TRENDING NOW

Kemi Badenoch has been elected the new leader of the UK’s Conservative Party, securing victory over Robert Jenrick in the final leadership vote.

Badenoch, who spent part of her childhood in Nigeria, becomes the first Black woman to lead a major political party in Britain.

She succeeds Rishi Sunak, under whose leadership the Conservatives suffered their worst-ever election defeat this past July.

Throughout her campaign, Badenoch pledged to steer the Conservatives back to “first principles” and committed to undertaking a series of policy reviews in the coming months to reshape the party’s platform.

Assuming the role as the party’s sixth leader in under nine years, she faces the immediate task of uniting a divided Conservative Party.

In her victory address, Badenoch emphasized the need to “tell the truth” and urged party members to “get down to business.”

She highlighted that her “first responsibility” as Conservative leader is “to hold this Labour government to account,” adding, “Our second is no less important – it is to prepare over the course of the next few years for government.”

Badenoch received 53,806 votes, defeating Jenrick, who garnered 41,388.

Attention now shifts to her selection for the shadow cabinet as she outlines the party’s direction.

Only a third of Conservative MPs supported Badenoch’s leadership bid.

In the lead-up to the final vote, Badenoch had indicated that she would consider offering positions to her leadership rivals, including Jenrick. However, shadow home secretary James Cleverly, who finished third, has already declined a frontbench role.

A significant fire erupted on Saturday at the well-known AP Plaza in Wuse 2, Abuja, engulfing the popular commercial complex in flames.

The blaze reportedly began around noon, sending  smoke into the sky and drawing the attention of onlookers who watched helplessly as the flames spread.

The exact cause of the fire remains unknown, though investigations are expected to be underway.

AP Plaza, situated along the busy Ademola Adetokunbo Crescent, Wuse 2, is a major shopping and business hub in Abuja’s Federal Capital Territory, housing numerous businesses and offices.

More details to follow….

Celebrated Nollywood actor and filmmaker Kunle Afolayan has announced the passing of his mother, Omoladun Afolayan, who passed away at the age of 81.

Afolayan took to Instagram on Saturday to share the news, posting heartfelt moments with his late mother, including photographs that capture her with her grandchildren.

“It is hard to accept but she surely lived a good life👼 Our mother, Maami Omoladun Ayanladun Afolayan, has gone to rest. (1943-2024),” he wrote.

“She is survived by children and grandchildren. Please keep us in your prayers. Omo re a gbeyin gbogbo wa,” he added.

Kunle’s brother, fellow actor Gabriel Afolayan, also paid tribute, expressing his sorrow: “Home is not cool. We lost a very dear one. You’d be greatly missed, big mummy (Iya Oyo). We all love you to bits. I will miss my gist and dance partner. Rest on #maami. Big love to my sibs #kunleafo #aremumimostwantedlikecrudeoil.”

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has begun vaccination of no fewer than 9.8 million children against measles, polio and other vaccine preventable diseases among children in Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Plateau and Taraba States.

This was disclosed by Patrick Akor, Health Officer with the Bauchi Field Office of UNICEF, while briefing journalists at the Office in Bauchi, on Friday

Akor explained that UNICEF is supporting the five states in the Bauchi Field Office to conduct the 2024 integrated vaccination campaign to curb polio, measles and other vaccine preventable diseases among children.

He said the support was in terms of logistics, supply of vaccines, publicity and other things required for a successful camp targeting over nine million Under-five children.

Akor revealed that the Oral Polio Vaccination targets no fewer than 6, 815,691 children, aged 0 to 59 months while over 3 million children are targeted for measles vaccination during the campaign which begins today (Saturday November 2, 2024).

He said the campaign would cover Bauchi, Taraba, Adamawa, Gombe and Plateau States, adding that the integrated measles vaccination campaign alongside with others for children would be administered within the next one week.

He said further that the move was prompted by the inability of Nigeria to record the 95 percent vaccination target coverage.

