Category: Nation

FIRSTBANK SET TO REWARD CUSTOMERS WITH 36 MILLION NAIRA IN THE SECOND SEASON OF ITS FIRSTMOBILE CASH-OUT PROMO

Jide Ige

FirstBank has launched the second season of its Cash Out promo designed to reward users of FirstMobile, its industry-leading mobile banking solution. The FirstBank Cash Out Promo 2.0 which began on Monday, 15 January 2024, ends on Friday, 15 March 2024, and is open to new and existing customers. Leading up to the grand finale – with 1 million naira up for grabs – the promo comprises three distinct categories, each offering attractive rewards comprising N10,000 worth of airtime and data, N20,000.00, and N100,000.00 respectively. In the first category, 100…

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FG begind payment of ASUU’s withheld salaries

Jide Ige

The Federal Government has commenced the payment of the withheld salaries of academics under the aegis of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, PUNCH Online has learnt. Multiple sources in the academic sector confirmed the development to our correspondent in Abuja on Monday. The chairperson of ASUU at the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Prof. Gbolahan Bolarin, who confirmed the development on the record, said, “Yes, it is true. Payment has started rolling in.” President Bola Tinubu Tinubu had in October 2023 approved the release of four of the eight…

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Emefiele, others forged ex-Pres. Buhari’s signature to steal $6.2m -Ex-SSG alleges

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

The immediate-past Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, said on Tuesday that $6.2m was released from the Central Bank of Nigeria in February 2023 using a forged document. The money, he said, was released for foreign observers ahead of the 2023 general elections. Mustapha stated this when he appeared as the fourth prosecution witness in the ongoing fraud trial of the immediate-past CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja. The EFCC arraigned Emefiele on amended 20 counts bordering on forgery,…

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Ondo PDP chairman is dead

Jide Ige

Mr Fatai Adams, the Chairman of the Ondo State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, is dead. Though details of his death have not yet been made public, it was gathered that he died in the early hours of Wednesday. The party’s state Publicity Secretary, Mr Kennedy Peretei, who confirmed the incident, said the party would soon make official communication to the media on the matter. “Yes it is true but we will soon communicate you properly on the incident,” Peretei said. The State Working Committee of the PDP in…

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Tinubu showers MON, Abuja flats, lands on Super Eagle

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Nigeria’s President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has awarded the Super Eagles team the Member of the Order of the Niger(MON) national honour for their impressive display at the just concluded AFCON 2023 tournament held in Ivory Coast. They were also given one flat each and a plot of land in the FCT Nigeria came in second place, losing the trophy to the hosts Ivory Coast who were the eventual winners The Nigerian team were received at the State House on Tuesday where they were conferred with the titles. All the…

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Pictures: High emotions, tears, as Abiodun, Dangote, Aig-Imoukhede, others visit Herbert Wigwe’s parents

Jide Ige

Emotions ran high as billionaires wept freely as the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun and the President/Chief Executive Officer, Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, alongside other associates paid a condolence visit to the parents of the late GCEO, Access Holdings Plc., Herbert Wigwe, on Monday. The Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun posted images from the visit on his Facebook account on Monday. The PUNCH reports that Wigwe, his wife, Doreen; son, Chizi; and a former Group Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group, Abimbola Ogunbanjo, lost their lives in an helicopter crash which…

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Why we won’t return to ECOWAS -Niger’s coup leader, Tchiani

Jide Ige

The head of military junta in Niger Republic, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, has vowed that none of the three Sahel countries would rejoin the regional bloc, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Gen. Tchiani made the vow in an interview he granted to RTN news channel in the capital, Niamey Monday. The military regimes in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger January 28, announced their immediate withdrawal from the West African bloc ECOWAS. The leaders of the three Sahel nations issued a statement, saying it was a “sovereign decision” to leave…

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Why we settled for Bolaji Agbede as Wigwe’s successor – Access Holdings explain

Jide Ige

The appointment of Ms. Agbede is in alignment with our robust succession planning practices. We are strongly convinced that Ms. Agbede, being the company’s most Senior Executive with exceptionally rich, professional and leadership experience and understanding of the Access culture

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Wigwe: ACAMB mourns a fearless and visionary leader

Jasmin Ekua, Banking & Finance

It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that The Association of Corporate & Marketing Communications Professionals in Nigeria Banks (ACAMB) extends its deepest condolences to Access Holdings Group on the tragic passing of its esteemed CEO, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, CFR. The renowned business and corporate leader, along with his beloved wife, Doreen, and their cherished son, Chizi, lost their lives in a tragic helicopter crash in the United States of America. Dr. Herbert Wigwe, affectionately known as ‘The Fearless One,’ was a visionary leader whose indomitable spirit, dedication,…

