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The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a suspected notorious mobile phone thief, Temidayo Fadahunsi, at the Ijoke area of Akure, the state capital.
According to the police, there was a case of phone theft reported at the police station in the area and the suspect was arrested in connection with the stealing.
The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Wilfred Afolabi, while parading the suspect and other suspects at the police headquarters in Akure, on Saturday, said after the arrest, when Fadahunsi’s house was searched, no fewer than 228 Android phones were found in his possession with many foreign SIM cards.
The CP said, “On February 6, 2025, a case of stealing was reported to the police. Through shared information, police swung into action and arrested one Temidayo Fadahunsi, aged 25, at the Ijoka area of Akure and the following items were found in his possession: 228 types of Android phones, 156 different types of batteries and 23 foreign sim cards, which he could not give a satisfactory account of where and how he got them.
“The suspect is currently under investigation and will be charged to court at the end of the investigation.”
Afolabi also paraded some suspected kidnappers who had been on the wanted list of the state police command for allegedly involving in various kidnapping activities in some parts of the state.
The police boss listed the suspects who included Aminu, Abdullahi Abubakar, Yusuf Saidu, Nafiu Ibrahim, Mohammed Anas, Kabiru Mohammed, Yusuf Suleiman and Ishaku Abdul, who was an ex-convict, recently released from prison.
“On February 13, 2025, through intelligence gathering and the use of technical support, one Aminu, was arrested at the Akure garage in Ikare Akoko. His arrest further led to the apprehension of Abdullahi Abubakar. In another operation that took place between February 14 and 15, other suspects were arrested by the tactical team who had been on their trail: Yusuf Saidu, Nafiu Ibrahim, Mohammed Anas and Kabiru Mohammed.
“Also, in Ipele, a woman was abducted by unknown gunmen in her house, the police and youths of the town mobilised and immediately trailed the footpaths of the suspects. Their effort yielded positive results as they were able to rescue the woman and while searching for the assailants. They recovered an AK 49 rifle at the scene of the rescue.
Subsequently, through intelligence-led policing one of the suspects, Yusuf Suleiman, was arrested.
“In the same vein, one Ishaku Abdul was arrested by the Special Anti-Kidnapping Squad based on a tip-off. The suspect who is an ex-convict and recently released from a correctional centre was suspected by the neighbours to be complicit in the recent uprising of criminal activities in the area. He was arrested at the Aladura camp, Oke-Oge, Osi (Akure North LG), the area where recent kidnappings occurred.”
The CP noted that all the suspects had been on the police wanted list, and would be charged to court after the end of the investigation.
Abdulrahman Bello, the suspected ritualist accused of killing Yetunde Lawal, a female student of Kwara State College of Education, has denied any involvement in her death.
The 24-year-old student was said to have gone missing on February 10, prompting her parents to file a report at a police station in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara state.
Following the police investigation, Bello was arrested in connection with her disappearance.
The victim was said to have been killed and her body dismembered by the suspect, whom she met on Facebook.
In a video circulating online on Saturday, Bello, who introduced himself as Mohammed, claimed that he did not kill Yetunde.
According to him, Yetunde had told him she was asthmatic before visiting his house on the day of the incident.
He claimed that she attended an event earlier in the day and returned to his home, complaining of hunger.
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Speaking in the Yoruba language, he said, “My name is Mohammed; I am a Muslim cleric. I am about to gain admission into KWASU.”
“The girl is Hafusa. She is my girlfriend; I met her on Facebook. I didn’t kill her. I am just a victim of circumstance.
“She told me they had an event at 1 pm after school that day. She got back after 3 pm. When she came, she told me she hadn’t eaten, so I went to get her food. However, she was gasping for breath when I got back.
“I was in shock when she died, so I couldn’t cry out for help. I dismembered her body and disposed of it at the public refuse dump because I couldn’t think of any better way. I have never done this before. This is my first time.”
Media
The body of a police inspector identified as Haruna Mohammed has been found in a hotel room in Ogun state.
