The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has sanctioned nine Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) with a cumulative fine of ₦1.35 billion for failing to dispense naira notes through Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) during the Yuletide period.

Each of the banks was fined ₦150 million for violating the CBN’s cash distribution guidelines. The penalties followed spot checks conducted at various branches of the affected banks, revealing their non-compliance.

The sanctioned banks include Fidelity Bank Plc, First Bank Plc, Keystone Bank Plc, Union Bank Plc, Globus Bank Plc, Providus Bank Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc, and Sterling Bank Plc.

Confirming the development, the acting Director of Corporate Communications at the CBN, Mrs. Hakama Sidi Ali, stated that the fines would be directly debited from the accounts of the defaulting banks with the apex bank.

“The CBN will not hesitate to impose further sanctions on any institution found violating its cash circulation guidelines,” she said.

Mrs. Ali emphasised that the CBN’s monitoring efforts would continue, with investigations aimed at exposing cash hoarding and rationing practices at bank branches and by Point-of-Sale (POS) operators.

“The Central Bank is working with security agencies to crack down on illegal cash sales and operational violations, including enforcing the daily cumulative withdrawal limit of ₦1.2 million for POS operators,” she added.

The enforcement action came on the heels of repeated warnings from the CBN to financial institutions to ensure seamless cash availability, particularly during periods of high demand.

LEADERSHIP reports that CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, had earlier cautioned banks to adhere strictly to cash distribution policies or face stringent penalties. Speaking at the Annual Bankers’ Dinner of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) in November 2024, he reaffirmed the CBN’s commitment to ensuring efficient cash circulation across the financial system.

“Our focus remains on fostering trust, ensuring stability, and guaranteeing seamless cash circulation across the financial system,” Cardoso stated.

The Kebbi State Police Command has revealed that its officers rejected a bribe of ₦1 million cash offered by suspects linked to the notorious Lakurawa terrorist group.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, identified the suspects as Umaru Garba, 53, of Dangandu village; Alhaji Abubakar Alhaji Mamman, 51, of Maimaichi village, both in Arewa local government area of the State, and Usman Muhammadu, 50, of Bakaramba village in Argungu local government area of the State.

According to the PPRO, the suspects attempted to bribe the lead investigator with ₦1,060,000 to compromise an ongoing investigation into a banditry case involving suspected Lakurawa terrorists operating in northern part of Kebbi State. The incident occurred at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) premises in Gwadangaji, Birnin Kebbi.

“The suspects conspired to offer the bribe to influence the outcome of the investigation and prosecution,” CSP Abubakar said. He confirmed that the three suspects were immediately arrested, adding, “Investigations are ongoing, and they will be charged to court upon its conclusion.”

The State’s Commissioner of Police, Bello Sani, praised the detectives for their integrity and professionalism in rejecting the bribe. He urged all officers in the command to emulate this example in the fight against crime.

“This act of professionalism demonstrates the unwavering commitment of the Kebbi State Police Command to upholding justice and ensuring the rule of law,” the statement added.

He further assured residents of Kebbi State that the command remains resolute in its efforts to combat banditry and other criminal activities, emphasising that such efforts are vital to promoting socio-economic development in the region.

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved the release of 52 inmates from various correctional facilities across the state and the commutation of 6 death row sentences to life imprisonment.

Sanwo-Olu made this decision based on recommendations from the Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy.

A release signed by the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN), said the Governor’s order also permits the immediate release of 35 inmates, while the remaining 17 inmates will be released after serving an additional term of 3 to 6 months.

Pedro stated that the decision was made under the governor’s powers as outlined in Section 212 (1) & (2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

He also maintained that the decision aligns with Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to decongest correctional facilities in Lagos State as part of the Justice Sector Reforms.

The AG said, “The Advisory Council on the Prerogative of Mercy exercised due diligence in evaluating the applications presented before it. Its recommendations were based on guidelines, including information from correctional facility authorities, the nature of the offences, the length of incarceration, the age and health condition of the inmates, and their behaviour while incarcerated.

“Before their release, correctional centres must confirm that arrangements are in place for the rehabilitation and reintegration of the inmates into society.

“The governor has also urged the inmates to maintain good behaviour after release.

“The release order will be enacted upon completing the necessary administrative processes by the correctional facilities,” Pedro stated.

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, on Tuesday, said the arrest of Simon Ekpa in Finland has significantly reduced the tension in the South-East part of Nigeria.

The defence chief stated this when he appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Defence for the 2025 budget proposal defence session.

According to him, the arrest of Ekpa, coupled with the setting up Operation Udoka by the Defence Headquarters, was restoring peace in the South-East region.

