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 Anti-Tinubu comments: ACF suspends chairman as Afenifere, others back President The Arewa Consultative Forum on Thursday suspended its chairman Mamman Osuman following widespread reactions across the country, after the northern body’s criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s policies, saying it had impoverished the North. The ACF, in a statement, added that the interests of the North would be best represented by northerners. However, Yoruba socio-political Afenifere, Igbo socio-cultural body Ohanaeze Ndigbo and other regional groups backed the President insisting his predecessor Muhammadu Buhari laid the marker for the hardship in the country. In a communiqué issued at the conclusion of the forum’s National Executive Council meeting in Kaduna on Wednesday, the ACF expressed dissatisfaction with the current economic policies, which, according to the forum, worsened conditions in Northern Nigeria. The communiqué, signed by ACF’s National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, a...

 Nigerian banks face 182% more weekly attacks than global counterparts Nigerian banks and financial institutions are targeted by 182.01 percent more cyberattacks than their global counterparts, according to Check Point Software Technologies, a cyber security platform provider. The firm revealed this in its 2024 African Perspectives on Cyber Security Report, which was released on Thursday. It noted that the threat of cyberattacks has grown in Africa, especially in Nigeria, where 4,718 weekly attacks target the banking and financial sectors. This is 182.01 percent more than the weekly average of 1673 that their counterparts globally face. It said, “Nigeria’s finance sector is one of the most significant in Africa, making it a top target for cybercriminals.” It highlighted that the top threats include InfoStealer and Banking Trojans, as well as weak multi-factor authentication and outdated banking systems, which make the sector very vulnerable. Financial institutions in the country ha...

 Appeal Court nullifies judgement against Rivers LG election The Court of Appeal in Abuja has nullified the judgement that barred the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, from releasing voters register to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC, for the conduct of local government elections that held in the state on October 5. A special panel of the court, in a unanimous decision by a three-member panel led by Justice Onyekachi Otisi, faulted the Federal High Court for barring security agencies from providing security during the elections. The panel held that the lower court lacked the jurisdiction to entertain suit against the Rivers State LG elections. He stressed that Section 28 of the Electoral Act does not cover elections conducted by states, but only federal elections, governorship and area council elections in the Federal Capital Territory. It will be recalled that Justice Peter Lifu of the high court had, in a judgement he delivered on a suit th...

 Tinubu To World Leaders: We Won’t Raise Taxes On Vulnerable Nigerians .....Says his administration prioritising the poor  ....Governors to take position on tax bills  ....We strongly support reforms – IMF President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured world leaders that his administration will continue to prioritise the welfare of the poor and most vulnerable even as the economic reforms bear fruit. President Tinubu stated this on Wednesday night in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, when the managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Kristalina Georgieva, paid him a courtesy call on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders’ Summit. While acknowledging that the reforms had weakened Nigerians’ purchasing power, President Tinubu, in a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, said his administration will continue to provide social safety nets to cushion the unintended consequences. LEADERSHIP Friday reports that the Tinubu administration’s twin policies of fuel subsidy removal and ...

 PDP postpones NEC meeting as N’Central insists on chair The North Central caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party has expressed opposition to the indefinite postponement of its 99th National Executive Committee meeting, which was initially set for November 28. In a statement on Thursday, the Peoples Democratic Party, through its National Secretary, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, explained that the 99th National Executive Committee meeting was postponed due to the funeral of Patience Umo Eno, the late First Lady of Akwa Ibom State and wife of Governor Umo Eno. It was previously reported by The PUNCH on Tuesday that the PDP acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, with the support of former Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike, had made arrangements to stay in his position. Since taking over as acting National Chairman after Senator Iyorchia Ayu’s removal by the court, Damagum has faced mounting criticism from party leaders amid the ongoing crisis within the PDP, with more voices calling for h...