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Wigwe: Access Holdings release official statement

Jide Ige

Access Holdings has confirmed the death of its Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Herbert Wigwe. Wigwe died in a helicopter crash on Friday with his wife, son, and a former Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group Plc, Abimbola Ogunbanjo. The bank in a statement on Sunday signed by the Company’s Group Secretary, Sunday Ekwochi, confirmed the unfortunate incident. “It is with deep sadness that the Board of Directors of Access Holdings Plc (‘the Company’) announces the passing of Dr. Herbert Wigwe, CFR, the Company’s founding Group Chief Executive Officer…

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Read details of FG’s repayment plan for students’ loan

Jide Ige

Ahead of the official launch of the Student Loan Scheme on February 21, 2024, the Nigeria Education Loan Fund said it is finalising repayment modalities. Although it confirmed that the 10 per cent direct deduction from the beneficiaries’ salaries still stands, applicants can pay higher percentages or 100 per cent upfront if they choose. However, persons confirmed to be dead, terminally ill, and incapable of earning a living through work will be granted waivers, a source close to the board’s activities told Sunday PUNCH. “First and foremost, the modality for…

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Wigwe, family and friends, in US to watch American Super Bowl, as details emerge of chopper crash

Jide Ige

More details have emerged on the ill-fated crash of a chopper that had Herbert Wigwe, group chief executive officer (GCEO) of Access Holdings Plc, wife – Chizoba, son and three others on board. THE WITNESS learnt that Abimbola Ogunbanjo, the former group chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group), and two others (yet to be identified) were also onboard the helicopter when it crashed in California near the Nevada border. The United States federal aviation administration (FAA) said the Eurocopter EC130 helicopter crashed around 10 p.m. California time (Saturday,…

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Arogbofa, Jonathan’s CoS slumps, dies in Abuja

Jide Ige

Brigadier Grn. Seinde Jones Arogbofa (rtd), who served as Chief of Staff to former President Goodluck Jonathan, is dead. Arogbofa, who was military Assistant to a former military governor of Lagos State, then Col. Raji Rasaki, slumped and died on Saturday morning in Abuja. He was aged 71 . Born on 10 November 1952 in Oka-Akoko, Ondo State, Arogbofa was commissioned into the Nigerian Army in 1973. Jonathan appointed him Chief of Staff from February 10, 2014 to May 29, 2015. Arogbofa attended Obafemi Awolowo University, Rochester Institute of Technology,…

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Access Holdings Herbert Wigwe, wife, 5 others missing after helicopter crash

Jasmin Ekua, Banking & Finance

Herbert Wigwe, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings Plc, was involved in a helicopter crash in the United States, on Friday. Wigwe, his wife and son were in the helicopter when it crashed in California near the Nevada border, as well as Abimbola Ogunbanjo, the group chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group Plc (NGX Group). A close source confirmed the development on Saturday evening. Six passengers were onboard, however, no survivors found so far.

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Special Tribute on His Royal Highness, Oba Peter Olusegun Aremu-Cole, the Olukoro of Koro, who joined his ancestral fathers on 1st February 2024

Jide Ige

By Dr. Olu Ajere Several thought forms, thought styles, and perspectives had emerged by community leaders, political leaders and public analysts about the circumstances that led to the gruesome onslaught on our Kabiesi which led to the joining of His ancestral fathers painfully. This matter goes beyond superficial and platonic brain waves’ submission on the serious matter. The Oba of Koro (A Retired Army General) departed this Sinful world as a great and giant ruler and soldier who sacrificed His golden life for the sake of humanity and His professional…

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Ekiti Monarchs Murder: IDC defends Olowolafe, says he is a man of unquestionable integrity

Jide Ige

Members of Igbaraodo Development Council (IDC) in Ekiti State have warned those associating High Chief Oyebanji Olowofela with the current spate of kidnapping in the state to desist from the action, saying that he is a man of good track records and impeccable characters. IDC said in a statement signed by its Secretary, Ayo Adekoya-Benson and made available to the media, that Banji Olowofela is a qualified civil engineer of many decades. Olowofela is said to be “a 1969 graduate of the prestigious University of Lagos, a foremost legislator, the…

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Ladi Adebutu, Baba Ijebu’s son charged for money laundering

