Politics – 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…

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…

US repatriates $52.88m Diezani Alison-Madueke’s loot to Nigeria

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

The Federal Government has received $52.88 million in recovered assets linked to a former Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Alison-Madueke, from the United States of America. The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, disclosed this during the formal signing ceremony of the asset agreement between Nigeria and the United States in Abuja on Friday. In his remarks, Fagbemi, according to Channels TV reports, explained that $50 million of the recovered assets would be deployed through the World Bank for the development of rural electrification projects, while the…

Nigeria’s defence chief, Musa asks UN to probe training, funding of Boko Haram

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

Nigeria has called on the United Nations to investigate the funding and training of the Boko Haram terrorists. The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, made the call in a recent interview he had with Al-Jazeera. Musa said there was international flow of funding for the terrorists, stressing the need for the UN to come in to trace and track it. The defence chief, who questioned how the insurgents had sustained themselves for 15 years, also fingered international conspiracy in providing the terrorists with funds, training and equipment.…

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…

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…

Soldiers kill two suspected killers of Army personnel, who abducted two Korean expatriates

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

Soldiers of the 5 Battalion of the Nigerian Army have neutralised two members of a gang reportedly responsible for the killing of four soldiers and abduction of two Korean expatriates who were staff of Daewoo company in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State. A press statement issued in Port Harcourt on Monday by the acting Deputy Director of Public Relations of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah, said the troops struck the hideout of the gang at Kalaogbokolo in Ahoada in a carefully…

Explosion in Abuja Islamic School killed suspected terrorists, two others Injured

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

An explosion at an Islamiyyah school in the Kuchibiyi community of Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has reportedly resulted in the deaths of two persons. According to the FCT Police command, the explosion occurred at approximately 11am at the Tsangagyar Sani Uthman Islamiyya School located in Kuchibuyi Village, Byazhin area of the FCT. A statement by the command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, said the command received a distress call from the Sarki of Kuchibuyi and a team of police operatives, including the Command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal…

11 suspects arrested as Army destroys 21 illegal refineries in Niger Delta

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army has announced the destruction of 21 illegal oil refining sites, the arrest of 11 suspected oil thieves, and the recovery of 190,000 litres of stolen petroleum products in the Niger Delta. The Army stated that these successes were a result of its intensified operations, conducted in collaboration with other security agencies, aimed at dismantling the network of criminal enterprises run by oil thieves in the region. The Acting Deputy Director of the 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Jonah Danjuma, disclosed this…

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,…

Saudi Govt frees 3 Nigerian female drug traffickers after 10 months in prison

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

Saudi Arabia has released three Nigerians earlier arrested and prosecuted for alleged drug trafficking. In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday by the acting spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the release followed a high-level diplomatic engagement between the Nigerian government and Saudi authorities. The three Nigerians namely: Hadiza Abba, Fatima Malah and Fatima Gamboi were arrested for alleged possession of a substance suspected to be cocaine while on pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. According to the statement, they were arrested and prosecuted on March 5, 2024,…

Again, Northern Elders caution Tinubu against tax reforms

Benjamin Chukwudaalu, Political Reporter

The Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF) has again raised concerns over the Federal Government’s proposed Tax Reform Bills, urging immediate suspension of the implementation and calling for extensive dialogue with stakeholders. The forum criticized the government for failing to engage critical stakeholders and experts before drafting the reforms. NEF expressed its position in a statement on Saturday signed by its Chairman of Management Board, Al-Amin Daggash, highlighting the reforms’ potential adverse effects on Northern Nigeria and the nation as a whole. Daggash said: “Once again, it is necessary to reiterate, that…

Data Protection Commission threatens heavy fines against violators

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has announced plans to significantly ramp up enforcement and impose substantial fines on data controllers and processors that violate the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA). This was disclosed by the National Commissioner/CEO of the Commission, Dr Vincent Olatunji, in a video outlining the Commission’s 2025 agenda, shared on its social media platforms at the weekend. Olatunji stated, “For data controllers and processors, there is going to be massive enforcement. We have never really issued any fine, but going forward, you’ll hear us giving heavy…

