News

Saudi Ban: Nigeria Not Affected, Says FG

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  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday clarified that Nigeria is not on the list of countries facing an entry ban into Saudi Arabia from April 13. Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar issued the clarification through a statement by his Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir. The minister said Saudi authorities have officially confirmed that the viral memo suggesting Nigeria’s inclusion in the ban list is false. He called the document, which named Nigeria, Egypt, India, Pakistan and others as banned, misleading and inaccurate. “The Saudi Tourism Centre confirmed no such directive exists. Current official travel guidelines only apply to the Hajj pilgrimage. “To clarify, the only restriction concerns tourist visa holders during the Hajj period,” Tuggar said. Holders of tourist visas cannot perform Hajj, enter or remain in Makkah between April 29 and June 11 (01 Thul Quda to 14 Thul Hijjah 1446 AH). “The Hajj visa remains the only valid entry permit for pilgrims during that time,” the minister stressed. Tuggar advised the public to ignore the misleading memo and confirm travel details through official sources before making plans. “Sharing unverified information causes confusion and may affect travel arrangements,” he warned. “For accurate updates, travellers should consult official Saudi sources, the Nigerian Foreign Ministry, or recognised diplomatic channels,” he added. NAN

Police Teargas Protesters In Rivers, Abuja Over Emergency Rule, Repression

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  Officers of the Nigeria Police Force on Monday morning fired tear gas at protesters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, in a bid to disperse crowds demonstrating against government repression and the state of emergency in Rivers. In Port Harcourt, protesters under the aegis of the Take It Back Movement had gathered at the Isaac Boro Park by 9 a.m. to rally against the controversial state of emergency imposed in Rivers and what they described as the misuse of the Cybercrime Act by law enforcement authorities. The demonstration quickly descended into chaos when police officers arrived at the scene and discharged tear gas, forcing protesters to flee in different directions. Eyewitnesses say some of the demonstrators, including journalists covering the event, were physically assaulted by the officers. Members of the group claim they had duly informed the police of their intention to protest in a letter dated April 3, 2025. The protest in Rivers comes weeks after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the state, following the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara due to escalating political tensions. Meanwhile, in Abuja, a similar protest in the Maitama area was also forcefully dispersed by police operatives. The demonstrators had gathered peacefully to voice their grievances over rising economic hardship, insecurity, and what they labelled increasing authoritarianism by the federal government. The protesters carried placards with slogans such as “Stop the Repression” and “Let Us Breathe,” drawing attention to the alleged abuse of the Cybercrime Act and the broader human rights situation in the country. Human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore was among those present in Abuja to lend support to the protest. The nationwide protest was convened by the Take It Back Movement in conjunction with other civil society organisations. In a statement released last Friday, the group’s national coordinator, Juwon Sanyaolu, said the demonstration aimed to resist “increasing authoritarianism” and demand urgent relief for Nigerians grappling with inflation and insecurity. Similar protests were also reported in Lagos and several other state capitals across the country

Over 60% Of Corruption Cases Involve Diversion Of Healthcare, Infrastructure Funds—ICPC

