News Archives - Page 36 of 77

EFCC Presents Aisha Achimugu In Court After Arrest

April 30, 2025 by admin

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission officers brought businesswoman Aisha Achimugu to the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, as ordered by the court. Achimugu, escorted by two female EFCC operatives, arrived around 11:35 am. She was declared wanted in March by the EFCC over allegations of criminal conspiracy and money laundering. On Monday, the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice I.E. Ekwo, had ordered her to appear before the EFCC on Tuesday. The court also ordered her to appear before the court on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Achimugu was reportedly arrested by EFCC operatives after arriving in the country around 5am and has been in their custody since. On Tuesday, EFCC arrested Achimugu at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. It was gathered that Achimugu was arrested around 5am shortly after her return from London. Her lawyer, Chief Chikaosolu Ojukwu, told our correspondent that Aisha Achimugu was arrested by the EFCC around 5 a.m. on Tuesday after returning to Nigeria from London on her own. Ojukwu criticised the EFCC, saying the arrest went against a court order. NAN

Kano Judiciary Sanctions Judges, Registrars For Misconduct

April 28, 2025 by admin

The Kano State Judicial Service Commission has taken disciplinary action against two court registrars and two Upper Shari’a Court judges over misconduct. This was contained in a statement issued by the spokesperson for the Kano State Judiciary, Mr Baba Jibo-Ibrahim, on Monday in Kano. He said that the decision was part of the resolutions reached at the JSC’s 80th meeting held on April 22, 2025. He said the commission, in line with its mandate, adopted the recommendations of the investigation carried out by the Judiciary Public Complaints Committee and resolved to suspend and issue formal warnings to them. Those suspended are Ibrahim Adamu, Principal Registrar II of the Kano High Court, and Maigida Lawan, Principal Registrar of the Sharia Court of Appeal. Upper Sharia Court Judges Alkali Mansur Ibrahim and Nasiru Ahmad were issued warnings. Jibo-Ibrahim said Adamu, a Principal Registrar II of the Kano High Court of Justice, was suspended without pay for six months. The statement added, “His promotion is deferred after a finding that confirmed he verbally assaulted and attempted to use physical force against his superior officer, amounting to gross misconduct in violation of the provisions of the Kano State Civil Service Rules 2004 and the JSC Regulations. “This is the second time Adamu has appeared before an investigative committee for violence-related actions at work, and he has been issued a series of queries.” The commission found Adamu’s actions to be grossly unbecoming of his office and imposed the appropriate disciplinary sanctions. The statement said Lawan, a Principal Registrar of the Kano State Sharia Court of Appeal, was suspended without pay for six months, immediately, after being found guilty of demanding and accepting improper gratification under false pretences. “The commission adopted the recommendation of the JPCC, and Lawan was demoted by one grade level (from GL-13 down to GL-12),” the statement read. He said that the commission issued a warning to Malam Mansur Ibrahim, an Upper Shari’a Court judge, after evidence confirmed he used insulting and abusive language towards a litigant. The JSC also issued a formal warning to Nasiru Ahmad, an Upper Shari’a Court judge, for ordering the detention of a judgment debtor in a manner that suggested personal interest and compromised judicial impartiality. He emphasised that discretionary powers must be exercised with the utmost fairness and objectivity to preserve public confidence in the judiciary. The JSC reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct and corruption. “These measures underscore the State Commission’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and the rule of law. “All judicial officers and staff are reminded to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the honour and trust vested in them by the people of Kano State,” the statement added. Jibo-Ibrahim warned all court staff not to engage in any corrupt practices, as anyone found engaging in corruption will be directed to proceed on compulsory retirement, as the JSC will not condone any act of corruption NAN

