The Labour Party (LP) has cleared George Muoghalu and John Nwosu for the party primaries slated for April 5, ahead of Anambra state governorship election, in November.

Naija News reports that the Screening Committee led by its chairman and the Deputy Minority Whip of the House of Representatives, George Ozodinobi, screened the two aspirants, on Friday.

In his speech, Ozodinobi lauded the two aspirants for being true party members and also commended them for their track records and loyalty to the leadership of the party.

He assured them of the party’s non partisan approach towards its selection process and its commitment in ensuring that the best aspirant emerge.

“We will work according to the laid down rules and we want to assure you of highest level of transparency throughout the process of the selection.

“We will work to ensure that we approach the election as a united house, without rancour. It is going to be a brotherly context where everyone in the party will join our flag-bearer in the onerous task of campaigning and winning the November governorship election for the salvation of Anambra State,” he said.

Muoghalu was the first National Secretary of the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP), and a former National Auditor of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Similarly, Nwosu was also a Director at the 2023 Peter Obi and Datti Ahmed Presidential Campaign Council.

Three Nigerians based in the United States of America, Olumide Olorunfunmi, Samson Amos and Emmanuel Unuigbe, could be sentenced to a combined jail term of 60 years for alleged money laundering to the tune of $4.5m.

PUNCH Metro learnt in a statement by the US Department of Justice obtained on Sunday that the trio conspired among themselves to launder money which caused losses to about 125 victims in the US.

It added that the laundered money was proceeds from romance scams and business email compromise schemes.

The statement noted that while the duo of Amos and Unuigbe pleaded guilty in 2023, Olorunfunmi admitted guilty while being arraigned before a federal court on Friday.

It read, “Olumide Olorunfunmi, 39, a Nigerian national, appeared in federal court in Charlotte today and pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracy for laundering millions in criminal proceeds linked to romance scams and business email compromise schemes.

“According to documents filed with the court and today’s plea hearing, the scheme caused more than 125 victims to transfer over $4.5 million of proceeds stemming from illegal activities.”

“Two of Olorunfunmi’s co-conspirators, both Nigerian nationals, have also pleaded guilty to federal charges and are awaiting sentencing.”

Stressing the individual’s role in the scheme, the statement noted that the victims were directed to deposit money into accounts controlled by Amos and his co-conspirators who then transferred the monies to accounts in Nigeria.

The schemes, which were orchestrated between 2020 and 2023, also saw the defendants keeping a percentage of the monies that were deposited by the victims.

It continued, “As Olorunfunmi admitted in court today, from 2020 through 2023, Olorunfunmi conspired with Amos, Unuigbe, and others to launder the criminal proceeds of various illegal activities, including romance scams that typically targeted elderly victims and business email compromise schemes.

“Court records show that the victims of the schemes were directed to transfer funds into domestic and international bank accounts controlled by Olorunfunmi and his co-conspirators. Upon receiving the fraud proceeds, Olorunfunmi and his co-conspirators transferred the funds to other bank accounts, in the U.S. and overseas.

“They also profited by agreeing to ‘pay’ for the domestic deposits received by others by transferring Nigerian Naira from accounts the co-conspirators controlled in Nigeria to other accounts, based upon a “black market” exchange rate for United States Dollars to Naira.”

The statement concluded that each of the defendants risks 20 20-year jail term for the offence of conspiracy.

“The charge of money laundering conspiracy carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. A sentencing date has not been set,” it concluded.

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) in Benue State has expressed serious concerns regarding the reported poisoning and theft of cattle belonging to its members by criminal groups in the Agatu Local Government Area.

The Chairman of MACBAN in the state, Risku Muhammed, raised this issue over the weekend, revealing that more than 20 cows owned by Fulani herdsmen were poisoned on Saturday in Ucha village, Agatu.

He further alleged that in addition to the poisoned cattle, over 200 cows were stolen last Thursday by these criminals.

This situation was somewhat mitigated by the swift action of security forces, who managed to apprehend one of the thieves, although others managed to flee.

Muhammed accused a farmer from the Ucha community, whose name has not been disclosed, of poisoning the cows using rice chaff after inviting a herder to feed his cattle with it.

This act, according to him, resulted in the death of 13 cows, while seven others that survived are currently receiving treatment.

“I got a report from my members in Agatu LGA that a criminal who had laced rice chaff with poison invited one of our members to come and graze on the rice chaff. Unfortunately, 13 cows died instantly, while a veterinary doctor is treating seven,” Muhammed noted.

He commended the Local Government Council Chairman, Melvin Ejeh for promptly responding to issues concerning the herders and communities in the area, saying “the Local Government Chairman with some Non Governmental Organizations working in the LGA have several times paid for cows killed by these criminals.”