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,…

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…

Fashola’ wife speaks on hubby’s love child

Benjamin Chukwudaalu, Political Reporter

Abimbola Fashola, wife of Babatunde Fashola, former governor of Lagos, has denied the accusation that her husband had children outside wedlock. In an interview monitored on News Central television on Thursday, the former first lady of Lagos said there is a source through which she gets political updates about her husband. Abimbola did not provide any information when asked about her husband’s “strained” relationship with his predecessor, Bola Tinubu, during Fashola’s second term as governor of Lagos. “My husband doesn’t discuss political things with me. I don’t get to hear…

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…

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

Access Holdings Plc secures full regulatory approvals for recently closed rights of ordinary shares

Jasmin Ekua, Banking & Finance

Access Holdings Plc (‘the Company’) today announces that it has secured the full regulatory approvals of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Securities and Exchange Commission of its recently closed Right Issue of 17,772,612,811 Ordinary Shares of 50 Kobo each at N19.75 Kobo per share (‘the Rights Issue’) and has raised the target amount of N351,009,103,017.25. This development has positioned the Company’s flagship subsidiary, Access Bank Plc (‘the Bank’) as the first bank to meet the Central Bank of Nigeria’s N500 billion minimum capital requirements for Banks with International…

Nigeria’s military authority reacts to alleged bombing of civilian target in Sokoto raid

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

Nigeria’s military authorities have cleared the air on allegations that its recent operations in Northwest of Nigeria bombed two communities in Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State, leaving many villagers dead while several others injured. Spokesman for Operation Fansan Yamma, Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, did not confirm if military jets struck the communities, he however admitted that there is a significant risk that Lakurawa and other terrorist groups “may attempt to undermine military successes through media disinformation, necessitating caution concerning unverified claims, especially in the ongoing fight against terrorism…

I stand by my words, Farotimi reacts after release from prison

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

A human rights advocate, Dele Farotimi, has been released from the correctional centre in Ekiti State after meeting his bail conditions. Farotimi was released on Tuesday morning. Last week Friday, at a magistrate court in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, granted Farotimi bail conditions, including a N30 million bond, two sureties, one of whom must be a property owner, a submission of Farotimi’s passport and a prohibition of Farotimi granting media interviews once released. However, addressing media personnel after his release, Farotimi said he had never had any course to lie…

39 dead at Ernest Obiejesi, Abuja Catholic Church’s stampede over free food sharing

Benjamin Chukwudaalu, Political Reporter

About 39 Nigerians reportedly lost their lives following stampedes during food-sharing events in Okija, Anambra State, and Maitama, Abuja, on Saturday. National Infinity reports that in the struggle to get ahead and obtain the free food items distributed by organisers, the residents trampled upon one another, leading to the deaths. While 10 residents died in Abuja, 29 were reported killed in Anambra. These stampedes are coming days after a similar incident occurred in Ibadan, Oyo State, where 35 children lost their lives and several others were left critically injured during…

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…

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…

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,…

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…

Police arrests foreign certificates syndicate in Lagos, rejects N66m fraud

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

The Zone-2 Police Command in Lagos has apprehended two suspected international fraudsters allegedly involved in forging foreign certificates in Lagos and Ghana. In a bold move underscoring their integrity, the police operatives turned down a bribe offer of N66 million from the suspects. AIG Adegoke Fayoade, who heads the Zone-2 Command, confirmed the arrest on Monday. “These suspects, identified as Elvis, 23, and Kelly, 24, specialised in forging certificates from foreign institutions and African universities, deceiving unsuspecting victims online,” Fayoade disclosed to the News Agency of Nigeria. This commendable action…

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.…

Adeleke orders probe, clemency for man sentenced to death for stealing fowl

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

Ademola Adeleke, the Governor of Osun State has expressed concern over a reported death sentence passed on a young man in the state for stealing a fowl. In a statement on X.com on Tuesday, Adeleke directed the state’s attorney general and commissioner for justice to launch a full investigation into the case and initiate processes to grant the young man a prerogative of mercy. He wrote, “I have received the report of a case of a young man reportedly sentenced to death by hanging in Osun State for stealing a…

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…

Scores feared dead as stampede mar Ooni’s ex-Queen’s children party

Wura Kelani, Crime Reporter

An unspecified number of children died on Wednesday morning at the Islamic High School in Basorun, Ibadan, Oyo State, after a stampede during a children’s Christmas party hosted by Queen Naomi Silekunola Ogunwusi, an ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife. Seyi Makinde, the governor of Oyo, confirmed multiple lives were lost in an afternoon statement. “Earlier today, an incident occurred in Islamic High School Basorun, the venue of an event organised for families. Sadly, a stampede at the venue has led to multiple loss of lives and injuries. This is…

