Jide Ige – National Infinity Magazine

NNPCL diverted N2.68tn, $9.77m, shunned probe invitations – Report

Amid its controversial financial dealings that have negatively impacted the nation’s financial standing, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has been accused by the Auditor-General of the Federation of diverting a total sum of N2.68tn and $9.77m in the last four years. Findings by Sunday PUNCH using the Auditor-General’s annual reports published between 2017 and 2021 showed that N1.33tn was diverted in 2017, N681.02bn in 2019, N151.12bn, ($19.77m) in 2020 and N514bn in 2021 amounting to N2.68tn and $19.77m over four years. The reports, which were submitted to the National…

Deadly wish

Tinu, Tola and Rita have been friends for about 20 years. They all started small but God has been kind to them. Their marriages are still intact too. So, we can safely say that they are lucky or blessed. That is not to say they have not had seasons that looked like God was not on their side. Tinu lost two precious pregnancies. Rita lost one of two sons and Tola had to wait 10 years for a second child. As for their marriages, the storms came. Rita’s husband went…

Portrait of a Narcissist

By ‘Lanre Ogundipe _Nobody can be kinder than the narcissist while you react to life in his own terms_ – _Elizabeth Bowen_ We have reached a stage where Nigerians should be really interested in the character and predilection of their leadership. In matured climes, political suitors are dissected before elected. Time has come to render out of vogue, the unhealthy practice of pre-election endorsement before dissection of the character, mental status and psycho-composition of prospective leadership. A school of thought canvassing for the conduct of psychiatrist examination – you may…

Cross River Commissioner dies after state council meeting

Commissioner for Tourism and Culture in Cross River State, Mr Abubakar Ewa, is dead. The Commissioner for Information, Erasmus Ekpang confirmed the incident to newsmen. Ekoang said, “He was actually with us at the state council meeting with His Excellency where he even moved a motion. “But at about 4pm, he moved to the governor and whispered something to him. Perhaps he was requesting permission to leave the meeting. “We saw him moved out, telling a colleague he had a headache. When the meeting ended, we stepped out to collect…

Court Order Blacklists Nduka Obaigbena, family from financial transactions over $718m First Bank Debt

The Lagos Division of the Federal High Court has ordered all banks operating in Nigeria to blacklist media executive Nduka Obaigbena and members of his family over alleged debt to First Bank of Nigeria. The December 30, 2024 Mareva order also sought to prevent Mr Obaigbena from moving any assets linked to him from the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court. First Bank had filed a debt-recovery suit against Mr Obaigbena and his family members, including Efe Damilola Obaigbena and Olabisi Eka Obaigbena, saying they used their oil servicing firm…

Amidst controversy, face-off with Kingmakers, Makinde names Owoade as new Alaafin

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has approved the appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo. Owoade will succeed the late Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, the former Alaafin, who died on April 22, 2022. The announcement was made in a statement on Friday by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade. Oyelade stated that Owoade was chosen after extensive consultations and traditional divinations conducted by the Oyo kingmakers, the Oyomesi. “Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade, after thorough consultations and divinations, has been recommended by the Oyomesi and…

I was an almajiri -Mele Kyari

Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, has expressed gratitude to Allah for the privilege to grow from an Almajiri school pupil into becoming the head of NNPCL. In a post via X on Wednesday to celebrate his 60th birthday, the NNPC Boss expressed appreciation for the “exceptional” privilege given to him by former President Muhammadu Buhari and President Bola Tinubu to serve as the last Group Managing Director of the NNPC and the pioneer CEO of the NNPC Ltd. In the post,…

ALEBIOSU: In line with our vision, FirstBank is well-positioned to break new grounds in 2025 and beyond

As the foremost Nigerian bank, First Bank of Nigeria Limited no doubt has a history of curating products and services that not only meet the immediate and future needs of its customers. In this interview with THISDAY, the bank’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Olusegun Alebiosu described 2025 as the beginning of the bank’s new strategic planning horizon when it is poised to double down on its market dominance position across all the markets where the bank operates. What’s your view on the global economic outlook in 2025, and what…

GTCO raises ₦209bn in first phase of equity capital raise programme

Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (“GTCO Plc” or the “Group”) (NGX: GTCO) is pleased to announce the successful completion of the first tranche of its equity capital raise programme, following the completion of the capital verification exercise conducted by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the approval of the Basis of Allotment of the Offer by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The Offer, which garnered substantial interest from domestic retail investors, raised a total of ₦209.41 billion from 130,617 valid applications for 4,705,800,290 Ordinary Shares, fully allotted. This…