“The last measles campaign conducted was in 2022 and this has revealed that as a country we didn’t meet our target coverage of 95 percent and we know that measles remains a big threat to children”, he said.

The Health officer noted that measles and other child related diseases are responsible for mortality, blindness and some other health life threatening conditions.

Akor stressed that it was imperative that the governments with support from UNICEF and other UN agencies actually carry out the campaign to ensure that children whether in remote areas, security compromise areas are protected from measles and other vaccine preventable diseases.

The UNICEF Health officer explained that while Gombe, Plateau, Bauchi and Adamawa would be implementing measles vaccination campaign alongside other diseases such as polio, Taraba state will be implementing the OBR which is just polio.

According to him, UNICEF has been working alongside other partners and the federal government through the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency and the state agencies to ensure that different aspects of the campaigns are covered.

Also speaking, Social Behavioral Change Specialist with the UNICEF, George Eki said that Bauchi Field Office has made logistics support available to the 5 states, especially the vaccines to ensure the success of the campaign.

Eki added that, there are also commodities which UNICEF has provided to ensure proper storage of the vaccines, including advocacy Communication and Social Mobilization to boost wider coverage.

He explained that UNICEF is providing support to all the states to ensure that the general public become aware of the vaccination campaign and the age bracket of the would be vaccinated children.

“We have done this through various Community engagement activities, engaging traditional leaders, religious leaders, Community leaders and even teachers, because we know that those to benefit from the vaccines are mostly school children,” he said.


“In terms of zero dose, I will use Bauchi, we have 13 LGs that are zero dose.

“You have been following from the beginning of this year, the series of outbreaks that have happened, even across the other states like Gombe, we have area where we had cases of meningitis, the simple reason why we are having outbreaks is that children are not vaccinated completely, if all children are vaccinated fully we won’t have outbreaks.

“So, for zero dose, we cannot sit down at this time and age and still have children in the communities that have not taken a single vaccine. It is the right of the child to be protected against all these vaccines preventable diseases, so this campaign is obviously made to reach out to every child”

He also said that during the period of the campaign, apart from polio, there are other routine vaccines that would be provided.

As the child comes for the measles vaccines, there are opportunities of the child getting other vaccination that have been missed, through other routine immunization that would be provided in the field posts and house to house,” Eki said.

The Federal Government has disbursed funds to clear outstanding salaries owed to members of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Federal Universities (NASU) and to pay benefits to retirees under the Nigerian Union of Pensioners Contributory Pension Scheme.

In a statement released on Saturday, Bawa Mokwa, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), confirmed that payments to NASU members are already underway, with numerous staff members reporting receipt.

The statement read, “The Federal Government has released funds for payment of withheld salary of Non-Academic Staff Union of Federal Universities.

“According to the OAGF, the Federal Government has also released funds for payment of benefits to retirees under the Nigerian Union of Pensioners Contributory Pension Scheme Sector.

“The OAGF said payments to the Non-Academic Staff of Federal Universities had commenced and many have confirmed receipt.”

The OAGF reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerian workers and retirees.

Earlier this week, the Joint Action Committee of SSANU and NASU declared an indefinite strike in response to four months of withheld salaries, which has since disrupted activities across the nation’s universities.

In a previous interview, SSANU’s National President, Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim, disclosed that university officials, including vice-chancellors, bursars, and registrars, had also gone unpaid for four months. He reiterated that universities would remain shut until all outstanding payments are resolved.



Bauchi State Police command has arrested a mother of five, Rakiya Ya’u, 20, for allegedly hiring two young men to kill her father-in-law.

The Commissioner of Police for the command, Auwal Muhammad, disclosed this while parading the three suspects, on Friday.

“On the 25th October, 2024, a motionless body of one Damina Lamba of Wuro Dangogo via Sarma village was found in a bush between Wuro Dangogo and Sarma village and a mark of violence was found on his head,” he disclosed.

