Rising Nigerian promoter in the UK, Adenike Adeniji aka Anik Entertainment has opined that there is no real love on the Nigerian entertainment scene.
In a recent chat, Adeniji opened up about the challenges she faced when starting out as an entertainment promoter saying, “Promotion is a very tough job and you have to be strong, and also be a very hard working person to delve into this type of profession or business. It’s tough getting other promoters to support you when you are new in the business. You barely see someone that will genuinely love you, support you or your brand especially when you are upcoming and you are just starting.”
Explaining her foray into show promotions, a predominantly male dominated industry, Adeniji said, “I’m a lover of good music and I’m so much in love with entertainment. Right from onset I’ve always loved entertainment. I once acted in about two home video movies in 2005 but I got discouraged by my parents who did not encourage me so I quit. Right now, I promote events. I bring in artists into the UK for shows. I still love acting, but I’m planning to go into movie productions and become a producer. I’m currently working on some movie projects.”
Speaking about her visions for her brand, Anik Entertainment, Adeniji said, “I’m just taking things one step at a time, especially when it comes to this entertainment industry. Promoting, acting, movie production, I want to take things easy as much as I can, because I realized that the industry is mostly filled with fake people. They don’t love you, it’s mostly about fake love. And me, I’m a lover girl. I love love, and me, I like to be real and transparent with people. But I see myself doing more movie productions.”
[TheNation]
The Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, will challenge in court the six-month suspension slammed on her following her face-off with the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, over seating arrangements in the red chamber.
The legal counsel to the Kogi lawmaker, Victor Giwa, dismissed the Senate resolution as a violation of a court order.
Giwa spoke with The PUNCH on Thursday after the Kogi lawmaker was suspended by the senate and walked out from the National Assembly complex.
The Nigerian Bar Association and opposition parties similarly berated the red chamber for not giving Akpoti-Uduaghan ample time to present her sexual harassment complaint against Akpabio.
“The suspension is void, it cannot even take any effect. The suspension is illegal because there is a court order that restrained the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges from taking further action.
‘’The committee disobeyed a valid court order that was served on them, making a mockery of the chamber that is supposed to uphold the law,” Giwa said.
He argued that if Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan had not sought legal intervention, the suspension might have stood.
The lawyer also expressed conviction that with a court order explicitly directing the Senate to halt disciplinary actions, the decision to suspend her was null and void.
Giwa further revealed that legal action would be taken against those responsible for violating the court’s directive.
“We are going back to court. The case is coming up in about two weeks, and we will inform the court that despite being served, including the Senate President, they still acted in violation of the order by suspending the plaintiff,” he stated.
When asked if there were plans to escalate the matter to international organizations, Giwa said, “For now, we are handling it locally. But, of course, the world is watching. The Senate must adhere to international best practices, which dictate that once a case is in court, no further action should be taken on it.”
He highlighted that the Nigerian Constitution supersedes the Senate Standing Orders, stating that every citizen had the right to seek redress in court when their civil rights are breached.
“Section 6, subsection 6 of the Constitution grants every citizen the right to seek redress when their civil rights are violated. Senator Natasha has done exactly that. Her suspension is an attempt to silence her for alleging wrongdoing against the Senate President, which amounts to a breach of her right to a fair hearing,” he added.
The Senate imposed a six-month suspension on the lawmaker without pay over what it called the breach of its Standing Orders following her claim of sexual harassment, an allegation that Akpabio denied.
In an earlier interview with Arise Television on February 28, the Kogi senator, who made headlines the previous week after a public dispute with the Senate President over seating arrangements in the Senate, accused Akpabio of making sexual advances towards her.
Her sexual harassment complaint was referred to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions for disciplinary review, which later recommended her suspension.
The resolution of the Senate followed the consideration and adoption of the report of the committee during plenary on Thursday.
The Chairman of the Committee, Senator Neda Imasuen (LP, Edo South) presented the report on the floor of the red chamber.
The report, signed by all 14 members of the committee, offered seven recommendations against the Kogi Central senator.
The committee found her guilty of all allegations against her as she did not attend the investigative hearing to defend herself.
In its recommendations, it proposed that Akpoti-Uduaghan may have the six-month suspension reduced only if she tenders a formal apology to the Senate President for her outburst during last week’s plenary session.
As part of the suspension, the legislator’s salary and security details will be withdraw and her office locked but her legislative aides would receive their remuneration throughout the period.
Meanwhile, the Senate rejected the Imasuen-led committee’s recommendation of an apology, saying such would only be entertained at the end of the six-month suspension.
The seven-point recommendations by Imasuen read, “One, that the Senate do suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months for her total violation of Senate standing rules, bringing the presiding officer and the entire Senate to public opprobrium.
“Two, that for the Senate to consider lifting or reducing the duration of the suspension, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan shall submit a written apology to the Senate before reconsideration.
‘’Three, that the Senate suspend Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan with effect from March 6, 2025, from all legislative activities.
“Four, that her office be locked up for the duration of her suspension and that she hands over all Senate properties in her possession to the Clerk of the National Assembly.
“Five, that for the duration of her suspension, she must not be seen within the vicinity of the Senate or the National Assembly, including her staff.
“Six, that her salaries and allowances, including those of her legislative aides, be suspended, and that all security details assigned to her be withdrawn for the period of her suspension.
“Seven, that during her suspension, she be barred from representing herself locally and internationally as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Whip, others commend panel
In his contribution, the Chief Whip of the Senate, Tahir Monguno; Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro; and Senators Jimoh Ibrahim, Sunday Karimi, Francis Fadahunsi, Mohammed Dandutse, Cyril Fasuyi, and Adams Oshiomhole commended the committee for a job well done.
