Category: Nation

On Wednesday, the Lagos State Government debunked viral news on social media, stating that it had re-introduced the monthly environmental sanitation programme. A statement signed by the state Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, also emphasised that there would be no restriction of movement on the last Saturday in July as is being widely speculated. Wahab linked the report to the “work of mischief makers” who are keen on confusing residents. He urged all residents to disregard the viral news content and conduct lawful business. Wahab explained…

N6.9bn Fraud: EFCC presents more witness against Fayose

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Friday, July 19, 2024, presented its 14th prosecution witness, PW14, Sahibu Salisu, a former Director of Administration and Finance, Office of the National Security Adviser, NSA, in the trial of alleged N6.9bn fraud involving a former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, and his company, Spotless Investment Limited, before Justice Chukujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos. The Lagos Zonal Command of the EFCC had, on Tuesday, July 2, 2019, re-arraigned Fayose and Spotless Investment Limited on an…

Mastermind of Army General’s murder arrested in Kano while attempting to escape from Nigeria

Hashiru Baku, alleged mastermind of the murder of late Brigadier General Harold Udokwere (rtd), has been arrested by the police. Daily Trust had reported how the general was killed by armed robbers who invaded his private residence at Sunshine Estate, Abuja, in the wee hours of June 21. Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Commissioner, Benneth Igweh, had paraded the suspected killers two days after the incident. While parading them at the command headquarters in Abuja, he had said two among the robbers were at large and had escaped with the…

15th time winner! Zenith Bank retains Number One in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital

For the fifteenth consecutive year, Zenith Bank Plc has retained its position as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital in the 2024 Top 1000 World Banks’ Rankings, published by The Banker Magazine. This ranking places Zenith Bank Plc as the 565th Bank globally with a Tier-1 Capital of $2.01 billion. The rankings, published in the July 2024 edition of The Banker Magazine of the Financial Times Group, United Kingdom, recognise Zenith Bank’s continued financial strength and stability. They are based on the 2023 year-end Tier-1 capital of…

Tale of Loses: A summary of NNPCL 2022 statement of accounts, spends N7.3bn on entertainment in 16months

July 23, 2024July 23, 2024 Jide Ige

Even as many Nigerians are groaning under the present economic hardship the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) reportedly spent a whopping sum of N7.3 billion on entertainment expenses in the 16 months in 2021/2022. This is according to the financial record published in December 2022. The persistent concern on the issue of accountability in the NNPC necessitated calls for the organisation to publish its financial statements. With 2024 already in its seventh month, the NNPC is yet to publish its 2023 financial statements. A review of the financial statements…

Asher Trust Investment boss jailed five years for fraud

Justice O. J. Enobie of the FCT High Court, sitting in Jabi, Abuja has convicted and sentenced the director of Asher Trust Investment Limited and Fifteen Network Limited, Daniel Ungbo Silas to five years imprisonment for fraud. Silas and his companies were prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on two-count charges, bordering on criminal breach of trust and dishonest conversion of property to the tune of N128 million (One Hundred and Twenty-eight Million Naira). Count one of his charge reads: “That you Daniel Ungbo Silas, being the…

Alleged $6bn Mambila Fraud: Court refuses Agunloye’s overseas medical trip request

Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Apo, Abuja on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 dismissed an application filed by the former Minister of Power and Steel, Mr. Olu Agunloye for a leave of the court to travel abroad for a medical check-up. At the Monday, July 1, 2024 proceeding, Agunloye, through his counsel, Adeola Adedikpe, SAN, applied for the release of his passport to enable him travel overseas for medical examination. Attached to his application were documents marked Exhibit A to E, which included a report from…

Disregard LG election notice -OGSIEC, Akinmade

The Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission, on Monday, debunked the notice of the next local government elections scheduled to be held on Saturday, October 26, 2024. The purported statement was said to have been signed by the Chairman of OGSIEC, Babatunde Osibodu, dated Wednesday, July 24, and flooded social media on Sunday. The Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to Governor Dapo Abiodun, Mr Kayode Akinmade, however, told newsmen that the statement was fake news and should be disregarded by the residents of the state. Responding, Osibodu said on Monday…

