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 Easter: Nigerian Govt declares Friday, Monday as public holidays The Federal Government has declared Friday, April 18 and Monday, April 21 as public holidays to mark Good Friday and Easter Monday. This was disclosed in a statement by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Tuesday in Abuja. Announcing this on behalf of the Federal Government, the Minister extended heartfelt congratulations to Christians across the country on this joyous occasion. Tunji-Ojo emphasized the importance of embodying the virtues of the sacrifice and love displayed by Jesus Christ, having to die for the redemption of man. The minister urged Nigerians to use the holiday period to pray for the peace, unity, and stability of the nation. According to him, President Bola Tinubu was committed to the Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to strengthen national growth and development. Tunji-Ojo also beseech the Nigerian citizens to extend love and goodwill to their neighbours through acts of kindness and gen...

  GOV. SANWO-OLU OFFICIALLY COMMISSIONS LAGOS STATE COMMERCIAL COURT AT TAPA, LAGOS ISLAND, ON TUESDAY APRIL 15, 2025. Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has officially commissioned the Lagos State Commercial Court at Tapa, Lagos Island, today, Tuesday, April 15,2025. This development is expected to enhance the state's judicial system, particularly in commercial dispute resolution.   The establishment of the commercial court is a significant milestone in the state's efforts to promote a conducive business environment and ensure efficient justice delivery.  More details later and more photos below. 

 Nigerians Lose Over N1.3 Trillion in CBEX Digital Trading Platform Crash Nigerians are reeling from a massive financial blow after CBEX, an unregistered digital asset trading platform, allegedly wiped out over N1.3 trillion from investors’ accounts on Monday. The platform, which operated without approval from the Nigeria Securities Commission (SEC), crashed, leaving investors unable to access their funds. Outraged investors flooded social media, particularly X, to express their frustration. CBEX reportedly locked its Telegram channels and suspended withdrawals, offering investors verification options of $2,000 for $200 or $1,000 for $100, further fueling suspicions of foul play. Cryptocurrency expert Taiwo Owolabi estimated the stolen funds at $847 million in USDT, with losses likely to rise. Speaking on an X space, Owolabi criticized the platform’s operations, alleging that CBEX’s website was designed to mask its fraudulent activities. “When you make payments, they move funds fro...

 Court Dismisses Labour Party’s Suit Against Amaewhule, 26 Rivers Lawmakers A Federal High Court in Port Harcourt has thrown out a lawsuit filed by the Labour Party in Rivers State challenging the alleged defection of Martin Amaewhule, the suspended Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and 26 other lawmakers. In his ruling on Tuesday, Justice Emmanuel Obile stated that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case, citing a recent Supreme Court decision that had already resolved the defection issue. He dismissed the suit, noting that the apex court’s judgment was binding. Ken Njemanze, Senior Advocate of Nigeria and counsel to the defendants, had urged the court to dismiss the suit, arguing that the Supreme Court’s ruling upheld the lawmakers’ legitimacy. Conversely, Labour Party’s counsel, Clifford Chuku, contended that the defection was a secondary issue in the Supreme Court case and pressed for the suit to proceed.

 Reps Direct Rivers Sole Administrator to Report to National Assembly The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has instructed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, to report directly to the National Assembly in managing the state’s affairs, in line with the 1999 Constitution (as amended). The directive was issued on Tuesday during the inauguration of a 21-member House Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State in Abuja. The committee’s formation follows President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a six-month state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, prompted by a political crisis between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly. Tinubu suspended both the governor and the assembly, appointing Ibas as Sole Administrator—a decision ratified by both chambers of the National Assembly. Speaker Abbas emphasized that Ibas’s role is temporary, focused on maintaining law and order until democratic governance is restored...

 Rivers JSC Refutes Retired Magistrate’s Claim of Resigning Over Emergency Rule The Rivers State Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has debunked claims by retired Chief Magistrate Ejike George that he voluntarily resigned in protest of the state’s emergency rule, clarifying that he was compulsorily retired for disciplinary reasons. In a statement titled “Disclaimer” issued on Tuesday, April 14, 2025, in Port Harcourt, JSC Acting Secretary Blessing Vic-Jumbo said George was retired on February 10, 2025, due to a prolonged absence from duty without leave from August 25, 2023, to December 2024. The statement addressed a viral letter dated April 11, 2025, in which George claimed his resignation was prompted by the appointment of a “quasi-military” administration following the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State. Vic-Jumbo explained that George faced a disciplinary panel, which recommended his retirement after finding him culpable. The JSC offered him the chance to retire volun...