This is just as they condemned Akpoti-Uduaghan’s disobedience of the Senate Rules, which in their opinion, brought the law-making body into disrepute.
They called for the enforcement of the sanctions, arguing that anything short of that would lay a dangerous precedent for the parliament.
On his part, Senator Orji Kalu (APC, Abia North) sought the protection of the aides of the embattled lawmaker as he called for the amendment of the prayer concerning them.
Kalu said, “We cannot punish the aides of Senator Natasha for an offence they did not commit. They are staff of the National Assembly and they have no other farm or means of livelihood apart from the salaries they earn from the Senate.
“As such, it would be wrong for us as a Senate to deny them and their families their salaries. I move that we should please amend that recommendation and allow them to earn their salaries.”
The Senate agreed with Kalu’s suggestion and saved the Kogi Senator’s aides from losing their salaries for six months.
In a debate featuring lawmakers elected on the platforms of different political parties, the Senate adopted all the recommendations, albeit with an amendment to prayer six, allowing the Kogi lawmaker’s aide to draw their salaries and allowances during the suspension period.
Effort by a former president of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, to stop the red chamber from withdrawing the security aides of the suspended senator failed as the Senate President rejected it.
After the adoption of the report, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan briefly interrupted the proceedings.
She said, “This injustice against me will not be sustained. I will fight against it.”
The Kogi politician was, thereafter, escorted out of the chamber by the Sergeant-At-Arms personnel in the chamber.
She rebuffed efforts by journalists to speak with her as she drove away in her black Sports Utility Vehicle.
Earlier before her suspension, she had resubmitted a sexual harassment petition against Senator Akpabio during plenary, this time, on behalf of her constituents, led by one Zubairu Yakubu.
After confirming there were no legal barriers, Akpabio directed her to lay the petition before the Senate.
Her petition was then referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, chaired by Imasuen with a mandate to report back within four weeks.
Natasha’s husband, my close friend – Akpabio
Meanwhile, Akpabio has disclosed that he slept in a hotel located within the premises of the Dangote Cement factory in Obajana, Kogi State when Akpoti-Uduaghan wedded her heartthrob, Mr Emmanuel Uduaghan.
He said, “The person we are talking about here is the wife of my very good friend, or so I thought. I slept in Dangote Cement Factory in Obajana, Kogi State on the night of Senator Natasha’s wedding because the Kogi airport lights were in a poor state.”
The former governor disclosed that as the Senate President, his responsibility is to protect the institution, relying on the rules.
“The rules give me the power to give a ruling on points of order. I’m in the best position to interpret the rules of the Senate,” he added.
In the same vein, the Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele, denied threatening Akpoti-Uduaghan during a midnight conversation with her and challenged security agencies to investigate his claims.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s colleague from Kogi West Senatorial District, Senator Sunday Karimi also apologised to Akpabio for backing her for a leadership role.
The Senate, thereafter, warned the suspended senator to stop violating the Senate Standing Rules.
The Chief Whip of the Senate, Monguno, gave the warning after reporting to the Senate that the embattled lawmaker had persistently refused to stand to her feet anytime the Senate President led the procession to commence the day’s plenary in clear violation of the Senate Standing Orders 55(1).
Monguno said Akpoti-Uduaghan cannot hide under a session of the rules to air her opinions and at the same time disregard other provisions in the Standing Orders.
“Senator Natasha has been consistently and persistently in breach of this rule. He who comes to equity must come with clean hands. We urge her to study the rules and comply in observance and not in breach,” Monguno said.
However, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension has continued to reverberate across the polity with the NBA, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi expressing displeasure over the handling of the case.
The Chairperson of the NBA Women Forum, Huwaila Muhammad, queried the manner in which the matter was handled.
She stated that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, which is a build up on the dispute between her and Akpabio, might not have been the right decision to take in the interest of justice.
Stressing that in the interest of justice, she deserved fair hearing before such decision should have been taken.
She said, “To start with I will say on the suspension, we are all lawyers and would like to see fairness across board. We know the allegation is very big and he who asserts must prove so we will want her to prove the allegations and we expect fairness in it.
“I see her suspension as a kind of intimidation; you cannot be a judge in your own court. If something affects you, slide by the side and let justice take its course because we need to see fairness.
‘’We as citizens we would like to see a fair level ground for everybody. She is alleging and proving and peradventure she is unable to prove what she has alleged, she knows what would come to her. We are in a democracy, suspension is not the answer.’’
Speaking further, Muhammad noted, “The question here is: Did the committee call her before suspending her? Did she refuse to come? Did she send a representation? If she was not called then what was the yard stick used in suspending her and if she was called and she refused to go that will be very wrong of her because she was called to prove her innocence and her refusing to honour the invite will be wrong.
‘’ Those who suspended her should know there are people out there watching and we all want justice because as far as we are concerned, the Senate is a sacred place and what is happening right now should not be happening.’’
Professor Itsey Sagay (SAN) stated that since the matter was already before a court of law, it should have been left for the courts to decide.
‘’The matter is in court as I know and I’m surprised they didn’t leave it at that stage. I feel very sympathetic towards her because in an assembly full of men there’s a tendency towards self-defence but the men rather than looking at the matter objectively, they didn’t.
