the bank recorded in the year 2023 amounting to over N1.13bn. National Infinity reports that in its full-year 2023 financial statement released recently, the bank disclosed that it recorded fraud in its system to the tune of N1.136 billion. This has become worrisome to financial analysts and further shows that the bank’s security system may be either…

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Humanitarian Ministry Probe: EFCC recovers another $445,000, N3bn

Jide Ige

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC said on Sunday it has freshly recovered $445,000 and N3bn in the ongoing probe of the scandal in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs. The EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, disclosed that the $445,000 and N3bn were recovered between March and April in addition to N30bn earlier recovered before March, which the EFCC Chairman, Olu Olukoyede, referenced in an interview. Oyewale said, “The interview with the commission’s chairman, which was recently released, was done mid-March, and as at that time, the N30bn was what had been…

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Sharp Practices at Betta Edu’s Ministry: We are probing Bank CEOs, officials -EFCC

Jide Ige

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission said it has quizzed the Managing Directors of some banks and suspended some officials in the ongoing probe into alleged financial misappropriation in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development. The EFCC said the investigation has revealed that the banks’ MDs and officials were involved in several sharp practices. The position of the EFCC followed reactions that have greeted the probe of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development. As a precursor to the commencement of investigation, the Minister…

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Foreign airlines conspiring against us, Air Peace boss, Onyeama alleges

Jide Ige

Allen Onyema, chairman of Nigerian indigenous carrier Air Peace, has voiced concern over alleged conspiracy among foreign carriers operating the Nigeria-UK route. He claimed that these carriers are deliberately undercutting airfares on the route as part of a scheme to push Air Peace out of international operations. During an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today program, Onyema asserted the existence of an “unspoken alliance” among foreign airlines. He alleged that these airlines are employing lower pricing strategies with the aim of forcing Air Peace off the Nigeria-London route. “If they…

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Mummy of Lagos, Bobrisky jailed 6-months for Naira mutilation

Jide Ige

Idris Olarewaju Okuneye, self-styled ‘mummy of Lagos’ and also known as Bobrisky has been sentenced to six months in jail with no option of a fine by Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court in Lagos. The judgement was handed down on Friday, April 12. The controversial cross-dresser pleaded guilty to the charge of naira abuse. Justice Awogboro, in her sentence, said the judgment will serve as a deterrent to others who are fond of abusing and mutilating the naira. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Thursday,…

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I am a man, Bobrisky affirms sex status in court

Jide Ige

Controversial crossdresser and internet celebrity, Idris Okuneye aka Bobrisky has confirmed his gender during his trial on charges of naira abuse in court on Friday. Recall the crossdresser was handed a six-month jail sentence by Abimbola Awogboro, a judge of the federal high court in Lagos. The self-styled ‘Mummy of Lagos’ has ignited controversy over his gender status. Known for dressing as a woman, Bobrisky claims to have undergone different surgeries to change his gender. At some point, the social media influencer even said he was ready to bear a child.…

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Zenith Bank’s profit shoots up by 180% to N796bn in 2023 financial year

Jide Ige

Zenith Bank Plc has announced its audited results for the year ended December 31, 2023, achieving a remarkable triple-digit growth of 125% in gross earnings from NGN945.6 billion reported in 2022 to NGN2.132 trillion in 2023. According to the audited financial results for the 2023 financial year presented to the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), this impressive triple-digit growth in gross earnings resulted in a Year-on-Year (YoY) increase of 180% in Profit Before Tax (PBT) from NGN284.7 billion in 2022 to NGN796 billion in 2023. Profit After Tax (PAT) also recorded triple-digit…

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Two plunge into lagoon as bus crashes on 3MB

Jide Ige

Tragedy occurred on the newly-rehabilitated 3rd Mainland Bridge on Wednesday, when a fully-loaded 20-seater commercial bus hit the railings, sending two passengers into the Lagoon. This occurred on a day Nigeria’s Muslim faithful joined the rest of the world in celebrating the end of the holy month of Ramadan, Eid-el-Fitri. According to an eyewitness, who identified himself as Akinola Adeniyi, the tragedy occurred at about 11.30 am. He said the commercial bus en route to the Island from Iyana-Oworo suddenly hit the railings on the bridge. Adeniyi attributed the cause…