 Court Jails Man Four Years for Refusal to Accept Naira As Legal Tender    Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, convicted and sentenced one Uzondu Precious Chimaobi to four years imprisonment for his refusal to accept the Naira as a legal tender.    Chimaobi was arraigned by the Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, on February 5, 2025 on a two-count charge bordering on refusal to accept the Naira as a legal tender.    One of the counts reads: "That you, Precious Chimaobi Uzondu, on the 10th of December 2024, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, refused to accept Naira (Nigeria legal tender) by accepting the sum of $5700 ( Five Thousand Seven Hundred USD) as a means of payment for a purchase of a cartier diamond bracelet with serial number (12345678) and you, thereby , committed an offence cont...

 PRESS RELEASE INTERNAL SECURITY: IGP VISITS PLATEAU, COMMISERATES WITH GOVERNOR, PEOPLE OF STATE As IGP Reviews Strategies, Deployment Following a series of tragic incidents that occurred in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, resulting in the death of scores of residents, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD., NPM., has visited the state, accompanied by senior officers including the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Police Mobile Force, AIG Funsho Adegboye, mni; AIG Zone 4, AIG Zachariah Fera, and Commandant Police Staff College Jos, AIG Nwonyi Polycarp Emeka. Upon his arrival in Plateau State, the IGP visited the State Government House, where he commiserated with the State Governor, His Excellency Caleb Mutfwang and the good people of Plateau State. During his discussion with Gov. Mutfwang, the IGP condemned the attacks and reassured His Excellency that the Nigeria Police Force would carry its best efforts to douse the ...

 Alleged Misappropriation: Court reserves ruling in Ganduje, seven others The Kano State High Court on Tuesday reserved ruling in the high-profile case involving the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and seven others, who are facing an eight-count charge bordering on bribery, misappropriation, and diversion of public funds. The case, instituted by the Kano State Government, lists Ganduje, his wife Hafsat Umar, Abubakar Bawuro, Umar Abdullahi Umar, Jibrilla Muhammad, Lamash Properties Limited, Safari Textiles Limited, and Lasage General Enterprises Limited as defendants. When the case came up for hearing, the legal teams for all defendants presented various preliminary objections challenging the jurisdiction of the court and filed applications for extension of time. Leading the defence for Ganduje, his wife, and Umar, Offiong Offiong (SAN) told the court: “We filed our preliminary objection dated November 18, 2024, supported by a 2...

 US Tariff Hike Threatens Nigeria’s 2025 Budget, AfCFTA Goals – MAN ...May Slash N2tn in Annual Agric Exports The Manufacturers’ Association of Nigeria (MAN) has raised concerns over the U.S. tariff hike on Nigerian exports, warning it could derail the 2025 budget and undermine Nigeria’s gains under the AfCFTA. MAN DG, Segun Ajayi-Kadir, said the 14% levy on Nigerian goods could slash up to N2 trillion in agricultural export earnings annually, particularly affecting products like cocoa derivatives, sesame, and ginger. He warned that the tariffs jeopardize years of progress in value-added manufacturing, reduce competitiveness in U.S. markets, and may force exporters back to raw material trade — a blow to Nigeria’s industrialisation drive.

  Customs Seize Guns, Drugs, Rice Worth N314m in Ogun  Arms, Indian hemp, 7,242 bags of rice intercepted The Ogun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted arms, ammunition, illicit drugs, and smuggled goods worth over N314 million across various locations in the state. Customs Area Controller, Mohammed Shuaibu, revealed that seizures included 3 single-barrel guns, 100 cartridges, 150 sacks of Indian hemp, 7,242 bags of rice, 22 vehicles used for smuggling, and other contrabands. The NDLEA has taken custody of the cannabis, while the Command generated N43 million from import duties and auction sales. Shuaibu urged the public to shun smuggling and support efforts to curb economic sabotage. More photos below. 