Access Holdings win ‘Company of the Year’ at Nigerian of the Year 2024

Access Holdings Plc., the parent company of Access Bank has emerged as Company of the Year at the Nigerian of the Year 2024 awards The award, instituted in 2010 by National Infinity Magazine, has honoured notable Nigerians and institutions from all walks of life including public servants and business people and has expanded into recognitions for deserving corporate organisations. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, the governor of Ekiti State and a well-respected philanthropist monarch from Southwest Nigeria, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adedokun Omoniyi Abolarin, the Orangun of Oke-Ila, in Osun State, were…

We are monitoring situations on the Human Metapneumovirus -NCDC

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) says it is closely monitoring global developments on the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). Director-General of the agency , Dr Jide Idris, said this in a public health advisory on Monday night. He said an Entry Implementation Protocol on HMPV, approved by the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, is being developed and will be distributed to all points of entry to guide response activities. Idris said the country’s surveillance system does not indicate any unusual increase in respiratory infections, including those caused…

Foremost celeb, Adebisi Edionseri ‘Cash Madam’ dies, buried in Abeokuta

A popular socialite and businesswoman, Princess Adebisi Edionseri, popularly known as Cash Madam, has died at the age of 89. She reportedly died after a brief illness on Sunday, January 5, 2025, in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. Her death was announced in a statement on behalf of the family by one of her children, Dr Adebayo Adebowale. The statement noted that the renowned businesswoman and foremost socialite touched many lives in her family and community, as she was a “shining example of grace, dignity and unwavering faith.” “With deep…

Nigerian of the Year 2024: PWAN Group wins Real Estate Company of the Year

PWAN Group a foremost real estate network marketing and development company emerged as Real Estate Company of the Year for its massive expansion and innovative approach to business development in that sector. The award, instituted in 2010 by National Infinity Magazine, has honoured notable Nigerians and institutions from all walks of life including public servants and business people and has expanded into recognitions for deserving corporate organisations. Others slated for recognition at the Nigerian of the Year 2024 Awards are Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, the Executive Governor of Ekiti State, for…

Police begins manhunt for Miyetti Allah’s leader killers

The Katsina State Police Command has commenced a manhunt for the killers of the state chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, Surajo Ahmadu, who was attacked and killed in Mai Rana village, Kusada Local Government Area, on Saturday. The command’s spokesman, ASP Abubakar Sadiq, in a statement on Sunday, disclosed that the suspected bandits stormed Surajo’s residence, shot him, and abducted his wife and daughter. The statement read, “On January 4, 2025, at about 11:30am, suspected armed bandits invaded the residence of the Chairman of Miyetti Allah, Surajo Ahmadu,…

TRIBUTE: Good Night Jimmy Carter – the prolific writer and global crusader, by Lanre Ogundipe

As the world celebrates the passage of the phenomenal of a man called- Jimmy Carter, he was not a president of the first rank, but he survived and his impact resonated through the corners of the world by dint of hard work and determination and etched a global recognition in his post – office efforts and stamp his footprint on the sands of time. By devoting himself to the project of promoting world values – peace, political stability and progress. Cater became an iconic world leader, with an inspiring, if…

Of Hunger Pollutions, And No Solutions: A clarion call to stop further death toll, by Lanre Ogundipe

“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: But when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.” -Proverbs 29:2 KJV In Ibadan, Oyo State, 35 children we confirmed lost their lives, with several others hospitalised after a Christmas funfair turned into a chaotic disaster. Organised to distribute cash and food, the event at Islamic High School, Bashorun, was overwhelmed by an unanticipated crowd of over 7,500 people, far exceeding the 5,000 the organisers had planned for. Days later, as if the lives lost the previous days were not enough,…

From my crystal ball, By Funke Egbemode

It is the fourth day of the year. it’s an opportunity to do something new, refocus your life and do things differently. This is the best time to look back, nod or shake your head, depending on what you see. Was 2024 a year you’ll like to do again what you did or is 2025 a year you are determined to change some things? This is the first Saturday of the year, you probably are not at work. Spend today to process where you were in 2024 and plot where…

Access Holdings win ‘Company of the Year’ at Nigerian of the Year 2024

Access Holdings Plc., the parent company of Access Bank has emerged as Company of the Year at the Nigerian of the Year 2024 awards The award, instituted in 2010 by National Infinity Magazine, has honoured notable Nigerians and institutions from all walks of life including public servants and business people and has expanded into recognitions for deserving corporate organisations. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, the governor of Ekiti State and a well-respected philanthropist monarch from Southwest Nigeria, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adedokun Omoniyi Abolarin, the Orangun of Oke-Ila, in Osun State, were…

