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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Manager, four others arrested over Premium Trust Bank’s cyberattack

Jide Ige

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has remanded five individuals—including a bank manager and a nursing mother—over their alleged involvement in a cyberattack on the server of Premium Trust Bank. The defendants are Matthew Adeniyi Damilola, E-Payment Service Manager at the bank; Kehinde Odeyemi, a nursing mother with a four-month-old baby; Samson Latshin Dakup, Bolaji Omotosho Yinka, and Sunday Badeniyi Okunnola. Arraigned before Justice Alexander Owoeye, the five were charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a six-count indictment bordering on conspiracy, cybercrime, and unauthorized access…

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FG takes possession of 753-unit housing estate ‘recovered from Emefiele’

Jide Ige

The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has confirmed receipt of 753 housing units in an Abuja estate formerly linked to ex-Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) seized the estate, which was associated with the embattled former apex bank chief. On Tuesday, EFCC Chairman Mr. Olanipekun Olukoyede formally handed over the property to the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Architect Ahmed Dangiwa, during a ceremony in Abuja. “It is important for us to demonstrate to Nigerians that whatever proceeds of crime that…

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CBN retains 27.50% interest rate again

Jide Ige

The Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank of Nigeria has retained the Monetary Policy Rate at 27.50 per cent, marking its second consecutive hold in 2025. This decision was announced by the CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, during a press briefing on Tuesday in Abuja, following the conclusion of the MPC’s 300th meeting. This second pause in rates comes after six consecutive hikes recorded in 2024. Cardoso said, “The Committee was unanimous in its decision to hold policy and thus decided as follows: Retain the MPR at 27.50 per cent,”…

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UTME Resit: JAMB to release results of 379,000 candidates Wednesday

Jide Ige

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has announced that it will on Wednesday release the results of 379,000 candidates who sat the rescheduled Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination between Friday and Monday. JAMB rescheduled the exam following widespread outcry over mass failure during the initial UTME. The board admitted to technical and human errors, especially in Lagos and South-East states, which significantly affected candidates’ performance. Out of the 1.9 million candidates who sat this year’s UTME, over 1.5 million scored below 200 marks out of a possible 400, prompting widespread concern…

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Olubadan, Soun kick against move to make Alaafin permanent chairman of Oyo state Council of Obas and Chiefs

Jide Ige

Traditional leaders and stakeholders from Ibadanland and Ogbomosoland have strongly opposed a proposed legal amendment by the Oyo State House of Assembly seeking to make the Alaafin of Oyo the permanent chairman of the state’s Council of Obas and Chiefs. The opposition was contained in a joint statement issued on Monday in Ibadan and signed by Mogajis, Baales, monarchs, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, the Ibadan Compounds Peace Initiative, prominent sons and daughters of Ibadanland, and Mogajis from the Soun Ruling Houses of Ogbomoso. The bill to amend the…

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Relief for Nigerian farmers Fintech launches credit for stored crops as collateral

Jide Ige

For decades, Nigerian farmers have remained central to the nation’s economy, sustaining food systems and rural livelihoods. Yet, despite their critical role, they remain largely excluded from the formal financial system due to a lack of traditional credit histories, collateral, or access to banking infrastructure. Now, a new partnership between Nigerian fintech company SeedFi and agritech platform Winich Farms is poised to change that. Together, they are introducing a pioneering initiative: produce-collateralised loans. This allows farmers to use their stored crops as collateral, bypassing the conventional demands of paperwork or…

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Access Bank secures N160.2bn DFI loan to fund female entrepreneurs in Nigeria

Jasmin Ekua, Banking & Finance

Nigeria’s leading 3rd tier bank, Access Bank Plc has secured a $100 million senior loan facility from a consortium of global Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) led by Germany’s DEG. The consortium also includes FinDev Canada, ILX (Netherlands), and Austrian DFI OeEB, marking a strategic boost for Nigeria’s MSME sector and female-led enterprises. The facility will enable Access Bank to extend funding to privately-owned MSMEs, small corporates, and family-owned businesses across Nigeria. A key feature of the agreement is the allocation of at least 30% of the loan toward gender-lens investing,…