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  The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Musa Aliyu (SAN), has revealed that over 60 per cent of corruption cases investigated by the commission involve the diversion of public resources meant for critical projects such as healthcare and infrastructure. Aliyu made this disclosure on Thursday during a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja to formally introduce the commission’s Accountability and Corruption Prevention Programme for Local Governments According to him, the initiative aims to curb corruption, financial mismanagement, and governance deficiencies in Nigeria’s 774 local councils. “Local governments play a vital role in delivering public services. However, many have struggled due to weak transparency mechanisms and the misappropriation of funds. “This initiative is urgent—over 60% of corruption cases investigated by ICPC at this level involve the diversion of public resources meant for critical projects such as healthcare and infrastructure,” Aliyu stated. He highlighted the significance of the Supreme Court’s July 11, 2024, judgment, which affirmed financial autonomy for local governments. Aliyu assured all that the ICPC remains committed to enforcing compliance with anti-corruption laws while fostering transparency, accountability, and efficiency in local government administration. Explaining the benefits of the programme, he said the ACPP-LG is designed to improve financial management, governance standards, and proactive disclosure in local councils. “Key objectives include: Ensuring transparency in local government operations. Facilitating proactive disclosure of financial and administrative activities. Enhancing citizen engagement in governance. Training local officials on ethical governance. Leveraging technology for transparency. Promoting collaboration between local governments and development partners. Establishing monitoring mechanisms for governance performance and Encouraging inclusive participation in decision-making,” Aliyu noted. He added that to achieve these goals, the ICPC would utilise its investigative, prosecutorial, and regulatory functions to ensure compliance through legislative enforcement, periodic audits and oversight mechanisms to detect and address non-compliance. Aliyu added that state governments must support local councils to ensure the smooth implementation of these reforms without administrative bottlenecks. Beyond preventive measures, Aliyu reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to prosecuting cases of fund diversion. He stressed that offenders would face the full weight of the law, ensuring that public resources are utilised for their intended purposes. “Beyond these preventive measures, ICPC will not hesitate to prosecute cases of fund diversion, ensuring that offenders face the full weight of the law. The ACPP-LG is not just about governance reform—it is about justice, deterrence, and ensuring that public resources serve the people as intended. “The fight against corruption at the grassroots level is a fight for Nigeria’s future. Let us work together to ensure that every kobo meant for development is used for the people,” he said. Punch

Akpabio Rejects Planned Solidarity Rally In A’Ibom, Warns Supporters

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  The President of the 10th Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio on Thursday dissociated himself from a solidarity rally being planned for him in his hometown in Akwa Ibom, saying he doesn’t know the organisers. The rebuttal was made in a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media Matters, Jackson Udom. In the press release titled ‘Disregard Any Rally in Akwa Ibom purported to be in support of Senate President Godswill Akpabio’, the former governor urged his supporters to steer clear of the gathering, warning that the group behind it may have ulterior motives. He said, “The attention of the office of the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has been drawn to a planned rally purported to be in support of the Senate President and organised by an unknown association by the name, Progressive Peoples’ Resolution and led by one Ubong Idemudo, a known controversial character, slated for tomorrow, April 4. “The President of the Senate is not aware of any rally organised in his support at any venue in Akwa Ibom and therefore urges his supporters and the peace-loving people of Akwa Ibom State to disregard such rally and go about their lawful duties. “The planned rally, from information pieced together, is the handiwork of fifth columnists trying to use the name of the Senate President to achieve their devilish goal.” The Senate President, therefore, urged security agencies to move swiftly into action and ensure the rally doesn’t hold. “The Police and other security agencies in the state are by this statement directed to ensure that such satanic rally is not allowed to hold, as such has no approval of the Senate President,” the statement read. Punch

Natasha’s Recall Petition Fails To Meet Constitutional Requirements – INEC

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  The petition seeking the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing the Kogi Central Senatorial District, has failed to meet the constitutional requirements outlined in Section 69(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999. The Independent National Electoral Commission made this announcement on Thursday via its official X handle. The statement was signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun. The commission said, “The petition for the recall of the Senator representing the Kogi Central Senatorial District has not met the requirement of Section 69(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).” In a detailed breakdown, INEC revealed that the petitioners failed to gather the requisite number of signatures/thumbprints, which must represent more than one-half of the registered voters in the Kogi Central Senatorial District. “For emphasis, a petition for the recall of a Senator must comply with the provision of Section 69(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) which requires the signatures of more than one-half of the registered voters in the constituency. “The total number of registered voters in the Kogi Central Senatorial District is 474,554. More than one-half of this figure (i.e. 50%+1) is 237,277+1 which is at least 237,278 voters,” INEC said. The total number of registered voters in the district is 474,554, meaning that at least 237,278 signatures were needed. However, only 208,132 signatures were collected, falling short by 29,146. “Across the 902 Polling Units in 57 Registration Areas and five Local Government Areas that make up the Senatorial District, the commission ascertained 208,132 signatures/thumbprints from the submission made by the petitioners. “This translates to 43.86% of the registered voters which falls short of the constitutional requirement by 29,146 signatories. “Consequently, the petition has not met the requirement of Section 69(a) of the Constitution. Therefore, no further action shall be taken on the recall of the Senator,” INEC declared. In line with the legal requirements, INEC also issued a Public Notice regarding the outcome of the review. The notice, alongside a summary of the signatures/thumbprints disaggregated by Local Government Areas, is available for public viewing on INEC’s official website and social media platforms. In recent weeks, Akpoti-Uduaghan and Senate President Godswill Akpabio have been at the centre of a political crisis following her accusation of sexual harassment against him. Akpoti-Uduaghan had petitioned the Senate over the alleged misconduct, but on March 6, the Ethics Committee dismissed her claims and suspended her for six months without pay. The controversy escalated last week when some of her constituents submitted a recall petition to INEC, seeking to remove her from office. Punch