Benjamin Chukwudaalu, Political Reporter

The Federal Government on Tuesday arraigned Oladipupo Adebutu, son of billionaire betting magnate, Kessington Adebutu, popularly known as Baba Ijebu, before an Ogun State High Court sitting in Abeokuta, the State capital, on seven count charges, bordering on money laundering and other offences, with case number AB/10c/2023 (FRN Vs Adebutu &Ors. Adebutu the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Ogun State candidate for the gubernatorial election held on March 18, 2023, was accused of criminal inducement during the poll by security agents alongside other members of his party. He was alleged to…

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Late Koro monarch’s wife, maid rescued as Police arrest 13 suspects

Jide Ige

Olori Iyabo Aremu, wife of the slain Olukoro of Koro in Ekiti Local Government of Kwara State, late Oba Olusegun Aremu-Cole and her adopted maid identified as Feranmi, who were abducted after the murder of the monarch by some gunmen last Thursday have regained their freedom. The release of the monarch’s wife was confirmed in a statement issued by the state Police Public Relations Officer , Ejire-Adeyemi Adetoun, on Tuesday. The statement also said that 13 suspects were arrested by the police in the course of the rescue operation. The…

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Nigeria’s Alake chairs Africa Mineral Strategy Group

Jide Ige

Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has been elected as the Chairman of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group. Dr. Alake was unanimously elected as the chairman of the mining pressure group on Monday, February 5, 2024. Speaking at the meeting of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group, Alake charged African leaders to forge a common front to get maximum benefits from the mineral resources on the continent. The minister, in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, stressed that the era of carting…

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Tinubu: Olaiya Igwe apologises for praying naked

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Olaiya Igwe, the esteemed Yoruba actor also known as Ebun Oloyede, has issued a public apology to Nigerians for going naked at a beach to campaign for Bola Tinubu. In a now-deleted video shared on his Instagram account on Monday, the actor explained that his actions were driven by a divine revelation he claimed to have received regarding Tinubu. In the video, Igwe acknowledged Tinubu’s assistance, particularly in matters related to his health, as the reason behind his show of support for the politician. Speaking in Yoruba, Olaiya said, “Because…

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Aiyedatiwa to spend N1.3bn on generator, N743m on food drinks in 2024

Benjamin Chukwudaalu, Political Reporter

The Ondo State Government has earmarked over N1.3 billion to spend on fuel for generators and motor vehicles and the sum of N743 million on refreshments and meals in 2024, SaharaReporters has gathered. This is in the approved 2024 budget of the state, revealing that the approved budget sum for motor vehicle fuel cost is N379,032,200.00 and the sum of N970,154,937.50 is slated for Plant/Generator Fuel Cost. The government also plans to spend N743,495,505.70 on ‘Refreshment & Meals’. Other notable budgetary provisions include N1,543,300,476.00 (N1.54 billion) for welfare packages, while…

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How Police arrested Olowolafe, the mastermind of Ekiti, Kwara monarchs’ assasination

Benjamin Chukwudaalu, Political Reporter

The leader of kidnap syndicate terrorising Ekiti, Kogi and Kwara states, one Pa Olowofela, has been arrested. His arrest came after the apprehension of one Baboga Alhaji, one of the suspected kidnappers responsible for the killing of the two Ekiti traditional rulers recently. Olowofela, an octogenarian, is based in Igbara Odo, Ekiti State with a chain of business enterprise cutting across the state, including a sawmill in Irele, the axis where the nefarious activities of the abductors is most pronounced.. He was arrested by a combine team of security apparatus…

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EFCC parades General Overseer for scamming church members N1.3bn

Jide Ige

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested the General Overseer of Faith On The Rock Ministry International, Apostle Theophilus Oloche Ebonyi, for defrauding church members and other Nigerians using fake grants from the Ford Foundation to the tune of N1, 319,040,274.31(One Billion Three Hundred and Nineteen Million, Forty Thousand, Two hundred and seventy-four naira, and Thirty-One Kobo). Ebonyi was arrested for defrauding his victims, comprising non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and individuals, by advertising an intervention project through his NGO (Theobarth Global Foundation) claiming that the Ford Foundation was offering…

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PDP crisis deepens as Makinde’s Legacy Group withdraws from Edo delegates election