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Why Abacha’s Varsity shut female hostel

Jide Ige

The management of Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria has ordered the immediate closure of Al-Ansar Indabo female students’ hostels located at Hotoro and UDB Road in the Kano metropolis over safety and disciplinary concerns. This was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday, by the university’s Vice President, Campus Life, Dr. Hamza Garba. The university also announced the withdrawal of its approval for the use of the hostels following reported violations of its code of conduct. According to the statement, the decision was taken as part of MAAUN’s efforts…

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How Dangote’s contractor stormed Lagos with Northern recruits for refinery jobs

Jide Ige

The Lagos State Police Command has debunked speculations surrounding a viral video showing 89 young men arriving in Lagos and gathering in Ibeju-Lekki. The Command confirmed that the individuals are legitimate workers recruited from Katsina State for employment at the Dangote Refinery in Lekki. In a statement posted on X on Friday issued by CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, Police Public Relations Officer, the Command stated: “Upon receipt of the information on May 14, 2025, officers from the Command immediately deployed to the location to ascertain the facts. “Preliminary investigations revealed that…

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2027: Sen. Suswan predicts doom for PDP if…

Jide Ige

Former Benue State Governor, Senator Gabriel Suswam, has warned that the Peoples Democratic Party could collapse before the 2027 elections if the party’s leaders don’t take serious steps to fix its problems. The PDP is currently battling over who should be the national secretary. Also, the party recently experienced a gale of defection when the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, his immediate predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa and other erstwhile leaders and members of the PDP moved to the All Progressives Congress, signifying a turning point in the state’s political history.…

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An Open Letter to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, by Osekhojie Okoh

Jide Ige

An Open Letter to the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN): Preserving the Soul of the Nigerian Catholic Church from Pentecostal Corruption Your Excellencies, Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I write to you today not as a distant observer, but as a lifelong member of the Catholic Church in Nigeria—specifically one who has been part of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal for over forty years. I write with deep reverence for your office, and with the heavy burden of a faithful lay Catholic…

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How Prof. Piwuna emerged ASUU President

Jide Ige

Professor Chris Piwuna, a consultant psychiatrist at the University of Jos Teaching Hospital, has emerged as the new president of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). According to verified sources familiar with the process, the election was a contest between Prof. Chris Piwuna and Prof. Adamu Babayo of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi. Prof. Piwuna, succeeds Professor Victor Osodeke, a Soil Science expert from Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State. The new ASUU leader also serves as the Dean of Student Affairs at the University of Jos.…

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My Husband and I are supporting Tinubu’s Presidency in 2027 – Patience Jonathan

Benjamin Chukwudaalu, Political Reporter

Wife of ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Patience, has ruled out the possibility of her husband joining the 2027 presidential race to contest against President Bola Tinubu. Mrs Jonathan said rather than contest, her family would campaign for Tinubu’s re-election because Tinubu and his wife, Oluremi, supported Jonathan’s 2011 presidential bid. Mrs Jonathan, whose husband left office in 2015 after being defeated by ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, spoke on Saturday during the Women Icon Leader of the Year Award organised by Accolade Dynamics Limited in Abuja. At the Abuja event, which had the…

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Full list as Adebayo Salami’s ‘Seven Doors’ shines at AMVCA

Jide Ige

The 11th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) was a night of triumph for Nollywood as Femi Adebayo’s film Seven Doors clinched two of the most coveted awards — Best Lead Actor (Femi Adebayo) and Best Lead Actress (Chioma Chukwuka), cementing its place as one of the standout productions of the year. Femi Adebayo Seven Doors is a Nigerian historical drama series directed by Femi Adebayo, Adebayo Tijani and Tope Adebayo. It follows King Adedunjoye, a reluctant monarch whose reign is haunted by a generational curse. Chioma…

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Bello Turji’s threats rattles Sokoto communities, residents flee