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Sad day for Nollywood as Junior Pope, 3 other actors die in boat mishap

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Junior Pope, a popular Nollywood actor has reportedly died along three other actors while travelling to a movie site. Real name, Pope Odonwodo’s death was shared on Wednesday, April 10, by filmmaker, Samuel Olatunji. He mentioned that the actor, along with three others, tragically lost their lives when their boat capsized. “Four actors including Jnr Pope fell into Anam River on their way to a location and their bodies have been recovered. “What a sad day for Nollywood. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family,” Olatunji wrote on his…

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Dollar crashes to N1, 101 as CBN pumps $15.88m into the market

Jide Ige

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has crashed the exchange rate for Bureau De Change (BDC) operators to N1,101 per dollar from N1,251/$1, following rising inflow of the greenback into the country. The apex bank also planned to sell $15.88 million to 1,588 eligible BDCs. At this rate, the BDCs would sell at not more than 1.5 per cent margin to the public, thus selling at N1,117.5/$1. In a letter addressed to the president of the Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria, the CBN announced the sale of…

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Sultan declares Wednesday as Eid el Fitri

Benjamin Chukwudaalu, Political Reporter

Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, has declared Wednesday as the first day of Shawwal 1445AH (Eid el Fitr Day). The Sultan, the head of the Muslim faithfuls in Nigeria, said this as the moon was not sighted anywhere in Nigeria. Abubakar said this on Monday after receiving the report of the Sultanate Council Advisory Committee on Religion and the National Moon Sighting Committee. The committees in their reports stated that it had not received any report from…

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Soulcom celebrates 20 years of ‘Soulful Engagement’ unveils Ugochuckwu Uwajei as new COO

Jide Ige

Soulcomms, a leading Strategic Communications and Engagement Agency has marked a significant milestone – its 20th anniversary. This momentous occasion not only commemorates two decades of excellence and innovation but also signals a new chapter with the appointment of a new Chief Operating Officer. The company’s 20th anniversary celebration was marked with an exclusive Cocktail event with the theme, “20 Years of Soulful Engagement.” Clients, Industry Stakeholders, former staff of the company, and other esteemed guests graced the colourful occasion. The highpoint of the occasion was the unveiling of Soulcomms’…

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Kano Govt drags Ganduje, family to court over alleged fraud, bribery

Jide Ige

The Kano government has filed an eight-count charge against Abdullahi Ganduje, former governor of the state, for allegedly collecting $200,000 from a contractor. In a charge sheet seen by TheCable and filed before the Kano high court, the state government said the offence contravened Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Commission Commission Law 2008. The defendants in the case are Ganduje, Hafsat Umar, Abubakar Bawuro, Umar Abdullahi Umar, Jibrilla Muhammad, Lamash Properties Limited, Safari Textiles Limited, and Lesaga General Enterprises The state government also accused Ganduje of collecting $210,000 kickback from…

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Left-wing pan-Africanist, Faye sworn-in as Senegal’s 5th President

Jide Ige

Bassirou Diomaye Faye, a left-wing pan-Africanist, was sworn in Tuesday as Senegal’s youngest president after sweeping to a first-round victory on a pledge of radical reform 10 days after he was released from prison. The 44-year-old has never before held an elected office but several African leaders attended the ceremony in the new town of Diamniadio, near the capital Dakar. “Before God and the Senegalese nation, I swear to faithfully fulfil the office of President of the Republic of Senegal,” Faye said before the gathered officials. He also vowed to…

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Reps summon KFC over alleged discrimination against physically challenged

Jide Ige

The House of Representatives Committee on Disabilities has invited the management of a popular food outlet, Kentucky Fried Chicken, over the alleged ill-treatment of Mr Adebola Daniel, son of former Ogun State Governor, Gbenga Daniel and a person living with a disability. The committee’s chairman, Bashiru Ayinla, disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing House of Representatives correspondents at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja. Ayinla, a member of the All Progressives Congress representing Oshodi/Isolo-1 Federal Constituency, Lagos State, said the committee would ensure that those found to have breached the Disability…

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We will hunt down fake certificate holders -Education minister

