Author: Olamide Obayemi

The forgery case instituted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) against Mr. Saturday Igwe, the Coordinator of an illegal Akwa-Ibom State Polytechnic Osurua, Nyanya Abuja Satellite Campus, has resumed in earnest after several false starts, as the defendant was re-arraigned on an 8-Count charge of Forgery before Justice Fatima Aliyu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Apo, Abuja on Wednesday. The case against Mr Igwe had stalled due to the elevation of the presiding judge, who had previously heard the matter to a higher court. ICPC is prosecuting the defendant for the alleged forgery…

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has pledged to support the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) to curb procurement corrupt practices and other related offences in the country. This pledge, which was made recently by the ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, when the newly-appointed Director General of the BPP Dr. Adebowale Adedokun paid a courtesy call, is so that Nigerians could not be deprived of the dividends of a good and transparent procurement system and for overall development of Nigeria. While congratulating Dr. Adetokun on his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Dr. Aliyu…

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Zone B, has dissociated itself from a plot to protest against the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, by a group of students which it described as impostors. Speaking at a Press Conference in Port Harcourt, the NANS, Zone B Coordinator, Comrade Isaac Ogieva, stated that the umbrella body of Nigerian students was not involved in any such planned protest and had not authorised any individual or group to represent it. He declared: “As a law-abiding and responsible organisation, NANS Zone B remains steadfast and committed to promoting the welfare and…

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), has said that it will initiate a football competition for secondary school students to discover and harness the talents of the youths across the Niger Delta region. The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, announced this at the finals of the New WW White Football Tournament between Enitonna High School, Borikiri and the Nyemoni Anglican Grammar School, Abonema at Stella Maris College in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Ogbuku said that the football competition would be expanded to include secondary schools from all the nine states of the Niger Delta region to compete in a…

By Ibrahim A. Jagaba The Lagos State Body of Seriki Hausawas, an umbrella body of northern traditional chiefs spread across the five administrative divisions of Lagos State, has declared full support and readiness to play a bigger role in the audacious drive to actualize the full context of the T.H.E.M.E.S+ agenda toward birthing a smarter Lagos city. The declaration was made by the royal symbols, on Wednesday, 27 November, 2024, during an official visit to the Lagos House, Alausa, where the body met with Chief Tayo Akinmade Ayinde, Chief of Staff to the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-olu.…

The United Nations Systems in Nigeria has reiterated the need to eliminate violence against women and girls and dismantle harmful cultural norms, calling for renewed commitment from stakeholders. This appeal was made during the Joint UN Accountability Forum and the Orange Lighting Ceremony held at the UN House in Abuja, with the theme: Towards Beijing+30: Unite to End Violence Against Women and Girls”. Speaking at the event, the UN Women Deputy Representative to Nigeria and Co-Chair of the Gender Thematic Group, Dr. Nesreen El-Molla, lamented the socio-economic toll of gender-based violence (GBV) on Nigeria’s development. She noted that behind every…

The importance of training in tackling the scourge of drug trafficking has been emphasised by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd). Marwa stated this on Friday, 29 November, 2024, at the closing ceremony of a two-week training sponsored by the German government for NDLEA officers on combating international drug trafficking. The closing ceremony, held at the agency’s national headquarters was attended by top management team of the agency and a team of German instructors led by a representative of the German embassy in Nigeria. Speaking at the occasion, Marwa…

Four suspected vandals of streetlights have been arrested by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Parading the suspects at the FCT Command of the NSCDC on Friday, the FCT Commandant, Dr Olusola Odumosu, said they were caught in the act. He said: “Today, we have four suspects in connection with vandalism of streetlight poles at different locations in the city centre. ‘This arrest is the latest in a series of successful operations against vandals, marking another remarkable milestone in the Command’s ongoing efforts to combat vandalism in the Federal Capital Territory.”…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the release of funds required for the immediate operationalization of the UNESCO Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Institute, whose hosting rights were awarded to Nigeria by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has announced. Idris stated this in Paris on Thursday, 28 November, 2024, during a meeting with the UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information, Dr. Tawfik Jelassi, on the sidelines of President Tinubu’s State Visit to France. “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been very supportive of the take-off process, and…

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Alhassan Yahaya on his election as the President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) at the 8th Triennial National Delegates Conference in Owerri, on November 27, 2024. The President also congratulated other newly elected members of the NUJ executive. He praised the Union for organising a rancour-free election at the conference. President Tinubu stated that Yahaya’s overwhelming victory was a testament to the NUJ members’ confidence in his leadership qualities. He expressed optimism that Yahaya’s experience, particularly as the former deputy president of the Union, will be instrumental as he leads the Fourth Estate…