He revealed that herders have, at various times, lost numerous cows to criminals in Olegodege, Utigologwu, Egwuma, Akele, Okwtanobe, and now Ucha due to rustling and killings.

When reached for comment, Melvin Ejeh, the Chairman of Agatu LGA, confirmed that he had received the complaint from MACBAN. He assured that an investigation was underway, although a farmer had been apprehended in connection with the poisoned cows.

He also mentioned that Agatu has recently experienced a period of relative peace, thanks to the support from the state government and the deployment of security personnel to the region.

“We have received complaints from Miyetti Allah, and an investigation is going on about the incident. Agatu has been enjoying peace, and this is as a result of the Peace Committee that was set up, and on a daily basis, we review the peace process.

“It is unfortunate that some criminal elements are bent on instigating crisis and destroying the peace process but the government will not fold its arms and allow that to happen,” Vanguard quoted the Council Chairman saying.

The Chairman, who lauded the state government for ensuring peace in Agatu, appealed for the deployment of more security operatives to the LGA.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent, CSP, Catherine Anene, who confirmed the development, said: “I have a briefing this morning (Sunday) about dead cows said to have been poisoned, investigation is ongoing and a suspect has been arrested over the matter.”

The Anene also confirmed the existence of a Peace Committee working tirelessly in the area to ensure sustainable peace in the communities of Agatu LGA.

President Bola Tinubu said his administration’s decision to remove the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) was to accelerate development and enhance resident participation in governance.

Speaking in Abuja on Sunday during a Sallah homage by FCT residents led by Minister Nyesom Wike, Tinubu stated that the decision was necessary to overcome bureaucratic hurdles that were slowing infrastructure growth in the capital city.

Tinubu revealed that Wike had approached him with a request to exempt the FCTA from TSA restrictions to enable more efficient project execution.

The president said he was convinced by Wike’s reasoning and quickly approved the request.

The exclusion from TSA grants the FCTA autonomy to use its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), estimated at over N250bn, for project development.

“I remember the day that the FCT Minister came to meet me, and he said, Please take us out of the problem of the TSA so that I can do more work and achieve more. I said, Show me what you are about to do, and he presented his thinking and belief.

“And everything started changing rapidly. I started seeing the opening up of the rural areas by the FCT, the resuscitation of abandoned projects, and the completion of the vice president’s official residence, which had been abandoned for years. The FCT rehabilitated health care centres, upgraded facilities for schoolchildren, and provided furniture,” Tinubu recalled.

He added that freeing FCT from TSA restrictions has catalysed infrastructure improvements, enhanced healthcare services, and increased security measures.

He identified achievements recorded since the TSA removal to include the opening up of rural areas, resuscitation of abandoned projects, and completion of the Vice President’s official residence that had been abandoned for years.

Tinubu further noted that the FCT has rehabilitated healthcare centres, upgraded facilities for schoolchildren, and provided furniture—developments that would not have been possible under the previous arrangement.

“We wouldn’t have been able to open our mouths to celebrate if not for the progressive ideas you brought to FCT. We can now celebrate the innovative ideas brought to the FCT,” Tinubu said.

He encouraged FCT residents and other Nigerians to look beyond ethnic and religious colourations in their leadership choices and focus more on results.

“Today, we live in peace, and security is improving. Hunger is coming down. Food prices are lowering. We can go to the market and do business. And our diversity and belief in ourselves are becoming stronger.

“We are not looking for magic. We are looking for results. We are looking for comfort. We are praying for good health. We are looking for someone who cares,” the president noted.

“The job is not just about Wike or me, but everyone. Nyesom Wike is proving the diversity of Nigeria. He strengthened that diversity to develop prosperity, showing us that we are all members of one family, living together in the same house, in different rooms, and under one roof,” the president said.

President Tinubu urged more tolerance, broad-mindedness, and patriotism from citizens.

“All I appeal for is tolerance, which has brought us this far. We have learnt some lessons from Ramadan. May the lessons continue to be with us,” he said.

Wike thanked the president for hosting the residents in the State House.

“This visit marks a historic moment as it is the first time the FCT residents can extend our greetings and best wishes to you in person during this blessed period. We are genuinely delighted to be here,” said Wike.

He pledged his loyalty to the President and committed himself to developing the capital city, assuring that the FCT would soon complete many projects.

“Despite our varied backgrounds, we are united in our unwavering support for your administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he added.

The Sallah homage was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, and an FCT delegation including members of the National Assembly, judiciary, religious and traditional leaders, security chiefs, and women and youth groups.

The senator who represented Kaduna Central in the 8th National Assembly, Shehu Sani, has declared interest in contesting for the central senatorial district in the 2027 election.