  Indian billionaire Gautam Adani charged in US for alleged bribery, fraud Gautam Adani, the chair of Indian conglomerate Adani Group and one of the world’s richest people, whose business empire extends from ports and airports to renewable energy,has been indicted in New York over an alleged multibillion-dollar fraud scheme, United States prosecutors have said. The authorities on Wednesday charged Adani and two other executives at Adani Green Energy, his nephew Sagar Adani and Vneet Jaain, with agreeing between 2020 and 2024 to pay more than $250m in bribes to Indian government officials to obtain solar energy supply contracts expected to yield $2bn in profits. Prosecutors said the renewable energy company also raised more than $3bn in loans and bonds during this period based on false and misleading statements. Shares of Adani Enterprises, the group's flagship firm, closed down 22% on Thursday. Other group firms also closed in the red. Adani Green Energy, which is the firm at the c...

 How my ex-husband’s abuse destroyed my career – Olajumoke the breadseller-turned-model Olajumoke Orisaguna, the breadseller-turned-model, has revealed that she is no longer with her husband who used to appear beside her when she became famous, and this is due to alleged domestic vi0lence. �Olajumoke recently spoke out about her ordeal with domestic vi0lence while appearing on City FM.  Recall that she became an overnight sensation in 2016 after accidentally walking into a photoshoot being done by TY Bello for British rapper Tinie Tempah.  Her rise to fame captivated many, but her sudden disappearance from the public eye left fans speculating about her life. �  �Speaking on City FM, the former model recounted enduring alleged @abuse from her ex-husband, Sunday Orisaguna.  ��She alleged that their marital challenges began during their time in Ire, Osun State, where she faced what she described as a “hostile” living environment. �  �Olajumoke said her mother-...

  American Airlines travelers duct-tape unruly passenger who charged flight attendant, tried to open plane door in midair A group of passengers on board an American Airlines flight restrained and tied up a passenger with duct tape after he allegedly tried to open an aircraft door mid-flight. The incident happened on American Airlines flight 1915 from Milwaukee to Dallas-Fort Worth on Tuesday. Passengers jumped into help after seeing a disruptive passenger from Canada allegedly tell a flight attendant near the front of the plane that he needed to exit via a cabin door. In the ordeal, the passenger went up to a flight attendant in the front galley of the aircraft and made a comment about “wanting and needing to exit the aircraft now,” according to a Dallas Fort Worth International Airport Department of Public Safety report.  The flight attendant told authorities the passenger’s voice got louder and he became more agitated. She made a call to the rear flight attendant to request ...

 Police are searching for the suspect in a shocking and brazen daytime abduction and homicide of a Missouri woman. A family member witnessed the beginning of Michelle Hampton's tragic ordeal that ended in the worst possible way. Authorities have reported that a close family member witnessed Michelle being forced into a vehicle by an armed man at 7 a.m. on Wednesday morning.  The quick thinking family member knew she was witnessing something awful. She immediately called emergency services and began tailing the suspect from Clayton, where the incident occurred, into metro St.Louis.  However, the relative was forced to back off when the suspect opened fire at her on Euclid and Enright. Fortunately, she was not struck by the rounds, but lost the vehicle used to abduct Michelle. Sadly, police found Michelle deceased on Greer Avenue at approximately 11a.m. This is only a 5 minute drive from where the family member lost the vehicle. Detectives are working around the clock to id...

 Court Jails 15 Internet Fraudsters in Benin City   Justice A.N. Erhabor of Edo State High Court sitting in Benin City between November 18 and 20 convicted and sentenced 15 internet fraudsters to various jail terms The convicts are Egbai Jude, Diamond Aliza, Ugochukwu Chijindu, Oboh Isaac, Olabode Bright, Ngbakor Godstime Oghechi, Agbi Paul, Amadin Samuel and Imade Nelson Ikponwonmwosa. Others are Osasenge Eguavoen Daniel, Emeka Ebube, Friday Edosa Elijah, Alfred Stanley Godbless, Ifeanyi Amadi Omote and John Ogheneyole. They were prosecuted on one-count separate charges bordering on obtaining by false pretence, retention of proceeds of crime and possession of fraudulent documents by the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Commission. The charge against Egbai reads: "That you Jude Egbai (m) on or about the 30th of October, 2024 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did have in your possession documents which you knew or ought to have known contained false pretence, there...