“Our operatives attached to Misau Divisional Police Headquarters led by the DPO conveyed the body to the General Hospital Misau, where he was certified dead by a medical doctor.

“The operatives swiftly swung into action to unravel the perpetrators behind the gruesome killing. Consequently, on October 30, 2024, three suspects were apprehended in connection with the act.

“Both suspects, Abdu Lamba, 20 and Ruwa Aliyu, 22 admitted to their involvement in the crime.

” They disclosed that they were hired to carry out the act against her father-in-law, whom she claimed had been practicing witchcraft and had caused the death of her son last year,” he added.

The police boss said two sticks, reported to be used in perpetrating the crime, were recovered as evidence.

They are expected to be charged to court for criminal conspiracy and attempted culpable homicide, the CP said.

A 58-year-old man, Omolayo Bamidele, has reportedly ended his life in Igburowo town, located in the Odigbo council area of Ondo State, following an alleged dispute with family members.

Sources indicate that the deceased ingested a chemical substance believed to be Sniper, a pesticide.

Police sources confirmed that certain family members have been summoned for questioning as part of the investigation.

Reliable accounts reveal that, before the tragic incident, Bamidele had an argument with a family member, during which he allegedly voiced intentions of self-harm.

His body was later discovered along a major road leading to a nearby farm settlement.

A resident who first spotted the body, an elderly member of the community, reportedly raised an alarm around 10:30 am, prompting neighbors to gather at the scene.

According to reports, Bamidele had left his residence early in the morning after the altercation and walked some distance to a secluded area where he took his own life.

Family members said that no note was found, although a bottle believed to contain Sniper was discovered behind his body.

Police detectives from the Ore command were informed and arrived to transport the body to the Ondo State Specialist Hospital in Ore.

At the scene, Bamidele’s sandals and mobile phone—still ringing—were also recovered by the detectives.

Although an investigation is underway, authorities are questioning family members to understand the circumstances that led to Bamidele’s actions.

Confirming the incident, the state police spokesperson, Funmi Odunlami, stated, “The police are aware of the report of suicide, but we do not have details of what led to it.” She added that an ongoing investigation aims to uncover the reasons behind Bamidele’s death.


(VANGUARD)

The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has assumed control over the case involving #EndBadGovernance protesters, previously handled by the Nigerian Police.

The protesters, aged between 12 and 15, appeared in the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, facing 10 charges, including terrorism, an attempt to overthrow the government, and alleged mutiny for their participation in the recent nationwide protest.

The arraignment of the 75 minors has sparked widespread criticism from civil society groups and opposition leaders, who decried the prosecution and detention of the young protesters. They have called on the government to swiftly address and resolve the situation.

In a Friday night statement, Fagbemi acknowledged his awareness of the case, noting that his office requires further examination of certain aspects to make an informed decision. He clarified that he lacks the authority to alter the court’s remand order, which has scheduled the case for January. However, he directed the police to transfer the case file to his office, with the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF) taking over the matter on Saturday.

The statement reads: “It has just come to my notice that the police have arraigned those arrested in connection with the EndBadGovernance violent protest in court for various offences including treason.

“There are some issues my office will need to look into regarding the matter to enable me take an informed decision.

“I am aware that the court has remanded the defendants in detention centres and adjourned the case to January.

“It is not within my power to vary the order of the court remanding the defendants in detention centres and adjourning the case to January. I have, however, directed the Nigeria Police to transfer the casefile to my office and hand over same to the Director of Public Prosecution of the Federation (DPPF) tomorrow, Saturday 2nd November, 2024.

“I have further directed the DPPF to immediately put machinery in motion for consideration of the court to bring the adjournment date forward (an earlier date).”

Justice Obiora Egwuatu granted bail to 67 of the 76 protesters, setting bail at N10 million each. Minors among them are required to present a civil servant as surety.

The minors, visibly unwell, appeared frail during the proceedings. Some had to be escorted out of the courtroom, writhing in pain, as they were unable to stand.