‘’I think very seriously she is at a disadvantage in that type of circle. It can never be right because everybody is saying I could be the one. My advice to her is to put the matter behind her and carry on with her life totally ignoring all those things and do her job for her people of Kogi knowing that they elected her,’’ he counselled.
Chief Awa Kalu, SAN, believed the Senate was too hasty in their decision, saying, “My comment on the decision of the Senate is that it is hasty.”
Like the NBA, Wale Balogun (SAN), argued that there are procedural steps that should be followed before the lawmaker was suspended.
“Legally, it is an internal affair of the legislators and they have their rules of engagement provided exercising their right and rules of engagement which they comply with as their own internal rules and regulations and then in addition to that, exercising such actions in compliance with the Constitution.
‘’For instance, was she heard? This is a fundamental constitutional provision. The Constitution requires that your internal procedure notwithstanding, should ensure that the person is invited. She should have been heard.’’
Another senior lawyer, Lekan Ojo (SAN) also questioned the suspension stating that she has a right to cry out to the public.
“They suspended her for what? For crying to the public. But again, there are certain things in life when you get to a particular stage or you attain a particular status in life, there are ways and manners in which you must go about particular things,’’ he noted.
Atiku, PDP caution Senate leadership
The former Vice President, speaking through his media adviser, Paul Ibe, told The PUNCH that Nigerian leaders are not creating an environment that enables women to thrive and contribute to the country’s development.
The Waziri Adamawa expressed concern over the Senate’s decision against Akpoti-Uduaghan, calling it an attack on affirmative action.
He stated, “Has there been an investigation? No. So, Atiku’s position hasn’t changed. Whichever way you look at this, there is a concern. Any society that does not optimally use the assets available to it, particularly by giving women the opportunity to thrive, is failing.
“About half of our population is women, and if we don’t deliberately create an environment conducive to promoting women’s interests—whether in politics, business, or any other human endeavour—we are underutilizing our potential.
“We’re not providing half of our population the opportunities to thrive and add value to society. With International Women’s Day coming up on March 8, it raises serious concerns. The Senate’s action of suspending Natasha for six months without conducting an investigation is an attack on affirmative action.”
Obi, who spoke through his former media aide and the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Tanko Yunusa, also frowned on the development.
“The situation is quite disappointing,” he lamented.
The PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, criticised Akpabio for not stepping down to allow an independent investigation into the sexual harassment allegations against him.
Osadolor described the six-month suspension imposed on Uduaghan-Akpoti as shameful.
The PDP youth leader equally dragged opposition lawmakers for failing to speak out and make their voices heard when it mattered most.
He stated, “The Senate President should have excused himself; he wasn’t truly a man of integrity. He should have stepped aside and allowed the investigation to proceed. I was deeply moved by this, and I’m sure every person of goodwill would be as well.
“Natasha could have been our sister, our wife, our daughter, or our mother. To see them all gang up and use state power and bureaucracy to silence her voice is shameful. For me, it was even more shameful for the opposition members on the floor of the Senate. They failed to speak up when it mattered.
“They were trying to stay in Akpabio’s good books. Looking at the whole situation, no one could stand up to be counted because they didn’t want to be kicked out or labelled as rebels. It’s a shame. But I believe Natasha has made her points. Though the majority will have their way, the minority will also have their day.”
The leadership of the Labour Party on called on the Nigerian Senate to reconsider the suspension of the legislator.
In a telephone interview, the National Publicity Secretary of LP, Obiora Ifoh, described the verdict as a disheartening and shoddy arrangement.
He said, “The suspension is draconian. The woman, I am told, was not given the opportunity to properly defend herself. That is where I and most Nigerians have issues. Don’t forget she is representing an entire senatorial zone with eight or more local governments.
“Asking her not to be in the senate for six months is undemocratic. The Labour Party stands for gender inclusivity. If the woman said that injustice was done, then they should critically look at the woman’s complaint. But unilaterally suspending her without hearing her out is injustice.
“The Labour Party does not support that. So, I think they should bring her back and revisit her case. If she says that there was an allegation of sexual harassment, at least, you should look into it and whoever is involved should clear himself of that.
“But we discovered the person is even the judge in a matter that concerns him. Where is that done? So, I think that matter should be revisited.”
The National Publicity Secretary of the New Nigeria People’s Party, Ladipo Johnson, expressed shock at the outcome.
According to him, the complaint brought to the floor of the Senate should have been properly investigated before an action was taken.
“Well, should someone be suspended for raising an issue fundamental to her well-being and others? That’s one question. There’s another argument about her sitting position. When Akpabio argued about his sitting position in the past, was he also suspended?
“If a person is saying that certain thing happened to me, and you strike it out on a technicality, saying that she signed it herself or something. You haven’t even gone into the details or the merits of the matter to know whether she lied or she was right.
“Instead, you punished the person by suspending her for six months and withholding her allowances, salary and other benefits. It doesn’t seem straightforward to me. That’s all I’ll say,” he stated.
[Punch]
Tension has heightened in Rivers State, as the dreaded militant group, Niger Delta Rescue Movement, NDRM, warned the Federal Government not to withhold the allocation meant for the state or face a total cut in the oil production.
It also issued a directive to all non-indigenes to consider their safety and leave Rivers State as hostilities were about to escalate.
The group also declared that, except the Federal Government and all the players involved in the crisis do the needful by sheathing their swords, it would hit the nation’s oil production if the allocation due to the state was not released timely.
Recall that the Supreme Court on Friday upheld the decision of the lower court by stopping the state allocation until a valid House of Assembly which has Martin Amaewhule as Speaker, is constituted.
