KADUNA BUSINESSMAN DRAGS EX FIANCEE’S FATHER TO COURT, DEMANDS DOWRY REFUND. (PHOTO).

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Kaduna businessman drags ex fiancee’s father to court, demands dowry refund A businessman, Nasiru Dayyabu, on Wednesday, dragged the father of his ex-fiance, Mallam Sani Direba, to Shari’a Court II sitting at Magajin Gari, Kaduna over N260,000 dowry. The complainant had joined Direba in the suit against two brothers demanding a refund of N250, 000 dowry and N10,000 introduction money he paid to marry his daughter. Represented by his counsel, Mr Sani Sunusi, the complainant told the court that he sent his people from Karaye, Kano State to Kaduna in 2025, to seek for the defendant’s daughter’s hand in marriage. “We paid the dowry and the introduction money (kudin gausuwa) and were waiting for them to set a date for the wedding,” he said. “Unfortunately, the lady’s father called to inform us that they have cancelled the marriage.” The counsel said the complainant had asked for the refund of his money since Sept. 2025 but all the efforts he made proved abortive. He claimed that his client ...

BENIN, TOGO OWE NIGERIA OVER $11 MILLION IN UNPAID ELECTRICITY BILLS, THREATENING POWER MARKET STABILITY. (PHOTO).


 Benin, Togo Owe Nigeria Over $11 Million in Unpaid Electricity Bills, Threatening Power Market Stability


The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has revealed that Benin and Togo failed to remit over $11 million for electricity supplied by Nigeria in the first quarter of 2025, raising concerns about the sustainability of cross-border power exports. According to NERC’s latest report, the two neighboring countries were invoiced a total of $17.24 million for electricity consumed between January and March 2025, but only $5.8 million was paid, leaving an outstanding debt of $11.44 million.


The persistent failure of Benin and Togo to settle their electricity bills has sparked renewed calls from stakeholders in Nigeria’s power sector to suspend cross-border electricity exports until the debts are cleared. Industry experts warn that the poor remittance trend is placing significant financial strain on Nigeria’s electricity market, potentially undermining efforts to stabilize and expand the country’s power infrastructure.


NERC highlighted that the unpaid debts are part of a broader challenge in the international electricity trade, where Nigeria supplies power to neighboring countries through bilateral agreements. The commission urged the federal government to implement stricter measures to ensure timely payments and safeguard Nigeria’s energy sector.


“This level of indebtedness is unsustainable and poses a serious risk to the liquidity of Nigeria’s electricity market,” said a senior NERC official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “If these countries cannot meet their financial obligations, Nigeria may have no choice but to reconsider its export commitments.”


The issue has ignited public debate, with some Nigerians questioning the rationale behind exporting electricity while domestic supply remains inadequate in many regions. Calls for prioritizing local power needs have grown louder, with advocacy groups urging the government to address the debt crisis and review the terms of international power agreements.


The federal government has yet to issue an official response to the situation, but sources indicate that discussions are ongoing to address the unpaid debts and explore diplomatic solutions with Benin and Togo. Meanwhile, NERC has promised to provide updates on measures to recover the outstanding payments and ensure the stability of Nigeria’s electricity market.

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