All 76 were detained following their arrests during the protests held from August 1 to 10, triggered by the economic hardships faced by many Nigerians.


The landing cost of petrol in Nigeria has dropped from about N1,100 as of last month to between N978 to N1,000.

Petroleum Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) Publicity Secretary, Dr Joseph Obele, made this known in a chat with PUNCH.

The association vowed that they would sell imported petrol below the price offered by the Dangote refinery.

The association said its petrol would also be cheaper than that of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

Dr Obele, however, said that the price of Dangote PMS might be higher because the refinery was still producing with the imported crude it bought at a premium.

He said the association had struck deals with some international fuel suppliers to import PMS at a good price, adding that the product would arrive in Nigeria at a price around N800/litre.

“PETROAN is an association, but we have incorporated our limited liability company called PETROAN Limited. We have got the licence from the Corporate Affairs Commission, and we have applied to the NMDPRA to licence us and give us authority to import. So, as we get that authority to import, I think we will import from the best market.

“And it is good also for the general public to understand that the landing costs in all the nations are not the same. PETROAN has got a partner from the international market, that the product will arrive here at close to N800/litre. So, since PETROAN has the best value for Nigerian citizens, we are calling on the regulatory agency to release our authority to import in no distant time so our first stock will come in.

“And we assure you that PETROAN will sell far less than Dangote. It will sell at prices far less than NNPC. Right now, NNPC is selling to us at N1,040/litre. PETROAN will not sell like that, because we have negotiated. And all our partners and foreign counterparts are on standby to make sure we give Nigerians the best value,” Obele said.

The associations spokesperson stated that he would not be able to disclose the exact quantity to be imported, but stressed that PMS imported by PETROAN would be cheaper.

Obele explained that Dangote was only selling to NNPC directly, while NNPC sold to marketers.

“I am telling you that that the position of NNPC as a middleman is still active till tomorrow. NNPC has refused to announce how much Dangote is giving. Dangote has also refused to announce how much he is selling to NNPC. So, I think there is an agreement that they don’t announce it.

“All we know is how much NNPC is selling it to us. However, the transaction between the two is not in the public domain. NNPC has refused to mention it. And the general public has said, please make these things open,” he said.

Speaking on the landing cost of N978/litre, he emphasised that the landing cost differs from country to country.

“N978 to N1,000, that’s the landing cost. It was about N1,100 as of last month. But because of the drop in the selling price of crude oil in the international market, PMS has witnessed a downward review in the international market too. So, I think we should also witness a downward review,“ he said.

When reminded that the NNPC just jerked up its price, Obele responded, “No, the issue we have is that the only functional refinery we have is the Dangote refinery. And Dangote has announced to everyone who wants to hear that the crude oil stock he is still working on was the one he bought from the international market; that the naira-for-crude stock, he has not started refining that. So, we don’t expect a downward review from someone who bought old stock when crude oil was selling for $80 and $78 per barrel.

“So, now that it has dropped to $72, we are not expecting to review the price automatically. Because you can put it to us that it is still trading with the old stock. But recently, the price of crude oil has dropped. We hope that whoever is buying the new stock of this new trade should review the price downward. But if what Dangote has used to refine the stock available is the old stock got when crude oil was still selling at $80 per barrel, we don’t expect him to review downward.

“Until the refinery commences production with the stock it just received last week in naira, that’s when people can criticise it. But at the moment, I think the selling rate reflects the former cost of crude oil.”

Meanwhile, oil marketers, on Friday, revealed that the price of petrol, produced by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery was between N1,015 and N1,028/litre depending on the quantity being purchased.

Data released by the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria on Thursday showed that the landing cost of petrol was N978.01/litre as of October 31, 2024.

It stated that the landing cost of diesel was N1,069.97/litre, while that of aviation fuel was put at N1,119.67/litre.