In a follow up to the judgment, Amaewhule on Monday issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Governor Siminalayi Fubara to present the 2025 budget before the House. The ultimatum had since expired on the midnight of Wednesday.
Also on Wednesday, the Amaewhule-led House directed the state governor to sack all commissioners and political appointees and re-submit for screening, a list of new commissioner nominees.
A trending video on a social media platform featured the militants numbering about eight armed with AK-47 and other assorted riffles in an unknown forest, yesterday, chanting “asawana, asawana,” a common slogan among the Ijaw people of the Niger delta region.
A supposed leader of the group declared in a letter he read, “We the Niger Delta Rescue Movement wish to express our deep concern regarding the recent development in Rivers State threatening the smooth governance of our beloved state under the leadership of Governor Fubara.
“It has come to our attention that certain individuals proclaim as lawmakers have issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the state governor to present the 2025 state budget. This blatant attempt to destabilize the state is not only alarming but also a clear attempt and coordinated effort to incite hell, potentially to lead to a state of emergency or even an impeachment.
“We call on President Bola Tinubu to intervene immediately and put a stop to the action of the minister, Nyesom Wike and his associate, whose intent is to drag Rivers State to avoidable crisis. The people of Rivers state like stability, progress and a conducive environment for governance.
“Furthermore, we must make it abundantly clear that the youths of Rivers State will not sit idly while our state is dragged into turmoil. If the federal allocation due to Rivers State cannot be released promptly, we will have no choice but to take a decisive action including hitting oil production.”
The three minutes, 28 seconds video also showed the militants saying, “We can’t generate money into the Federation Account and not have our own share. Our workers deserve their salaries, our government needs the necessary resources to carry out essential development projects.”
They went on to urge the non-indigenes to leave the state for their safety, saying “We urge all non-indigenes in Rivers State to consider their safety and leave the state promptly as the situation may escalate. We cherish the safety of all residents and urge for a peaceful resolution to this crisis. Enough is enough. We stand united for the rest and future of Rivers State. We demand respect from our leaders and focus on the development of our region,” they warned.
Acts against Fubara contain elements of treason – CISLAC
Meanwhile, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, CISLAC, has described as treasonable felony, the actions perpetrated against Governor Fubara since he assumed office.
Legal Manager of the Transition Monitoring Group, TMG, CISLAC, Mr Gimba Hassan, in a statement in Abuja, said: “It is my belief that some of the actions against Fubara contain elements of treason under Section 37 of the Criminal Code Act and treasonable felony under Section 40 of the same Act.
“When you examine the use of violence against the governor, the burning of the state House of Assembly, the withdrawal of his security, and the deployment of thugs to take over local government councils during elections, it becomes clear that these acts were intended to intimidate and overpower the governor, which falls within the legal definitions of treason and treasonable felony.
“This is especially worrisome in a country where even peaceful protests by minors are sometimes treated as treason,” Hassan said.
He added that the Rivers State House of Assembly’s 48-hour ultimatum for the governor to present the budget was unlawful and lacked legal backing.
Citing El-Rufai vs. House of Representatives (2003) and the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act, he explained that a minimum of seven days’ notice was required for a valid legislative summons.
He emphasised that the 48-hour ultimatum was a clear violation of established legal and parliamentary procedures.
“With its judgment, the Supreme Court has effectively stalled governance in Rivers, and the state Assembly is worsening the crisis by proceeding on a 12-week recess.
“This is despite the fact that the House had virtually no legislative activity for months while the matter was in court.
“Our constitution begins with the phrase “We the People…It is the people who gave power to our institutions, elected the governor and his deputy, and voted for the members of the state Assembly.
Further, he said: “It is time for all parties to come together, resolve their disputes, and move the state forward.”
[Vanguard]
Shehu Sani, a former senator, says he was nearly suspended for six months in the upper chamber for disclosing the remuneration of federal lawmakers in 2018.
In a post published on his X handle on Thursday, Sani said he would have been suspended if not for the “immediate rescue” of Bukola Saraki, then senate president, and his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu,
The former senator from Kaduna stated that any senator who “blows the whistle too loudly” will have to face the consequences of their actions alone, without support from fellow members.
“When I publicly disclosed the salaries and allowances of the senators, it nearly earned me a SIX months suspension if not for divine intervention, Saraki and Ekwerenmadu’s immediate rescue,” he wrote
When I publicly disclosed the salaries and allowances of the Senators, it nearly earned me a SIX months suspension if not for Divine Intervention,Saraki and Ekwerenmadu’s immediate rescue.Just know that if you are there and you blow whistle too loudly,you will be “On your Own”,no…
— Senator Shehu Sani (@ShehuSani) March 6, 2025
In March 2018, the former senator revealed that he and his colleagues received N13.5 million monthly as running cost.
Sani had also disclosed that the senator received N200 million as constituency project fund.
The former senator’s revelation was met with strong disapproval from many of his colleagues, as the salaries of federal lawmakers are usually kept confidential.
Sani’s comments come on the heels of the decision of the senate to suspend Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi central, for six months.
The decision followed the adoption of the report by the senate committee on ethics, privileges, and public petitions.
The Kogi senator was suspended following an altercation she had with Senate President Godswill Akpabio on February 20.
On February 28, in an interview on Arise TV, the Kogi senator alleged that her trouble in the senate began after she rejected sexual advances from the senate president.
[TheCable]
The Nigeria Sanctions Committee (NSC) has designated Simon Ekpa, 14 other persons and two entities, for their alleged involvement in supporting terrorist activities and terrorism financing.