Friend who warned me against investing in Nigeria now taunts me -Dangote

The President of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has disclosed that his friend who earlier warned him against investing in Nigeria is now taunting him for ignoring his advice. Dangote disclosed this in an interview with PREMIUM TIMES on Sunday just as reports quoted the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority as claiming that diesel from Dangote Refinery is of inferior quality. “Four years ago, one of my very wealthy friends began to invest his money abroad. I disagreed with him and urged him to rethink his actions in the…

Fix your refineries, you can’t take over Dangote’s own, Agbakoba warns NNPCL

July 22, 2024July 22, 2024 Jide Ige

Olisa Agbakoba, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, has warned the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited against taking over the Dangote Refinery. Agbakoba was reacting to a comment by Africa’s richest businessman, Aliko Dangote that the NNPC should buy the refinery if that would put an end to calling him a monopolist. Dangote commented on allegations of an attempt to monopolise the market by asking the government to stop the importation of fuel products in favour of his 650,000 barrels per day refinery. The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority…

Petroleum minister, Lokpobiri meets Dangote, oil industry chiefs over refinery crisis

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, has convened a high-level meeting with key stakeholders in the oil and gas sector to resolve the ongoing issues surrounding the Dangote Refinery. The meeting, held on Monday, brought together Chairman and CEO of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Farouk Ahmed, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Gbenga Komolafe, and Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, Mele Kyari. This was contained…

The Church and its unfaithful singles, by Funke Egbemode

July 20, 2024 Jide Ige

Not having sex before marriage ought to be good. Restraining yourself from all that tantalizing stuff is tough alright, but that is what the Bible says and we all (believers) know that God is always right. Uncle, no touching; aunty, no sneaking. Keep the marriage bed undefiled. All solid contents must be kept in the bra, in the boxers. You can look, even imagine (though that is a sin too) what is in there but you can’t weed or cultivate the land. You can salivate but you must not sip…

With ‘Giants Campaign’ FirstBank truly woven into the fabric of society

July 19, 2024 Jide Ige

WITH GIANTS CAMPAIGN, FIRSTBANK IS TRULY WOVEN INTO THE FABRIC OF SOCIETY The ‘Giant in you’ campaign of the FirstBank has again confirmed the common expression that ‘apple doesn’t fall far from the tree’ given the history of the financial brand and its legendary relevance to the growth of enterprises, within and outside Nigeria. In its usual creative conjecture, 13O-year-old FirstBank, has hit the airwaves and other media outlets with various visuals to articulate its new campaign ‘The Giant in You’. Breaking down the central message, ‘there is a giant…

Tinubu names ex-lawmaker who allegedly ‘branded COVID-19 palliatives as birthday souvenirs’ as ED, NSITF

Mojisolaoluwa Kehinde Alli-Macaulay, a former lawmaker in Lagos State who came under fire in 2020 due to a condescending statement she made about the Nigerian youth, has been appointed as the Executive Director (Operations) of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF). When the news of her appointment, which was approved by President Bola Tinubu, surfaced on Saturday, many social media users decried it, as they recalled the past statement she made. While addressing a plenary session of the Lagos House of Assembly regarding the looting and violence that followed…

Tinubu appoints Walson-Jack to replace retiring Yemi-Esan as Head of Service

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, as Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, with effect from August 14, 2024. A presidency statement issued by presidential spokesman. Ajuri Ngelale, announced this on Wednesday evening. Mrs. Walson-Jack was appointed as Federal Permanent Secretary in 2017 and has served in several Ministries. The new appointee will take over from the incumbent Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, CFR, who is due to retire on August 13, 2024. President Tinubu, while…

Reps to donate 50% of six months’ salaries to combat hunger

The House of Representatives at a plenary session on Thursday pledged to give up 50 per cent of their salaries for six months to address the hunger across the country. During the session presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu amended the motion, urging his colleagues to sacrifice 50% of their salaries. He made this plea when it was his turn to speak, seeking their support for this gesture. “This government is doing its best but one year is not enough to address the challenges of this…

