Ridoola's blog

As we celebrate Nigerians who grind hard every day to put food on their tables, Pulse reached out to them to find out if they find fulfilment in their jobs or do them for monetary motivation. As Nigerians commemorate Workers' Day, it's a moment to pause and reflect on the significance of labour and employment in the lives of individuals and the broader society. While the day is marked by celebrations and acknowledgements of workers' contributions, it also prompts us to ponder a critical question: Do Nigerians find fulfilment in their jobs? In a country with a diverse labour force spanning various sectors, from agriculture to technology, the notion of job fulfilment takes on different meanings for different people. For some, it may be the satisfaction derived from making a meaningful impact in their communities through work. In contrast, employment provides financial stability and security for others. However, many Nigerians experience a complex tapestry of fulfilment ...

The increase takes effect from January 1, 2024. The Federal Government has approved an increase of between 25% and 35% in salary for civil servants across various consolidated salary structures. The Head of Press, National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), Emmanuel Njoku, announced the development in a statement on Tuesday, April 30, 2024. Njoku said the increases take effect from January 1, 2024. The salary structures are Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS), Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS), Consolidated Police Salary Structure (CONPOSS), Consolidated Para-military Salary Structure (CONPASS), Consolidated Intelligence Community Salary Structure (CONICCS) and Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Structure (CONAFSS). Details later... ridoola.blogspot.com.ng

The EFCC operatives only dispersed the protesters who went to the commission’s headquarters to disrupt activities. The Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), has denied the allegation of shooting at pro-Yahaya Bello protesters at its headquarters on Monday in Abuja. A spokesman for the commission, Dele Oyewale said this while responding to a video trending on social media on the allegation of attack by the. EFCC operatives on protesters. Oyewale told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that there was no shooting at any protester at the commission on Monday. He said the operatives only dispersed the protesters who went to the commission’s headquarters to disrupt activities. " No arrests were made as claimed by the group. Two groups demonstrated at the commission today. The first group came with a letter of commendation in support of the EFCC anti-corruption fight. "They presented their letter, which was received by the Director of Public Enlightenment Department, M...

The Yiaga Africa report points out various worrying aspects, such as a drop in public confidence and uncertainty regarding the Tinubu-led government's position on electoral changes, court decisions, and regulations. Yiaga Africa has stated that President Bola Tinubu-led administration is still vague regarding electoral reform. The pro-democracy group has drawn attention to a significant finding from the Afrobarometer survey, confirming that a year after the general election, 23% of Nigerians express trust in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). These stats were contained in Yiaga Africa’s latest report titled, “Electoral Trust Restored? Nigeria’s Electoral Process One Year after the 2023 General Election,” which was obtained by Pulse on Monday, Apil 29. This report offers a detailed examination of the current state of Nigeria’s electoral process subsequent to the last general elections. Dr. Hussain Abdu, Chairman of the Watching The Vote Working Group, and Sa...

The development comes amidst ongoing efforts by the Canadian government to ensure that international students receive adequate support. Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced on Monday, April 29, 2024, that the temporary policy allowing Nigerian and other international students to work more than 20 hours per week off-campus would come to an end on April 30, 2024, with no extension planned. Instead, a new policy will be implemented this fall, increasing the number of hours students may work off-campus to 24 hours per week. Minister Miller emphasized that while international students are encouraged to gain work experience and alleviate some of their expenses through part-time employment, their primary focus should remain on their studies. “Students who come to Canada must be here to study,” he stated, adding that the new policy aims to strike a balance between allowing students the option to work while safeguarding their academic pursuits. Acknowledging the importance of summer...

Bafarawa says the farms to be cultivated in his community are determined by bandits. Attahiru Bafarawa, a former Governor of Sokoto State has decried the activities of bandits in the north. Bafarawa while speaking to journalists on Monday, April 29, 2024, said the bandits forced him to abandon his 10,000 hectares of land in Kaduna State. The ex-governor attributed the high cost of foodstuffs in the country to the activities of bandits in the region, adding that farmers now seek permission from them before going to their farms. He also said the farms to be cultivated in his community are determined by bandits. “ I used to have farmland, which is over 10,000 hectares in Birni Gwari of Kaduna State. I have been cultivating that land since 1979, but I cannot reach there now because of the bandits. “The maize I produced that time is in commercial quantity that, I used part of it for my flour mill which is also out of production. The issue of insecurity is behind the high cost of food ...