Court Approves Arrest, Detention Of Six CBEX Promoters

April 24, 2025 by admin

The Federal High Court in Abuja has approved the request of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to arrest and detain six promoters of Crypto Bridge Exchange over an alleged investment fraud amounting to over $1 billion. Justice Emeka Nwite gave the order on Thursday after listening to submissions from the EFCC’s lawyer, Fadila Yusuf. The six individuals named in the ex parte motion filed on April 23 are Adefowora Olanipekun, Adefowora Oluwanisola, Emmanuel Uko, Seyi Oloyede, Avwerosuo Otorudo, and Chukwuebuka Ehirim. The EFCC sought the court’s permission to arrest and keep the suspects in custody while investigations continue and possible charges are prepared. In the motion, the EFCC asked for two things: permission to issue arrest warrants and an order to remand the suspects in EFCC custody during the investigation. Yusuf told the court, “The defendants are at large, and a warrant of arrest is required to bring them in for proper investigation and prosecution.” She explained that the EFCC had received intelligence linking the suspects to criminal acts and that the commission had a constitutional duty to investigate and enforce the law. According to an affidavit submitted with the motion, the EFCC said it received information in April 2025 about a fraudulent investment scheme involving the suspects. The commission said the fraud was carried out through ST Technologies International Limited, in partnership with CBEX. The suspects were accused of promoting CBEX, convincing people to invest in cryptocurrency through their platform while promising extremely high returns, up to 100%. “The victims were required to convert their digital assets into USDT, a stablecoin, and deposit them into the suspects’ cryptocurrency wallets,” the affidavit stated. At first, investors could monitor their investments through the CBEX platform. But after over $1 billion was deposited, the platform was suddenly shut down, and victims could no longer access their funds. Further investigations revealed that although ST Technologies was registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, it was not licensed by the Securities and Exchange Commission to run any investment business. The EFCC also told the court that the suspects had abandoned their known addresses in Lagos and Ogun states. The agency said, “A warrant of arrest is necessary to place the suspects on a red watch list and ensure they are apprehended to face justice.” The commission added that its investigation had shown a clear case of fraud and urged the court to grant the application in the interest of justice. After reviewing the case, Justice Nwite ruled, “I have listened to the submission of learned counsel for the applicant. “I have also examined the affidavit evidence and the exhibits attached, along with the written address. “I am of the view, and I so hold, that the application is meritorious. Consequently, the application is granted as prayed.”

Bolt Seeks Dialogue With Drivers Ahead Of May 1 Strike

April 24, 2025 by admin

Bolt, Nigeria’s largest e-hailing startup by market share, says it is seeking dialogue with driver representatives following a planned 24-hour strike by app-based drivers in Lagos, scheduled for May 1, over poor earnings and working conditions. In an emailed response to PUNCH Online on Thursday, the Estonian ride-hailing operator acknowledged some of the concerns raised by the drivers and confirmed its openness to discussions aimed at addressing the drivers’ grievances. The strike, announced on Tuesday by the Lagos State chapter of the Amalgamated Union of App-Based Transporters of Nigeria, targets major operators including Bolt, Uber, In Drive, and others. The union accused the companies of ignoring repeated calls for fair compensation, safer working conditions, and recognition of workers’ rights. “We are actively working to engage with driver representatives to better understand their needs and explore viable solutions through open and constructive dialogue, ” the General Manager of Bolt Nigeria, Osi Oguah, said. “We recognise the concerns raised around fares, commissions, and overall working conditions. These are important matters, and we remain committed to finding sustainable ways to address them. Our goal has always been to create a platform that is fair, transparent, and beneficial for all stakeholders.” AUATON said its attempts to engage the companies in meaningful dialogue have been met with indifference, accusing operators of prioritising profit over drivers’ welfare. While Bolt confirmed that it is in talks with driver representatives to “better understand their needs and explore viable solutions through open and constructive dialogue,” Uber had not responded to PUNCH Online’s inquiry as of press time. The planned strike, timed to coincide with International Workers’ Day, could disrupt ride-hailing services across Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub and a major market for mobility platforms in Africa. Bolt made its entry into the Nigerian market in 2016, introducing a transformative, technology-powered transportation service to the country’s ride-hailing industry. Founded in 2013 as Taxify by Markus Villig in Estonia, the company quickly expanded across Africa, launching in key markets such as Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya by 2016. By 2025, Bolt had facilitated over 250 million rides in Nigeria, highlighting its commitment to safety and affordability with features like audio trip recording designed to safeguard both drivers and passengers. Punch