General Musa said, “With the arrest of Simon Ekpa, it has greatly reduced the tension. Also with Operation Udoka, we’re also doing that, picking up most of the leadership that are there, taking them out, and then making sure that the place is peaceful.

“The sit-at-home on Mondays is gradually diminishing. We’re also working with the political leaders there because we understand, like I say always, we need to have the local support because without it, it’s difficult. You know, the terrain is very challenging, so we need to work together. It is improving.

“Like we always appeal for Nigerians to understand that they have to take ownership of their Armed Forces, they have to take ownership of the security challenges we are facing. It’s not the challenge for the Armed Forces alone or security agencies, it’s everybody’s responsibility to do.

“And we’re happy that we’re beginning to get that support from everywhere. Human intelligence information is coming, it’s flowing quite very well and we are taking adequate action and that’s why we see things are improving.

“What we have done is that we have established and enhanced kinetic efforts for the three Services for our operations. We have the Delta Safe, which is in the South-South for oil theft and militancy. At least for the first time now, we have been able to reach our OPEC oil quota for Nigeria and we intend to do more.

“Our target is to hit 2.2 million barrels a day for Nigeria. It’s not something that we can also do alone. We also need the other stakeholders in the oil industry to also play their own role. We are doing more, providing more security. We are close to 2 million barrels per day. We intend to do more. This year, we want to intensify our operations.

“We have formed groups that are discussing with the locals. And we have found that, that discussion has helped a lot. So we have the religious leaders, the cultural leaders, and every stakeholder is also part of it. We realize that if we carry everybody along, it makes it a lot easier. Like we say, the best General is that General that does not need to shoot. If you are able to solve the problem without firing, it is better.

“So that by the time we do that, those ones are willing to move, we move them out, and those ones that are unwilling, then we go after them. But the kinetic and the non-kinetic must continue to go hand in hand. And it is working very well,” the CDS said.

While calling for the improvement of border management to address the problem of smuggling, the four-star General said: “We have rescued a number of children being trafficked across Nigeria to other countries. And then trafficking of drugs, small arms, light weapons.

“We’re working in tandem with the Customs. When we make such arrests, we call either the NDLEA or call the Customs and hand over to them. So these are extra things that we’re doing.

“Now what is our other concern? Troops’ welfare. We know generally the economy, everybody is having the heat. And we’re no different. So we’re looking at the aspect of also improving the welfare for our troops, the RCA (Ration Cash Allowance). We’re still struggling at less than N2,000 per soldier per head to feed.

“We’re happy that Mr. President has recently increased the salaries to some extent of the junior class, which is the junior grade of personnel, which has also enhanced their ability. We know the country is going through so much and it’s not only the military that needs support, but I think we want to get more, we can do more.

“We also need accommodation. Every year we are recruiting almost 25,000 for all the services. And those ones going on retirement, every year they are not up to 5,000. So you see we’re getting almost 20,000 into the system. The issue of new barracks, construction, old barracks, renovation, these are issues we have to addess because now that we’re beginning to get peace.

“Gradually we’re going to return to barracks. We don’t want to go back to barracks and then we’ll start living in tents or in batchers like it was before. So it’s important that we’re able to work ahead to establish new barracks that have been established and then to be able to carry out renovation.”

The House committee’s chairman, Hon. Babajimi Benson, assured that as representatives of the people, it was the lawmakers’ duty to ensure that every Naira is judiciously spent to strengthen the operational capacity of the Air Forces and deliver tangible results.

“We must leverage intelligence, technology, and best practices to neutralize emerging threats and safeguard our citizens. As we deliberate on the 2025 budget, I urge all defense agencies to prioritize strategic initiatives that align with national security objectives,” he said.

The committee also resolved to increase the budgetary provision of the Ministry of Defence to sustain the successes being recorded in the fight against insecurity in the country.

This followed the adoption of a motion by Hon. Philip Agbese, who commended the military for their efforts when the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, appeared to defend the Ministry’s budget for 2025.

Matawale said the sum of N50 billion allocated for the Ministry in the 2025 budget was grossly inadequate and appealed for an upward review.

He said: “we have some challenges. One, we have an inadequate budgetary provision. The headquarters and civilian personnel unit are unable to meet their obligations resulting in the accumulation of debt on services and staff entitlement.

“We have non-payment and accumulated bills of group life Insurance, which is very important. The very important issues that we have is non-payment and accumulated bills of group life insurance for military personnel, which I requested from the committee for consideration of maybe the sum of N20 billion as an additional funds for payment of families of deceased military personnel. That is one of our challenges.