S’African Court Frees Pastor Omotoso Of Rape Charges After Eight Years

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  A Nigerian televangelist, Timothy Omotoso, has been acquitted of rape charges by a South African high court after spending eight years in jail. The judge presiding over the case criticised the state prosecutor’s handling of the cross-examination, stating it was “shallow” and lacked the intention to uncover the truth. Omotoso and his two co-defendants were arraigned on a 32-count charge bordering on rape and human trafficking. The co-defendants are Lusanda Sulani and Zukiswa Sitho. Several young women had accused the pastor of luring them into his home in Umhlanga, a town in South Africa, where he allegedly molested them. In April 2017, the Nigerian pastor was arrested shortly after he landed at an airport in South Africa. He is the senior pastor of the Jesus Dominion International based in Durban, South Africa. He is also the founder of Tim Omotoso Global Outreach and Ancient of Day Broadcasting Network. According to News24, Irma Schoeman, the trial judge, ruled on Wednesday, that the state prosecutor did not prove the case beyond reasonable doubt. Schoeman held that the prosecutor failed to properly cross-examine the accused, adding that “it was as if cross-examination never even took place”. The judge said that although she did not believe the evidence of the accused, the onus rests on the prosecutor to prove that the accused persons were guilty. “He (Omotoso) was not cross-examined on his denial with reference to the complainants’ testimonies. No attempt was made to elicit inconsistencies or improbabilities. The cross-examination was shallow, lacking the intention to uncover the truth,” the judge said. Reacting to the judgment, South Africa’s National Prosecuting Authority, in a statement, said the prosecuting team would study the verdict and decide which legal avenues to explore. “Since the arrest of the trio in April 2017, their trial has been protracted with numerous obstacles, including interlocutory applications by the accused that even included Constitutional Court challenges,” the statement reads. “The most recent applications were for five special entries for a mistrial and an application made on 16 January 2024, where the defence made an application for the judge to reconsider her previous judgment on the application for discharge according to Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Act, which were successfully opposed by the state. “The delays caused some witnesses to no longer want to proceed with giving evidence as they indicated they have since moved on with their lives and are not interested in reliving their experiences in court. That has led to the reduction of the charges from 63.” News24 reported that Omotoso would be deported to Nigeria immediately after the judgment. The Nigerian pastor had been in a South African prison since his arrest in 2017.