Husband meets Bishop on wife’s bed during early morning visit, stabs him to death

Bishop Shina Olaribigbe of Rapture Empowerment International, Osogbo, was in the early hours of Thursday stabbed to death by an aggrieved husband of one of his church members who met him in his estranged wife’s apartment during an early morning visit. Although details about the couple involved were not immediately available, sources hinted that the woman fighting her husband was attending Olaribigbe’s church located around BCGA Area, where she served as an interpreter. The couple were reported to have had a history of incessant fights, which made them live apart,…

Port Harcourt, Kaduna refineries, my own story by Obasanjo

Nigeria’s former President, Olusegun O basanjo has revealed new details about Nigeria’s refineries’ woes, recounting failed efforts to privatise the plants and the subsequent alleged financial losses of about $2bn by the facilities under government management. Obasanjo disclosed this on Thursday as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited beckoned the ex-President to visit the recently revamped refineries for a tour. The former President said his successor, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, rejected a $750m offer from Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Group, to manage the Port Harcourt and Kaduna refineries in 2007.…

Tragic: Bride poisons wedding food, one dead, groom, others hospitalised

A wedding in Jigawa State has turned tragic after a bride allegedly poisoned food served at the reception. The incident is said to have left the groom critically ill and one of the wedding guests dead. The incident occurred in the Jahun Local Government Area of the state. Eyewitnesses suggested to PUNCH Online that the bride’s actions may have been driven by a personal vendetta. Speaking to PUNCH Online on Friday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Shi’isu Adam, confirmed the incident and said an investigation was underway. “We received…

Ekiti State Gov., Oyebanji, philanthropist King, Adedokun Abolarin named National Infinity Magazine’s Nigerian of the Year 2024

Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, the governor of Ekiti State and a well-respected philanthropist monarch from Southwest Nigeria, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adedokun Omoniyi Abolarin, the Orangun of Oke-Ila, in Osun State, have been named Nigerian of the Year 2024. The award, instituted in 2010 by National Infinity Magazine, has honoured notable Nigerians and institutions from all walks of life including public servants and business people and has expanded into recognitions for deserving corporate organisations. In recognising Oyebanji, the sixth executive governor of Ekiti State who turned 57 on December 21, in…

VeePee Shettima apologises to families affected by Sokoto bombing

Vice President Kashim Shettima has tendered an apology to the families of victims affected by the recent bombing in Silame Local Government Area, Sokoto State. The airstrikes, carried out on Wednesday, December 25, targeted a logistics base of the Lakurawa insurgent group in two communities within the area but tragically claimed the lives of ten civilians. Three days later, Shettima expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of those inadvertently affected by the military operation against the terrorist group. Describing the incident as a rare and tragic occurrence, he noted…

Owa Obokun: Adeboye’s annointed, Adeyokunu loses out as Gov. Adeleke approves Prince Hastrup

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has approved with immediate effect, the appointments of both Prince Adesuyi Haastrup as the new Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesha land and Prince Johnson Adekanmi Abikoye as the new Asaoni of Ora Igbomina A press statement issued by the Hon.Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, to that effect, indicates that the approval of the two monarchs was ratified and approved during the seating of the Osun State Executive Council Meeting presided over by its Chairman and Governor of Osun State, Senator…

Greenwich Group celebrates 30th Anniversary, set to break new territories

The Greenwich Group, a leading financial solutions provider in Nigeria, is celebrating 30 years of delivering innovative financial solutions tailored to the evolving needs of stakeholders while contributing to the growth and development of the Nigerian economy. The lead institution, formerly known as Greenwich Trust Ltd, has transitioned from its early days as a Financial Adviser and Issuing House into a Merchant Bank. In March 2024, Greenwich Merchant Bank was granted an Approval- In-Principle (AIP) by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for a non-operating financial holding company structure. Today,…

Fmr-Pres. Jonathan’s ex-ADC, Jituboh dies

A former Aide de Camp to ex-President Goodlick Jonathan , Deputy Inspector General of Police DIG Moses Jitoboh, rtd., is dead. Jitoboh reportedly died in the early hours of Friday Jitoboh was the ADC to former President Goodluck Jonathan when he was the Vice President of Nigeria. In 2023 he sued the Nigerian Police for his prematured retirement from the force having not attained the compulsory retirement age of 60 or 35 years in service He is from Bayelsa State