“Mr Chairman, if you look at the budget of 2024, most of the barracks, the allocation we met is zero. How do we expect the personnel of the military to perform while their living standard is inadequate? All the provisions that we made, the allocation in 2024 is zero. And these are the people that we expect them to perform magic.”

Following the presentation of instruments of office to the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Abimbola Owoade, nine royal families, otherwise known as Atiba 9 have declared that they will not accept the appointment of the monarch.

The Atiba 9 in opposing Oba Owoade, alleged that Governor Seyi Makinde presented the staff of office to the new monarch following a proclamation by United States-based Awise Agbaye, Professor Wande Abimbola, that he was picked by Ifa as the next Alaafin of Oyo.

They also alleged that the appointment of Owoade as the Alaafin-designate was contrary to the custom, culture and tradition of Oyo, adding that the process was also against the rule of law.

The 9 royal families who also are laying claim to the throne, stated these in a statement issued on Tuesday on their behalf by Prince Sina Afolabi of the Adeitan royal family.

The other eight princes from the Atiba royal families included Prince Remi Azeez (Tella Okitipapa); Prince Lamola Olanite (Olanite); Prince Agboin Adelabu (Adelabu); Prince Raji Adeniran (Adeniran); Prince Nureni Taiwo (Tella Agbojulogun); Prince Muftau Adejare Adesokan (Adesokan Baba Idode): Prince Adesiyan (Adesiyan) and Prince Bello Rasheed (Abidekun).

They noted that they were not against the persons of Owoade and Prince Lukman Gbadegesin, another contestant earlier selected by the Oyomesi, as they have the legitimacy to aspire for the throne, but insisted that the process that produced the former was not in tandem with the tradition of ancient Oyo town.

The Atiba 9 added that they were still pursuing the case they filed in court against the process that produced Owoade and Gbadegesin, as the two contestants to the throne, before the final emergence of the former as the Alaafin-designate.

According to Afolabi, the process that produced Owoade was “Against the custom and tradition of the Oyo Royal Houses as regards the making and installation of the Alaafin.”

He further explained that Governor Makinde, who had been an advocate of due process, erred, saying: “What the governor did was totally against the highly revered Alaafin stool. His action has reduced the throne to an object of ridicule.

“It was expected of Governor Makinde, an apostle of due process, to have followed a just line of action and avoid reducing the Alaafin stool or the Alaafin to an Oba Gbandu or Oba Yebuyebu (an ordinary oba without honour).

“When the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, was to be made the oba, he entered Ipebi and everything was done in accordance with the custom and tradition of Ife before he was proclaimed as the Oonirisa.

“We don’t want our revered stool or the Alaafin to become an object of ridicule and mockery in the future. We don’t want him to be referred to as an oba that was anointed in Ibadan, precisely at the Office of the Governor. We don’t want people to refer to him as an Alaafin that did not enter Ipebi.

“The Alaafin of Oyo is a prominent and first-class traditional ruler in the entire Yoruba land. We, the Atiba 9, are against the process embarked upon by the state government to make Omooba Owoade the Alaafin. It should be stopped and the right thing must be done in appointing a new Alaafin.

“We don’t have anything personal against Omooba Owoade who was appointed as the Alaafin on Monday. He too made efforts to become the oba. We don’t have any personal issue with Omooba Lukman Gbadegesin too.

“However, our grouse is against the process through which Owoade and Gbadegesin emerged as candidates to the Alaafin stool. And what Governor Makinde had done by making Omooba Owoade the Alaafin is an attempt to ridicule the throne. We, the Atiba 9, don’t want it!

“We respect Professor Wande Abimbola who consulted Ifa, but if he wants to be fair to all, he should come and consult Ifa at Ojude Ogun here in Oyo,” Afolabi stated.

The Atiba 9 also charged the Oyomesi, under the leadership of Basorun, High Chief Yusuf Akinade to amicably resolve whatever disagreement they have among themselves, noting that they are the only ones that can initiate the process of selecting a new Alaafin.

“Whatever is the grouse or disagreement between the Basorun and other members of the Oyo Mesi should be resolved. They should call themselves together and settle their crisis amicably before any process of installing a new Alaafin can be embarked upon,” the statement added.

Afolabi noted that with the current arrangement, any occupant of the Alaafin stool would lose respect from other Yoruba Obas, especially those who were supposed to be taking instructions from him.

“If we should look at it critically as things stand now, some Obas who are supposed to be taking instructions from the Alaafin will not be doing that; they will not respect him as they will see him as not being properly appointed. The Alaafin should not be reduced to an ordinary Oba.