The committee further directed financial institutions to freeze their assets and report any transactions related to the individuals and entities to the Sanctions Committee and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU).
The designations were part of Nigeria’s efforts to comply with international standards on combating terrorism financing, as outlined in the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The full list of designated individuals and entities include: Simon Ekpa Njoku – Born 21 March 1985, with accounts in Guaranty Trust Bank; Godstime Promise Iyare – Born 20 May 1996, with accounts in Access Bank, UBA, and Moniepoint; Francis Chukwuedo Mmaduabuchi – Born 27 September 1987, with accounts in Ecobank and Fidelity.
Others are John Anayo Onwumere – Born 5 March 1987, with accounts in Sterling and Zenith; Chikwuka Godwin Eze – Born 5 May 1975, with accounts in First Bank and Access Bank; Edwin Augustine Chukwuedo – Born 27 May 1983, with accounts in Union and Ecobank; Chinwendu Joy Owoh – Born 10 February 1982, with accounts in First Bank and GTB; Ginika Jane Orji – Born 5 October 1995, with accounts in Blueridge and Opay; Awo Uchechukwu – Born 11 December 1978, with an account in First Bank.
The committee also listed Mercy Ebere Ifeoma Ali – Born 7 July 1998, with accounts in Access and FCMB; Ohagwu Nneka Juliana – Born 15 August 1985, with an account in UBA; Eze Chibuike Okpoto – Born 12 January 1989, with accounts in Access and FCMB; Nwaobi Henry Chimezie – Born 12 June 1991, with accounts in Access and UBA; Ogomu Peace Kewe – Born 27 June 1997, with accounts in Access and Zenith; Igwe Ka Ala Enterprises – With accounts in Access Bank and GTB; Seficuvi Global Company – With accounts in Access Bank and Ecobank; and Lakurawa Group are those indicted.
While giving details of the designations, the committee said: “Simon Ekpa: Known for his role in facilitating about 49 fundraisers across different countries between October 2023 and September 2024, Ekpa allegedly used social media platforms to orchestrate attacks on government facilities, particularly military and paramilitary formations in Nigeria’s southeast. These actions resulted in significant loss of life and property damage.
“Godstime Promise Iyare: Linked to local fundraising activities for IPOB, Iyare was identified through an account at United Bank for Africa used to collect funds from members in Nigeria. His mobile phone number was associated with multiple National Identity Numbers, raising concerns about identity manipulation.
“Francis Chukwuedo Mmaduabuchi: Accused of using a Moniepoint account to receive donations from IPOB members in Nigeria, Mmaduabuchi’s activities were uncovered through intelligence sources.
“John Anayo Onwumere: Born on March 5, 1987, Onwumere was linked to a Sterling Bank account number 0026224269, which was reportedly used to receive donations from members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Nigeria.
“Chikwuka Godwin Eze: Born on May 5, 1975, Eze was associated with an Access Bank account number 0108595489. This account was used by members of the BRGIE local chapter from ‘Odumegu State Defactor’ and ‘Urhobo Isoko State Defacto’ based in Anambra State and Delta State respectively, to contribute to the group.
“Edwin Augustine Chukwuedo: Born on May 27, 1983, Chukwuedo was involved with a Flutterwave account number 9461730261. Similar to Eze, this account was used by BRGIE members for contributions.
“Chiwendu Joy Owoh: Born on February 10, 1982, Owoh was identified with a Moniepoint MFB account number 6474876289. This account was part of a structure created by BRGIE to collect funds from its members in Nigeria.
“Ginika Jane Orji: Born on October 5, 1995, Orji was linked to an Opay account number 8039231985, which was reportedly used to receive donations from members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Nigeria.
“Awo Uchechukwu: Born on December 11, 1978, Uchechukwu is identified as a Commander of the Eastern Security Network (ESN). He was reported to have received funds directly from Simon Ekpa to finance the activities of the group through his First Bank account number 3060144916.
“Mercy Ebere Ifeoma Ali: Born on July 7, 1998, Ali was associated with an Access Bank account number 1612608952. This account was used by the BRGIE to collect funds from its members in Nigeria.
“Ohagwu Nneka Juliana: Born on August 15, 1985, Juliana was linked to a UBA account number 2147559148. Similar to Ali, this account was used by BRGIE for fund collection.
“Eze Chibuike Okpoto: Born on January 12, 1989, Okpoto was linked to an Access Bank account with account number 0071127599. This account was reportedly used to receive funds from members of the Biafran Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE) to support Biafra self-referendum via its Telegram groups.
“Nwaobi Henry Chimezie: Born on June 12, 1991, Chimezie was associated with a Moniepoint Micro Finance Bank account number 8276850931. This account was used by BRGIE to collect funds from its members in Nigeria.
“Ogumu Peace Kewu: Born on June 27, 1997, Kewu was involved with First Bank accounts, including account numbers 3180578127 (NGN) and 3180578127 (USD). These accounts were used to facilitate USD donations to Nigeria.
“Igwe Ka Ala Enterprises: Owned by Okudah Uchenna Anthony, this enterprise used a Zenith Bank account with account number 1226773554 to collect donations for BRGIE.
“Seficuvi Global Company: Owned by Godswill Ogborin Nwaodun, this company’s bank accounts were reported to be used by BRGIE to collect funds from members in Nigeria.