  Alleged N320m Fraud: Court Frowns as Mutu Violates Bail Condition Justice F. Giwa Ogunbanjo of Federal High Court, Abuja on Thursday, November  21, 2024, expressed displeasure upon discovery that a defendant, Nicholas Mutu has been jetting out of the country with an undeclared passport and without the express permission of the court in violation of his bail conditions. Mutu, who served as Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC),  between August 2014 and August 2016 is facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,  on 13-count charges of money laundering to the tune of N320million. Justice Ogunbanjo during proceedings  noted that the defendant’s overseas  travel without the court’s permission was intolerable and that such contempt of her court would not be overlooked. "There is no justification for the defendant to flout the order of this honorable court. The order is that the de...

 NSE Partners with Two Agripreneur Firms to Boost Food Security and Youth Empowerment The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with two Nigerian agribusiness firms to foster the establishment of demonstration farms across the country. According to the NSE, these agreements align with its strategic agenda to enhance food security and create job opportunities for Nigerians. The partnerships are part of the society's broader efforts to address agricultural challenges, as discussed during its ongoing international conference. At the signing ceremony in Abuja, NSE President Margaret Oguntala emphasized that the program would not only generate employment but also benefit all parties involved. The MoUs were signed with Integrated Lancaster Farms and Assetrise Limited, with the goal of introducing innovative agricultural technologies to combat food insecurity in Nigeria. Oguntala reaffirmed the NSE’s commitment to its strategic goals, stating, ...

 Reps Move to Increase FCT High Court Judges from 70 to 100 On November 21, 2024, the House of Representatives passed a Bill for a second reading seeking to increase the number of High Court Judges in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from 70 to 100. Sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and other lawmakers, the Bill aims to address the growing backlog of cases in the FCT High Court, which has been struggling with an increasing workload. The proposed amendment seeks to enhance judicial capacity, improve timely justice, and bolster public confidence in the legal system. The Bill has been referred to the Committee on FCT Judiciary and Constitution Review for further action.

 STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE   WE SHALL CONTINUE TO PRIORITISE SOCIAL INVESTMENT PROGRAMMES, PRESIDENT TINUBU TELLS IMF MANAGING DIRECTOR  President Bola Tinubu has assured that his administration will continue prioritising the welfare of the poor and most vulnerable even as the economic reforms bear fruit.   President Tinubu stated this on Wednesday night in Rio de Janeiro,  Brazil, when the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Kristalina Georgieva, paid him a courtesy call on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders' Summit.  While acknowledging that the reforms had weakened Nigerians' purchasing power, President Tinubu said his administration will continue to provide social safety nets to cushion the unintended consequences.  Congratulating the IMF Chief on her election for a second term in office, President Tinubu appreciated her support in implementing the reforms, calling for more institutional backing for stability and sustaina...

 Official: Mali's appoints Abdoulaye Maiga as new prime minister Mali's military leadership on Thursday appointed Abdoulaye Maiga, as the countrie's new prime minister replacing Choguel Maiga. Abdoulaye Maiga had also served as minister of territorial administration.

 PRESS RELEASE. HARMONY IN SECURITY: LAGOS NSCDC PARTICIPATES IN INTERNATIONAL SECURITY CONFERENCE, COLLABORATES WITH ICSS. Retired CG Abolurin decorates AIG Adegoke Fayoade, Dfcss, mni as a distinguished fellow member of ICSS ... The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC ), Lagos State Command was fully, represented, at the maiden International Security Conference of the Institute of Criminology and Strategic Studies of Nigeria ( ICSSN ), under the leadership of the Chairman, Governing Council of ICSS and former Commandant General, NSCDC, Dr Ade Abolurin, Dfcss, OFR, psc ( + ), rtd, held today, Thursday, 21st November, 2024, at the Afe Babalola Hall, University of Lagos. The Keynote address of the conference, with the theme; "Harmony in Security: Bridging the Gap between Theory and Practice," was delivered, by the erudite Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 2, Adegoke Fayoade, Dfcss, mni. Amongst many solutions the AIG shares include;  security agencies ha...