Jide Ige

Palpable fear and uncertainty have gripped parts of Isa Local Government Area in Sokoto State following fresh threats from notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, who has reportedly forced residents of Bafarawa town to flee their homes. As the state police command said, it has deployed personnel to the troubled areas. According to local sources, the bandit kingpin has also issued an ultimatum to neighbouring Kamara, Arume, and Kagara villages, warning residents to vacate their communities by 4:00 p.m. on Sunday or face violent consequences. Isa LGA is among the areas…

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Tinubu names Akpabio, Tsenyil, Akinola MDs for development commissions

Jide Ige

President Bola Tinubu has appointed managing directors and governing boards for the newly established development commissions representing Nigeria’s north-central, south-west, and south-south regions. In a letter read on the Senate floor by Senate President, Godswill Akpabio on Thursday, Tinubu requested the red chamber’s confirmation of the nominees. NORTH-CENTRAL DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION President Tinubu nominated Cosmas Akyhir from Benue State as chairman of the commission’s board. Tsenyil Yiltsen, a native of Plateau, was appointed as managing director. Board members include: James Uloko (Benue), Atika Ajanah (Kogi), Bilgis Jumoke Sanni (Kwara), Aishatu Ibrahim…

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Supreme Court returns Fred Ajudua back to prison, overturns A’Court’s ruling

Jide Ige

The Supreme Court on Friday overturned a decision of the Court of Appeal that granted bail to Lagos businessman, Fred Ajudua, who is standing trial for allegedly defrauding a German company of $1 million. In a unanimous ruling, the apex court held that the Appeal Court erred in granting bail and ordered Ajudua’s return to correctional custody. The court also directed Justice Mojisola Dada of the Lagos State High Court to resume hearing of the criminal trial. Ajudua was initially charged before Justice Josephine Oyefeso of the Ikeja High Court,…

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Sunsteel boss, Olalekan Adewoye arraigned for ‘$680,622.65 fraud’ by EFCC

Jide Ige

Olalekan Adewoye, the chief executive officer of Sunsteel Industries Limited, has been arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged financial fraud. The businessman was arraigned on Thursday alongside two of his companies – SUNLEK INVESTMENTS LIMITED and SUNSTEEL INDUSTRIES LIMITED – before Justice Mojisola Dada at the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja. The trio are facing a two-count charge of stealing and obtaining property by false pretence amounting to $680,622.65. One of the charges reads: “That you, Olalekan Adewoye, Sunlek Investments Limited and Sunsteel Industries Limited,…

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Three more PDP senators set to decamp to APC

Jide Ige

Three Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Senators from Kebbi state have reportedly agreed to dump their party and join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The decision followed hours of meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa on Friday. Among those present at the meeting were the APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, Kebbi State, Governor, Nasir Idris; Sokoto State Governor, Ahmad Aliyu; and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu. Friday’s agreement by the senators who were led to the Presidential Villa by Ganduje is…

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Artificial Intelligence: Slain American soldier addresses his killer in court

Jide Ige

A US Army veteran who was killed in a road rage incident nearly four years ago was able to forgive the man who fatally shot him – thanks to artificial intelligence, Daily Mail reported on Thursday. Christopher Pelkey, 37, was shot dead by Gabriel Paul Horcasitas while on his way home from a church softball game in Chandler, Arizona on November 13, 2021, according to an online fundraiser. Horcasitas has since been found guilty of Pelkey’s manslaughter but before he was sentenced, the court heard from an AI-generated version of…

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Meet the new Pope, Leo Xiv

Jide Ige

Robert Francis Prevost: All to know about the new pope Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, Robert Prevost addresses the crowd on the main central loggia balcony of the St Peter’s Basilica for the first time, after the cardinals ended the conclave, in The Vatican, on May 8, 2025. Robert Francis Prevost was on Thursday elected the first pope from the United States, the Vatican announced. A moderate who was close to Pope Francis and spent years as a missionary in Peru, he becomes the Catholic Church’s 267th pontiff, taking the…