Naija News reports that the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain made the declaration on Sunday, March 30, 2025, while delivering his Eid-el-Fitr message at his residence in Kaduna.

The former lawmaker also stated that his priority is to see Governor Uba Sani re-elected in 2027, noting that the party is well prepared for all forces and challenges that might threaten his re-election.

He said, “Any politician who is going to contest election will be dependent on political equation which will determine what position is going to contest. I would say that if the conditions are right and equations favourable, I will offer myself to contest but specifically on the central senatorial district.

“If the people of Kaduna central want us to provide our own kind of leadership and representation at the NASS, you should expect me back to Senate in 2027.

“For now, we want to see that incumbent governor, Uba Sani is re-elected. We are going to do it with all our might and strength. We know that there are going to be challenges and opposition but we are well prepared for all the forces.”

While condemning the killing of hunters in Edo State, Sani urged security agencies to fish out the perpetrators.

He added, “If any citizen of this country cannot move from one part of the country to another, then we are not a nation.

“If someone will use one reason or another to take laws into his/her hand, then it means there is no government or authority.”

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana has called on Nigerians to resist President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State.

He argued that Tinubu violated the country’s constitution, insisting that the President has no right under the 1999 Constitution as amended, to suspend or remove the governor, his deputy and the House of Assembly members.

Speaking in a virtual interaction with some Nigerians in the Diaspora on Saturday night, Falana asserted that that even if the Constitution allows the president to employ “extraordinary measures” in sub section 3, to address threat to the country, that “does not require him to suspend or remove elected officials in the state. “

According to Falana, Section 305 of the Constitution provides that “(1) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution the president may by instrument published in the official Gazette of the Government of the Federation issue a proclamation of a state of emergency in the Federation or any part thereof.”

He added that, “there is no such provision in the constitution and the president and his backers cannot import what is not in the constitution.”

In the virtual conference, co-hosted by foremost columnist, Farooq Kperogi, Moses Ochonu and Osmond Agba, the Lagos-based human rights lawyer also scolded the National Assembly for approving the suspension of democratic structures in the beleaguered state with a voice vote, suggesting that the haste, with which the legislators endorsed the proclamation without thorough scrutiny, was replete with partisan politics.

The Nigeria Boxing Board of Control says boxer Segun ‘Success’ Olanrewaju, who died in Accra, Ghana on Saturday, was not granted approval for the fatal bout after his initial fight scheduled for Friday was cancelled after being adjudged overweight.

The 40-year-old former National and West African light-heavyweight champion lost consciousness during his bout against Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu at Fight Night 15 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League at Bukom Boxing Arena, Accra on Saturday.

The PUNCH learnt that Olanrewaju was leading on points before the tragic incident occurred in the scheduled eight-round light-heavyweight contest against Mbanugu, also known as “Jon Power,” who holds a record of 12 wins, one loss, and one draw, with 12 knockouts.

It took only a few seconds for officials and fans at the Bukom Boxing Arena to realise that something was seriously wrong. Olanrewaju had landed two weak punches on his opponent before Mbanugu responded with a right hand to the Nigerian’s face. After a brief impasse between both men, the Nigerian boxer staggered backwards, fell against the ropes and collapsed, to the disbelief of the fans.

The Nigerian fighter slumped on his side as the referee began the mandatory count. Moments later, he turned face down, with his throat resting against one of the ropes.

His team rushed into the ring, placed him on the canvas, removed his gum shield, and attempted to resuscitate him as he appeared to be gasping for breath. The on-site emergency medical team quickly transported him to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Secretary-General, the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control, Remi Aboderin, told The PUNCH that the boxing body permitted Olanrewaju to fight on Friday but the bout was cancelled. According to Aboderin, the late pugilist then decided to fight the next day so he could make some money to clear his debts back home.

“Segun got our approval to fight in Ghana, a fight that was proposed to take place on a Friday. Unfortunately, they did weigh-in on Thursday and he was found to be overweight and they told him the person he was to fight was not his weight.

“They said to do this, they would increase his purse with another $500, which he said was too small, and due to that, there was no agreement.”

Aboderin further revealed that another Nigerian fought that Friday night.

“Saturday morning, they were on their way back to Lagos, they had even left Accra and were at Aflao border when Segun said to the coach that followed him, that’s Diran Alamu, that it was not going to be easy returning home; he left Nigeria with no money and he had debts to pay and needed money. So, he wanted to call the Ghanaians and see if another fight was coming up and told them he was now ready to collect the additional $500 as discussed because he felt it would not pay him if he returned home without money.