 NSCDC Seizes 228 Bags of Fluoride in Adamawa Illegal Mining Crackdown The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Adamawa State has seized 228 bags of fluoride and 41 bags of carbon monoxide from two illegal mining sites in Dumne (Hong LGA) and Michika. According to NSCDC spokesperson DSC Nyako Baba, the suspects fled as operatives approached the sites. No arrests were made. Baba disclosed that 100 personnel have been trained as mining marshals to intensify efforts against illegal mining. The operation follows Governor Ahmadu Fintiri’s directive to sanitize the state’s mining sector.

 Algeria, France tensions mount over expulsion of French officials A diplomatic row between Algeria and France is deepening after Algeria expelled 12 French officials. The move by Algeria follows the arrest of its citizen in France, AFP reported. French foreign minister on Tuesday threatened Algeria with ‘‘consequences’’. Jean-Noel Barrot said the move was "regrettable" and warned it "will not be without consequences", adding that if "Algeria chooses escalation, we will respond with the greatest firmness". Algeria's foreign ministry declared the 12 persona non grata after the arrest in France of an Algerian consular official, a "vile act" it blamed on French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau. For decades, ties between France and Algeria have gone through diplomatic upheavals, and the fresh row comes at a delicate time in relations. On Friday, French prosecutors indicted three Algerians, including a consular official, on suspicion of involvem...

 Obafemi Hamzat laments high electricity tariff, says his bill rose by 974% in a month Obafemi Hamzat, deputy governor of Lagos state, says his electricity bill inexplicably skyrocketed from N2.7 million in March to N29 million in April. Hamzat said the electricity distribution company (DisCo) also frustrated his efforts to utilise the prepaid meter he procured. Punch reports that the deputy governor spoke on Monday during a roundtable discussion between the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and the Lagos state government in Victoria Island. Both parties were billed to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the electrification of rural communities in Lagos. Hamzat, who represented Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, at the event, decried what he called “crazy bills” from DisCos. “People that are trying to survive, and the common denominator for them is power. They don’t have power. There are billing challenges. In fact I’m a very good example,” he said. “Last month, in my...

 Unknown Gunmen Kill 3 Policemen in Enugu   Tragedy struck today as unidentified gunmen opened fire on a police checkpoint near Ozudaa Market in Achi, Oji River LGA of Enugu State, killing at least three officers.   Details of the attack are still sketchy. Efforts to reach the Enugu State Police PRO, SP Daniel Ndukwe, have been unsuccessful. However, a disturbing video making rounds online shows the lifeless bodies of the slain officers.   May their souls rest in peace.   Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops. More photos below. 

 Kaduna Will Soon Become A One-Party State - Says Gov Uba Sani Kaduna State governor, Uba Sani, has declared that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will continue to dominate the State, saying very soon it will become a one-party state. The governor disclosed that about four members of the House of Representatives from the opposition parties in the State defected to APC, adding that members of the Kaduna State House of Assembly from different parties have also defected to the ruling party. Governor ba Sani, who spoke in Zaria on Monday, argued that the defection of members of the opposition to APC “is a good sign and that shows that we are doing something that is positive, we are carrying everyone along in Kaduna state.’’ Meanwhile, House of Representatives Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, has distributed 117 vehicles, comprising 20 Hilux vans; two ambulances; 20 18-seater buses; 50 Sharon model vehicles, and 25 Sedan/saloon cars (Golf, Corolla & Peugeot 406), 200 tricycles, po...

 Pop star Katy Perry and CBS anchor Gayle King are set to make history by traveling to space with an all-women crew on Blue Origin’s next New Shepard mission.  Joining them will be Lauren Sánchez — fiancée of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos — who had earlier revealed her dream of leading an all-female space journey. The six-member crew also includes trailblazing women from science and activism. Aisha Bowe, a former NASA aerospace engineer and founder of STEMBoard, brings her expertise in space tech. Amanda Nguyen, a Nobel Peace Prize nominee and bioastronautics researcher, is also on board. She’s widely recognized for her work in civil rights and her contribution to NASA’s last space shuttle mission. Producer Kerianne Flynn rounds out the team, which Sánchez described as “extraordinary women who are paving the way for women” in space. For Katy Perry, this flight is more than just a journey — it’s a powerful symbol of progress for women in science, space, and society. The mission wil...