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New Pope elected as white smoke oozes out of the chimney of the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel

Jide Ige

White smoke emerged from the chimney of the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel on Thursday, signaling that the 133 cardinals gathered in conclave have successfully elected a new pope. They picked a successor to Pope Francis on the second day of voting, but the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics will have to wait for the official announcement from the balcony of St Peter’s Basilica to learn who he is. The Roman Catholic cardinals had, in the morning voting session on May 8, held two ballots, without electing the new pope. They began the…

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Don’t run for presidency again, Galadima tells Atiku

Jide Ige

Buba Galadima, Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), has urged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to step down from presidential politics ahead of 2027. Speaking in a BBC Hausa interview monitored by Daily Trust, Galadima said it was time for Atiku to rest after decades of political ambition. “My advice is born out of concern and love. Atiku has spent 33 years seeking the presidency. History will remember that he tried. But now, he should support and mentor a younger candidate,” Galadima said.…

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Labour Party Crisis: Gov. Otti reacts to suspension, asks IGP to arrest Abure

Jide Ige

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has reacted to the reports of his suspension by the Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party (LP). The Abure-led LP on Wednesday, announced the suspension of Governor Otti, Senator Ireti Kingibe, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Victor Afam Ogene, Amobi Ogah, and Seyi Sowunmi. The listed chieftains were suspended indefinitely following the report of a panel set up to investigate Otti and other members for alleged anti-party activities But speaking through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, Otti insisted that Abure no…

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One party state, not good for Nigeria -Jonathan

Jide Ige

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has warned that it is dangerous for Nigeria to slide into a one-party state. He spoke in Abuja on Wednesday while paying a tribute to the late elder statesman, Edwin Clark, at a memorial lecture and day of tribute. Clark, an Ijaw leader and politician, died in February at the age of 97. Jonathan warned that any attempt to bring about a one-party state through political machinations to soothe only personal aspirations would be detrimental to the country. Jonathan, however, stated that “If we must, as…

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Labour Party crisis deepens as Nenadi Usman-led Caretaker Committee probes Abure for corruption and forgery

Jide Ige

The crisis rocking the Labour Party took a new turn as the Nenadi Usman-led Caretaker Committee, backed by Abia State Governor Alex Otti and 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, announced that it had commenced an investigation into the “numerous corruption and forgery allegations” levelled against embattled National Chairman, Julius Abure. Usman made the disclosure at a press conference in Abuja, held to counter the National Executive Council meeting convened last week by the Abure-led National Working Committee. According to her, a disciplinary committee chaired by the Senator representing the Federal…

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Amazing! Commissioner raised alarm as 18-year-old apprentice impregnates 10 girls in five months

Jide Ige

An 18-year-old apprentice has allegedly impregnated 10 girls in just five months, including his master’s daughter and a salesgirl in Anambra State. The unnamed randy apprentice, reports say, was first sent to learn a trade under a master, but within three months, he got both his boss’s daughter and a salesgirl pregnant. This, however, led to his dismissal from the apprenticeship. The state Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, disclosed this in a live video on social media on Wednesday. Obinabo said the situation got worse after he…

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FirstBank, EStars forge innovative partnership to elevate ESports education

Jide Ige

FirstBank, the West African premier bank and financial inclusion service provider, is proud to announce a strategic collaboration with EStars Education Africa Limited (EStars), a global leader in educational esports. Empowering the Next Generation of Esports Professionals The partnership provides a platform for FirstBank to support the rollout of EStars’ comprehensive esports qualifications, including entry-level Certificates and BTEC courses in esports. These programmes are designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the burgeoning esports industry. Innovative Financial Solutions for Gamers In addition to educational…

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BREAKING: LP suspends Abia gov, Otti, Kingibe, others indefinitely for anti-party activities