The landing cost of these white products is the unit price of the imported commodities on landing on Nigeria’s shores.

Since the Dangote refinery commenced the release of refined petroleum products domestically, it had refused to announce the cost of the commodity despite several demands for the price.

However, a major marketer, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to lack of authorisation to speak on the matter, confirmed that the cost of petrol from the Dangote refinery was higher than that of imported PMS.

According to the official, the refinery currently sells to oil marketers making bulk purchase at N1,015/litre and small buyers at N1,028/litre.

The major marketer also disclosed that three cargoes carrying petroleum products recently arrived and had been discharged at seaports along the nation’s borders.

“Dangote is selling to bulk buyers at N1,015/litre, but to marketers who are not buying in bulk, the refinery is selling at N1,028/litre.

“But imported PMS is cheaper than the cost of Dangote’ own, and that is why he is doing all he can to ensure that the government stops the importation of fuel,” the dealer stated.

When contacted, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of Dangote Group, Tony Chiejina, said the figures being bandied were not correct.

He described reports on Dangote petrol price as fake news, wondering where they emanated from.

“This is fake news. People are just posting what they like,“ he said.

Chiejina, however, declined to give the actual price.

(PUNCH)

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Executive Committee has sanctioned contracts totaling N33.24 billion for new projects scheduled over the coming year.

This decision was reached at the committee’s ninth meeting, chaired by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, in Abuja on Friday.

Following the meeting, Chidi Amadi, the Minister’s Chief of Staff, informed journalists that these projects are part of the FCT administration’s ongoing efforts to enhance essential services for the residents of the FCT.

Dr. Chinedum Elechi, Mandate Secretary of the Transportation Secretariat, provided specifics on some of the approved projects, including N7.22 billion earmarked for constructing access roads to the Kugbo and Mabushi Bus and Taxi Terminals.

He highlighted that construction had already begun on terminals in Kugbo, Mabushi, and the Central Business District, but further road access from main roads was identified as a requirement to facilitate operations.

The access road project, awarded to Planet Projects Ltd, is expected to be completed in 12 weeks.

Elechi also mentioned that the committee authorized the purchase of 120,000 liters of Automotive Gas Oil (Diesel) and 40,250 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) for Wupa Basin Sewage Treatment Plant. This contract, valued at N2.92 billion, was awarded to Safah and Fresh Ltd., with deliveries planned over the next 12 months.

Furthermore, an allocation of N638,550 was approved for the supply of 400,000 liters of Automotive Gas Oil to the Lower Usuma Dam Water Treatment Plant under the FCT Water Board.

In another development, Shehu Ahmad, Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Development Authority, revealed that an access road to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Academy in Giri District was also approved, awarded to Levant Construction Ltd. at N7.83 billion, with a nine-month completion target.

Additionally, the committee sanctioned the design and construction of 10 units of staff quarters for the Nigerian Law School in Bwari, a project assigned to Austlinks Energy Services Ltd. at a cost of N2.19 billion, also due within nine months.

Further approved projects include the rehabilitation of Bill Clinton Road, linking the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. This contract, valued at N9.88 billion, was awarded to Julius Berger and is anticipated to be completed within six months. It includes refurbishing facilities such as the Presidential Hanger, taxiway, and airport apron.

Gardiya Bawa, Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary of the Legal Secretariat, shared that N605.94 million was approved for office equipment, furnishings for the new office of the secretariat, and the procurement of utility vehicles.


The National Assistant Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Yakubu Suleiman, has revealed that purchasing Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, is currently more economical through imports than acquiring it from the Dangote Refinery.

Suleiman highlighted that as of last week, the Dangote Refinery was offering PMS at a wholesale price of N995 per litre.

He made these remarks during an interview with Arise TV on Friday, November 1.

He stated: “Dangote’s price is more higher than other place. As at last week, Dangote gives at N995/litre and you have to bring your cargo to load.

“How much will you pay the cargo? How much will you pay other charges to your depot? We have to pity Nigerians.