Tinubu okays N70k as new minimum wage, labour justifies acceptance

President Bola Tinubu has approved N70,000 as the new minimum wage for Nigerian workers with a promise to review the national minimum wage law every three years. This is coming after the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress met with the President at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Thursday. From left: Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; Minister of Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; President, Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Joe Ajero and President Trade Union Congress, Comrade Festus Osifo briefing State House Correspondents…

We are with you! PDP Govs back Fubara against Wike

Governors on the platform of the People Democratic Party (PDP), have pledged to support Gov. Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers in the crisis between him and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. The Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, made the pledge in a communique the forum issued at the end of the forum’s meeting at the Government House, Enugu on Wednesday. According to him, the forum is aware of the ongoing crisis in Rivers and is committed to supporting Gov. Fubara, saying they had resolved that…

Lagos Govt ask residents to embrace farming to boost food security

The Lagos State Government (LASG) has called on the residents to embrace subsistence farming by growing different crops within their homes to cushion the high cost of food items in the state. Subsistence agriculture occurs when farmers grow crops to meet the needs of themselves and their families on smallholdings. Ms Abisola Olusanya, the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, made the call at a news conference on Wednesday in Lagos. Olusanya urged Lagos residents to embrace subsistence farming to boost food security. “We call on Lagos residents to…

Students Loan: Recipients to get alerts next week -NELFund boss, Sawyerr

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), Akintunde Sawyerr, has said that successful applicants will start receiving alerts from next week. He said over 110,000 students had successfully applied for the loan, noting that it would only be disbursed to students who have started their session. Sawyerr, who stated this during an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today, said other students would receive alerts as soon as their sessions start. He said, “Over 110,000 students have successfully applied for student loans. They have been verified as eligible…

Tinubu seeks senates approval to increase 2024 budget by N6.2tr

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday transmitted a letter to the Senate asking the lawmakers to approve 2024 supplementary appropriation by N6.2 trillion. According to the letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, this increases the 2024 budget to N34.9 trillion from an initial N28. 7 trillion budget President Tinubu had earlier signed into law on January 1. According to the letter, Tinubu is seeking an amendment to provide for N3.2 trillion for infrastructure projects and N3 trillion for recurrent expenditure. The letter reads in part, “Pursuant to section 58…

Katsina lawmakers walk out of meeting with Gov. Radda over instruction to drop phone at reception

There was a mild drama at the Katsina State Government House, on Wednesday, when members of the state House of Assembly who were to hold a meeting with Governor Dikko Radda staged a walk out to protest security details’ directives asking them to drop their mobile phones at the reception of the council chamber, venue of the meeting. The lawmakers led by the speaker arrived in a coaster bus, disembarked and approached the Government House Council Chamber but were accosted at the entrance by security details who asked them to…

Labour Party condemn Ndume’s removal, calls it ‘dictatorial inclination’

July 17, 2024July 17, 2024 Benjamin Chukwudaalu, Political Reporter

The leadership of Labour Party (LP) has condemned the removal of Senator Ali Ndume as the chief whip of the senate. At plenary on Wednesday, Senate President Godswill Akpabio read a letter from the leadership of ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) demanding the removal of Ndume as a principal officer in the 10th senate. The party also asked Ndume, who has been very critical of President Bola Tinubu, to resign and join any opposition party of his choice. But responding in a statement on Wednesday, Obiora Ifoh, National Publicity Secretary…

UAE denies $10k bank balance, N640k fee for Nigerian visa applicants

The United Arab Emirates has denied approving $10k bank balance, and N640k fee requirements for Nigerians applying for visas into the country, reports The Cable. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced on Monday, that the UAE authorities agreed to vacate travel restrictions imposed on Nigerians. Idris further revealed that applicants must fulfil certain conditions, including obtaining a document verification number on documentverificationhub.ae. According to the website, the verification costs a non-refundable N640,000 excluding VAT for each application. This does not include the visa fee. Additionally, applicants…