Jide Ige

The Labour Party (LP) has indefinitely suspended six top members, including Abia State Governor Alex Otti, Senators Darlington Nwokocha and Ireti Kingibe, over alleged anti-party activities. Also suspended are Victor Afam Ogene, Amobi Ogah, and Seyi Sowunmi. In a statement signed by National Secretary Umar Farouk Ibrahim, the party said the suspension follows the recommendations of a five-member Disciplinary Committee set up on May 2, 2025. The statement read, “Recall that last Friday, 2nd of May 2025, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Labour Party set up a Five…

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Boko Haram Terrorists attack Gwoza, kill Army Captain, soldier

Jide Ige

Boko Haram terrorists have killed an army captain in Izge community of Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. The terrorists who struck in the early hours of Wednesday also killed a soldier. Confirming the incident, the Emir of Gwoza, HRH Alhaji Mohammed Shehu Timta, said the assailants stormed the area around 1am and engaged the troops. “It’s true that my people in Izge community came under Boko Haram attack around 1am. Unfortunately, a Captain and a Soldier paid the supreme price. “But our gallant troops, the Civilian JTF, hunters,…

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‘Mr. Shadow President’ Pat Utomi forms government

Jide Ige

Vocal economist and politician, Prof. Pat Utomi, has inaugurated a shadow government composed of members from various opposition parties. According to Utomi, the “Big Tent Coalition Shadow Government,” launched virtually on Monday evening, will function as a credible opposition force, highlighting the failures of the Bola Tinubu administration while offering ideas for better governance. But in a swift reaction, the Federal Government kicked against the move, describing it as an aberration in a federal system of government. In an interview with The PUNCH, the Minister of Information and National Orientation,…

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Police arrest international kingpins wanted for human trafficking, robbery

Jide Ige

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested two internationally wanted fugitives, Felix Omoregie, a suspected human trafficking kingpin declared wanted by Belgian authorities, and Okwudili Ezeje, a key figure in a Dubai-based armed robbery syndicate. Omoregie, alias “Eghosa Johnson Omoregie,” was apprehended in Benin City, Edo State. In a separate sting operation, police operatives, in conjunction with the INTERPOL National Central Bureau in Abuja, arrested 37-year-old Ezeje in Nsukka, Enugu State. In a statement released on Wednesday, Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, said Omoregie had been on the run since…

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How Pilot’s error, negligence caused Wigwe’s helicopter crash

Jide Ige

The United States National Transportation Safety Board has attributed the helicopter crash that killed former Access Holdings CEO, Herbert Wigwe, his wife, son, and three others to pilot error caused by spatial disorientation. The NTSB report, released on Wednesday, further indicted the helicopter company, accusing it of “inadequate oversight of its safety management processes”. This was contained in the NTSB final report unravelling the reasons for the helicopter crash in February 2024. Preliminary report had earlier shown that the helicopter, registered as N130CZ, crashed while operating under visual flight rules…

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Step-by-step guide on checking 2025 UTME as JAMB releases results

Jide Ige

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has released the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination results. In this year’s UTME, over 1.5 million out of the 1,955,069 candidates who sat for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination scored below 200 in the just-concluded exam. This was revealed in the statistical analysis of the 2025 UTME results released by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) on Monday. The statistics indicated that only 420,415 candidates scored above 200 in the 2025 edition of the UTME. The data showed that 75 per cent…

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I am battling cabals for survival -Dangote

Jide Ige

Alhaji Aliko Dangote, the President of Dangote Group, says he is still battling for the survival of his $20bn refinery, stressing that a strong cabal is out for the jugular of his $20bn refinery. Dangote expressed optimism that he would win the fight for the refinery, stating his determination to fight on. According to Semafor, an international news medium, Africa’s richest man spoke at an investor forum in Lagos on Friday. The report stated that Dangote pointed out that some individuals who “for a very, very long time” have “made…

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Don’t sleep with phone under your pillow, tech expert warns

