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 Alleged N1.38bn Fraud: Court Adjourns  Jude Okoye, Ex-P-Square Manager’s Matter  till April 14   Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, on Monday, March 3, 2025 adjourned hearing in the trial of   Jude Okoye Chigozie, older brother and ex-manager of Paul and Peter Okoye till April 14, 2025.    Okoye is standing trial alongside his company, Northside Music Limited, on seven- count charges  bordering on money laundering raised  against him by the Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.   One of the counts reads: “That you, Jude Okoye Chigozie and Northside Music Limited sometime in 2022, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did directly acquire a landed property known as No 5, Tony Eromosele Street Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos worth ₦850,000,000.00 (Eight hundred and fifty million naira) only, which money you knew or reasonably ought to have kno...

 SANWO-OLU CHARGES ECOWAS ON REGIONAL INTEGRATION, UNITED WEST AFRICA  •Says Lagos remains committed to supporting ECOWAS to improve lives Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has charged member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to recommit themselves to the ideals of regional integration and the vision of a prosperous, peaceful, and united West Africa. He also implored all the countries in ECOWAS to remove trade barriers by ensuring free movement in the West African corridor and build a region that is not only prosperous and peaceful but is also inclusive and equitable, as well as a region where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive. Governor Sanwo-Olu spoke at the Opening Ceremony of the Parliamentary Seminar of the ECOWAS Parliament in celebration of 50 years of ECOWAS and 25 years of the ECOWAS Parliament, held at the Continental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Friday.  He said the anniversaries are testaments to the vis...

 Five Suspects Arrested for Armed Robbery in Orange Grove Johannesburg law enforcement officers acted swiftly this morning, arresting five suspects, two females and three males, for an armed robbery in Orange Grove. At around 06:45, a distressed victim alerted Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) officers at a BP filling station on Louis Botha Avenue. He reported that five individuals in a red Volkswagen Jetta had robbed him at the intersection of 7th Street and Louis Botha Avenue, stealing his money and cellphones before transferring funds from his bank account. Officers, working with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and private security, quickly responded. They tracked the suspect vehicle to Bramley View near a Pick 'n Pay and, with coordinated efforts, apprehended all five suspects inside the mall. The stolen items were recovered, and the suspects were taken into custody at Norwood SAPS. They face charges of robbery and possession of stolen property and will...

 SASCO University of Limpopo Protests Over Allowance Delays and Poor Living Conditions The South African Students Congress (SASCO) at the University of Limpopo took to the streets to protest against the delayed disbursement of student allowances and poor living conditions on campus. Students expressed frustration over the late payments, which have left many struggling to afford necessities such as food and transport. In addition, they raised concerns about inadequate water supply and environmental issues affecting their daily lives. SASCO leaders have called on university management and relevant authorities to urgently address these issues. They emphasised that students cannot be expected to focus on their studies while facing such challenges. One more photo below. 

 Relief in Sight as Namakgale Water Crisis Nears Resolution After two weeks without water, the residents of Namakgale may finally see an end to their struggles as authorities work to restore supply. The crisis has severely impacted daily life, with households, businesses, and critical facilities such as clinics and Maphutha Malatji Hospital struggling to function without water. Mopani District Municipality spokesperson, Odas Ngobeni, assured the community that efforts are underway to resolve the issue. "Lepelle North Water, responsible for supplying water to Phalaborwa, is actively working on repairs. The community has been informed, and we are doing everything we can to restore water as soon as possible," he stated. Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality spokesperson, Jonas Mahesu, echoed these sentiments, confirming that the issue stems from a pump failure at the Lepelle North Water Treatment Plant. "Even our Mayor, Merriam Malatji, visited the plant, and the team on-site has prom...

 Falsely Accused Man to Sue State for R10 Million Ditebogo Gololo, a 28-year-old man from Seshego, is planning to sue the state for R10 million after being falsely accused of raping and impregnating a 13-year-old girl. Gololo was arrested and spent two months in prison before DNA results proved he was not the father. As a result of the wrongful accusation, he lost his job at KFC and suffered severe reputational damage. His lawyer has confirmed plans to take legal action, arguing that Gololo was unjustly arrested and imprisoned. The case has sparked public outrage, with many questioning the legal system and suggesting that police acted under pressure without proper investigation. One more photo below. 