“Lakurawa is part of Jama’at Nusrat Al-Islam Wal Muslimin (JNIM), a militant group active across Mali, Burkina Faso, Benin, Niger, and Nigeria. Since 2016, Lakurawa has established a presence in Nigeria, particularly in Sokoto and Kebbi States. The group engages in violent attacks, assassinations, and enforcement of radical Islamist rule, imposing strict governance on communities. It also finances its activities through extortion, forced taxation, cattle rustling, and ransom from kidnappings.”
‘This Injustice Will Not Be Sustained’ - Natasha Hails Self, Says Senate Decision Mere Suspension, Not Expulsion
AFOLABI
The suspended Senator representing Kogi Central in the Senate, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, has once again reacted to her suspension for 180 days from the Upper Legislative chamber, reiterating that the action was an injustice that will not stand.
She also said that it was a mere suspension from the Senate and not an expulsion.
Recall that Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan was earlier on Thursday suspended by the Senate for a period of six months over violation of Senate rules and other misconduct after a face-off with the Senate President Godswill Akpabio over seating arrangement in the Red Chamber penultimate week.
Natasha
The crisis took a new twist when the female Senator days after accused Akpabio of sexual harassment, abuse of office and deliberate frustration of her legislative rights because she refused to yield to his advances.
Taking to her social media handles later this Thursday night, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan reaffirmed what she told her colleagues earlier in the day on her way out of the Red Chamber after her suspension was pronounced, when she posted that ‘This Injustice Will Not Be Sustained!’
She further hailed herself, saying: “Suspended, not expelled.
“Pierced but not broken.
“The voice may be temporarily tamed but cannot be silenced.
“I salute your courage, my distinguished Senator Natasha H. Akpoti, in the face of this storm
“My confidence is in the fact that, just like the other Storms, you will come out victorious and better prepared to serve your people.”
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Thursday, quizzed the immediate-past minister for women affairs, Uju Kennedy Ohanenye, over her alleged roles in misappropriation, violation of procurement process and diversion of public funds to the tune of N138,413,253.89 in the course of disbursing the 2023 budgeted funds for the ministry.
EFCC sources, who spoke to LEADERSHIP, said the former minister arrived the anti-graft commission headquarters around 11:00am on Thursday and faced interrogators on her alleged involvement in the fraud.
The sources said investigations by the EFCC showed that funds donated for the funding of P-BAT Cares for Women Initiative were allegedly diverted for her self enrichment.
As at press time Thursday evening, interrogation was still ongoing as she had not been admitted to administrative bail
Justice Ayokunle Faji of the Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the final forfeiture of $1.4million linked to the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, to the federal government.
The judge initially granted a final forfeiture order on June 24, 2024, but set it aside on June 27, 2024, after it was challenged by the respondents.
The court subsequently directed the respondents to file a suit to show why the money should not be forfeited to the federal government and for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to re-argue the application.
The respondents argued that they were unaware of the funds and claimed the money was not a proceeds of any criminal activity.
However, in his judgement on Thursday, Justice Faji reaffirmed the final forfeiture of the $1.4million, stating that the EFCC had successfully demonstrated that the money was obtained through unlawful activities.
During the proceedings,EFCC counsel, Bahari-Bala, disclosed that $1,426,175.14 was located in the account of Donatone Limited at Titan Trust Bank (Account No. 2000000500), and investigations revealed that the funds were linked to fraudulent activities.
According to an affidavit sworn to by EFCC investigator David Jayeoba, intelligence reports led to the discovery of concealed funds in Donatone Limited’s account. Jayeoba claimed that the investigation unveiled a scheme involving Emefiele and his associates, including Donatone Limited directors Uzeobo Anthony and Adebanjo Olurotimi, who allegedly assisted in hiding and disguising the proceeds of illegal activities.
The investigation further indicated that between 2021 and 2022, during a time when foreign exchange was scarce in Nigeria, many international companies struggled to obtain forex.
Emefiele and his associates reportedly collected bribes and kickbacks from businesses seeking forex approvals. One entity identified as NP allegedly deposited $26,552,000 into Donatone Limited’s account at Titan Trust Bank.
In total, Donatone Limited received $26,555,000, with the current balance in the account being $1,426,175.14. This amount is what the EFCC sought to forfeit to the Federal Government of Nigeria, having been traced to the unlawful activities of Godwin Emefiele and his associates.
The investigation revealed that international entities seeking forex were pressured into paying substantial sums during this period. Additionally, the signatories to the account holding the amount of $1,426,17
5.14 are currently at large.
About a month after closing down the Onitsha Drug Market, popularly known as ‘Ogbo Ogu Market’, the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has reopened the market.
NAFDAC officials in charge of the South-East zone had closed the market following searches and discovery of fake and substandard drugs in the market.
The South-East zonal director of the regulatory agency, Mr Martins Iluyomade, announced the re-opening of the market on Thursday during a meeting with officials of the Anambra State government, officials of the drug market association as well as traders from the adjourning markets selling timbers, plumbing materials, among others.
Speaking on the findings of the agency in the markets, the NAFDAC South-East zonal director said: “It is saddening to see that we have people amongst us whose only way of making money is by destabilising the country and killing people.
“We have confiscated over 50 trailers of fake and substandard drugs. We have many still in warehouses in town and we are coming after them. The volume of narcotics we saw here is enough to destabilise any nation. There is a link between the circulation of narcotics and insecurity. Check any country that there is insecurity and breakdown of law and order, you will see that narcotics is in high supply.
“This is a sad story, the number of narcotics we have found here. The people dealing in it know the effect, but they are doing it because people say the sale of narcotics is more lucrative than cocaine.