Jide Ige

Technology advisor at TMB Tech, Akin Ibitoye, has issued a stern warning to Nigerians about the health and safety risks of sleeping with mobile devices under their pillows or beside their beds. Speaking on the Morning Brief on Channels Television on Monday, Ibitoye highlighted the dangers posed by mobile gadgets, ranging from disrupted sleep patterns to potential explosions caused by overheating lithium-ion batteries. “Do not sleep with your gadget under your pillow. When you sleep with your devices under your pillow, it actually affects you. You don’t know,” Ibitoye cautioned.…

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VDM arrested over multiple petitions, no connection with GTCO -EFCC

Jide Ige

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has said that the arrest of social media activist, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, was carried out over multiple petitions submitted to its agency by different individuals and no connection with GTBank. The anti-graft agency confirmed to BBC News Pidgin through its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, on Monday. According to him, VeryDarkMan was taken into custody following complaints from several petitioners on the allegation of cyberstalking. He said, “We arrested him to respond to a series of allegations raised against him by some petitioners.…

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GTCO Sustains Profitability Momentum with Growth in Core Income – Declares PBT of ₦300.4Billion in Q1 2025

Jide Ige

Guaranty Trust Holding CompanyPlc (“GTCO” or the “Group”) has released its Unaudited Consolidated and SeparateFinancial Statements for theperiodended March 31, 2025, to the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) and London Stock Exchange (LSE). The Group reported profit before tax of ₦300.4billion on the back of strong performance posted on the core earnings lines of interest income which grew y-o-y by 41.1% and fee income up by 41.2%.The strong performance enabled the group to douse the impact of the ₦331.6billion fair value gains recognised in Q1-2024 which did not recur in Q1-2025.…

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Justice fo Bamishe: Court sentences Lagos BRT driver to die by hanging

Jide Ige

Andrew Nice Ominikoron, a former driver with the Lagos Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, has been sentenced to death by hanging for the rape and murder of 22-year-old fashion designer, Bamise Ayanwola. Delivering the judgment on Friday, Justice Sherifat Sonaike of the Lagos State High Court ruled that the prosecution had effectively proven its case beyond reasonable doubt. The court held that it is relying on the doctrine of “last seen” and the victim’s dying declaration to establish Ominikoron’s culpability. “That for the death of Bamise Ayanwola, you will be…

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Release Achimugu within 24hrs, Court orders EFCC

Jide Ige

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to within 24hrs release socialite and business woman, Aisha Achimugu. Justice Inyang Ekwo in a short ruling also added that parties in the suit especially the EFCC are to report to the court to give report on compliance to the order of court on May 2, 2025. Recall that Justice Ekwo had on Monday, ordered Achimugu to submit herself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in connection with an on going investigation bordering on…

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GTCO Food and Drink Festival 2025: A Shared Experience of Culture, Cuisine, and Enterprise

Jide Ige

Lagos, Nigeria—29 April 2025 – The stage is set for Africa’s most anticipated celebration of food, drink, and culture as Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO) announces the 8th edition of the GTCO Food and Drink Festival, scheduled to hold from Friday, May 2nd to Sunday, May 4th, 2025, at GTCentre, Plot 1 Water Corporation Drive, Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos. This year’s festival is themed “A Shared Experience”, highlighting how every meal tells a story—stories of culture, community, and tradition that unite people across generations and geographies. The 2025 edition…

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I regretted pairing Atiku for Presidency in 2023 -Okowa

Jide Ige

Ifeanyi Okowa, the immediate past Delta State governor, has admitted he regrets his decision to run as the vice-presidential candidate alongside Atiku Abubakar in the 2023 presidential election. Speaking during an interview with Arise Television on Tuesday, Okowa admitted that the idea contradicted zoning and wishes of his people. The former chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party added that his state and supporters were against another northerner succeeding former president Muhammadu Buhari. He also slammed former Senate President Bukola Saraki for criticising his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to…

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Okowa lashes Saraki for criticism over decamping to APC

Jide Ige

Ifeanyi Okowa, former governor of Delta state has slammed former Senate President Bukola Saraki for criticising his defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Recall that Okowa, who was the PDP’s vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, formally joined the APC last week alongside the incumbent Delta State governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and prominent key political stakeholders in the state. Irked with the development last week, Saraki said it was “shocking and unbecoming” that a prominent PDP figure like Okowa would switch allegiance to the ruling party. But, in…