Ortom urged Benue youths to stop insulting the elders on social media and take advantage of the internet to add value to their lives. Former Benue Governor, Chief Samuel Ortom, has asked the immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, to come out of hiding and answer his case with the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC). Ortom stated this on Sunday at the Redeemed Church in Makurdi during the thanksgiving service organised by his aides to mark his 63rd birthday anniversary. He urged Bello to come out and defend his administration adding that his continuous hiding would bring disgrace to former governors across the country. The ex-Benue governor also urged his former appointees to always come forward and give account of their stewardship when called upon saying that they could only run when they had something to hide. “I want to use this opportunity to advise my younger brother and friend, Governor Yahaya Bello, not to disgrace former governors. You don’t need t...

Over the past week, over 1.9 million individuals enrolled for the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) across over 700 Computer-Based Test centres nationwide. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) will unveil the outcomes of the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination. Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, the Registrar of JAMB, will conduct a press conference in Abuja on Monday to announce the results and address associated issues. This update was communicated to journalists in the capital city (Abuja) through a notice released by Fabian Benjamin, the Head of Public Relations. Meanwhile, the results for candidates who took the UTME exam a few days ago are expected to be released on Monday, April 29, while the release for others will follow once a thorough review process is finalised. The board emphasised that this delay was necessary to ensure meticulous scrutiny, aiming to uphold the authenticity and trustworthiness of the results. This precautionary step...

IGP Egbetokun, on the other hand, thinks state police would escalate ethnic tensions, potentially fostering divided loyalties within states. The Society for Open Parliament (SOP) praised the 10th House of Representatives and its leadership for their unwavering dedication to nation-building. In a joint statement, SOP President Comrade Johnson Babatunde and Secretary General Patrick Eza lauded the House, led by Speaker Rt Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, for its focused efforts to tackle the nation's prevailing challenges. The statement emphasised that the National Dialogue on State Policing, coordinated by the House, underscores its dedication to safeguarding lives, property, and citizens' well-being. Various groups praised this initiative as beneficial for the masses, highlighting its potential to drive economic and social progress. The group commended the Speaker for demonstrating selflessness, commitment, resilience, and compassion. The statement reads partly, "We followed the...

The Minister, who acknowledged that some people were opposed to the project, insisted that it was necessary for economic development. The Minister of Works, Senator Dave Umahi, on Saturday in Lagos, flagged off the demolition of a section of the Landmark Beach, the Mami Chula Beach Lifestyle, to give way to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Umahi began the demolition after he inspected kilometres 13, 16 and 20 to ensure the most economical and viable way to access the coastal roads without much damage. He noted that the demolition was necessary since the landmark centre was located on the Federal Government’s Right-of-way. He stressed that several structures would be affected by the demolition, adding that compensation would be provided. Umahi said, “So with the utmost fear of God, gratitude to God Almighty and the commitment to President Bola Tinubu ’s Renewed Hope Agenda in our infrastructural development agenda in particular, I wish to flag off this demolition. ”It’s in a rig...

In an acceptance speech, the LP candidate, Dr Olorunfemi, said he would embark on welfarist programmes if elected as the governor of Ondo State. Dr Ayodele Festus Olorunfemi has emerged as the governorship candidate of the Labour Party (LP) ahead of the November 16 Ondo State Governorship Election. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Olorunfemi was returned unopposed during the LP primary election held at the party’s secretariat in Akure on Friday. Olusola Ayodele , Chairman of the LP Primary Committee from the national secretariat, Abuja, declared Olorunfemi as the candidate, having fulfilled the requirements and guidelines of the party. Ayodele said out of three aspirants who showed interest, only Olorunfemi obtained the nomination form of ₦25 million, while the two other aspirants did not pay to obtain the form. “We have no other option than to pronounce the only aspirant, Dr Ayo Olorunfemi, who fulfilled the conditions in line with the guidelines, as elected and retu...

He said that the President expected that the new heads of these important agencies to discharge their duties with utmost fidelity to the nation. President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Dr Innocent Barikor as the Director-General of the National Environmental Standards and Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA). Chief Ajuri Ngelale , Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Abuja. The President also approved the appointment of Prince Ebitimi Amgbare as the Managing Director/CEO of the Niger Delta River Basin Development Authority (NDRBDA). Barikor is an academic, politician and a member of the Rivers State House of Assembly from 2011 to 2015, while Prince Amgbare is a retired naval officer and former commissioner in Bayelsa. He said that the President expected that the new heads of these important agencies to discharge their duties with utmost fidelity to the nation. Ngelale also stated that the President ca...