Assembly Bombing: Ex-Rivers HoS’ Revelation Vindicates Us – Okocha

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  The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Rivers, Chief Tony Okocha on Wednesday, stated that the recent claim by the former Rivers State Head of Service, George Nwaeke, that the suspended Governor, Siminalayi Fubara and his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, were behind the bombing of the state House of Assembly has validated their earlier position. He made the clarification in a statement issued in Abuja. Okocha, an ally of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, was reacting to an earlier claim by Nwaeke that he witnessed a bag of money being handed over to him by the governor to allegedly burn down the Assembly Complex along Moscow Road in Port Harcourt. The camp of Fubara, through Ehie, has since denied the allegation, saying Nwaeke was not in the right frame of mind when he made the allegation. But Okocha insisted that Nwaeke’s open confession on the live television show did not come to the Rivers APC as a surprise. He said, “Nwaeke’s account further corroborates the position of Rivers APC that Fubara is the architect of the entire political crisis in the state, leading to the swift declaration of a state of emergency by President Bola Tinubu to restore order and forestall a total breakdown of peace. “The truth is like broad daylight, which shines through the darkness and repels darkness to bring forth daylight. It is important to state here, for the purpose of emphasis and clarity, that Nwaeke, as the Head of Service at the time, was the number three man in the State. As such, his account cannot be hearsay. “Taxpayers’ money in Rivers State was wasted in a way and manner that cannot be forgotten in a hurry amidst scarce resources and global economic crunch. The Supreme Court put it rightly in its unanimous judgment delivered on 28th February 2025 by describing Fubara as a “dictator.” Yes, he was a dictator!” Continuing, Okocha called on security agencies to investigate the claim and bring all those involved, whether directly or indirectly, to book. The APC chairman also berated those criticising Nwaeke for airing his mind. “The APC in Rivers State is strong in its belief that the relevant security agencies will be professional enough to get to the root cause of this whole matter and make such public. The verbal attacks staged against the resigned HoS will not deter the statesman from unveiling the rot of Sim Fubara’s, which we harped on as the opposition political party. On this matter, APC shall function as watchdogs”, he stated. Punch

Policemen Clean Up Abuja Streets To Mark Police Day

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  Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police, Ajao Adewale, on Wednesday embarked on a large-scale street clean-up across various divisions of the territory. The initiative forms part of the celebrations for the 2025 National Police Day, which features a three-day community outreach programme to commemorate the National Police Day. Speaking at the event, Adewale noted that the exercise was intended to showcase the police as integral members of the community. He noted that a clean and tidy environment discourages crime. He said, “Police have always been part of environmental sanitation. You will discover that whenever there is a pronouncement for a clean-up exercise, the police are always there to ensure compliance. “What we have come to do today is to demonstrate that we are part of the community, as cleanliness is next to godliness. “A clean and tidy environment discourages crime, and this is what we have come to reinforce. “Our area commanders are coordinating similar exercises across different commands, including Abaji and Gwagwalada. “Since this community hosts our command headquarters, we are leading by example.” Punch

Cancel Your Homecoming, Police Warn Natasha

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  The police have asked Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduagan to cancel her planned Sallah rally in Kogi State’s Central Senatorial District. Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, stated this in a statement released on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP William Aya. According to the statement, Dantawaye said the rally goes against the state government’s recent ban on political gatherings, which was announced on Monday. The statement reads, “Following the intelligence report on security threats in Kogi State and the subsequent ban on all forms of rally and procession by the Kogi State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, Kogi State Police Command has called on the organisers of planned rally at Okene to cancel such event in the interest of the peace in Kogi State. “The call for cancellation becomes necessary, noting that intelligence reveals that some hoodlums plan to hijack the process and cause disturbance of peace in the State. The Command cannot afford to jeopardize the existing peace the State is currently enjoying.” The police also warned against any attempts to defy the directive, saying, “In view of the security threat received on the planned rally, the Kogi State Police Command is therefore advising the organisers to cancel the event so as to avoid any breakdown of law and order in the State. As the Command will not hesitate to apply the full wrath of law on anyone who causes disturbance of peace and order in the State.” Despite the ban on political gatherings, which was announced on Monday, Akpoti-Uduaghan has insisted that she will go ahead with her “homecoming,” stating that she is only returning to the state to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr with her constituents. Punch  

Tinubu Extends Immigration CG Nandap’s Tenure Till 2026

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  President Bola Tinubu has approved the extension of the tenure of the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, until December 31, 2026. Nandap, who joined the NIS on October 9, 1989, was appointed as Comptroller-General on March 1, 2024, with an initial tenure set to end on August 31, 2025. A statement by the president’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Monday, said Tinubu commended Nandap for her leadership, noting improvements in border management, immigration modernisation, and national security under her watch. “Under her leadership, the Nigeria Immigration Service has witnessed significant advancements in its core mandate, with notable improvements in border management, modernisation of immigration processes and national security measures. “President Tinubu commended the Comptroller-General for her exemplary leadership and urged her to continue dedicating herself to the Service’s strategic priorities, which align with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” the statement read. He also reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the NIS in safeguarding Nigeria’s borders and ensuring safe and legal migration. Punch

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