Six Years Single Term: Bill scales first reading at House of Reps

The House of Representatives on Wednesday passed through the first reading a bill, seeking to amend the 1999 constitution to provide for a single term of six years for the Offices of the President, State Governors and Local Government Areas Chairmen to curb wastages occasioned by four years periodic elections. The private member bill was sponsored by the member representing Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency, Imo State, Ikenga Ugochinyere and 50 other lawmakers. The proposed bill seeks to alter Sections 7, 135, 137, 180 and 182 (1) of the 1999…

MTN Nigeria targets 40m MoMo wallets in 2025, plans largest fintech group

MTN Nigeria has set a target to build the largest fintech platform in the country, aiming to reach 30 to 40 million active MTN MoMo wallets by 2025. This was disclosed in its sustainability report filed with the Nigeria Exchange Limited on Tuesday. The report reads: “MTN Nigeria has set a target of building the largest and most valuable fintech platform in Nigeria with 30-40 million active MTN MoMo wallets by 2025,” the report stated. According to the report, in alignment with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s legal requirements, the…

As Dele Alake leads African solid minerals ministers to Aso Rock, Tinubu counsels on patriotism in managing continent’s wealth

President Bola Tinubu has asked solid minerals ministers across African countries to be patriotic and proactive in managing the continent’s natural wealth and combatting illegal exploitation. Tinubu said this on Wednesday in Abuja when he received a delegation of African Ministers of Solid Minerals under the auspices of African Minerals Strategy Group led by the Chairman, Mr. Dele Alake, at the State House, Abuja. He urged the ministers to defend Africa against illegal exploiters of the continent’s mineral resources. “We will lead the continent to self-realisation on the value of…

Court quashes Shuaibu’s impeachement as Edo Deputy Gov. orders reinstatement

Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, voided the impeachment of Phillip Shuaibu as the Deputy Governor of Edo State. Justice Omotosho, while delivering judgment in the suit, ordered that Shaibu be reinstated to office because the Edo State House of Assembly failed to comply with due process in impeaching him. Justice Omotosho also set aside the appointment of the new Deputy Governor who replaced Shaibu. Obaseki’s estranged ex-deputy pledges loyalty to Benin monarch as tongues wag over controversial court case The court held that…

APC sacks Ndume as Chief Whip, asks him to join any party of his choice

The Senate has removed Senator Ali Ndume as the Chief Whip and replaced him with Senator Tahir Monguno. Ndume’s replacement by the Senate followed a directive issued to that effect in a letter written by the National Chairman of the party, Umar Ganduje and National Secretary, Senator Bashir Ajibola. At plenary on Wednesday, Senate President Godswill Akpabio read a letter from the leadership of ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) demanding the removal of Ndume as a principal officer in the 10th senate. The party also asked Ndume, who has been…

Kano Court stops Bayero, four others from parading selves as Emirs

July 17, 2024 Benjamin Chukwudaalu, Political Reporter

Justice Amina Aliyu of Kano State High Court has perpetually restrained Aminu Ado-Bayero and four other deposed Emirs of Bichi, Rano, Gaya and Karaye from parading themselves as Emirs. Delivering the judgment on Monday, Justice Aliyu further restrained the 15th Emir of Kano and four other dethroned Emirs by themselves, servants, privies and any other persons appointed by them from parading themselves as Emirs of Kano, Bichi, Gaya, Rano, Karaye. Recall that the Kano State Government had filed a suit asking the state High Court to stop the 15th Emir,…

Group alleges fraud against ex- Unity Bank chairman, Etuh, asks EFCC to arrest, investigate him

An anti-corruption organisation, the Global Integrity Crusade Network (GICN) has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to arrest and investigate former Unity Bank Chairman, Thomas Akoh Etuh, for various alleged offences. The petition, signed by GICN Chairman, Board of Trustees, and President, Edward Omaga, dated 11th of July alleged that Etuh committed the offences during his tenure as Chairman of Unity Bank’s Board of Directors between January 23, 2015, and October 4, 2017. According to the petition, Etuh’s actions allegedly led to a significant increase in non-performing loans…