 Anambra Ohaneze Organizes Retreat To Galvanize Its Organs For Greater Efficiency  By Juliana Nwachukwu  The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Anambra State Chapter has organized a one-day enlightenment retreat and seminar as part of measures to galvanize its various organs for greater efficiency. The retreat held in Awka, attracted Ohanaeze Ndigbo elected executives from the local government to the state level, as well as the leadership of the women and youth wings. The event has its theme: 'Ohanaeze Ndigbo as a mechanism to galvanize and uphold the core values of the Igbo race/nation with special reference to Anambra State'. Speaking at the event, state President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu explained that the idea behind the enlightenment programme was to enlighten the new executives to understand the expectations and the mandate of the organization. According to him, the organization under his leadership is committed to ensuring that its function...

 Soludo's Man Hunt For Fake Native Doctors Restored Security In Anambra - Agbata By Juliana Nwachukwu High Chief, Barr. Patrick Agbata, the Chief Priest of a deity, 'Ogwugwu Nwanyi', in Obi Ogbuonyeukwu Okpalaeze Kingdom, Umuezealor village, Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government  area, Anambra State, has said that the man hunt for fake native doctors by Governor Chukwuma Soludo has restored security in the state. Fielding questions from newsmen during the celebration of the deity, the Chief Priest who is called 'Akadike Ogidi, by his admirers, reiterated that the fake doctors are more dangerous than the kidnappers and armed robbers who according to him are accomplices in crimes. "Soludo has tried by picking them and they are now on the run, only the natural native doctors that administer drugs made of roots and leaves to patients are around, including those native doctors/ traditionalists that feed deities and make prophecies now stay. "These fake native docto...

 Rivers State Crisis Deepens as Activist Accuses Administrator of Fueling Tensions Niger Delta human rights activist Ann-Kio Briggs has accused Rivers State Administrator Ibok Ete Ibas of escalating tensions in the state, contradicting President Bola Tinubu’s directive to restore peace. Ibas, a former Chief of Naval Staff, was appointed in March 2025 after Tinubu declared a state of emergency, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu amid political clashes with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. Speaking on Monday, Briggs alleged that Ibas is “pouring petrol on a fire” instead of quelling it as instructed. “He was told to pour water on that fire, to quench it. Well, he has done nothing of the sort,” she said, claiming Ibas removed constitutionally elected officials and even Fubara’s pictures from the Government House. Briggs insisted, “Siminalayi Fubara remains the governor of Rivers State.” She further accused Ibas of overseeing violence and stated he is unwelcom...

 PDP Will Collapse if Atiku Secures 2027 Ticket, Warns Bode George Chief Bode George, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Board of Trustees, has warned that the party will face its demise if former Vice President Atiku Abubakar secures the PDP’s presidential ticket for the 2027 election. “If he picks it by manipulation, as was done last time, we will not accept it,” George stated on Monday. Atiku, the PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate who placed second behind President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has been pursuing Nigeria’s presidency for over three decades across multiple parties. Recently, on March 20, 2025, Atiku led the formation of an inter-party coalition with figures like former Anambra governor Peter Obi and ex-Kaduna governor Nasir El-Rufai, aiming to unseat Tinubu, whose administration faces criticism for economic mismanagement amid record-high inflation and living costs. The coalition hopes to leverage the combined 12 million votes Atik...

 FUOYE Vice-Chancellor Suspended Amid Sexual Harassment Allegations The Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Professor Abayomi Sunday Fasina, has been suspended following allegations of sexual harassment made by a senior female official, Engr. Folasade Adebayo. The suspension, effective immediately, was prompted by Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa’s dissatisfaction with the university’s Governing Council, which initially exonerated Fasina and recommended that Adebayo apologize to him. Sources revealed that Alausa criticized the council’s attempt to dismiss Adebayo’s claims. After the minister’s intervention, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, Chairman of the Governing Council, convened an emergency virtual meeting on Monday, April 14, 2025. The council decided to remove Fasina, allowing him to proceed on accumulated annual and research leave rather than face outright suspension. With Fasina’s tenure set to end in August, the leave effectively ends his leadership ...