Jide Ige

The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, on Tuesday, said security agencies will go after individuals with fake degree certificates in the country. According to the minister, the individuals will be tracked after the committee inaugurated to investigate the activities of degree mills in the country submits its report. The Federal Ministry of Education had earlier set up an investigative panel to probe activities of degree mills following an investigative report published by Daily Nigerian which exposed the activities of degree mills in Benin Republic. The Daily Nigerian reporter, Umar…

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Hope for price fall as Dangote refinery begins sale of diesel to marketers

Jide Ige

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has commenced the sale of Automotive Gas Oil, popularly called diesel, to oil marketers nationwide. Dealers and officials of the plant confirmed, as it was gathered that the refinery commenced diesel sales last week. “They started pumping out diesel to marketers last week. They also promised to sell aviation fuel soon. Some of my members confirmed this to me after making a purchase,” the National President of Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Abubakar Maigandi, told newsmen. He said the move by Dangote would lead to…

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Lagos-London flight: Air Peace responds to high demands, increases capacity

Jide Ige

Air Peace, Nigeria’s flag carrier, has announced an increase in capacity on its Lagos-London flights. The airline made the announcement on its X page on Wednesday. On March 30, Air Peace commenced its Lagos-London flight services. During an interview on Arise TV on April 2, Allen Onyema, chief executive officer of Air Peace, said the airline sold out tickets for the Lagos-London flights until September. However, due to the high demand to fly with the airline, Air Peace on Wednesday said more seats have been created to meet the passengers’…

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Alleged Fraud: EFCC arraigns Binance chief in court, adjourns tax evasion case to April, 19

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

Tigran Gambaryan, Binance’s head of financial crime compliance, has arrived the federal high court in Abuja for arraignment over allegations of money laundering. On February 28, Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla, Binance’s regional manager for Africa, were detained by the Nigerian authorities. Although Anjarwalla has escaped from the custody of the office of the national security adviser (ONSA), both executives, alongside Binance, are expected to be charged in court by the federal government for tax evasion and money laundering on Thursday. In the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/115/2024, Binance was accused of failing…

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Photo of Bobrisky after EFCC’s arrested him for naira mutilation

Jide Ige

Idris Okuneye, aka Bobrisky, a popular cross dresser has been arrested by operatives of the Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for allegedly spraying Naira notes. The Commission, in a statement via X on Thursday, said it 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. According to EFCC, investigations also…

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Group warns against desecration of Olubadan stool

Jide Ige

The IBILE G-7, a cultural and non-political organization has warned the traditional Chiefs in Ibadan land not to allow politics and politicians to use them to desecrate the Olubadan stool, reputed to be the best, most reliable, and non- controversial kingship ascendancy system in the entire Yorubaland. The process of ascendancy to the stool of Olubadan, which has become the envy of other towns in Yorubaland and which is now a case study in countries across the world about monarchies in Africa, may degenerate into absurdity and unnecessary controversy, which…

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How late Alao Akala’s ADC commited suicide

Jide Ige

A Deputy Commissioner of Police attached to the Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigations Department (FCIID), Gbolahan Olugbemi has allegedly committed suicide in Ogbomoso, Oyo State. The body of the DCP, who had served as an aide to former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala was reportedly discovered in his apartment with noose round his neck hanging. Though, full investigation is yet to be carried out to ascertain the cause of his death, a source said that it looks like a suicide. The deceased DCP Gbolahan Olugbemi was said to have come home for…

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4th Time Winner: Again Zenith Bank wins Global Finance’ Best Bank in Nigeria

Jide Ige

Zenith Bank Plc has emerged as the Best Bank in Nigeria in the Global Finance Best Banks Awards 2024, winning the award for the fourth time since 2019. The Bank was among other banks from 36 countries in Africa recognised as the prestigious Global Finance announced its 31st Annual Best Bank Awards Winners. The editors of Global Finance made the selections after extensive consultations with corporate financial executives, bankers and banking consultants, and analysts worldwide. Factors considered in selecting the top banks ranged from the quantitative objective to the informed…

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CBN increases commercial banks capital base to N500bn

Jide Ige

Nigeria’s Central Bank, on Thursday, unveiled new minimum capital requirements for banks, pegging the minimum capital base for commercial banks with international authorisation at N500bn. This is coming days after the apex bank urged Nigerian banks to expedite action on the recapitalisation of their capital base to strengthen the financial system. This was according to a statement released by the apex bank on Thursday. The statement reads, “Confirming this in Abuja, on Thursday, Acting Director, Corporate Communications Department, Mrs. Sidi Ali, said the new minimum capital base for commercial banks…