NiMet Workers Begin Indefinite Strike, Shuts Down Meteorological Services

April 23, 2025 by admin

Workers of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency commenced an indefinite strike on Wednesday, withdrawing all meteorological services nationwide. Our correspondent observed that the strike officially began at 7:00 a.m., with NiMet staff and union members walking around the airport premises holding placards. It was gathered that some staff even slept at the agency’s premises overnight to ensure a total shutdown of operations. One of the workers lamented: “The situation is bad for us here in NiMet. In terms of our welfare, the salary package and everything are very low compared to our sister agency. You can see a management staff member in NiMet collecting ₦470,000, while someone in the sister agency earns about ₦1.2 million. “Any increment the Federal Government is making, we are not getting it. We provide more sensitive services than even our sister agency, but our welfare package is so poor that it cannot cover transportation, rent, or even our children’s school fees. “The working conditions are too poor. We need to be taken care of like our sister agency. We are not asking for too much — just a good condition of service that would at least make life comfortable for us to concentrate on our job. “We provide services like agro-meteorology, marine, and transportation for all industries. We offer services to them, yet our welfare is too poor. So we are calling on the government to look into our case.” Secretary of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees, Paul Ogohi, condemned the conduct of some domestic airlines, while also highlighting the toll the current system is taking on NiMet staff. “Other international airlines have parked and are keeping strictly to the regulations of ICAO. British Airways has complied, and Qatar Airways has also suspended operations. But the problem we are facing is with Nigerian airlines and their pilots. These rules are meant to govern aviation operations, but we, the locals, are the ones violating these standards. It’s not right. “We should discourage it and condemn it entirely. It’s unacceptable. This kind of thing only happens in Nigeria. You can see that unprecedented deaths are occurring in NiMet, as if we are chickens. Nearly 70 per cent of our staff forecasters have high blood pressure. “Ninety per cent no longer have good vision, because we are constantly working to observe the aerodrome. We have eye defects. It is unbearable. Some of us are taking loans to pay school fees, rent, and even to come to work. “We are appealing to the Minister to please come to our aid. We are seeing changes, but those changes should extend to NiMet because we are suffering.” In reaction, the Director of Consumer Protection and Public Affairs at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Michael Achimugu, said that safety remains paramount and that a meeting with the unions is forthcoming. “The NCAA is going into a meeting with the unions soon. However, NAMA is currently providing auxiliary services. You should know that in aviation, safety comes first. So, if there is any threat to operations at this moment, nobody will be allowed to fly. Rest assured,” he said. Punch

Tinubu Meets Fubara In London

April 22, 2025 by admin

President Bola Tinubu met with suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, in London. The meeting, confirmed by The Africa Report, was held at the insistence of Governor Fubara, who assumed office in May 2023. As of the time of this report, The PUNCH could not confirm the details of the meeting, as presidential aides contacted said they were not part of the President’s latest trip. However, officials confirmed that it was the first face-to-face meeting since Tinubu invoked Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution on March 18, declaring a state of emergency in Rivers State and removing Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, from office. Tinubu’s national broadcast on March 18 cited “months of intense political instability” that had “paralysed governance” and “threatened national stability.” He appointed Navy Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas as sole administrator. Opposition governors from seven PDP-controlled states immediately filed a suit at the Supreme Court, challenging the constitutionality of the proclamation and calling for a return to democratic governance. Tinubu, who had been in Paris and then London since 2 April, agreed to meet with Fubara in an effort to defuse the ongoing crisis. Officials said the pair discussed restoring a functional government in the oil-rich state. Although neither side disclosed specific details, presidential aides who spoke on condition of anonymity said the talks focused on the possibility of Fubara returning to office before the end of his six-month suspension. The President returned to Abuja on Monday night after spending 18 days abroad. It was learnt that Fubara’s estranged political godfather, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, was not part of the meeting and was reportedly uneasy about such discussions taking place without him. However, Tinubu is expected to meet with Fubara, Wike, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to chart a lasting resolution to the political crisis in the state. Punch