“These are our grouses. We are not against whoever is appointed as the Alaafin, but the process must be in accordance with our established custom, culture, tradition and the rule of law. Whoever that emerged through such a process will be acceptable to us,” he stated

A statue of Ghana’s former president, Nana Akufo-Addo, unveiled in November 2024, has been destroyed, sparking debate among citizens.

The statue, located in the Western Region, had been erected to honour the president’s development initiatives during his tenure. However, it became a target of criticism, with many accusing the former leader of self-glorification amidst the country’s ongoing economic challenges.

Images shared by local media on Monday showed the statue in ruins, with its severed head lying on the ground and its torso completely destroyed. Only a damaged pedestal remained. The motive and individuals behind the act remained unknown, as the police were yet to comment.

The sculptor, Justice Gaisie, revealed that the statue was constructed from a mix of metal, wire mesh, clay, fiberglass, and resin. However, the statue had already been partially vandalized last month, with one leg damaged. Calls from some local residents to remove the statue had gone unanswered, as local authorities previously pledged to repair it.

The destruction elicited mixed reactions. A local resident told Citi FM in Ghana that the statue was “of no benefit” to the people, adding, “so if it’s destroyed, it’s normal.” However, another resident lamented the act, saying, “There should have been a proper, civil way to get it removed,” warning of potential negative consequences for supporters of the former president’s party.

Others celebrated the destruction, with one resident telling Joy FM, “I’m happy it has been destroyed.”

The unveiling of the statue in 2024 already drew widespread criticism, with many questioning the use of public funds for its construction during one of Ghana’s worst economic crises in a generation. The country, which received a $3 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 2024, was grappling with a severe cost-of-living crisis, a key campaign issue in the December presidential election.

Incumbent President John Mahama, who defeated the ruling party in a landslide victory, previously criticised the statue, calling it “insensitive” given the hardships faced by Ghanaians. “It is up to the people to honor the former president for his achievements,” Mahama remarked, adding that the statue symbolised misplaced priorities.

Akufo-Addo left office as president last week after serving two terms in office. His party’s candidate suffered a heavy defeat in the December elections, reflecting public dissatisfaction over the country’s economic struggles.

The destruction of the statue has become symbolic of the divide in public opinion regarding Akufo-Addo’s legacy. While some viewed it as a necessary protest against perceived excesses, others saw it as a regrettable act of disrespect.

The Federal Government has confirmed an outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (bird flu) in Kano State, affecting multiple bird species, including layers, ducks, guinea fowls and turkeys.

In a circular on Tuesday by Dr. Taiwo Olasoju on behalf of the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, the government raised concerns about the heightened risk of the disease spreading, particularly during this season.

The circular urged state veterinary offices and relevant agencies to strengthen surveillance systems and implement strict biosecurity measures to curb the spread of the virus.

“We need to take adequate preventive measures,” the circular emphasised, calling for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to prevent the disease from spreading to neighbouring states and regions.

Authorities also recommended public awareness campaigns and close monitoring of poultry populations to detect and address new cases promptly.

Providing further details, the Chairman of the Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), Kano State chapter, Dr. Usman Gwarzo, recounted the circumstances surrounding the first reported case.

“In December 2024, a young man from Galadanchi quarters in Gwale Local Government Area bought a duck from Janguza market in Tofa LGA and introduced it to his flock of hens and chickens. The duck suddenly died, followed by the chickens. The carcasses were taken to the Gwale Veterinary Clinic, where avian influenza was suspected,” Dr. Gwarzo explained.

He noted that samples sent for testing confirmed the presence of the virus in the first week of January 2025.

However, no similar cases have been reported from commercial poultry farms, providing some relief to poultry producers.

Experts urged poultry handlers to prioritise biosecurity, including disinfecting equipment, restricting access to poultry farms, and ensuring proper disposal of infected birds.

LEADERSHIP reports that bird flu outbreaks have been a recurring challenge in Nigeria’s poultry industry, often leading to significant economic losses.

This latest development came as the nation grappled with broader agricultural and economic concerns, highlighting the importance of swift and coordinated responses to health crises affecting livestock.

Quebec has recommenced three immigration pilot programmes offering skilled workers in artificial intelligence, information technology, and visual effects a route to permanent residency in Canada.

According to Quebec’s Immigration Service, the programmes which were launched first in 2021 aimed to address ongoing labour shortages in the industries and are now accepting new applications, targeting sectors critical to the province’s workforce.

To qualify, applicants must be 18 years of age or older, demonstrate financial independence, and intent to settle in Quebec to work in an eligible sector, and must not work for a company they control directly or indirectly.

For the Artificial Intelligence component, foreign workers need at least two years of full-time experience in AI or a related field, categorised as FÉER 0, 1, or 2 under the National Occupational Classification (NOC).