Full List: Interpol declares 14 Nigerians wanted for drugs, fraud, robbery

The International Police has declared no fewer than 14 Nigerians wanted for offences ranging from human trafficking, drug trafficking, robbery, cheating, and forgery, among others. According to Red Notices published on the INTERPOL website, the 14 Nigerians were wanted by different countries where they had allegedly committed the crime. The notices identified the wanted persons as Felix Omoregie, Jessica Edosomwan, Uche Egbue, Jude Uzoma, Chinedu Ezeunara, Benedict Okoro, Ikechukwu Obidiozor, and Alachi Stanley. Others are Bouhari Salif, Timloh Nkem, Austine Costa, Okromi Festus, Akachi Vitus and Mary Eze. According to…

Christmas: Its low key, as consumers lament high prices

As Nigerians celebrate Christmas, traders across various markets in Nigeria are lamenting poor patronage amid skyrocketing food prices, a sharp contrast to the festive sales experienced in previous years. In Lagos, Abuja, Osun, Rivers, Edo, Kano, Kaduna, and Sokoto, among other states, traders decried the high cost of food items and ever-increasing food inflation on the jump in the petrol pump prices nationwide. This came as consumers of food commodities called on the Federal Government to work hard to address the spike in Nigeria’s inflation, as they lamented their inability…

Ibadan Stampede: Ooni’s ex-wife, Naomi, popular broadcaster remanded in prison

A Chief Magistrate’s Court sitting in Iyaganku, Ibadan, Oyo State, on Tuesday, ordered the remand of the former wife of the Ooni of Ife, Naomi Silekunola; the Chief Executive Officer of Agidigbo FM, Oriyomi Hamzat; and the Principal of Islamic High School, Basorun, Abdullahi Fasasi, at the Agodi Correctional Centre. The trio were arraigned in connection with the recent stampede at an Ibadan funfair held at Islamic High School, which resulted in the deaths of 35 children and left several others injured. The Presiding Magistrate, Olabisi Ogunkanmi, ruled that the…

We will achieve tax reforms, no regret for removing subsidy -Tinubu at maiden Presidential parley

The President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said his administration will push through the tax reforms bills. Tinubu spoke at his maiden Presidential media chat in Lagos on Monday, aired on the Nigerian Television Authority, on Monday night, saying the tax reforms were necessitated by the need to eliminate colonial-based assumptions in the nation’s tax environment. The President stressed that tax reforms was pro-poor and aimed at widening the tax net, noting that it was typical for tax reforms to be accompanied by outcries. He said, “Tax reform is here…

Alake on Rescue Mission: A review, by Tunde Rahman

By Tunde Rahman “Alake on Rescue Mission” is much more than a photo book of activities, events and work of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Oladele Henry Alake, in one year in office. It’s a serious-minded and exciting piece of writing on the minister’s stewardship. If you see it as the official book on the Minister’s achievements in one year in office, you will hit the nail on the head. Appointed on August 15, 2023, Dr. Alake has spent around 14 months as Minister of Solid Minerals, meaning…

10 major takeaways from Tinubu’s 2025 budget speech

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presented the 2025 Appropriation Bill to a joint session of the National Assembly on Wednesday, outlining an ambitious financial plan themed the “Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity.” The proposal focuses on stabilizing the economy, creating an equitable environment for business, and fostering inclusive growth. Here are 10 major takeaways from President Tinubu’s 2025 budget speech 1. Theme of the Budget: The 2025 budget is titled the “Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity.” It focuses on stabilizing the economy, improving lives, and laying a…

Crucial factors that can protect you from developing dementia -Research

Eating two and a half chicken breasts a day from mid-life onwards could dramatically reduce your risk of developing the memory robbing disease, dementia, experts have urged Getting enough protein is among the ‘four pillars’ of prevention identified by researchers in a new report, which also includes exercise, treating long-term health conditions and maintaining strong social links with friends and family. These factors are crucial because they help an older person avoid frailty, which Australian research recently found could predict if you’ll get dementia almost a decade before a diagnosis.…

FG sack Julius Berger from Abuja-Kaduna dual carriageway

The Federal Government has terminated the contract for the Rehabilitation of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Dual Carriageway, Section I (Abuja-Kaduna) being handled by Julius Berger Construction company. The Minister of Works, David Umahi, had two weeks ago, threatened to revoke the contract after seven days if Julius Berger refused the federal government’s offer of N740.79bn for the completion of the 82km section II of the Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano. A statement by the Director of Press, Federal Ministry of Works, Mohammed Ahmed, said the decision was made following the failure of the management of Berger…