Ibrahim finished fourth in the Ondo APC governorship primary election, despite declaring himself the aspirant to beat before the contest. The National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, has consoled businessman Jimoh Ibrahim and other aggrieved aspirants who participated in the Ondo State primary election under the party. Ibrahim, the Senator representing Ondo South District, lost his bid to fly the APC banner in the November 16 governorship election on Saturday, April 20, 2024, as Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa ran away with the victory. Aiyedatiwa was declared the winner by Kogi Governor Usman Ododo -led Primary Election Committee on Sunday after the contentious primary conducted in all the 18 local government areas of the state. However, Senator Ibrahim and a few other aspirants rejected the outcome of the exercise citing irregularities and violence in some polling centres. Jimoh Ibrahim files petition against Aiyedatiwa's victory Con...

Bwala voiced his belief that the anti-corruption agency's declaration of seeking Bello was unwarranted. A former spokesperson for the now-defunct Atiku-Okowa Presidential Campaign Council, Daniel Bwala, emphasised the need for reform within the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Bwala conveyed this viewpoint during an interview on Arise Television. His remarks coincide with the determination expressed by EFCC’s boss, Ola Olukoyede, to prosecute the embattled former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello. Olukoyede pledged to pursue Bello’s prosecution to its conclusion and assured that those impeding the former governor’s arrest would face legal consequences. The EFCC aims to bring Bello to court on 19 charges related to alleged money laundering, breach of trust, and misuse of funds totalling ₦80.2 billion. Bwala calls for EFCC reform Reacting to this development, Bwala said, “I don’t think, at this stage, anyone should doubt that the EFCC needs reform. In the i...

The FRSC boss appreciated the overwhelming support received from the Federal Government, as well as the cooperation of numerous stakeholders, including the media. The Corps Marshal, Dauda Biu, has hailed road marshals nationwide for their doggedness and sacrifices in checkmating route violations thereby reducing road traffic accidents by 42 per cent. He said at a press briefing on Wednesday in Abuja that their intervention had greatly brought down the number of traffic crashes, especially during the Eid-El-Fitr celebration. Ali-Biu said no fewer than 213 victims of Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) were rescued during the festivities, with a 42 per cent reduction in RTCs, and a 52 per cent reduction in the number of people killed. He added that there was a 32.6 per cent decrease in the number of people injured within the period from April 8 to April 13. “In 2023, 379 victims were rescued without injuries, the figure reduced to 213 in 2024 representing a 43.8 per cent reduction. “Also, ...

Some of the motorists expressed sadness at the inconsistency and unavailability of fuel and its associated high price in the country. Motorists in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have expressed worry over the long queues being presently experienced due to scarcity of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) known as fuel. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), correspondent, who went around the town on Wednesday reports that long queues were seen at fuel stations due to scarcity of the product. In the city centre, long queues were seen at TotalEnergies, Wuse, Zone 3, TotalEnergies by Audit House, CornOil and TotalEnergies, opposite the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) Towers and all NNPC Ltd. Retail Outlets. Along the Kubwa expressway, the NNPC Ltd. Retail Outlets opposite Salbas, Shema, AA Rano and Salbas fuel stations as well as Evergreen station inside Kubwa had long queues. Along Airport Road, Rimaco fuel station and NNPC Ltd. retail outlet had long queues as well as ...

It was gathered that the debt was trailed through data collected from over 5,000 debtors spanning more than 93 government agencies. The Federal Government has reclaimed ₦57 billion from a substantial ₦5.2 trillion debt owed by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to different government entities. As reported by The Nation, Mr Okokon Ekanem Udo, Permanent Secretary of Special Duties at the Federal Ministry of Finance, revealed this information at an Enugu workshop to raise awareness. During the event's opening, Ekanem announced that the debts were revealed through data collected from over 5,000 debtors spanning more than 93 government agencies. Aisha Omar, the Ministry's Director of Special Projects, represented by the Permanent Secretary, conveyed that the ministry had also received reimbursements from companies that failed to fulfil project obligations despite receiving payment. Additionally, outstanding debts include credit facilities extended by institutions suc...

The EFCC chairman clarified that he received the case file related to the ex-governor and didn't instigate the inquiry. The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has disclosed that Yahaya Bello, the ex-governor of Kogi State, took out $720,000 from the state’s funds to cover his child’s future school expenses. Olukoyede claimed during a discussion with media leaders in Abuja that Bello moved the money straight from the state’s accounts to a bureau de change operator, intending to prepay his child’s school fees before leaving office. Olukoyede emphasised the impropriety of such actions, saying, “A sitting governor, because he knew he was leaving office, moved money directly from the government to bureau de change and used it to pay his child’s school fee in advance. “Over $720,000 in anticipation that he was going to leave the government house. In a poor state like Kogi, you want me to close my eyes under the guise of ‘I’m being used’. U...