“So, they called the matchmaker, who informed him that there was a fight on Saturday night and that they could put the fight for that Saturday, but we didn’t give him the approval for that, and this is where the GBA (Ghana Boxing Association) erred. So, he turned back and went back to Ghana because he needed the money; he owed a lot of people money,” the NBBofC secretary added.

Coach Babatunde Ojo, who trained Olanrewaju, told The PUNCH that he advised the boxer against fighting on short notice.

“He (Olanrewaju) told me they gave him a fight last week. After he informed me, I told him, ‘the fight was at short notice, you are not training and you want to go, you can’t go, leave this fight for a better offer,'” Ojo told The PUNCH.

“He initially told me the fight was on April 1, but he called later to say it was no longer next month but on March 29. So, I told him that it was at short notice but if he wanted us to go together, he should tell the organisers to book flights so we could go there and come back together. He called them and when he got back to me, he said they told him they would get him a car that would take him to Ghana. I said no, that’s not possible. So, he knew I didn’t want him to go.

“After that, he called me that they (NBBofC) had given him a release letter (for the fight). I didn’t hear from him afterwards, so I called him. He said he had been called again for the fight and was going that night. I told him, ‘Success, don’t you think this fight is too early?’ He said he would call me back. The next time I called him, he said he was on his way (to Ghana), and he didn’t call me because he knew I wouldn’t allow him go. That was why he didn’t tell me. He is an adult, so, I could not stop him.

“Now we have this situation, these are the things I advise my boxers against; you can’t pick a fight at short notice, you need at least one month. I am very saddened by his loss; may his soul rest in peace,” Ojo added.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has revealed that he jokingly threatened to sack the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, if his policies did not align with the political interests of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The President made the remark at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, when Wike led a delegation of prominent FCT residents on a Sallah homage to mark the end of Ramadan fasting and Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.

Tinubu recalled how Wike approached him with a request to remove the FCT from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) to allow for greater financial flexibility and infrastructure development.

“I remember the day Nyesom Wike came to me and said, ‘Please, take us out of this problem of Treasury Single Account (TSA) so that I can do more work and achieve more,'” Tinubu stated.

He further recounted how he challenged Wike on the potential political implications of his policies.

“And he presented it, and I threw in my own political guide: ‘Would that give me any opportunity for my party (APC) to win the election in FCT?'”

“I said, ‘I know where you are coming from, your own party (PDP) or my party. If this thing goes too much in your own favour, you will lose your job.’ Then he said, ‘Okay, we settle that, Oga.’”

President Tinubu commended Wike for implementing policies that have transformed the FCT, particularly in infrastructure, health, and education.

“He came up with a lot of good ideas to liberate the bureaucracy, bring forward-looking, progressive thinking to the administration, and provide opportunities for many who would have been hindered by property rights,” he noted.

According to the President, Wike’s initiatives have led to: The revitalization of the Vice-President’s residence, which had been abandoned for years. Rehabilitation of health centers and improvement of health services for FCT residents. Upgrading of school infrastructure and teacher welfare programs.

“Thank you, Wike,” Tinubu concluded, acknowledging the minister’s efforts.

The President’s remarks highlight the interplay between governance and political strategy, underscoring the need for policy alignment with party interests.

While Wike, a prominent People’s Democratic Party (PDP) member, has maintained that his focus is on FCT development, his collaboration with the APC-led administration continues to spark political debate within opposition circles.

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Adewole Adebayo, has stated that he is ready to forgo his 2027 presidential ambition if a more capable candidate emerges to lead the party.

Speaking on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, a socio-political programme aired on Channels Television on Sunday, Adebayo emphasised that his priority is Nigeria’s progress, not personal ambition.

“It is my prayer to God that if there is a person who God thinks is better than me to fix the problem of Nigeria, my ambition should not stop that person because we want a country that works,” he said.

Adebayo assured that the SDP would present a credible candidate capable of challenging President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next election. He stressed that the party would not engage in divisive politics based on religion or ethnicity.

“Our goal is to ensure that when we make a choice in the SDP, Nigerians, even outside the party, will feel a sense of relief and say, ‘Finally, this platform has given the country a real chance,’” he stated.

On party expansion, Adebayo acknowledged the influx of new members but insisted that they must align with the SDP’s values.

He warned that the party would not allow negative traits from other political platforms to taint its principles.

“If you want to come to the SDP, you have to allow us to apply disinfectant—not because we don’t respect you, but because you are coming from a highly infected zone,” he said, likening the process to COVID-era sanitisation measures.

He also referenced politicians who switched parties due to internal disputes, including former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, while underscoring the SDP’s commitment to fairness and internal discipline.

“We sympathise with everyone who is coming, but our job is to ensure that this party is not about politicians—it is about the Nigerian people. Registration is done at the ward level, and every member must read and abide by the party’s constitution,” Adebayo added.