Boy Who Stood In Front Of Obi’s Convoy Freed After Three Months In Detention

April 17, 2025 by admin

Quadri Alabi, the 17-year-old who became known during the 2023 presidential election for standing in front of Labour Party candidate Peter Obi’s convoy, has regained his freedom after being held for nearly three months at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre in Lagos. Alabi was discharged on Thursday by a Magistrate Court in Apapa following legal advice from the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions, which found no evidence to support the armed robbery charge brought against him. “We are excited to announce that Quadri Yusuf Alabi, the 17-year-old teenager who gained fame during the 2023 elections after he spontaneously jumped and stood in front of the convoy of the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr Peter Obi, has been freed by the court today, 17th April, 2025,” his lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, announced in a post on X on Thursday. Effiong described his arrest and detention as a “diabolical frame-up” allegedly orchestrated by local thugs known in the Amukoko area as Lege and Baba Waris. The two reportedly abducted Alabi near his home and handed him over to the police, accusing him of being involved in a street fight. According to Effiong, the boy had faced threats from the said individuals since 2023 over donations he received from supporters of Obi. Alabi’s family was also reportedly pressured by local leaders to appease the community by buying a cow and hosting a feast. Effiong stated, “At the Court today, the presiding Magistrate, His Honour, A. O. Olorunfemi (Mrs.), confirmed that the legal advice issued by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), of the Ministry of Justice, Lagos State, Dr. Babajide Martins showed that there was no evidence to substantiate the allegation of armed robbery against Quadri. “In his Legal Advice, the DPP recommended the non-prosecution of Quadri. Thus, the presiding Magistrate discharged him and he was accordingly freed. “We commend the DPP for standing by the truth in this matter.” According to Effiong, despite initial claims of a street fight, the police had arraigned Alabi on January 26 on allegations of armed robbery. He was remanded in custody along with four adult strangers he had no connection to, while his age was falsely recorded as 18, the lawyer said. The matter drew public attention earlier this month after being highlighted by Hassana Nurudeen, co-founder of the Ray of Hope Prison Outreach. Following the court’s ruling, Effiong called for disciplinary action against the Divisional Police Officer of the Amukoko Police Station, the Investigating Police Officer, and others involved. He also demanded a N100 million compensation and a public apology from the police. “Quadri’s case is a painful example of the putrefying corruption, monstrous impunity, and pervasive injustice in the Nigeria Police Force,” he said. Punch

Oyo dredges 11 Rivers To Curb Flooding

April 16, 2025 by admin

The Oyo State Government has disclosed that it has dredged 11 rivers as part of proactive measures to address flooding during the rainy season in the state. According to reports by The PUNCH, the Nigeria Hydrological Service Agency and the Nigeria Meteorological Agency have predicted that several states, including Oyo, will experience flooding this year. A statement released by the state’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, in Ibadan, the state capital, on Wednesday, revealed that the government announced during the Executive Council meeting held on Tuesday at the Secretariat, Agodi, in Ibadan. He further mentioned that the Ministry of Environment has been directed to procure more compactor trucks to enhance refuse collection in the municipality. Oyelade said, “To protect lives and property, the council approved the immediate dredging of 11 flood-prone rivers across the state, including those in Iseyin, Oyo, Ibadan, Igbo Ora, Ogbomoso, and others.” The commissioner also stated that the council has approved the procurement of firefighting auxiliary and special equipment for the Oyo State Fire Service Agency to enhance firefighting, rescue operations, and protect firefighters from occupational hazards. “Approval was also given for the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources to procure compactor trucks to supplement efficiency in refuse collection. The approval for these three projects amounts to N690 million.” “The council also considered and approved the procurement and installation of a transformer and power generator for the Omololu Olunloyo Monumental Park, as well as an energy storage upgrade for the dualised Ladoke Akintola Airport Road.” He explained that the main reason for the shutdown of the airport in recent weeks was to upgrade its infrastructure to international standards, improving its aesthetic value, recreation facilities, advertising displays, direction signs, and speed limit indicators necessary for international flight operations. “The project will cost N224,781,750. The Executive Council also approved the installation of public lighting along the Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road, Phase One.” Oyelade further explained that the 110 km motorway will ease traffic congestion in the Ibadan metropolis. Additionally, travellers from other parts of the country will be able to bypass the city traffic by linking the circular road to their destinations. “The project is aimed at ensuring adequate, sustainable lighting on the motorway and enhancing socio-economic growth and investment in Oyo State, including the development of the night-time economy. The project will cost N15,111,129,535.30.” The government also approved the rehabilitation of several roads, including the Bolajoko Estate Road Network, General Gas, Bishop’s Court Road, Jejelaye, Peace Roads, and Anifalaje Area, for the sum of N1,988,512,481.00. Punch