Ibadan Stampede: Ooni mourns, 35 kids feared dead as police arrests Queen Naomi, seven others

The Oyo State Police Command has disclosed the arrest of the ex-queen of the Ooni of Ife, Naomi Silekunola; the Principal of Islamic High School, Ibadan, Fasasi Abdulahi; and six others in connection to the death of some children during a stampede at a funfair in Ibadan, the state capital, on Wednesday. The ex-queen of the Ooni of Ife was named as the main sponsor of the event. The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has expressed sympathy to the families of children who died at the funfair in Ibadan,…

Three foods that could stop prostate cancer in its tracks -Research

Eating lots of fish, olive oil and walnuts while limiting chips, biscuits and mayonnaise can slow the growth of early prostate cancer, according to a study. New research suggests that simple dietary changes may help reduce prostate cancer cell growth in patients undergoing active surveillance. This is a treatment approach that involves regular monitoring of the cancer without immediate intervention. The findings show that a diet low in omega-6 but high in omega-3 fatty acids, combined with fish oil supplements, significantly reduced the growth rate of prostate cancer cells in…

Prudent Oguruguru, Gov.’s aide jailed 3 years for assault

A Bayelsa State High Court has convicted the Senior Special Assistant on General Duties to Governor Douye Diri, Mr Prudent Oguruguru, on a two-count charge bordering on assault. Oguruguru was arrested for inflicting harm on one Ubong Effiong Ubek, which led to the latter being unconscious at Agudama-Epie on February 20, 2024. He was subsequently arraigned on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, attempted murder, assault occasioning harm, serious assault, and malicious damage before Justice I. A Orukari. During the trial, the accused pleaded not guilty to all the charges,…

Why NNPCL took $1bn loan for Dangote refinery -Spokesperson

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has revealed that the federal government through the company took a loan of $1 billion to support the Dangote refinery project when it encountered some financial difficulties. NNPC’s Head of Corporate Communications, Olufemi Soneye, made the disclosure during his remarks at the Energy Relations Stakeholder Engagement in Abuja. Highlighting the achievements of the apex national oil company under the leadership of Mallam Mele Kyari, Sonoye said: “Permit me to digress a bit! Under the visionary leadership of Mele Kyari, NNPC Ltd has achieved…

Oak Homes boss, Olusanya in court over alleged N152m real estate fraud, threat to client’s life

The Chairman of Oak Homes Ltd, Olukayode Olusanya, is in the centre of an alleged real estate fraud as he has been accused of perpetrating a N152 million fraud. The matter is currently at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos and has Bern adjourned to February 10, 2025. The high-profile case has gripped the public after explosive allegations emerged, including fraud, theft, and even a chilling threat to murder a U.S.-based Nigerian engineer, Anthony Ehiedu Ugbebor. According to court documents, Olusanya and Lynda Umeh, Oak Homes’ former head of…

Youth Minister proposes Youth Bank to support young entrepreneurs

The Federal Government has stated that it will establish a youth bank to offer loans, grants and other financial products to support young entrepreneurs fostering innovation and job creation. The Minister of Youth Development, Mr Ayodele Olawande, communicated this at a media parley on Tuesday in Abuja. According to the minister, efforts are underway to have a Nigerian Youth Employment Action Plan to address the country’s unemployment problem. “Establishing a youth bank has numerous benefits for young people and communities. Baby with Spina Bifida Begins Treatment After Punch Report; Mother…

Soludo launches ‘Operation Udo Ga Chi’ says: Criminals have hijacked IPOB, exploiting Kanu’s name

Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, the Governor of Anambra State, on Tuesday, said he doubted if the release of the detained leader of the separatist Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, would end the pervasive insecurity in the South-East. Soludo argued that criminals had hijacked the Biafran struggle and were now exploiting the Biafran struggle and Kanu’s name to perpetrate organised crime and fuel insecurity in the South-East region. Soludo noted that under the guise of agitation, these individuals had turned to “lucrative criminality,” engaging in armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, and idolatry.…

Tinubu arrives Lagos for Xmas, New Year holiday

President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Lagos State for this year’s Christmas and New Year holidays. Tinubu arrived at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, at exactly 3:23 pm on Wednesday. Before departing Abuja, the President presented the 2025 Appropriation Bill to a joint session of the National Assembly for consideration and passage. According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President was welcomed by the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; deputy governor, Obafemi Hamzat, and cabinet members at the…