“We have also seen people who deliberately go and bring substandard and fake drugs. People import tablets in nylon bags with no label and they will bring it here and put it in packs and put label on them for sale. We saw a lot of it. We saw medicines that had been banned as far back as 2007, but people are stocking it.
“Many of them were banned because they cause cancer, and new replacement produced, but people still stocked them. That is wickedness. Another category is unregistered drugs. The volume of those medicines are usually small on the counter, but has large cache of them in warehouses outside the market.”
Iluyomade said even some genuine drugs were stored in manners that they lost their efficacy and even become harmful, far before their expiration date.
“The storage of the drug is also a problem. There is no ventilation in all the packing stores we visited. Medicine are supposed to be kept under certain weather where they maintain their effectiveness. Medicines are chemicals and even those who sell registered original medicines have had them expired long before the expiry date.
Iluyomade said even though the market would be reopened from Friday, March 7, about 4,000 shops would, however, remained locked until their owners come to the agency and explain certain drugs found inside their shops.
Leaders of the market unions expressed happiness about the news to reopen the markets, while pledging to work with the agency to identify traders who deal in illegal drugs.
Chairman of the Plumbing Materials Market, Mr Chikodili Ejiofor, expressed shock about the quantity of drugs found in his market. He said: “I don’t deal in drugs, my market is for plumbing materials and I was shocked at the number of drugs found in my market. Tramadol, codeine and many others were all found in the market to my amazement.”
Also, Ogbogwu Market chairman, Mr Ndubuisi Chukwuleta, said: “Before now, we were trying to check fake drugs in our own capacity, but now that NAFDAC has come in, our duty is quite less. We will always report to you. We will tell neighbouring markets to put their ears on the ground and ensure that they help us. This suffering our members are into, only a few people caused it for us, but thank God you are here now.”
Anambra State government officials at the meeting, who is the Special Adviser to the Governor on Pharmaceuticals, Dr Nnadozie Godwin, and the Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, both pledged the support of the state governor in cleansing the markets of fake drugs.
Obidike said: “Sanitising drug trade saves more lives than what hospitals save. The lives that NAFDAC has saved so far through this exercise is more than what hospitals saved. We thank the traders for cooperating with them the day they came because if it wasn’t so, maybe the outcome would not have been what we have seen today.”
The Pan African Conglomerate Dangote Industries Limited, (Dangote Group), and its subsidiaries has disclosed that it paid over N402 billion in taxes in 2024, making it the highest taxpayer in the country.
Dangote’s Chief Branding and Communication Officer, Anthony Chiejina, declared during a meeting with some senior media executives who visited him in his Lagos Office that Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) and its subsidiaries, namely, Dangote Cement, NASCON, Dangote Packaging Limited among others, remitted a total of N402.319billion for the out-gone year as taxes as responsible business enterprises.
Recall that Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) had in late 2024 recognised DIL and its subsidiary, Bluestar Shipping as the most tax compliant organizations in the country during its Special Day at the 2024 Lagos International Trade Fair organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).
The Federal Inland Revenue Service is Nigeria’s agency responsible for assessing, collecting and accounting for tax and other revenues accruing to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Chiejina told his visitors that as a responsible business organisation, DIL and its subsidiaries have never shied away from its obligations either to the government in the form of tax payment at all levels or to host communities in the form of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
According to him, the Group’s corporate strategy has evolved just as its businesses have grown, matured and diversified into new sectors and regions over the last four decades, noting that Dangote Group has almost single-handedly taken Nigeria to self-sufficiency in cement and refined petroleum products and is expanding rapidly across Africa.
Dangote Group and its and its subsidiaries, were recognised as number one most compliant in tax payment in the country, just as its subsidiary Dangote Cement, the country’s leading cement manufacturer, at another occasion won three awards at the FMDQ Gold Awards in Lagos as the most active business in the Foreign Exchange market.
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‘God Had Destined That She Would Die That Day’ – Cleric Who ‘Killed’ Kwara Final-Year Student
AFOLABI
There was a dramatic turn of events at a Kwara State Magistrate’s Court on Thursday when Abdulrahman Mohammed Bello, the prime suspect in the murder of a final-year College of Education student, Hafsah Lawal, shockingly exonerated his co-defendants.
Bello, who was arraigned alongside Ahmed Abdulwasiu (41), Suleiman Muyideen (28), Jamiu Uthman (29), and Abdulrahmon Jamiu (31), interrupted court proceedings, insisting that the other accused persons were innocent of the crime.
He pleaded with the presiding Magistrate S.B. Mohammed, “I want to say something, Ma.
“The remaining suspects don’t know anything about the crime I committed. I committed the crime alone, and I hereby appeal to this court to release them.”
How Hafsah Lawal Was Killed
The court, intrigued by his statement, asked him to explain what transpired on the day of the incident.
He said, “When Hafsah arrived at my house, she said she was hungry because she hadn’t eaten before coming. I told her to cook, but because she was very hungry, I decided to buy food for both of us.
“After we ate, we started romancing and later had sex. But because God had destined that she would die that day, she died in the process.”
Why I Dismembered Her Body – Bello
Bello further admitted to dismembering Hafsah’s body, revealing that panic led him to make irrational decisions.
He claimed, “The only mistake I made that day was not calling for help. I became nervous, so I decided to dismember her body. I packed her remains and dumped them in a public dustbin, where the police later recovered some parts.
“The only part found in my house was her hands, which I hadn’t disposed of because I was scared and ran away.”