Zenith Bank Plc has expanded its global footprints with the opening of Zenith Bank (UK), Paris Branch. The official commissioning, which took place on Wednesday, 27 November, 2024 at 21 Rue de la paix, Paris, France was performed by the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun. The opening of Zenith Bank, Paris, a Third-Country Branch (TCB) of Zenith Bank (UK) Limited, a subsidiary of Zenith Bank Plc, represents a key milestone in the bank’s global growth strategy and underscores its commitment to serving clients in the European region. Dignitaries at the ceremony include: Governor, Kwara…

This year’s Hackaholics stood out with a record-breaking 3,500 applications from across Nigeria. From this pool, 10 finalists showcased innovative solutions addressing real-world challenges, ranging from education accessibility to sustainable agriculture, healthcare, and more. Feegor, the overall winner, was awarded the top prize of N50 million for its innovative B2B wholesale marketplace and SaaS platform. Feegor empowers SMEs to discover, negotiate, and source goods from verified suppliers while accessing credit through a Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) model. This groundbreaking approach is set to drive growth and create significant economic impact. The first runner-up, Empayment AI, received N35 million for…

Court grants N1bn bail to 109 alleged foreign hackers, orders passport seizure ABUJA — The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has granted bail to 109 alleged foreign hackers accused of attempting to defraud Nigerians, setting the bail at a total of N1 billion. Trial Justice Ekerete Akpan ordered the defendants, who were previously remanded in prison custody, to produce five sureties, each required to provide a sum of N200 million. The court specified that the sureties must not only submit affidavits of means but also own properties within the Abuja metropolitan area valued at no less than N200 million.…

The Ogun State government has embarked on the training of automotive craftsmen across the three senatorial districts of the state in new techniques and technology in automotive mechatronics. The training, which was in conjunction with the World Bank funded Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP), involved no fewer than 40 automotive craftsmen in its first phase. The measure, according to the the state government, is to support and enhance the capacity of artisans in the automotive industry in the state. The training also includes conversion of vehicle engines from petrol to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). The CNG training component involves…

The Lagos State Arewa Community (LASACOM) adopted a report submitted by the youth wing of the group warning of the dangers of what they called and alleged deliberate interference in its activities by the Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Kashim Shettima. The report was presented by the Group’s Youth Leader, Honourable Ibrahim Bebeji before the Elders’ Committee chaired by Architect Kabiru Ahmed, former Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure in Lagos State during the End of the Year 2024 Annual Progress Report which took place on Wednesday, 27 November, 2024, at the Arewa House, Capitol Road, Agege, Lagos State. In the report,…

Arnold reportedly suffered a medical emergency while performing during a Christmas Carol at Edmonton’s Citadel Theatre. According to CBC, Alberta Health Services spokesperson, Kerry Williamson, stated that Arnold died at the location after multiple resuscitation attempts. Reacting to his passage in a statement, Jessie van Rijn, the Citadel Theatre’s executive director and Daryl Cloran, the artistic director, said “His presence brought joy, heart and depth to every role. His artistic contributions will be deeply missed.”

Oluwole, better known as Maye, sued Sinach for N5 billion over ‘Way Maker’, her 2016 hit song. In the suit numbered FHC/L/CS/402/2024, Maye is seeking a declaration that he is an author and co-owner of the song, and demanded general damages of N5 billion for cumulative infringement of his rights. While denying the producer’s claims, Sinach, who claimed the sole authorship of the song, noted that she has achieved global recognition before ‘Way Maker’ song . The trial, which began at the Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday, 27 Novembe 2024, was adjourned until January 29 and 30, 2025.

A Nigerian named Oluyomi Omobolanle Bombata, popularly addressed as Bobo Chicago, has been arrested by the operatives of the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for allegedly defrauding various companies and individuals of $2.8 million. Bobo Chicago was arrested on 20 November, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois, and is facing multiple charges, including wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering, and unlawful monetary transactions. His fraudulent activities reportedly targeted Nigerians residing in the Houston metro area before he fled to Chicago. Federal agents tracked the illicit funds and found that over $300,000 had been funneled into a well-known…

The Nigerian Senate on Thursday, 28 November, 2024 passed President Bola Tinubu’s controversial Tax Reform Bills for second reading. The Bills are: ‘A Bill for an Act to Establish the Joint Revenue Board, the Tax Appeal Tribunal and the Office of the Tax Ombudsman, for the harmonisation, coordination and settlement of disputes arising from revenue administration in Nigeria and for other related matters, 2024. ‘A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Federal Inland Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, No. 13, 2007 and enact the Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Act to Establish the Nigeria Revenue Service, charged with powers of assessment,…

At least 13 people have been confirmed dead, and dozens more are feared missing, following a devastating landslide in eastern Uganda’s Bulambuli district. Heavy rainfall triggered the disaster, which swept away at least 40 houses across several villages, leaving rescue workers scrambling to save survivors. The Ugandan Red Cross Society reported the confirmed deaths on social media platform X, but news agency AFP suggests the toll could rise to as many as 30. Many of the recovered bodies are children, according to local newspaper Daily Monitor. The landslide, occurring roughly 280 km (178 miles) from the capital Kampala, is part…