Police investigates Blord boss, Linus Williams over alleged serial fraud

The Federal Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) of the Nigerian Police Force, National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCCC), has launched an investigation into allegations against Linus Williams, the CEO of BLORD Group of Companies. According to reportd monitored on National Waves, the inquiry has been extended to several entities under the BLORD umbrella, including BLORD REAL ESTATE LTD, BLORD JETPAYE LIMITED, and BILLPOINT TECHNOLOGY. The investigation followed complaints that these companies were involved in a series of serious offences. These include cryptocurrency fraud, aiding and abetting internet fraud, engaging in computer-related fraud, funding…

UBA launches legacy promo to celebrate 75th anniversary, to splash N200m on customers

July 16, 2024 Jide Ige

In line with its custom of rewarding loyalty, Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, is set to launch the “UBA Legacy Promo” as part of activities to mark its 75th year anniversary. This landmark campaign has been specially designed by the bank to celebrate UBA’s rich legacy spanning over 75 years, as well as the bank’s longstanding commitment towards rewarding its loyal customers in a grand style. The UBA Legacy Promo which will run for a period of six months beginning from July 2024, will see the…

We have resolved crude oil crisis -Dangote, says refinery will make $26bn yearly

July 15, 2024 Jide Ige

The Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote has revealed that the crisis surrounding the supply of local crude oil to his $19bn dollar refinery has been resolved. However, Dangote’s confirmation of the resolution of the crude crisis might be a soothing balm to Nigerians who feared the lack of feedstock might jerk up the price of the refinery’s PMS. The PUNCH’s correspondent reports that this will be about the third time the refinery will postpone its PMS delivery date since it commenced the supply of diesel and aviation fuel into…

Dangote to list refinery on Nigerian Exchange in March 2021

July 15, 2024 Jide Ige

The President and Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Industries Limited, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has disclosed that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery will be listed on the Nigerian Exchange before the end of March, 2025. This came as the refinery again delayed the date for the supply of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly known as petrol, till August, another shift from July. Dangote disclosed that the refinery was set to roll out its petrol in August 2024, having resolved its crude oil supply issues through the help of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company…

Nigeria’s oil crisis worsens as Aliko drops NNPCL stake in Dangote Refinery to 7.2%

July 14, 2024July 14, 2024 Jide Ige

The lingering crisis in Nigeria’s petroleum sector took a new dimension on Sunday as the Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Refinery, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, revealed that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation now owns a 7.2 per cent stake in the mega refinery following the nations oil industry regulator to pay up its balance for a 20% stake. Aliko Dangote made the revelation during a media briefing held in Lagos State on Sunday. He said, “NNPC no longer owns a 20% stake in the Dangote refinery. They were meant to pay…

Copyright Infringement: AGF applies to take over prosecution of MTN’s CEO, Toriola, others

July 14, 2024 Jide Ige

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) has approached the Federal High Court Abuja, indicating interest in taking over the prosecution of the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria Communications Limited, Karl Toriola, and others. The suit, which was initially being prosecuted by the Nigerian Copyright Commission, has listed as defendants in the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/111/2024, MTN Nigeria Communications Limited; Toriola, MTN Senior Executive Officer, Nkeakam Abhulimen; Fun Mobile Limited, a telecommunications service provider; and Yahaya Maibe, its CEO as first, second, third, fourth and…

British singer, Stefflon Don reinstates love for Burna Boy

July 14, 2024 Jide Ige

British rapper and singer, Stephanie Allen, popularly known as Stefflon Don, has stated that award-winning Nigerian singer, Damini Ogulu, also known as Burna Boy, is the love of her life. Stefflon Don made the claim in an interview with Fernando Halman on the Netherlands music platform, Real Talk, which was released on social media on Saturday. When asked if Burna Boy still held a special place in her heart, the Jamaica-born singer responded with an unequivocal, “Yes!, with dreamy eyes and a voice softened by fond memories. As the conversation…

Healing, deliverance liberation galore as Rhema holds ‘Let Me Pass’