 NSC DG urges Aquatic Federation to organize national tournament, hails inaugural swim to Future Championship The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has lauded the Nigerian Aquatic Federation for successfully hosting the maiden edition of the Swim to Future Championship, a competition designed for young swimmers aged 6-14. Speaking at the event, which took place from February 28 to March 1 in Abuja, Olopade emphasized the need to groom young talents early, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s sports development agenda under NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko. “This tournament aligns perfectly with the mandate given to us by the President,” Olopade stated. “Our goal is to engage young people at this stage, guide them into professional sports, and help them build careers from their natural talents.” The NSC DG further underscored the importance of investing in infrastructure and funding for grassroots swimming programs to ensure budding...

 Kano Assembly Summons LGA Chairman Over Rano Market Demolition The Kano State House of Assembly has summoned the Chairman of Rano Local Government Area to explain the recent demolition of structures at Rano Market, a move that has stirred controversy among traders and residents. During Monday’s plenary session, Alhaji Ibrahim Muhammad Rano, the lawmaker representing Rano LGA, raised an urgent motion calling for intervention to support affected traders. He lamented that the demolitions were conducted without prior notice, leaving hundreds of traders in distress and threatening the area's economic stability. In response, the Assembly approved the motion and directed the local government chairman to appear before lawmakers to justify the action, particularly in light of the hardships it has caused. Meanwhile, some affected traders have appealed to the state government for intervention, urging an immediate halt to further demolitions and assistance for those impacted. The Assembly rea...

 Peter Obi Attends Chimamanda Adichie’s Book Launch in London Former presidential candidate Peter Obi attended the launch of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s latest novel, Dream Count, over the weekend at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall in London. The book, released on Monday, March 3, 2025, explores the lives, loves, and aspirations of four women. Obi shared details of the event on social media, noting that approximately 3,000 people were in attendance. "I arrived in London, United Kingdom, safely on Sunday morning, March 2, for a busy schedule," he wrote. "I traveled via Air Peace business class, as I typically do for long-haul flights, especially when I need to begin work immediately upon arrival. "After arriving, I headed to Cambridge for scheduled meetings with development experts, where we discussed potential solutions to Nigeria’s challenges. Later in the day, I attended Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s book launch at the Southbank Centre’s Royal Festival Hall...

 Bauchi: Shira LG Chairman, Deputy Removed Over Alleged Mismanagement The Legislative Council of Shira Local Government in Bauchi State has removed Chairman Hon. Abdullahi Ibrahim Beli and his Deputy, Hon. Usman Adamu, over allegations of financial mismanagement and lack of cooperation with the council. Council Leader Wali Adamu, who is set to assume the chairman’s position, announced the decision at the Bauchi State Legislative Council while addressing journalists. He emphasized that the removal was necessary to uphold transparency and accountability in the governance of Shira Local Government and Bauchi State. In an official statement, the council explained: “A committee was appointed to investigate allegations of gross misconduct, financial mismanagement, dereliction of duty, and abuse of office against the Chairman and Deputy Chairman of Shira Local Government. After reviewing the committee’s report, the council found both officials guilty of the charges. Consequently, Hon. Abd...

 Kebbi Govt Adjusts Civil Service Working Hours for Ramadan Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has approved a reduction in official working hours for civil servants throughout the Ramadan fasting period. This was announced in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Establishment, Pension, and Training, Awwal Dogondaji, and released to journalists in Birnin Kebbi on Monday. Last week, as part of preparations for Ramadan, the state government directed public and private schools to conclude the second term on Friday to enable Muslim faithful to fully observe the fasting period. According to the commissioner, the adjusted working hours will now run from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Monday to Thursday, while on Fridays, work will end at 12:00 PM. Regular working hours will resume after Ramadan. Dogondaji also urged residents to remain steadfast in their prayers for continued peace and stability in Kebbi State and the country at large.

  Fubara Applauded for Swift Compliance with Supreme Court Ruling Human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has commended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, for his prompt compliance with the Supreme Court’s verdict on local government administration in the state.   In a statement on Monday, Adeyanju praised the governor’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, urging him to remain focused on the welfare of Rivers people despite political distractions.   He lauded Fubara’s directive to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) to organize fresh local government elections and his decision to place Heads of Local Government Administration in charge of the 23 LGAs as an interim measure. He also noted that the governor’s order for outgoing council chairmen to hand over by March 3, 2025, reaffirmed his dedication to constitutional governance.   Adeyanju emphasized that Fubara’s leadership sends a strong message about prioritizing the peop...