UPDATED: Dangote Refinery Slashes Petrol Price Again

April 16, 2025 by admin

Fresh from implementing a ₦15 price reduction in its loading cost for Premium Motor Spirit, also known as petrol, the Dangote Refinery has again slashed its refined product prices to make them cheaper, cutting its ex-depot rate to ₦835 per litre. The new price represents a ₦30 reduction from ₦865 per litre implemented six days ago, marking a 3.5 per cent decrease, and a ₦45 reduction from the ₦880 per litre sold by the facility last Wednesday. This price cut marks Dangote’s third downward adjustment in under six weeks. PUNCH Online gathered that the refinery informed its customers in a notice sent out on Wednesday morning. A pro forma invoice was sighted by our correspondent, and checks on petroleumprice.ng also confirmed the development. It stated that the new price is inclusive of charges by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). The document detailing the revised price structure shows that PMS at the gantry will now sell for ₦835 per litre, inclusive of NMDPRA statutory levies, while coastal sales remain on hold. The diesel gantry price is set at $608 plus a $70 surcharge, payable either in naira at ₦1,650/$ or in USD. Coastal sales are also on hold. Jet fuel will be sold at $664.75 with a $42 gantry surcharge and a $22 coastal surcharge. Prices for cooking gas at both gantry and coastal points are currently on hold. On Wednesday, PUNCH Online hinted at a possible price cut after the landing cost of imported petrol dropped to ₦853 per litre on Tuesday. This development comes as marketers secured regulatory approval to import 117,000 metric tonnes—equivalent to 156.897 million litres—of petrol within eight days, from 8 to 16 April 2025, to boost fuel supply nationwide. These figures were revealed in separate documents obtained by our correspondent from the Nigerian Ports Authority and the Major Energies Marketers Association of Nigeria. Dealers said the ₦853 per litre spot import parity into tanks, which includes expenses such as shipping, import duties, and exchange rates, marks a notable ₦3 reduction from ₦856.75 per litre last Monday and ₦852.02 on Tuesday. The document showed that on-the-spot sales at the NPSC-NOJ terminal dropped to ₦853.12 per litre, while the 30-day average cost also declined to ₦844.84 per litre. Within the period, marketers brought in six vessels conveying 117,000 metric tonnes through Tin Can Port in Lagos and Calabar Port in Cross River State. Importantly, the continued price drop coincides with the restart and full implementation of the Naira-for-Crude agreement with local refiners after an earlier suspension. The Ministry of Finance disclosed this in a statement published last week on its official X handle, titled: “Update on the Crude and Refined Product Sales in Naira Initiative.” The statement followed a meeting on Tuesday between the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, and representatives from Dangote Refinery—a major beneficiary of the agreement — to review progress and address ongoing implementation issues. The committee stated that the policy is not a temporary measure but a long-term strategy to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on foreign exchange for petroleum. It added that the initiative is a key policy directive designed to support sustainable local refining and strengthen energy security. Punch

Adeboye, Wife Inducted As Boys, Girls Brigade Patrons

April 15, 2025 by admin

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, and his wife, Pastor Folu Adeboye, have been officially inducted as the Patron and Patroness General of the Boys Brigade Nigeria and Girls Brigade Nigeria. Announcing the induction via Facebook on Tuesday, the church described the honour as a testament to their commitment to the all-around growth and development of young individuals in RCCG and around the world. The post read, “Our Father-in-the-Lord and Mother-in-Israel, #pastoreaadeboyeofficial and #pastorfoluadeboye, were inducted as the Patron and Patroness General of the Boys Brigade Nigeria and Girls Brigade Nigeria. “The decoration is a testament to their commitment to the all-around growth and development of young individuals in RCCG and around the world. Glory be to God.” Punch