The Minister of Education says the 18-year-old benchmark is in line with the 6-3-3-4 system of education. The National Assembly says it will come up with robust legislation to support the proposed entry limit for admission into tertiary educational institutions. The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, Sen. Muntari Dandutse , said this at the ongoing monitoring of the 2024 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME) in Abuja on Tuesday. The Katsina South senator was accompanied on the visit by other members of his committee as well as his counterparts from the Committee on Higher Education in the House of Representatives. Dandutse said that age should not be a barrier to tertiary educational institutions, the age limit of 18 years as proposed by the Minister of Education is sacrosanct. His counterpart, Sen. Sunday Karimi, representing Kogi West, said there had been a law mandating admission to be given to candidates who are 18 years old. ...

Nigerians are urged to key into the transformation drive of the college to strengthen the aviation industry. The Joint House Committee on Aviation and Aviation Technology has described the alleged relocation of a Simulator and Fire Fighting Simulators away from the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) Zaria as false and baseless. Alhaji Suleiman Richifa , the Joint Committee Chairman disclosed on Monday in Zaria during a fact-finding visit to the college. Richifa said the visit was a sequel to a resolution reached at the investigative hearing of the joint committee on March 26. The investigative hearing was attended by the Minister of Aviation, the Rector of NCAT and other Stakeholders on the purported planned relocation of the Simulator and Firefighting Equipment from NCAT to an unknown destination. “At the hearing, it was unanimously resolved that a 7-man committee be constituted to undertake a fact-finding visit to NCAT. “The visit was to ascertain the claims of both, ...

He also appreciated the national and state working committee of the party for ensuring that the best candidate emerged. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State on Monday appreciated President Bola Tinubu for allowing an enabling environment for the peaceful conduct of Saturday’s governorship primary in the state. Aiyedatiwa stated this in his acceptance speech after he emerged as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the November 16 governorship election in the state. Usman Ododo , the Chairman of the Governorship Primary Election Committee for Ondo State and Governor of Kogi had on Monday declared Aiyedatiwa as the winner of Saturday’s primary. Ododo said that Aiyedatiwa polled 48,569 votes to defeat his closest rival, Mayowa Akinfolarin , who had 15,343 out of 95,178 valid votes. Aiyedatiwa also appreciated the national and state working committee of the party for ensuring that the “ best candidate emerged” as the party’s standard bearer. He also commended other co...

Aiyedatiwa won in 16 out of the 18 local government areas of the state while Oke won in one. Amidst protest over the conduct of the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary election in Ondo State, Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa was early on Monday morning declared winner. The Chairman of the party’s Primary Election Committee for Ondo State and Governor of Kogi, Usman Ododo said that Aiyedatiwa having satisfied the requirement of the law and scored the highest vote was the winner. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 171,922 members of the party were revalidated to vote in 203 wards in the 18 local government areas of the state. Ododo said that Aiyedatiwa polled 48,569 votes to defeat his closest opponent, Mayowa Akinfolarin , who had 15,343 out of 95,178 valid votes counted. Olusola Oke , SAN, was placed third with 14,195 votes. According to the chairman of the election committee, Aiyedatiwa won in 16 out of the 18 local government areas of the state while Oke won in one He sai...

Onakoya took on the Guinness World Record challenge to raise 1m dollar for the education of underprivileged African children. Nigerian chess master and Chess in Slum Africa founder Tunde Onakoya has raised over ₦131 million for his Guinness World Record chess marathon feat. Onakoya smashed the record of 56 hours and 9 minutes set in 2018 by Norwegian duo, Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad , when he clocked 60 hours on Saturday, April 21, 2024. The Nigerian had the support of Shawn Martinez , the United States national chess master, who stood as his opponent throughout his world record-breaking quest at Times Square in New York City. The chess enthusiast embarked on the quest to raise $1m (roughly over ₦1.1 billion) for underprivileged African children to access education. "Doing this for the dreams of millions of children across Africa without access to education, ” Onakoya stated before the event. ALSO READ: 5 key points to know about Tunde Onakoya's attempt...