 Tinubu Approves Licences for 11 New Private Universities   President Bola Tinubu has granted provisional licences for the establishment of 11 new private universities across Nigeria.   The approval was announced on Monday during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, as disclosed in a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Media & Public Communication, Sunday Dare.   Below is the list of the newly approved universities:   1. New City University, Ayetoro, Ogun State   2. University of Fortune, Igbotako, Ondo State   3. Eranova University, Mabushi, Abuja   4. Minaret University, Ikirun, Osun State   5. Abubakar Toyin University, Oke-Agba, Kwara State   6. Southern Atlantic University, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State   7. Lens University, Ilemona, Kwara State   8. Monarch University, Iyesi-Ota, Ogun State   9. Tonnie Iredia University of Communication, Benin...

 Meranda resigns as Lagos Speaker, re-elected deputy Speaker A gale of resignations and reshuffling hit the floor of the crisis-torn Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday with the stepping down of the first female Speaker in the state, Mojisola Meranda. Meranda, who represents Apapa Constituency I, announced her resignation at the plenary after which lawmakers immediately re-elected her as the Deputy Speaker of the Assembly. The lawmakers commended her leadership style and for bringing peace to the Lagos State House of Assembly. They also commended her strength and humility for obeying the rules and regulations of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Meranda’s resignation followed a reported meeting with some high-ranking members of the APC in the state to navigate the leadership crisis that has rocked the hallowed chambers in the last seven weeks. After she stepped down, the ousted Speaker, who represents Agege Constituency I, Mudashiru Obasa, was re-elected after he was nominat...

 Ghana lawmakers reintroduce anti-LGBTQ legislation Ghanaian lawmakers have reintroduced a bill that would become one of Africa's most restrictive pieces of anti-LGBTQ legislation, three sponsors told Reuters, after an earlier attempt to enact it fell short because of legal challenges, Reuters reported. Same-sex sexual acts are currently punishable by up to three years in prison in Ghana. The bill would increase the maximum penalty to five years and also impose jail time for the "wilful promotion, sponsorship, or support of LGBTQ+ activities". Ghana's parliament approved the bill in February 2024 but then-President Nana Akufo-Addo did not sign it before his term ended and John Dramani Mahama took office in January. Any bill passed by parliament must go to the president to be signed into law. Ruling party lawmakers Samuel Nartey George and Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah and opposition lawmaker John Ntim Fordjour told Reuters the same bill had been reintroduced in parliament on...

  Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has assured his supporters that victory is inevitable, despite the current political challenges in the state. Speaking during the commissioning of the Government House Staff Quarters in Port Harcourt on Monday, Governor Fubara emphasized that the struggle is not just about winning, but about standing for truth and fighting gallantly. L He began his speech by reading a passage from the Holy Bible, Philippians 3:18-19, which emphasizes faith and resilience in the face of challenges. Governor Fubara declared that the era of deception in Rivers State is over and that the state is now determined to take control of its destiny. While reaffirming his commitment to peace, Governor Fubara stated that necessary decisions will be made in the best interest of the state when the time comes. "I am not afraid of anything. The worst that can happen is for me to leave office," he said, underscoring his resolve to stand by his principles. The governor ...

 Tragic Truck Collision Claims Life on N2 in Pongola A devastating accident on the N2 highway in Pongola has left the community in shock after two trucks collided head-on, resulting in a massive fire. One of the drivers tragically lost his life in the blaze. The collision, which occurred when the trucks crashed into each other while traveling in opposite directions, caused an intense fire that engulfed both vehicles. Emergency services responded swiftly, but one driver succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash, and the N2 was temporarily closed for recovery operations. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers on our roads and the need for caution while driving. Our thoughts are with the family of the deceased during this difficult time. More photos below. 

  How NDLEA arrested wanted drug baron in Lagos over N1.4b seized illicit drugs - Marwa After 17 years of hiding in the dark to ship illicit drugs worth billions of naira across the world, the reign of a wanted 59-year-old drug baron Ogbonnaya Kevin Jeff has been brought to a halt following his arrest by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA at his hideout in Ojo area of Lagos. Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) who disclosed this at a press briefing in Abuja on Monday 3rd March 2025 detailed how operatives of its Special Operations Unit had been on the trail of Ogbonnaya following an Interpol red notice against him and information from the National Intelligence Service of South Korea. According to Marwa: The major development that warranted this special briefing pertains to the arrest of a drug lord whos wanted across the world as the leader of an international drug trafficking organisation. I am therefore pleased t...