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Police arrest 8 suspects over murder of 6 Police officers in Delta

Jide Ige

ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Police Force said the police have arrested eight suspects in connection with the murder of its officers on a fact-finding mission in the Ughelli area of Delta. Speaking in Abuja on Saturday, Adejobi said the officers on a fact-finding mission, were on Feb. 23, ambushed while others on a rescue mission were also ambushed, resulting in the death of six police officers. He said the arrest followed intensive investigative efforts of police operatives. According to him, five suspects were…

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We have restored national grid -TCN

Jide Ige

The Transmission Company of Nigeria says it has successfully restored the national power grid following its collapse at 4:28 pm on Thursday. TCN, in a statement on Friday, said the grid attained full recovery by 10 pm on the same day. However, the Eko Electricity Distribution Company said on Friday that it was able to receive minimal power supply from the grid to put Agbara, Ojo, Akangba, Ajah, Lekki and Alagbon Transmission Stations on supply. The spokesperson of the TCN, Ndidi Mbah, said, “We remain optimistic that power supply will…

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Gunmen storm Oriyanrin, abduct 2 Cele worshippers

Jide Ige

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have reportedly attacked a Celestial Church in Oriyanrin, a suburb of Orimerunmu in Ogun State, abducting two worshippers identified as Oladapo Seyifunmi and Oluboboye Abiola. The incident occurred at the church located near Oriyanrin village, on the outskirt of Orimerunmu, near Mowe, in the Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State on Thursday. According to the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Omolola Odutola in a statement on Friday, the perpetrators fled through a thick forest behind the church. The statement reads “Suspected kidnapping:…

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Military planned to secretly eliminate abducted Lagos editor -Colleagues

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

Colleagues of the abducted Editor of FirstNews, Mr Segun Olatunji, on Thursday, revealed how the journalist was abducted in his Lagos home, whisked away, and allegedly tortured by the military over a story on the Defence Chief. Olatunji, a former Kaduna State correspondent of The PUNCH, was abducted by men in military uniform from his home in the Iyana Odo, Abule Egba area of Lagos State. Military authorities, on Thursday, yielded to pressure and released Olatunji, who was abducted from his home on Friday, March 15, 2024. He was released…

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Access Holdings plan US$1.5bn capital raising programme, targets N365bn rights issue

Jasmin Ekua, Banking & Finance

Access Holdings Plc, one of Africa’s leading financial groups, has unveiled plans to establish a Capital Raising Programme of up to US$1,500,000,000.00 (One Billion, Five Hundred Million United States Dollars) or its equivalent in local currency TheProgramme aims to enhance the Group’s financial strength through the issuance of various financial instruments such as ordinary shares, preference shares, Alternative Tier 1 capital, convertible and/or non-convertible debt, bonds, or other capital and/or funding instruments. The Programme may be executed through a variety of methods including public offerings, private placements, rights issues, book-building…

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Nigerian Breweries Brings “The Big Weekend Experience 2.0” to Onitsha, Warri, Akure This Easter

Jide Ige

Nigerian Breweries, the pioneer and largest brewing company in Nigeria, is set to host the second edition of the “Big Weekend Experience” across three cities simultaneously – Onitsha, Warri, and Akure. The event promises an exciting celebration of beer, featuring Nigerian Breweries’ top brands, live musical performances, and the opportunity to win fantastic prizes. Kicking off at 2 pm in each city, beer lovers can anticipate a thrilling day filled with good vibes, great music, cold beer, and the chance to win incredible prizes. The event will showcase Nigerian Breweries’…

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Detention: Binance executive, manager sue NSA, EFCC

Jasmin Ekua, Banking & Finance

The detained Binance executive, Tigran Gambaryan, has sued the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, and the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the alleged violation of his fundamental rights. Gambaryan, in the originating motion dated and filed March 18 by his lawyer, Olujoke Aliyu, sought five reliefs before the presiding judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo, at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Also, Nadeem Anjarwalla, the Binance’s Africa regional manager who escaped from custody on March 22, filed a separate right enforcement suit before Justice Ekwo. Gambaryan and Anjarwalla, in…

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