“The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), are trying their best to salvage this country at this particular time when people are suffering.

“So let us go for products that are cheaper that when we sell it to the people, the people appreciates. Most people don’t understand the whole dynamics that is going on at the moment.

“So when we go and buy the higher price we come and sell it as higher as what people are not expecting and they’ll start calling ‘IPMAN’. We are tired.

“If people understand the dynamics they will have praised IPMAN, because we are truly patriotic to Nigerians.”
With just days left until the transition of power to the incoming Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has detained Edo State’s Accountant General, Mr. Julius Anelu, along with four other key officials associated with state government accounts.

According to sources, the arrests, which have reportedly prompted panic among outgoing Governor Godwin Obaseki inner-circle, reportedly took place on Thursday and involved officials who serve as primary signatories for the state’s financial accounts.

The officials are currently held at the EFCC’s Benin office, a measure believed to prevent potential last-minute withdrawals from state funds. The Edo State House of Assembly had allegedly approved a budget a couple of weeks prior to the new government’s scheduled inauguration, which may have triggered the agency’s intervention.

One source noted that government operations are effectively stalled, impacting payments to civil servants, pensions, and other public servants, as well as other essential obligations like security bills.

“The commission intends to keep the detained officials until November 12, coinciding with the end of the current administration’s tenure,” the source added.

When reached for comment, EFCC’s spokesman in Edo, Williams Oseghale, directed reporters to the agency’s Public Relations Officer, Dele Oyewale. However, despite follow-up text messages sent to Oyewale’s phone, a response had not been received by the time of this report.

 
The Naira saw a boost in value on Friday, trading at N1,666.72 to the dollar in the official market.

According to data from the FMDQ Exchange, which regulates Nigeria’s Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM), the Naira appreciated by N8.77. This marks a 0.52 percent increase from the previous day’s exchange rate of N1,675.49 to the dollar.

Daily trading turnover, however, declined to 94.20 million dollars, down from the 166.61 million dollars recorded on Thursday.

Within the Investor’s and Exporter’s (I&E) window, the Naira fluctuated between N1,685.00 and N1,600.00 against the dollar.
A pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and staff member at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Olusegun Oluleye, was recently honoured in Morocco for his integrity after returning 430 dirhams (N192,000) mistakenly overpaid to him at a currency exchange.

Oluleye was recognized for his honesty during a workshop held by North East Consultancy Limited.

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, he recounted how he noticed the overpayment at a Moroccan bureau de change. Upon realizing the error, he informed Ahmed Gombe, CEO of North-East Consultancy Limited, who confirmed the overpayment and arranged for the funds to be returned to the rightful owner.

“I am always content with what I have and believe in returning what doesn’t belong to me,” Oluleye said. “I encourage Nigerians to uphold honesty and act as ambassadors for their country wherever they go.”

Gombe praised Oluleye as the “outstanding participant” of the workshop, noting his “exceptional behaviour and exemplary conduct.”

The Moroccan Tourism Agency and local police also commended Oluleye, referring to him as a “true ambassador” of Nigeria for his integrity.

 
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) addressed the ongoing conflict in the Rivers State House of Assembly on Friday, explaining that its lack of action stemmed from conflicting court rulings on the matter.

At a stakeholders’ meeting with media executives held at INEC’s Abuja headquarters, INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu responded to calls for the commission’s intervention.

A faction aligned with Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has urged INEC to hold a by-election to replace 25 lawmakers who support FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. In contrast, Wike’s supporters declared vacant the seats of members loyal to Fubara.

Yakubu stated that conflicting judgments from both state and federal courts have left the commission uncertain about the Assembly’s legitimate leadership, complicating any potential response.

He explained, “The seats of 25 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly were declared vacant by three other members. The 25 members also declared the seats of the three vacant.

“After that, there was a court judgment from the Rivers High Court as well as the Federal High Court on the legitimacy of each of these groups of lawmakers.