Benjamin Chukwudaalu, Political Reporter

There seems to be no end to the crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party in Edo State as the Chairman of the three-man committee, Governor Seyi Makinde, who conducted the party’s state delegate election resigned from the position. Also, nine aspirants out of the 11 that would participate in the February 22 primary election were said to have boycotted the election which took place all over the state on Sunday. The nine aspirants in their letter to the acting National Chairman, Umar Illiya, and copied to the National Vice Chairman…

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Police parade suspected killer of Ekiti monarchs

Jide Ige

The Ekiti State Police Command has arrested one suspect linked to the killing of two traditional rulers in Ekiti State last Monday. The Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Dare Ogundare, said that the suspect, Babusa Lede, had confessed to involvement in the killing of the two monarchs, adding that efforts were on to apprehend others involved. The traditional rulers, the Elesun of Esun Ekiti, Oba David Babatunde Ogunsakin and the Olumojo of Imojo-Ekiti, Oba Samuel Olusola, were killed by the gunmen; while the Alara of Ara (Ikole), Oba Sunday Fatoba, escaped…

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Heineken’s Afrozons Pre-Grammy Party Honors African Music Icons

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

What an incredible night it was at the Afrozons Pre-Grammy Party, sponsored by Heineken! The atmosphere was electric, the beats were infectious, and the celebration of Heineken’s 150th anniversary blended seamlessly with the triumph of African music on the global stage. The anticipation leading up to the event was palpable, and the night did not disappoint. The Afrozons Pre-Grammy Party showcased the best of African talent and paid tribute to legends who have shaped the continent’s musical landscape. One of the highlights of the evening was the moment when the…

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Ayinde Marshal calls Tinubu Out: Says masses are suffering and wailing, do something

Benjamin Chukwudaalu, Political Reporter

Fuji maestro, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known by his stage name, K1 De Ultimate, has told President Bola Tinubu that Nigerians are suffering and angry with his government due to the current poor state of the economy. K1 said this in a video recording that surfaced on Thursday during one of his recent stage performances. Before K1, his daughter, Dami Ayinde, lent her voice on Wednesday to the current economic situation, which she said wasn’t what the All-Progressives Congress promised. On her Instagram stories, the young lawyer said the APC…

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EFCC pressured me to implicate ex-finance minister, governors – Ex-AGF, Idris

Benjamin Chukwudaalu, Political Reporter

Ahmed Idris, a former Accountant General of the Federation, has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission of deceiving him to admit to the allegations against him. Idris alongside others is standing trial for 14 charges concerning criminal breach of trust and stealing to the tune of N109.5bn from the federation account. The ex-AGF alleged that the EFCC told him they wanted to use him to get the Minister of Finance and some governors. Idris was arraigned alongside Godfrey Akindele and Mohammed Usman, and a firm — Gezawa Commodity Market…

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Abiodun salutes Super Eagles for AFCON s/final ticket, urges team to soar higher

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has congratulated the national ream, the Super Eagles for qualifying for the semi-final at the ongoing African Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. The Super Eagles on Friday evening beat their Angolan counterpart by one goal to nil, scored in the 41 minutes by Ademola Lookman. Governor Abiodun praised the resilience, tenacity and the team spirit displayed by the players in overcoming their opponents. He urged the team to do Nigeria proud by qualifying for the finals of the African football showpiece. He said:…

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Ajulo, five others named as commissioners as Aiyedatiwa forms cabinet

Jide Ige

The Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has named Kayode Ajulo, SAN, and five others as commissioner-nominees. The names of the nominees have therefore been sent to the House of Assembly for screening and confirmation. The governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Friday. The governor had earlier picked a former Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly, Mr Olaide Adelami, as the deputy governor of the state. This came a few hours after the governor sacked all the commissioners and special advisers…

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Ex-AGF, Idris didn’t make statement under duress -EFCC

Jide Ige

The Federal High Court has admitted new evidence against former Accountant-General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris, in his ongoing trial for alleged N109 billion fraud. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) disclosed this in a statement, stating that Idris, the first defendant in a 14-count charge bordering on gratification, abuse of office and money laundering to the tune of over N109 billion, claimed that EFCC obtained his statement under duress, necessitating a trial-within-trial to determine the veracity of his claim. Idris is standing trial alongside three others: his company,…

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Lagos CP tackles DPO who released armed robbery suspects after collecting N2m bribe

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

The Commissioner of Police Lagos State Police Command CP Adegoke Fayoade has querried the Divisional Police Officers DPO Epe Divisional Headquarters, CSP Godwin Okoruwa for accepting the sum of N2m cheque from an Epe paramount ruler(names withheld) to release four arrested suspected armed robbers. Sources said the suspects were arrested by police detectives attached to Epe Division while on Stop and Search duty with locally made guns cut to size and cartridges and were being grilled when the paramount ruler called the DPO that the boys arrested were not armed…