Reno said he's willing to give away $10,000 to anyone who can name a school project Obi built from scratch during his time as Anambra Governor. A former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, has offered to gift any supporter of the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, $10,000 in cash if they can name any school project started, completed, and commissioned by the latter while he was governor of Anambra State. Reno, a staunch Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supporter made the pledge during the latest episode of Mic On Podcast hosted by Seun Okinbaloye . Obi had a two-tenure stint as the governor of Anambra State and has been lauded as one of the best governors since Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999, mostly by his supporters and admirers. He finished third in the last general elections behind Atiku Abubakar of the PDP in second place and President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner. However, Reno believed Obi wa...

Jamiu described those agitating for the secession of the Yoruba race from Nigeria as inconsequential in the scheme of things. The family of Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, popularly known as MKO, has distanced itself from the agitation for the Yoruba Nation being championed by the widow of the late patriarch, Modupe Onitiri-Abiola. Jamiu Abiola , one of MKO's sons who declared the family's position on the matter, said the family does not recognise Modupe as Abiola's widow. Jamiu, a Special Assistant to the President on Special Duties in the Office of the Vice-President, stated this in a recent interview with The Punch . Modupe caused a national ruckus last week when she declared that the South-West region had become a sovereign nation independent of Nigeria. In a viral video on social media, the middle-aged woman proclaimed the Democratic Republic of Yoruba, noting that the region had seceded from Nigeria effective Friday, April 12, 2024. "We are Indigenous pe...

Bello slipped from the EFCC grasp in a dramatic manner on Wednesday when officials of the commission attempted to arrest the former Governor. A new twist has emerged in the ongoing saga between the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and a former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, over a money laundering allegation. According to the latest report, the Nigeria Police Force (NPC) has detained a female police officer identified as the Aide-De-Camp (ADC) to the wanted former Kogi Governor. The ADC was arrested alongside other police details attached to the embattled 48-year-old politician and is being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, per Saturday Punch . Their arrests and detention are sequel to the order issued on Thursday, April 18, 2024, by the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun , directing their immediate withdrawal from Bello . Anonymous senior police sources confirmed to the paper that the officer...

Onakoya has already set the record for the longest uninterrupted time playing chess to raise funds for indigent African children. Nigerian chess master and founder of Chess in Slum Africa, Tunde Onakoya, has continued playing chess despite having reached his target of 58 hours required to set a new Guinness World record for the longest chess marathon. The chess enthusiast has been taking on different opponents as he plays chess in the heart of Times Square in New York City, United States, to raise funds for the education of underprivileged African children. Onakoya reached the 58-hour mark around 2:30 am Nigerian time on Saturday, April 20, 2024, to smash the previous record of 56 hours and 9 minutes set in 2018 by Norwegian duo, Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad . “We have done it,” Onakoya said in a post on his X account to confirm reaching the target. Meanwhile, in a follow-up tweet, the chess enthusiast announced his intention to push for an extra two hours as he s...

The chess master is raising funds for children's education at the event as he plans to extend the record to 60 hours. Nigeria’s chess grandmaster Tunde Onakoya has reached the 58th hour of his attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest continuous chess-playing session. Onakoya made this known on his X account in the early hours of Saturday. Sharing a photo with the record broken inscribed on it, Onakoya wrote, “We have done it.” “We’re pushing to 60 hours, guys. We’re not stopping yet. Let’s keep going. “We have a fundraising goal to meet for the education of African children around the world. This is our why - the reason we are doing this. “Let’s demonstrate to the world the incredible power of love. Together, we can make this happen.” In 2018, Norwegian players Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad set the previous Guinness World Record at 56 hours and 9 minutes. ridoola.blogspot.com.ng

Binkola had provoked the ire of the Benin monarchy after proclaiming himself the Garkuwan Hausawan Benin. Following the backlash that trailed the planned installation of one Alhaji Danjuma Binkola as Hausa traditional ruler (Garkuwan Hausawan) in Benin, the self-proclaimed monarch has sought the forgiveness of Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, over his transgression. Binkola stirred controversy in the South-South state after it was announced that he would be conferred with the purported title on May 5, 2024, provoking an instant condemnation from the Benin Traditional Council. He also received a lot of backlash from indigenes of Benin who viewed his proposed installation as a desecration of the highly revered traditional system in the kingdom . However, having seen the errors of his way, Binkola has now tendered an unreserved apology to the Oba of Benin. He was captured in a viral video bending the knee for the monarch while begging for the latter's forgiveness. Speaking in Pidgin...

