The  Economic and Financial Crimes Commission  (EFCC) has filed fresh corruption charges against former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, who is still being wanted for an earlier money laundering case. EFCC accuses Mr Bello in the fresh case of dishonestly diverting more than N110 billion from the Kogi State Government’s treasury while he was governor for eight years. The fresh case was filed at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja on Tuesday. It adds to the legal troubles of Mr Bello, who has been elusive, shunning summons regarding an earlier money laundering case involving alleged diversion of more than N80 billion pending against him at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The new case has 16 counts, with two other persons – Umar Shuaibu Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu – charged as co-defendants. The charges include criminal breach of trust involving alleged diversion of more than N110 billion entrusted in Mr Bello’s care as Kogi State governor. The...

This was contained in a letter from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, dated 25th September 2024 and signed by the Chairman, Mr. Ekpo Nta. “Prior to this, the Director General, NYSC Brigadier General YD Ahmed, had paid an advocacy visit to the Chairman in which he solicited for a robust welfare package for Corps Members. “The NYSC Boss is thankful to the Federal Government for the timely gesture and is optimistic that it will not only bring much needed succour to the Corps Members, but also boost their morale and motivate them to do even more, in their service to the nation. “Before this increase, the monthly allowance for Corps Members was Thirty-Three Thousand Naira (N33,000).”

Olivia Ijeoma Chukwuemeka, the victim seen tied up and unclothed in a viral video by a suspect named Joseph Efe, has spoken out about her experience and offered advice to other girls involved in "hookup". Olivia explained that Efe lured her from the hookup site she joined in February 2024 and she doesn't live in Abuja, where the incident happened. She is from Enugu, where she lives with her elder sister and also has a handwork she relies on for income. Olivia said she is determined to leave the hookup lifestyle behind after her scary ordeal. She urged other girls to be content with what they have and focus on learning valuable skills that can sustain them. She also emphasized the importance of being prayerful and avoiding dangerous paths like "hookup" businesses, which can lead to harm.  In Olivia's words: "My message to other girls is to be contented with what they have and learn a handwork and also be prayerful. They should stop whatever h...

A tanker carrying fuel exploded in Maitama in Abuja on Monday night, leaving many injured and causing widespread panic. The incident happened along Shehu Shagari Way and also affected passengers in a commercial vehicle. Amid the chaos, emergency responders showed up at the scene, and nearby hospitals were quickly alerted. The driver of the tanker is believed to have fled the scene after the truck tipped over, leading to the explosion. The exact cause of the incident is still under investigation. The explosion also resulted in a significant traffic gridlock in the area, further disrupting movement in the busy part of the federal capital city.

While arguing his originating summons before the Federal High Court at Ibadan on Monday, Sanusi informed the court that he operated a savings account with Access Bank Plc. He said that while going through his account he discovered that the bank was deducting more than  ₦ 50 as an electronic levy stipulated by the Finance Act “What is provided in the Finance Act is that banks should deduct ₦50 one-off for transactions above ₦10,000. “I noticed that the bank deducts ₦100, ₦250 and so on from my account as FGN electronic levy,”  the bank customer said. Sanusi told the court that any deduction on customers’ accounts must be subjected to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) guidelines 2020, and other Financial Institution Acts. He pointed out that these guidelines remained the only law allowing banks to make deductions from customers’ accounts. “The court needs to determine whether or not it is lawful for the defendant to make unauthorised deductions from my account in fav...

The Labour Party in Edo State has revealed why it lost the recent governorship election in the state. The party has alleged that the party would have emerged victorious if the election had been conducted fairly and freely. Mr. Kelly Ogbalo, Chairman of the Labour Party in Edo State, made this disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Benin. According to Ogbalo, the election was marred by serious irregularities, including open vote-buying that security agencies failed to check. Labour Party won the election but was not allowed to take possession,” Ogbalo stated, attributing the loss to widespread electoral malpractices. “The election was marred with serious irregularities; there was open vote-buying. The security agencies failed to check this anomaly,” Ogbalo alleged. “So, in such a way where votes were bought and with manipulation of results here and there, what do you expect?” Olumide Akpata, the Labour Party’s candidate, secured 22,763 vote...

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Monday Okpebholo as the winner of the Edo State governorship election. This announcement comes after a competitive electoral process that engaged the attention of both local and national observers.  Okpebholo, representing a prominent political party, secured a significant number of votes that placed him ahead of his opponents. The election was marked by active participation from voters, reflecting an eagerness for democratic engagement within the state. INEC's rigorous electoral guidelines were reportedly adhered to, ensuring a transparent process. In his victory speech, Okpebholo expressed gratitude to the citizens of Edo State for their support and trust, pledging to work towards addressing key issues such as infrastructure, health care, and education. He called for unity among the residents and emphasized the importance of collaboration across different sectors to enhance the state’s devel...

The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit seeking the removal of Abdullahi Ganduje as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). In a judgment, the trial Judge, Justice Inyang Ekwo dismissed the suit filed against Ganduje by the APC North-Central Group on various grounds. Justice Ekwo held that the APC North -Central Group is not a juristic person and not registered in law, therefore has no legal power and capacity to file the suit. The Judge also held that the plaintiff failed to explore the internal mechanism for peaceful resolution of issues before rushing to the court. Justice Ekwo further held that the appointment of officers for APC by its National Executive Committee is an internal affair of the party that no court can dabble into. The APC Group had dragged Ganduje, APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before the court praying for the nullification of appointment of Ganduje by the ruling party on the ground of gro...

Honorable Olaiya Azeez recently launched his councillorship campaign in a dynamic and engaging way by organizing a three-aside football challenge competition, accompanied by a novelty match precisely  in Adigun street of Ijeshatedo area of Lagos state.  This event not only showcased his commitment to community engagement but also highlighted the importance of sports in bringing people together. The football challenge attracted local teams, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and friendly competition among participants and spectators alike. Families and supporters gathered to cheer for their favorite teams, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with excitement and enthusiasm. Honorable Azeez emphasized that sports can serve as a powerful platform for promoting unity and collaboration within the community. In addition to the football challenge, the novelty match added an entertaining twist to the event. Featuring local celebrities and commun...