Honour For Mr. Revenue: Ayodele Subair Receives Honorary Doctorate Degree

Benjamin Chukwudaalu, Political Reporter

The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) is delighted to announce that its Executive Chairman, Mr. Ayodele Subair, has been conferred with a doctorate degree in Business Administration (honoris causa) by the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA). Subair received the prestigious award at the institution’s 13th convocation ceremony and 25th anniversary on Saturday, December 14, 2024. The prestigious honour given to the LIRS boss, according to the institution’s Vice Chancellor, Prof Olugbenga lge, “recognizes his outstanding contributions to the development of taxation in Nigeria and his exemplary leadership in steering…

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…

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.…

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…

Onyema endorses President Tinubu’s reforms, says he is working to stabilise businesses with his policies

The Chairman and CEO of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his efforts in implementing policies aimed at stabilising business operations across Nigeria. Onyema who met with President Tinubu at the state house in Abuja on Thursday December 12th, said that the president has made great strides with the ease of doing business in the aviation industry, and with the new reforms introduced by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, the Tinubu administration will stabilise the aviation industry. Onyema added that although…

INEC debunks chairman, Yakubu’s death rumour

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has asked the public to disregard reports on the death of its Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu. A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi on Saturday said Yakubu is alive. The clarification was necessitated following reports that the INEC Chair had died in London. “Our attention has been drawn to a fake news narrative circulated by a section of the social media claiming the purported death of the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu at a London hospital. The story first…

Confusion as NNPP, Gov Candidate disagree in court over suit challenging Ondo Gov., Aiyedatiwa’s victory

The Ondo State chapter of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) has disowned the suit instituted by its candidate, Olugbenga Edema, challenging the candidature of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of the All Progressives’ Congress (APC) and his deputy, Olayide Adelami. At the Federal High Court sitting in Akure, Ondo State capital on Wednesday, a letter written by the National Legal Adviser of NNPP, Robert Hon, stating that the party did not authorise any suit against the candidacy of Aiyedatiwa and Adelami Deputy was presented. Hence the party requested that its name…

Consumer Protection Probe: Travel agents back FCCPC against Air Peace probe

Benjamin Chukwudaalu, Political Reporter

The National Association of Nigerian Travel Agents has thrown its weight behind the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission’s investigation into exploitation allegations against Air Peace. The agents also appealed to the FCCPC to expand the scope of its fact-finding to other airlines in the country. This was made known through a statement signed by the association’s President, Yinka Folami, and made available to PUNCH Online on Tuesday. The association said it was committed to advocating fair practices within the downstream aviation sector, prioritising equitable market policies and the protection…

Sokoto Hisbah seizes over 200 cartons of alcoholic drinks

Yemi Thomas, Entertainment Editor

Officials of the Sokoto State Hisbah Board have intercepted and confiscated over 200 cartons of substances suspected to be alcoholic drinks at the Sokoto Central Motor Park. Addressing journalists at the Hisbah office in Sokoto on Wednesday, the state Hisbah Commander, Usman Jatau, paraded the seized items. Jatau stated that no one had come forward to claim the confiscated drinks and that the Hisbah Board would consult the State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General to determine the next course of action. Outlining the rules and regulations guiding residents’ conduct…

The Army is coming with full force, CoAS, Oluyede warns criminals

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General, Olufemi Oluyede, has warned criminal elements to pack out of the country, emphasising that the Nigerian Army under his leadership is coming with full force. Oluyede said this while addressing the troops of the 1 Division Nigerian Army in Kaduna when he paid a maiden operational visit on Wednesday. He said the adversaries should be ready to face a more serious and formidable Nigerian Army. Oluyede disclosed that as of December 10, he signed his command philosophy, which was hinged on leadership, sound…

Defamation: Abuja, Oyo courts bar further sale of Farotimi’s book

A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja, on Wednesday, barred human rights activist and lawyer, Dele Farotimi, from further publishing, selling, circulating, advertising, or distributing the hard or soft copies of his book, ‘Nigeria and Its Criminal Justice System’. A similar order was issued by an Oyo State High Court, which also granted an interim order restraining Farotimi or any person acting through him from further printing the controversial book. The activist lawyer is currently embroiled in a legal battle over the controversial book. The police have arraigned Farotimi…