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20th Anniversary: ParrotXtra Media Network Holds Southwest Leadership Summit

Jide Ige

Vibrant media outfit, Parrotxtra Media Network has completed all the plans to host the governors of the Southwest region of Nigeria in commemoration of its 20 years anniversary of media excellence. The event, which will berth the first of its kind ‘Southwest Leadership & Legacy Summit’, is scheduled to hold on May 5th, 2025 by 11am. The Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde will play host to other state governors from the region at the newly launched ‘The Exellessor’, located beside BCOS, Basorun in Ibadan, the Oyo State. The…

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EFCC arrests E-Money for money laundering

Jide Ige

Emeka Okonkwo, aka, E-Money, a popular music executive and businessman has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). E-Money, the Chief Executive Officer of Emmy Cargoes Nigeria Limited and Five Star Music, was taken into custody on Tuesday morning in Lagos over allegations of naira abuse and defacing of foreign currency. According to sources within the anti-graft commission, E-Money is being investigated for allegedly spraying both the naira and U.S. dollars at a recent social event in Lagos—an act that contravenes Nigeria’s currency laws and the Foreign…

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Money Laundering: EFCC arrests wanted bizwoman, Aisha Achimugu

Jide Ige

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested controversial Nigerian businesswoman and socialite Aisha Achimugu. Her arrest was disclosed in a statement by her legal team on Tuesday. According to the statement, Achimugu was arrested at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja around 5 a.m. on Tuesday, shortly after arriving from London. Achimugu was declared wanted by the EFCC a month ago for alleged money laundering and other offences. The development is coming after a Federal High Court in Abuja mandated Aisha Achimugu to appear before the…

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Ogun arraigns suspended monarch in court for land grabbing

Jide Ige

The Ogun State Government has arraigned the Olu of Obafemi, Oba Taofeek Owolabi before Justice Sunday Adeniyi of the state High Court, Abeokuta for land grabbing. Oba Owolabi, a member of the Egba Traditional Council, is currently on suspension over the same allegation. In a statement on Wednesday by the Ministry of Justice, the royal father was said to have been arraigned on Tuesday “for conspiracy to sell property without authority, sale of property without authority, unlawful use of agents, forceful takeover of land, assault of a police officer, and…

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Zenith Bank pays N195.67bn dividends to shareholders, promises quantum leap in future

Jide Ige

Shareholders of Zenith Bank Plc, at the 34th Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, approved the proposed final dividend payment of NGN4.00 per share, bringing the total dividend for the 2024 financial year to NGN5.00 per share, with a total value of NGN195.67 billion. The Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, CFR, thanked the shareholders for their unflinching support and commitment, which have been responsible for the bank’s stellar performance over the years. He noted that…

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2027 power shift: Opposition weakens as more PDP govs, senators eye APC

Jide Ige

Opposition political parties, especially the Peoples Democratic Party, the New Nigeria Peoples Party, and the Labour Party, are bleeding as some of their prominent members have dumped their platforms for the ruling All Progressives Congress. Concerned by the wave of defections to the APC, the PDP, NNPP, and the Coalition of United Political Parties have accused the APC-led Federal Government of exploiting state resources to coerce their members and other politicians into switching allegiance to the ruling party. In response, the APC welcomed the defectors, dismissed the claims from the…

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I am a Cele member, I attend and built a parish -Wasiu Ayinde

Jide Ige

Fuji icon, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as K1 De Ultimate has exuded his love for the Celestial Church of Christ, admitting that he is a bonafide and proud member of the church. Ayinde, a Muslim, made this known during a pre-recorded interview with Agbaletu TV on Wednesday. CCC popularly called Cele, is a white-garment church that the late Samuel Bilewu Oshoffa founded. Its members wear white one piece garments during worship, and must not wear their shoes whilst wearing their garments or while within the main church. According to…

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