  Atiku Insists on Coalition to Unseat Tinubu in 2027, Despite PDP Governors’ Rejection Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reaffirmed his commitment to forming a coalition to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election, despite opposition from 11 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors. The PDP Governors’ Forum, led by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, declared on Monday after a meeting in Ibadan that the party would not join any coalition or merger. On March 20, 2025, Atiku, the PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, alongside Labour Party’s Peter Obi and former Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, announced a coalition to defeat Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC). The move has sparked debate, with Atiku advocating for opposition unity to reclaim power. In their communiqué, the governors stated that the PDP, as a major opposition force, welcomes individuals or groups willing to join the party but rejected any coalition. “The PDP will not join any coalition or merge...

 Igbo Youths Group to mobilize 5 million-man march in support of President Tinubu, Senator Kalu The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) has announced plans to organize a 5 million-man grand endorsement rally in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senator Orji Uzor Kalu. According to a statement signed by the group's President General, Comrade Goodluck Ibem, the rally is scheduled to take place in Abia State and will mobilize citizens from across the South East geopolitical zone. The group commends Senator Kalu's transformational contributions to the region, citing notable improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and youth empowerment programs. "Senator Orji Kalu has proven to be a beacon of progress, consistently working toward the betterment of our region through building and renovations of schools, massive road construction, huge investment in agriculture for food sufficiency, youth empowerment programs, and other democracy dividends too n...

 Abia State Government to Mark Governor Otti's 2nd Anniversary in Low-Key Celebration The Abia State Government has announced plans to mark the second anniversary of Governor Alex Otti's administration in a low-key celebration. According to Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, the event will focus on introspection and evaluation rather than pomp and pageantry. "The Government believes that the achievements recorded so far and the work we still need to do constitutes some form of work in progress," Prince Kanu said. The celebration will offer an opportunity for the government to look back at its achievements and chart a course forward for the remaining two years of its administration. Activities lined up for the anniversary include an interdenominational thanksgiving service, presentation of scorecards by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), commissioning of completed projects, and flag-off of new ones. The government has made significant progress i...

 EFCC Arrests 47 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Benin City   Operatives of the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 arrested 47 suspected internet fraudsters at different locations in Benin City, Edo State. The suspects were arrested following credible intelligence that linked them to fraudulent internet activities. Items recovered from them at the point of arrest included five exotic cars, smartphones and laptop computers. They would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

 Plateau: 51 get mass burial as death toll hits 53 •Tinubu, Atiku react Death toll in the attack on Zike Kimakpa community in Kwall District of Irigwe Chiefdom, Bassa Local Government, Plateau State has risen to 53. Initial reports gave the future as 47, but a source close to the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) said more bodies were recovered after the villagers combed surrounding bushes. Several others were also wounded in the Incident, which occurred on Sunday night . National  Publicity Secretary, Irigwe Development Association (IDA), Samuel Jugo, confirmed that the 51 killed were given a mass burial yesterday amidst tears and wailing by relations and other sympathisers who thronged the burial site. It was gathered  that the gunmen in large numbers, rode into the area on motorbikes at about 11:32 pm on Sunday and went on a killing rampage till the early hours of yesterday ,killing  no fewer than 53 persons. The marauders, suspected to be  Fulani herd...

 LAGOS, INDIA EXPLORE IMPROVE ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP   The Lagos State Government and Republic of India have resolved to explore enduring investment and business opportunities that will be mutually beneficial to both parties across various sectors.  This followed the State Government’s successful hosting of the business delegation from the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) in collaboration with the Indian High Commission, Abuja, led by Indian Consul General in Lagos Chandramaouli Kumar Kern and Second Secretary (Commerce), Abuja, Pranay Sinha.  Speaking during the visit held at Alausa recently, Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment (CCTI), Folashade Ambrose stated that Nigeria and India have a lot in common, describing the business visit as timely.  Her words: “The essence of continuous engagement with investors is to promote focal sectors that the State government has identified with projects listed for potential investm...