Quebec graduates can apply with a recent master’s or doctoral degree in AI.

All applicants must secure full-time employment in Quebec’s AI sector, with salary thresholds of $75,000 outside Montreal or $100,000 within Montreal.

They must also submit an opinion from an expert committee confirming the position aligns with their qualifications.

The Information Technology and Visual Effects component requires applicants to have at least two years of relevant work experience and a technical college diploma or higher.

Applicants must also meet salary requirements based on the 9th decile of their profession’s wage scale and must not work in an ineligible sector or for a company they control.

Both components offer two application tracks based on language proficiency.

The Francophone profile requires a minimum French language proficiency of level 7 on the Quebec Scale of Competency Levels, which can be demonstrated through a recognized language test or academic records.

Alternatively, the Francization profile involves a commitment to learning French after selection through integration services.

For more eligibility information or to apply, candidates are advised to visit the Quebec Immigration website or contact the Ministry of Immigration, Francisation, and Integration during business hours.

The owner of Ibadan-based broadcasting station, Agidigbo FM, Oriyomi Hamzat, has perfected his bail conditions and has been released from Agodi Correctional Centre, Ibadan, Oyo State.

The broadcaster regained freedom with his co-accused, including Ooni of Ife’s ex-queen, Naomi Silekunola, and the principal of Islamic High School, Bashorun, Abdulahi Fasasi.

They were all remanded over their alleged involvement in the Ibadan stampede that resulted in the deaths of 35 children in December 2024.

Giving a ruling on his bail application on Monday, Justice K. B. Olawoyin admitted the suspects to bail with a bond of ₦10 million each and two sureties in like sums.

However, Hamzat, after regaining his freedom on Tuesday, was received by a mammoth crowd at his broadcasting station, where he was captured in tears while addressing the people.

He told the crowd, “Oriyomi is back. At this time, I am in a moment of silence. Thank you very much.”

Recall that the Oyo State Government filed an 18-count criminal charge against Silekunola, Hamzat and Fasasi after the tragic incident.

The case, which was filed on Friday, January 10, 2025, at the State High Court, is marked with charge number I/05C/2025.

The trio were accused of offences including conspiracy to commit murder, manslaughter, criminal negligence, and other related charges.

The charge sheet obtained by The PUNCH on Sunday revealed that the accused individuals failed to provide adequate security, crowd control mechanisms, and medical facilities during the ill-fated funfair event held at the Islamic High School.

Their alleged negligence led to a stampede, resulting in the deaths of 35 children, with 14 victims identified in court documents.

The prosecution accused the defendants of conspiring to commit acts of criminal negligence, contrary to Section 517 of the Criminal Code, CAP 38, Vol II, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

According to the charge sheet, the trio “Did negligently omit to provide adequate security, crowd control mechanisms, and medical facilities, resulting in the death of Musiliu Sofiat, aged 8, and 34 other children.”

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has stated that documents signed by his predecessor, Hadi Sirika, indicate that a foreign airline would have taken over Nigeria Air.

In a viral video, Keyamo exposed some pages of the documents, explaining parts of the deed of agreements signed by Sirika and the Ethiopian government.

He insisted that the Nigerian government had no regrets about ending the agreement with Ethiopian Airlines over Nigeria Air, stressing that the country cannot give its aviation ecosystem to another entity.

Keyamo said, “You will be shocked if you look at this agreement. What it simply says is that a foreign government should come and take over our national carrier. Ethiopian Air was the single major shareholder in that deal. It is the same thing they did in Togo with Asky. We cannot be Togo. We are big and ambitious.

“We cannot give up our aviation ecosystem to another entity. What would have happened is that the Ethiopian government would now be the complete beneficiary of all our Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASA) routes.

“A national carrier has first priority over all the BASA routes we have negotiated all over the world. If we give them all the routes we have suffered to negotiate, where will all those profits go? It is not Nigeria.”

This comes as Keyamo explained that Nigeria did not lose any foreign direct investment by not agreeing to the terms of Nigeria Air.

He said what the Ethiopian government was going to do was to get wet-lease aircraft and fly them as national carriers, with all the profits going to Addis Ababa.

The CEO of Nigeria Air would have been an Ethiopian, the financial officer Ethiopian, the director of operations Ethiopian, and all other key positions would have been reserved for foreigners. That is not a national carrier.

“In the document, it also says the people that will run Nigeria Air will not pay any tax to the Nigerian government. They are not also building any investments in the country. The documents also say Nigeria will be the guarantor of any loss they suffer here,” Keyamo further explained.