“We at INEC have been following the developments. We do not know what will happen next, and so we are seeking the views of Nigerians, especially legal experts on this.”

Beyond the Rivers crisis, Yakubu announced plans for bye-elections to fill other vacant legislative positions, aiming to hold these elections by mid-December to replace House of Representatives and House of Assembly members who passed away.

Yakubu also proposed the possibility of political parties directly nominating replacements when members’ seats are vacated due to death or resignation, a system used in some other nations. He noted that frequent by-elections have placed a logistical strain on the commission, which has organized around 20 by-elections since July 2023.

Yakubu shared that INEC is currently consulting stakeholders to assess the feasibility of this alternative approach in Nigeria.

As for future elections, Yakubu said that lessons learned from recent polls are being applied to improve voter accreditation and the result upload process on the INEC Result Viewing portal, especially in preparation for the upcoming Ondo State governorship election.
There was a scene of emotional turmoil at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, as suspected minors facing treason charges linked to the #EndBadGovernance protests were transported to Kuje prison after failing to meet their bail conditions.

The sight prompted spontaneous tears from several lawyers and other attendees.

Among those visibly affected was lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju, who voiced deep concern about the minors’ situation.

“All the children have been taken to Kuje Prison because it is difficult to meet their bail conditions. I didn’t know when I started crying in court today,” he shared in a post on Facebook.

Earlier, PlatinumPost reported that the court granted bail to 76 individuals who had been detained after participating in the August 2024 #EndBadGovernance protest. Presiding Judge Justice Obiora Egwuatu set bail at N10 million per defendant with specific conditions attached.

Each defendant must secure two sureties: one a civil servant of at least grade level 15 with a verifiable address within the court’s jurisdiction, and the other a parent of the accused protester.

In response to recent health concerns, the government temporarily withdrew charges against five of the minors, following incidents in which several youths fainted during the court session.

These minors, who have reportedly been detained for weeks, showed signs of deteriorating health, which worsened during the hearing, requiring immediate medical intervention. Witnesses described the situation as distressing, with lawyers assisting the fainting minors as they appeared in court. “A couple of them fainted inside the courtroom because of maltreatment; they have not eaten for some days,” a source disclosed.
President Bola Tinubu has opposed the National Economic Council’s (NEC) recommendation to withdraw a series of tax reform bills currently under legislative review, arguing that the legislative process should be allowed to proceed.

The suggestion for withdrawal came during the 144th NEC meeting, led by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Governors from 19 northern states, along with traditional leaders, had gathered in Kaduna earlier this week and issued a joint communiqué expressing disapproval of the Nigeria Tax Reform Bill, particularly its proposed adjustments to the distribution of Value Added Tax (VAT) revenue.

In a recent statement by Tinubu’s media aide, Bayo Onanuga, the president urged NEC to let the bills continue through the legislative pathway, emphasizing that ample opportunity exists for modifications.

“President Bola Tinubu has received the National Economic Council’s recommendation that the tax reform bills already sent to the National Assembly be withdrawn for further consultation,” the statement read. “President Tinubu commends the National Economic Council members, especially Vice President Kashim Shettima and the 36 State Governors, for their advice. He believes that the legislative process, which has already begun, provides an opportunity for inputs and necessary changes without withdrawing the bills from the National Assembly.”

He further encouraged NEC to engage in constructive dialogue with stakeholders to address concerns while the bills are still under parliamentary review. Tinubu noted that the proposed reforms were carefully crafted by the Presidential Committee on Tax and Fiscal Policy Reform, a body he established in August 2023 with the goal of fostering a more productive economy and improving conditions for business and investment.

“The Committee worked for over a year and received inputs from various segments of society across the geopolitical zones, including trade associations, professional bodies, different Ministries and Government Agencies, Governors, traders, students, business owners, and the organised private sector,” Tinubu added. “The tax reform bills that emerged were distilled from the extensive work of the Presidential Committee.”