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Netizens drag Peter Obi over son’ gay posture

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Oseloka Peter Obi, the United States of America based son of the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi has sparked outrage on social media, particularly on the microblogging network Twitter, now known as X. The younger obi, a Hollywood actor, film producer, and businessman, was featured in a gay publication, prompting many to doubt his sexual orientation. The British-Nigerian actor was featured on the top page of the UK Gay Times, defending the LGBTQ community. He said, “While there are strides being made to represent people, a lot of the…

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EFCC boss, Olukoyede unveils sponsors of terrorism

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

Ola Olukoyede, Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has revealed that the anti-graft agency uncovered how a religious sect is laundering money for terrorists in Nigeria. Olukoyede made the revelation on Wednesday at the Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja during a one-day dialogue on “Youth, Religion, and the Fight against Corruption.” He also said that another religious body was found to be protecting a money launderer after some money suspected to have been laundered was traced to the organisation’s bank account. The anti-graft boss noted that religious organisations,…

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Tinubu, Atiku trade words over worsening insecurity

Benjamin Chukwudaalu, Political Reporter

The Presidency on Tuesday night described the statement of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar berating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the failure to resolve the security crisis in the country as “reckless”. Mr Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in a reaction to Wazirin Adamawa, said the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general elections was latching on any issue to attack President Tinubu because he was nursing hangover of his electoral defeat. The former Vice President has berated President…

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Ogun Gov., Dapo Abiodun endorses new Assembly Speaker

Benjamin Chukwudaalu, Political Reporter

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, on Tuesday, received members of the House of Assembly led by the newly inaugurated Speaker, Oludaisi Elemide. With 22 out 26 members in attendance, the Assembly earlier on Tuesday inaugurated Elemide representing the Odeda constituency, as the new Speaker of the assembly. The assembly also ratified the impeachment of Olakunle Oluomo who was removed last week Tuesday. The lawmakers took the decision at the plenary presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Bolanle Ajayi. Shortly after the inauguration, Elemide led members of the House to…

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Why Ogun banker faked own kidnap -Ogun Police

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

The Ogun State Police Command on Tuesday confirmed that one Olumide Openaike, a staff member of a Microfinance Bank, Kemta Oloko, reported to have been missing and found in Mokwa, Niger State staged his abduction over N1.7m debt. The spokesperson of the state police command, SP Omolola Odutola, confirmed this to our correspondent on Tuesday. The wife of the banker, Temitope, had told journalists how her husband, Olumide went missing on January 17 on his way to work. Temitope had, however, on Thursday told our correspondent that “I am happy…

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Tinubu mourns slain Ekiti monarchs, orders immediate rescue of pupils

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

The President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has condemned the killing of two traditional rulers in Ekiti State, the Onimojo of Imojo-Ekiti, Olatunde Olusola, and the Elesun of Esun-Ekiti, David Ogunsola. The traditional rulers were attacked while returning from a security meeting in Irele-Ekiti in a vehicle being driven by one of their counterparts, the Alara of Ara in Ikole Ekiti, Adebayo Fatoba, when gunmen struck at a community in Ikole Local Government Area of Ekiti State on Monday. Two of the monarchs were killed in the ambush, while Fatoba fled…

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PRESS STATEMENT: Still on Agunloye, Mambilla, and EFCC*

Jide Ige

Still on the subject of Mambilla Power Project, our intervention this time is triggered by an EFCC leaflet circulating on social media declaring that Dr Agunloye is being “investigated for $6 billion fraud”. We are not sure whether his inclusion on that list with 14 others was deliberate or if it is an error of judgement. What we know and which is clear from the project concept and related documents is that any narrative suggesting malfeseance on his part is false. In office, as a true patriot and Honourable Minister…

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Atiku’s ex aide Bwala, parleys Tinubu in France

Benjamin Chukwudaalu, Political Reporter

A former top aide of ex Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Daniel Bwala, has met with President Bola Tinubu in Paris, France. Bwala, a lawyer, was a former spokesperson to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Atiku Abubakar, stated that he met with President Tinubu in Paris on Monday, January 29, 2024. He made the disclosure in a post on his official X page. Bwala wrote: “It was a pleasure to meet with the father of the nation @officialABAT President Bola Tinubu in Paris today.…

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