 Dubai Police Arrests 9 Beggars on the First Day of Ramadan. Monday,3rd of March 2025 Dubai Police Arrests 9 Beggars on the First Day of Ramadan In a coordinated effort between the Suspects and Criminal Phenomena Department of the General Department of Criminal Investigation and Dubai police stations, nine beggars were arrested across Dubai on the first day of Ramadan.   The crackdown is part of the 'A Conscious Society, Free of Beggars' campaign launched by the Dubai Police in collaboration with strategic partners, including the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, Roads and Transport Authority,  Dubai Municipality, the Islamic Affairs, and Charitable Activities Department, and Al Ameen Service, aimed at preserving the emirate's civilised image by combating and preventing begging.   The director of the Suspects and Criminal Phenomena Department in the General Department of Criminal Investigation at Dubai Police, Brigadier Ali Salem Al Sh...

 Kaduna Man Returns ₦1 Million Mistakenly Deposited In His Account A Kaduna-based man, Engr. Auwal- Bz Nuhu, has returned ₦1 million that was mistakenly credited to his bank account. Sharing his experience, Engr. Nuhu revealed that his account officer contacted him and connected him with the bank’s manager to discuss the erroneous transaction.  Upon verification, the bank provided him with the correct recipient’s account details, and he promptly returned the funds. "Alhamdulillah, by Allah's grace, I have returned their money," he stated, expressing gratitude to friends and well-wishers for their support and encouragement.

National Sports Commission inaugurates E-Sports Federation of Nigeria Board  In a landmark move for the country’s digital sports sector, the National Sports Commission (NSC) has officially inaugurated the board of the E-Sports Federation of Nigeria. The event, held on Friday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, underscores Nigeria’s commitment to embracing the global esports industry. During his keynote address, NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko emphasized the federation's mission to position Nigeria competitively on the international esports stage while providing opportunities for young Nigerians in the fast-growing digital sports ecosystem. Speaking to the media after the inauguration, NSC Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade highlighted the transformative potential of esports in Nigeria. "Esports will energize and encourage the youth to thrive in the digital space. It is a sport that engages millions, with stakeholders estimating its reach at around 46 million individual...

 Rivers Assembly gives Fubara 48 hours to present 2025 budget The Rivers State House of Assembly has given Governor Sim Fubara 48 hours to present the 2025 budget to the lawmakers. They made this known during plenary in Port Harcourt on Monday with the motion moved by the deputy speaker Dumle Maol. “That pursuant to the order of the Supreme Court in Suit no.: SC/CV/1174/2024 for the stoppage of Statutory Federal allocations to the Rivers State Government and halting of spending from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of Rivers State pending the passage of an Appropriation Bill, you are requested to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the House in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended,” the lawmakers said in a resolution signed by the Speaker Martin Amaewhule. “That the House expects you to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill within 48 hours. In his remarks, Amaewhule condemned the Fubara’s directive to the heads of Local Government Administration to take charge...

 NANS Urges FG to Investigate Non-Payment of N77,000 Corps Members’ Allowance The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on the Federal Government to probe the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) over the delay in paying corps members the newly approved N77,000 monthly allowance. NANS expressed disappointment that, despite the FG’s approval of the allowance increase from N33,000 to N77,000 in July 2024, corps members are yet to receive the new amount. According to the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Yushau Ahmed, the delay is due to the non-release of funds. In a statement issued on Sunday by NANS National Vice President, Inter-Campus Affairs, Felicia Akinbodunse, the student body insisted that the NYSC must be investigated for failing to implement the new corps members’ allowance by the end of February, as earlier promised by the DG. Akinbodunse questioned the reason behind the delay, noting that corps members only received N33,000 for February’s allo...

 Six Killed in Fresh Benue Attack by Suspected Armed Herders At least six people have been killed in a fresh attack by suspected armed herdsmen on Tse Ugema Chul, Mbakesa community, Ugbaam in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State. The attack occurred on Saturday night, forcing many residents to flee the area. A local source, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that seven bodies had been recovered, while several others remain missing. It was gathered that the violence erupted after local youths mobilized to chase away cattle that had strayed onto their farmlands, destroying crops. The source explained, “As the youths attempted to drive out the cattle, gunmen who had been waiting in ambush opened fire, killing some of them. So far, six bodies have been recovered.” After the killings, the attackers reportedly looted farm produce and destroyed properties in the community. One of the victims, Michael Adeke, had recently posted on Facebook about repeated attacks in the area ...