 Nigeria music singer Davido receives a brand new Escalade as birthday gift Award-winning music star Davido has received a brand car as birthday gift The singer, who turns 32 today, November 21st, has been gifted a new Escalade 600 premium luxury by one of his favorite automobile companies, M Jautos. The company made the good news known via its official Instagram page as they appreciated Davido for his constant patronage. “ON YOUR BIRTHDAY, OUR BRAND, MR JAY AUTOS LLC, HAS DECIDED TO GIFT YOU THIS NEW ESCALADE 600 PREMIUM LUXURY. WE APPRECIATE YOUR PATRONAGE AND LOVE FOR THE BRAND

 Zimbabwe to Call for Sanctions Relief at UN Conference Zimbabwe's Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi is leading a delegation at the International Conference on Sanctions, Business and Human Rights, hosted by UN Special Rapporteur Professor Alena Douhan, to advocate for the lifting of Western sanctions, citing their negative impact on the country's economy and citizens. "We will present a paper that highlights the negative effects of the bilateral coercive measures, showing the losses we have endured as a nation. Although these sanctions are described as targeted, their effects have been far-reaching, adversely affecting ordinary Zimbabweans and businesses alike," Ziyambi stated ahead of the conference. Ziyambi is likely to highlight how sanctions have hampered Zimbabwe's economy and access to international finance, Sputnik reported. Zimbabwe will be supported by allies like China and Cuba in advocating for sanctions removal at the UN conference, according to Zimbab...

 Trump picks former WWE executive Linda McMahon for education secretary Linda McMahon, co-chair of Donald Trump’s transition team, has been named as the president-elect’s pick for education secretary in his upcoming administration. In a statement, Trump extolled the “incredible” job McMahon, the billionaire co-founder of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), has been doing as transition team co-chair and said: “As Secretary of Education, Linda will fight tirelessly to expand ‘Choice’ to every State in America, and empower parents to make the best Education decisions for their families. … We will send Education BACK TO THE STATES, and Linda will spearhead that effort.” McMahon was made transition team chair in August, after having donated $814,600 to Trump’s 2024 campaign as of July. She served in Trump’s cabinet in his first administration as the administrator of the Small Business Administration from 2017 to 2019. McMahon chaired America First Action, a super PAC that backed Trump’...

 Arrest warrants issued for Netanyahu, Gallant and Hamas commander over alleged war crimes Judges at the International Criminal Court (ICC) have issued arrest warrants for Israel’s prime minister and former defence minister, as well as Hamas's military commander. A statement said a pre-trial chamber had rejected Israel’s challenges to the court’s jurisdiction and issued warrants for Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant. A warrant was also issued for Mohammed Deif, although the Israeli military has said he was killed in an air strike in Gaza in July. The judges said there were “reasonable grounds” the three men bore "criminal responsibility" for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity during the war between Israel and Hamas. Both Israel and Hamas have rejected the allegations. It will now be up to the ICC's 124 member states - which do not include Israel or its ally, the United States - to decide whether or not to enforce the warrants. In May, the ICC prosecutor ...

  A duct-taped banana sells for $6.2 million at an art auction piece of conceptual art consisting of a simple banana, duct-taped to a wall, sold for $6.2 million at an auction in New York on Wednesday, with the winning bid coming from a prominent cryptocurrency entrepreneur. Comedian, by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan, was a phenomenon when it debuted in 2019 at Art Basel Miami Beach, as festival-goers tried to make out whether the single yellow piece of fruit affixed to a white wall with silver duct tape was a joke or cheeky commentary on questionable standards among art collectors. At one point, another artist took the banana off the wall and ate it. The piece attracted so much attention that it had to be withdrawn from view. But three editions sold for between $120,000 and $150,000, according to the gallery handling sales at the time. Five years later, Justin Sun, founder of cryptocurrency platform TRON, has now paid more than 40 times that higher price point at the Sotheby's ...