Ribadu underscored the government’s commitment to youth empowerment and education to prevent radicalisation and combat the appeal of extremist ideologies. Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser (NSA), says President Bola Tinubu’s astute approach and proactive strides in addressing the country’s security challenges are yielding positive results. Ribadu made the observation on Thursday while delivering a paper at a pre-convocation lecture of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto. He said Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” offers a comprehensive framework to tackle insecurity. In the paper titled: “Navigating the Maze: Addressing Multi-Dimensional Insecurity Challenges in Northern Nigeria”, the NSA described the development as a stance for an inclusive government. “The agenda encompasses bolstering security forces, implementing community-based security initiatives, promoting socio-economic development and fostering inter-communal dialogue,” he explained. Ribadu highlighted...

EFCC warns that it will henceforth not tolerate any attempt by anyone to obstruct its operations. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has warned members of the public against obstruction of its operations, saying it is a criminal offence. EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale in a statement on Thursday said: "It is a criminal offence to obstruct the commission’s officers from carrying out their lawful duties.” The warning is sequel to media reports that the embattled former Kogi Governor, Yahaya Bello , was whisked away from his Abuja residence by his successor, Governor Usman Ododo , following attempts by the commission to arrest and prosecute him for alleged ₦80.2 billion money laundering. Oyewale said Section 38(2) of the EFCC Establishment Act makes it an offence to prevent officers of the commission from carrying out their lawful duties. Culprits risk a jail term of not less than five years. "This warning becomes necessary against the background of the in...

Preliminary investigation revealed that the two suspects were hired by a civilian contractor. The Nigerian Army (NA) says its has detained two soldiers allegedly involved in a reported case of theft at the Dangote Refinery in Lagos. The Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu , in a statement on Wednesday, said the Nigerian army was deeply concerned over its personnel’s involvement in criminality. Nwachukwu said that act of criminality, which was prevented by the proactive intervention of vigilant troops and private security operatives on duty at the refinery, was totally unacceptable and highly regrettable. He said that such act does not represent the ethics and values of the Nigerian army, adding that the two suspects had been identified and currently under custody. According to him, preliminary investigation revealed that the two suspects were hired by a civilian contractor simply identified as Mr Smart , who claimed he wanted to recover some armoured cables...

Adams-Aliu said the Nigerian Navy was concerned by the upsurge in cases of stowaways in Nigerian waters. The Nigerian Navy has decried the growing menace of stowaways in Lagos waters, saying it apprehended about 75 stowaways from August 2023 to April 2024. This is contained in a statement by the Director of Information, Navy, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, on Wednesday in Abuja. Adams-Aliu said the Nigerian Navy was concerned by the upsurge in cases of stowaways in Nigerian waters. According to him, the Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic (FAL Convention) defines a stowaway as someone who is secreted on a ship, or in cargo without consent of the shipowners or the master, or any other responsible person. He said that migration as a stowaway was illegal, dangerous, and was considered a security threat to shipowners. Adams-Aliu said the Navy had, in line with the strategic directive of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla , deployed advanced Ma...

He stated that the reduced price of diesel is a welcome development that would help businesses to thrive in current economic challenges in the country. A former chairman of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Ogun Chapter, Dr Wale Adegbite, has lauded Dangote Petroleum Refinery for reducing the price of diesel from ₦1,200 to ₦1,000 per litre across the country. Adegbite gave the commendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Ota, Ogun. Adegbite said the decision of Dangote Refinery to reduce the price of diesel was a welcome development as this would help businesses to thrive in the face of current economic challenges in the country. “The reduction of diesel price from ₦1,200 to ₦1,000 is a very good development and it will reduce the cost of doing business. “We hope it can be sustained and not just predatory pricing,” he said. NAN reports that Tony Chiejina, the spokesperson for Dangote Group, announced in a statement on Tuesday. ...

The EFCC recently said its investigation and prosecution of naira abusers will focus only on new cases of such infractions. Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, is expected to appear in court today, Wednesday, April 17, 2024, as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) prepares to arraign him. The EFCC reportedly detained the socialite ahead of his arraignment before Justice Kehinde Ogundare of the Federal High Court in Lagos. Okechukwu will be arraigned on three counts bordering on abuse of naira at social events. In a suit filed on April 4, 2024, by the EFFC’s prosecutor, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), and seven other lawyers, the commission accused the businessman of spraying and tampering with funds in the denomination of ₦500 notes issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria for two hours, while dancing at a social event on February 13, 2024, at Eko Hotel. The agency said the alleged offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central ...