We have extended fuel exportation to three African countries -Dangote refinery

The Dangote refinery has exported Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) to Cameroon, Angola, Ghana, and South Africa in the past few weeks. The Vice President of Oil and Gas, Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, disclosed this while playing host to a delegation from the Japanese Business Community in Nigeria, led by Japan’s Ambassador-designate to Nigeria, Suzuki Hideo. In a statement on Sunday, the company’s spokesman, Anthony Chiejina, quoted Edwin as confirming that products from the refinery meet international standards and are already being exported globally. “In recent weeks, we’ve exported petrol…

Another N5m fine against controversial politician, Owuru as Supreme Court dismisses suit seeking Tinubu’s removal over drug, CIA allegations

The Supreme Court has dismissed the lawsuit seeking the removal of President Bola Tinubu from office. The suit filed by the presidential candidate of the Hope Democratic Party in the 2019 general election, Ambrose Owuru, sought Tinubu’s removal based on Central Intelligence Agency and drug allegations. On May 25, 2023, the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal had imposed a N40 million fine against the same Ambrose Owuru for filing a “frivolous” suit to stop Tinubu from being sworn in as president. The apex court in an unanimous decision…

More troubles for ex-Bank PHB boss as EFCC arraigns Atuche for forgery

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has re-arraigned the former Managing Director of the defunct Bank PHB Plc, Francis Atuche, alongside two others, on charges of forgery and conspiracy. According to a statement on Monday via X, the re-arraignment took place on Monday, before Justice O. O. Abike-Fadipe at the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos. Atuche was charged alongside Nnosiri Joachim, also known as Ifeanyi, and Uguru Onyike, in a nine-count indictment involving allegations of forging board resolutions of companies to defraud financial institutions. One of the charges reads,…

FG honours ex-Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, with University of Abuja

The Federal Executive Council on Monday approved the renaming of the University of Abuja as Yakubu Gowon University. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, revealed this to State House correspondents after the council held its last meeting for 2024 at the Aso Rock Villa, Abuja. Idris said, “The third item is that there is also a decision taken by the Federal Executive Council to rename the University of Abuja to honour elder statesman, General Yakubu Gowon. “The University of Abuja will, henceforth, be called Yakubu Gowon University.…

Finland freezes Simon Ekpa’s assets

The authorities in Finland have frozen the assets of Simon Ekpa, the self-acclaimed Biafran agitator facing allegations of terrorism-related activities. According to Yle, a local newspaper, the Finnish government also froze the assets of companies associated with Ekpa and four of his accomplices, who are also in remand. The report said Ekpa is being held in the Kylmäkoski vankila, (Kylmäkoski prison), which is reputed to be one of the world’s toughest prisons. The prison was established in January 1993 in the Kylmäkoski municipality. On November 21, Ekpa was sent to…

Mikano Motors celebrates Changan night with CS95, X7 launch

It was a night of fun and excitement on Thursday when Mikano Motors celebrated Changan Festive Night ‘24 with the launch of two premium models from Changan – the All-New CS95 and the X7 Plus. The launch was done at an exclusive event, which provided an opportunity for the audience comprising the customers, influencers and other invited guests to explore the latest innovations from Changan from their representatives. The unveiling was described as a celebration of a partnership that combines Changan’s global reputation for quality and innovation with Mikano Motors’…

Life inside Finland’s toughest prison where Simon Ekpa is remanded

Remanded leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Simon Ekpa, is being held at the Kylmäkoski vankila (Kylmäkoski prison), one of the world’s toughest prisons, findings by Saturday PUNCH have shown. The high security prison is in Vanhamaantie, Akaa, Finland. The Finnish government had announced the arrest of Ekpa alongside four others on suspicion of terror-related activities, including incitement to violence and terrorism financing. The Finnish police confirmed that Ekpa, who described himself as the Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, allegedly used social media to promote violence in…

…Only in Nigeria, by Lanre Ogundipe

Writing this piece reminds me of my time as a distinguished member of the 2014 National Conference as a representative of my constituency – Nigeria Union of Journalists. In one of my quiet moments, l was brooding over the state of the nation and the darkness that has enveloped her like a haze. A rushing brain-waves swirled up in the air and the flashing memory of the humourous session of the confab. I dashed for my handset to dial a call to my friend and colleague who served in the…