July 14, 2024July 14, 2024 Jide Ige

There was massive healing, deliverance and financial liberation as Prophet (Dr.) Anene Nwachukwu led Rhema Deliverance Mission holds 2024 “Let Me Pass” program tagged the “Gathering of Prophetic Generals” even as the nation’s economic and insecurity challenges bites harder by the day, to set children of God on the path of economic and spiritual stability. “Let Me Pass” 2024 is targeted at delivering the nation from her economic, political/leadership and insecurity challenges as the bible has charged the children of God to pray for the leaders in authority. It will…

Unveiling the 20yr old crook, who shot ex-Pres. Donald Trump

July 14, 2024 Jide Ige

Following an attempt on the life of former United States President Donald Trump at a political rally on Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Pennsylvania, authorities have identified the shooter as 20-year-old Thomas Crooks. “Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, is the subject involved in the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump on July 13, in Butler, Pennsylvania,” USA Today quoted the Federal Bureau of Investigation as saying in a statement on Sunday. The bureau added, “This remains an active and ongoing investigation, and anyone with information that…

Attempted Assasination: I felt a “whizzing sound”, bullet rip my skin, says Trump

July 14, 2024July 14, 2024 Jide Ige

Donald Trump says he has been shot in the ear at a political rally, describing a “whizzing sound” and feeling a “bullet ripping through skin” A male attacker was shot and killed by a member of the Secret Service after the apparent assassination attempt on Trump at the event in Butler, Pennsylvania The attacker killed one spectator at the rally, and two others are critically injured, according to the Secret Service A witness at the rally told BBC they saw a man with a rifle crawling on a nearby roof…

Unknown assailants set Emir Sanusi’s palace on fire

July 13, 2024 Jide Ige

An early morning fire outbreak has burnt a section of the Gidan Rumfa palace of the 16th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II. PUNCH Online gathered that the fire outbreak, which happened on Friday night, around 11 pm, was set by yet-to-be-identified persons. A source, who spoke with Daily Trust, said the palace located at Kofar Kudu, where the Emir sits every Monday for the court, was seriously affected by the fire. The source added that the throne, air conditioners, and other valuables were destroyed in the inferno. “It…

LG Autonomy: Ex-Delta Gov., Ibori faults Supreme Court judgement

July 13, 2024July 13, 2024 Jide Ige

James Onanefe Ibori, a former Governor of Delta State, has faulted the Supreme Court judgment that granted full autonomy to local governments in Nigeria, saying it dealt “a severe setback on the principles of federalism.” Ibori, in a post on X shortly after the judgment, expressed his disagreement with the verdict, referencing constitutional provisions to substantiate his claim that the decision undermines the foundations of federalism. After an intense back and forth between the Federal Government and state governors, the Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that it is unconstitutional for…

Canada Trip: Lagos Police Command arrests couple attempting to sell their two-year-old son

Operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested a couple (name withheld) attempting to sell their two-year-old son to travel to Canada. The command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed this to the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday in Lagos. Hundeyin said that the couple, aged 28 and 22, were apprehended on Tuesday while trying to sell their child off. He stated that around 2.45 p.m. on Tuesday, the Isolo Divisional Police Officer received information that the couple went to Isolo General Hospital and expressed their intention to sell…

N33bn Fraud: Power Minister collapses in court

Former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, collapsed outside the courtroom on Thursday at a Federal High Court, Abuja, due to ill health. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Mamman, whose plea was fixed for Thursday morning, collapsed outside the courtroom before the case was called. The former minister’s counsel, Femi Ate, SAN, told Justice James Omotosho shortly when he was called to take his plea. Upon resumed hearing, the ex-minister walked into the courtroom and stepped into the dock with part of his clothes drenched. Justice Omotosho then asked…

FG to revoke Interior Ministry’s Ikoyi property sales

The federal government has threatened to revoke the sale of residential quarters belonging to the Ministry of Interior in the Ikoyi area of Lagos. The affected property is the Ikoyi liaison residential quarters of the ministry. In 2020, the Federal Ministry of Justice, through the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr Abubakar Malami (SAN), commissioned an agent to identify and recover possession of landed properties belonging to the federal government that are currently being used and occupied by unauthorised persons. Although details of the sale, including the date and buyer,…

Tinubu’s ADC, Yusuf may succeed father as Kwara monarch