The bills, including the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024 and the Tax Administration Bill, aim to modernize the nation’s tax system and align it with international standards.

 
The Federal High Court in Abuja has approved bail for 76 individuals detained after participating in the August 2024 #EndBadGovernance protest.

Presiding over the case on Friday, Justice Obiora Egwuatu set a bail amount of N10 million for each defendant, with specific conditions. Each must secure two sureties for this amount—one being a civil servant of at least grade level 15 with a verifiable address within the court’s jurisdiction, and the other a parent of the protester.

Charges against five minors involved in the protests were temporarily withdrawn by the government after the youths collapsed in court.

These minors, who had been detained for several weeks, reportedly exhibited signs of poor health, which worsened during the hearing and necessitated urgent medical attention.

Witnesses described the scene as distressing, with lawyers assisting the fainted minors as they entered the dock. “A couple of them fainted inside the courtroom because of maltreatment; they have not eaten for some days,” a source informed SaharaReporters, alleging that authorities were using hunger as a form of punishment for exercising their rights.

The prosecution subsequently requested the temporary withdrawal of charges on health grounds, as provided by the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015. Defense counsel Abubakar Marshal demanded the minors be released to their parents for recovery.

On Thursday, the Network of Abuja Left Groups advocated for the immediate release of all 76 detained protesters, including 32 minors, who they say have been held for months. The coalition condemned the current administration for stifling opposition voices.

 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has provided an explanation for the recent arrest of popular crossdresser Idris Okuneye, widely known as Bobrisky.

Reports indicate that Bobrisky was apprehended Thursday night at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos while attempting to board a flight to London.

The arrest came amid ongoing allegations of bribery associated with him. Following his detention, Bobrisky was subsequently transferred from Lagos to Abuja for further questioning.

In a phone conversation with SaharaReporters on Friday morning, EFCC spokesperson Mr. Dele Oyewale clarified the reasons for the arrest, emphasizing that Bobrisky had ignored a prior summons from the agency.

“We arrested him last night and we took him to Abuja because our team investigators are in Abuja,” explained Oyewale. He added, “He was trying to run away from mentioning those he said collected bribe from him. We have sent him invitation but he refused to honour our invitation and he was trying to leave the country.”

The EFCC official stated that the agency is eager for Bobrisky to disclose the identities of officials allegedly involved in the bribery accusations. “This was why we arrested him. We want him to come and mention the names of the official involved in the bribery but he has not shown up,” Oyewale said.

When asked if the EFCC plans to charge Bobrisky with bribery, Oyewale noted that there was no current information on that aspect.

This arrest follows a similar incident reported in October, when Bobrisky was detained at the Seme-Nigerian border by Customs officials during a passport check as he attempted to enter Benin Republic. That detention occurred shortly before he was due to appear before a Senate inquiry panel on allegations leveled against him.

It was a big show of affluence as Imo State born Billionaire, Chief. Dr. Ugonna Osinachi Cliff Orabuchi, (Ikenga Ogberuru) generally known as Panteka, CEO Teka Group LTD bid his Father In-Law farewell with a casket worth over #130 million Naira.

His father In-Law , Nze Mathias Nwafor Uzo Orakwute, from Oba in Idemili South LGA of Anambra State, died recently at the age of 72. 

According to information, the billionaire had a very close bond with the deceased Father in-law . He took good care of him while he was alive and even built him an edifice and supported people close to him.
The gasketed Copper Mirror finish casket adorned with white velvet interior and full couch with foot Panel is reliably gathered to be one of the premium products of Apams.

According to research, Copper is unique as a casket material because, like bronze, it's long lasting but will gradually oxidize. 

The event attracted who is who in Igboland and many social clubs

Chief. Dr. Ugonna Osinachi Cliff Orabuchi is one of the most respected, and sought after business moguls in Nigeria today.

He’s regarded as a maker of men, a visionary leader, a philanthropist.