 Banks Load ATMs as New N100 Withdrawal Fee Takes Effect Nigerian banks have stocked their ATMs with cash following the implementation of a N100 withdrawal fee on March 1, 2025, in line with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s revised policy. Under the new structure, withdrawals from an individual's bank’s ATMs remain free, but customers using other banks' ATMs will be charged N100 for withdrawals of N20,000 or less at on-site ATMs (located within bank premises). Off-site ATMs, such as those in malls or fuel stations, will incur an additional surcharge of up to N500 per transaction. International withdrawals will attract cost-recovery-based charges. A survey of ATMs across Lagos showed that most banks had updated their machines to notify users of the new charges before processing withdrawals. Meanwhile, customers have expressed frustration over the additional cost, citing economic hardship. The Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SER...

 Tinubu Appoints Brig. Gen. Kunle Nafiu as NYSC Director-General President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Brigadier General Kunle Nafiu as the new Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). Until his appointment, Brig. Gen. Nafiu served as Chief of Staff to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, and previously held the same role under the late Lt. Gen. Raised Abiodun Lagbaja. A Member of the 47 Regular Course, Nafiu is an Artillery Officer and an alumnus of both the Armed Forces Command and Staff College and the U.S. Army War College. He also served as a Directing Staff at the Nigerian Army War College before becoming Chief of Staff to the COAS. Hailing from Ileogbo, Aiyedire Local Government Area of Osun State, Nafiu replaces Brig. Gen. Yushau Ahmed, with his appointment taking immediate effect.

 KANO HISBAH ARRESTS YOUTHS FOR NOT FASTING AND INDECENT HAIRCUTS.   Operatives of the Hisba Board in Kano State have arrested some young men accused of not observing the Ramadan fast on the first day of the holy month. The Deputy Commander General of the Board, Dr. Mujahideen Abubakar, confirmed the arrests to journalists in the state.   He stated that the suspects were apprehended during routine patrols conducted by Hisba officers in different parts of Kano metropolis.  Additionally, the board arrested around 60 individuals for wearing “indecent haircuts,” which violate Islamic law and local cultural norms.  Furthermore, Hisba officials apprehended some commercial tricycle (keke napep) drivers for allegedly mixing male and female passengers in their vehicles, an act the board insisted it would not tolerate. The Board vowed to continue its patrols to ensure strict adherence to Sharia law throughout the month of Ramadan. More more photos below. 

 Revamping Technical Colleges Will Address Skills, Manpower Shortage – Ogun Students Students in Ogun State have lauded the ongoing rehabilitation of technical colleges across the state, emphasizing that it will strengthen technical education and produce a skilled workforce capable of meeting both local and international labor demands. They noted that aside from boosting enrollment and enhancing competitiveness among students nationwide, the initiative would play a crucial role in bridging the skills gap across Nigeria. The Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Abayomi Arigbabu, recently announced that the state government had commenced the renovation of technical colleges to attract more students to technical education. In a joint statement on Monday, Gabriel Francis, Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Ogun State Joint Campus Committee, and Kehinde Thomas, National President of the National Association of Ogun State Students ...

 Paul Tazewell makes history as the first Black man to win an Oscar for Best Costume Design.  His work on 'Wicked' earned him the prestigious honor at the 2025 Academy Awards. Paul is only the second Black person to win in that category after Ruth E. Carter made history by winning two Oscars for her work on “Black Panther.” Congratulations, Paul, well deserved!

 CAN Calls for Fairness in Ramadan School Closures The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed concern over the directive by Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi State governments to close all schools for up to five weeks during Ramadan. While acknowledging religious diversity, CAN warns that such extended closures could disrupt education, exacerbate the out-of-school crisis, and undermine national unity.   CAN criticized the lack of consultation before implementing these directives and urged the state governments to adopt a more balanced approach, citing examples from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, where schools remain open with adjusted schedules.   The association called on governors Bala Mohammed, Dikko Umar Radda, Abba Kabir Yusuf, and Nasir Idris to engage stakeholders—including religious leaders, school owners, and parents—to find an inclusive solution. CAN also warned of possible legal action if the rights of students and families are not upheld....

   Jandor Resigns from PDP, Cites Lack of Accountability Among Party Leaders  Dr. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), citing dissatisfaction with the party’s leadership and lack of accountability.   In a statement shared on his official page, Jandor expressed disappointment that those who worked against the party during elections are now in key leadership positions. He questioned how party members could trust such individuals in future elections.   Following extensive consultations with his family, political associates, and supporters, Jandor stated that the decision to leave PDP was a difficult but necessary step. However, he reaffirmed his commitment to Lagosians, promising to continue advocating for policies that will improve the state, regardless of political affiliation.   He assured his supporters that this move marks the beginning of a new chapt...