When asked if he had committed such a crime before, Bello denied being a serial offender.
He said, “I have never done such a thing before. This was my first time. It was a spirit that entered me, and once it left, I realized what I had done was bad. Please allow the other suspects to go free.”
In her ruling, Magistrate Mohammed stated that the State Attorney General’s legal advice had confirmed that all five suspects had a case to answer.
“This case is beyond the jurisdiction of this court,” the magistrate ruled. “The matter has been transferred to the State High Court, where the accused persons will stand trial.”
The case was adjourned until March 20, 2025, for further hearing.
Dangote Industries Limited (Dangote Group), along with its subsidiaries, has announced it paid over ₦402 billion in taxes in 2024, making it the highest taxpayer in the country.
Naija News reports that Dangote’s Chief Branding and Communication Officer, Anthony Chiejina, disclosed in a statement on Thursday.
Chiejina stated that Dangote Industries Limited (DIL) and its subsidiaries, namely, Dangote Cement, NASCON, Dangote Packaging Limited, among others, remitted a total of ₦402.319 billion for the out-gone year as taxes as responsible business enterprises.
The company’s spokesman said as a responsible business organisation, DIL and its subsidiaries were committed to their obligations to the government in tax payment at all levels or to host communities in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
“Recall that Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) had in late 2024 recognised DIL and its subsidiary, Bluestar Shipping as the most tax compliant organizations in the country during its Special Day at the 2024 Lagos International Trade Fair organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).
“The Federal Inland Revenue Service is Nigeria’s agency responsible for assessing, collecting and accounting for tax and other revenues accruing to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
“The Group’s corporate strategy has evolved just as its businesses have grown, matured and diversified into new sectors and regions over the last four decades, noting that Dangote Group has almost single-handedly taken Nigeria to self-sufficiency in cement and refined petroleum products and is expanding rapidly across Africa.
“Dangote Group and its and its subsidiaries, were recognised as number one most compliant in tax payment in the country, just as its subsidiary Dangote Cement, the country’s leading cement manufacturer, at another occasion won three awards at the FMDQ Gold Awards in Lagos as the most active business in the Foreign Exchange market,” it read in part.
The 10th Senate, led by Godswill Akpabio, on Thursday suspended the lawmaker representing Kogi Central senatorial district, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, for six months over alleged misconduct in the red chamber.
Naija News reports that the suspension followed the consideration and adoption of the report presented by Senator Neda Imasuen, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, and Public Petitions, during plenary.
Here is a list of senators who have previously faced suspension:
1. Femi Okurounmu (Ogun Central) – 1999
Senator Okurounmu was suspended in 1999 after alleging that fellow senators were planning to impeach President Olusegun Obasanjo. He was later recalled after tendering an apology to the Senate.
2. Joseph Waku (Benue) – 2000
In 2000, Senator Waku suggested that a military coup would be preferable to allowing President Obasanjo to continue ruling as a dictator. This statement led to his suspension due to its controversial nature.
3. Arthur Nzeribe (Imo, Orlu Constituency) – 2002
Senator Nzeribe was indefinitely suspended in November 2002 over a ₦22 million fraud allegation.
4. Isah Mohammed (Niger Central) – 2004
In October 2004, Senator Mohammed was suspended for two weeks after physically assaulting Senator Iyabo Anisulowo outside the National Assembly lobby. The altercation was reportedly related to the disbursement of committee funds.
5. Ali Ndume (Borno South) – 2017
Senator Ndume was suspended for six months in 2017 after calling for an investigation into allegations involving then Senate President Bukola Saraki and Senator Dino Melaye.
6. Ovie Omo-Agege (Delta Central) – 2018
In 2018, Senator Omo-Agege was suspended after opposing the election reordering bill. Despite apologizing for his stance, he sought a court order to prevent the Senate from suspending him, which led to his suspension.
7. Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) – 2024
Senator Ningi was suspended for three months in 2024 after alleging that the National Assembly padded the 2024 budget by ₦3 trillion.
8. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central)
The lawmaker representing Kogi Central senatorial district, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, on the 6th of March, 2025, was suspended for six months over alleged misconduct in the red chamber.
Bitcoin Chart Shows Back to Back Weekly Hammer Candles, Seen Only a Handful Of Times in BTC History
Admin
The past few weeks have been highly volatile for bitcoin (BTC), with price action reflecting sharp swings. In the past two weeks bitcoin traded on an open-high, lower-close candlestick pattern with double-digit percentage differences.
The week beginning Feb. 24 saw bitcoin drop to a low of $78,167 and climb to a high of $96,515, a 23% swing. The following week, starting Mar. 3, recorded a low of $81,444 and a high of $94,415, marking a 16% swing.
These large candlestick formations are known as hammer candles, as defined by analyst Checkmate, where the lower or upper wick makes up 90% of the total price range, leaving a small body with a long wick.
Checkmate’s analysis shows that Bitcoin has formed a weekly hammer candle with a 90% lower wick only five times in its history. These instances occurred during the 2017 bull run, the late 2021 bull market peak near $69,000, twice in 2023—following the Silicon Valley Bank crisis and again after the summer downturn—and once in 2024, also during a summer lull.
While the data does not show a clear pattern in bitcoin’s cycle, the 2017 bull market correction stands out, suggesting that such formations could signal critical turning points in price trends. Disclaimer: Parts of this article were generated with the assistance from AI tools and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and adherence to our standards. For more information, see CoinDesk’s full AI Policy.
[Coin Desk]