Mohammed, who was attached to the Ishashi police division in Lagos, was said to have checked into Super G Royal Hotel at Anthony Uzum Estate, Oyeyemi Akute, around 1 a.m. on Saturday with an unidentified woman.
TheCable understands that Deborah Adejobi, the hotel manager, noticed that the room door was left open and found the officer unresponsive at about 8:52 a.m. while the woman was nowhere to be found.
According to a police report, the hotel owner, Abiodun Olagunju, reported the incident to the authorities.
Olagunju also noted that the woman had briefly visited the reception at about 6 a.m. to request a bottle of water before disappearing.
Mohammed’s body has been taken to Life Channel Mortuary in the Olambe area of Akute.
Omolola Odutola, the police spokesperson in Ogun state, confirmed the incident.
“At first, it was the uniform found in his bag, so it was not possible to say he is a police officer. There was no identification card on him or his belongings,” Odutola said.
“But further investigation revealed that the deceased is an inspector of police serving with the Ishashi division in the Lagos command.
“The DPO has been contacted and his body identified.”
Odutola said operatives of the command have launched a manhunt for the fleeing lady, while an investigation is ongoing to unravel the circumstances surrounding his death.
Chimamanda Adichie, the award-winning author, has welcomed twins with her husband at age 47.
The boys, born in April 2024, were revealed during her interview with The Guardian on Saturday.
The writer revealed she kept the birth of her twin from the public to “protect” them.
She said that Nigerians’ curiosity about people’s personal lives makes her even more reluctant to share.
“I want to protect my children. I’m okay with having them mentioned, but I don’t want the piece to become about them,” she said.
“So, here is the thing, Nigerians are sosy. They want to know about your personal life. Because of that, I am resistant. I very rarely talk about it,” she said.
Adichie will be releasing her first feature-length novel in 11 years in March.
The novel titled ‘Dream Count’ is a reflection on love, desire, and the intricacies of womanhood explored through the lives of four distinct women.
Talking about her writing hiatus, she revealed it happened unplanned after she got pregnant with her first child.
Adichie said she struggled for years to reconnect with her creative self after feeling “cast out” from the part of her that imagines and creates, even though she could still write nonfiction.
“I did not want to leave such a long gap between novels. When I got pregnant with my daughter, something just happened,” she said.
“I had a number of years in which I was almost existentially frightened that I wouldn’t write again. It was unbearable.
“There are expressions like ‘writer’s block’ I don’t like to use because I’m superstitious. But I had many years in which I felt cast out from my creative self, cast out from the part of me that imagines and creates; I just could not reach it.
“I could write nonfiction, that was fine. But that’s not what my heart wanted.”
Adichie is married to Ivara Esege, a Nigerian doctor. The lovebirds tied the knot in 2009 and welcomed their first daughter in 2016.
Aside from being a novelist, Adichie is also a feminist.
She is best known for her themes on politics, culture, race, and gender.
She has received global recognition and won numerous awards.
In 2019, Adichie became the first Nigerian to receive the United Nations Foundation’s Global Leadership Award.
The writer has also made the New African’s list of ‘100 Most Influential Africans’, New Yorker’s ’20 under 40′, and Time Magazine’s ‘100 Most Influential People’.
Muhsin Hendricks, believed to be the world’s first openly gay imam, has been shot dead in South Africa.
Hendricks was killed on Saturday near the southern city of Gqeberha after assailants ambushed his vehicle and opened fire.
According to reports, the imam had just finished officiating a lesbian wedding before he was killed.
A police statement said Hendricks was in a car with another person on Saturday when a vehicle stopped in front of them and blocked their exit.
“Two unknown suspects with covered faces got out of the vehicle and started firing multiple shots at the vehicle,” the statement reads.
“Thereafter they fled the scene, and the driver noticed that Hendricks, who was seated at the back of the vehicle was shot and killed.”
The imam ran a mosque intended as a haven for gay and other marginalised Muslims.
His killing has stirred anger from the LGBTQ+ community.
Hendricks, involved in various LGBTQ advocacy groups, came out as gay in 1996.
He was also the subject of a 2022 documentary called “The Radical,” which gave an insight into his queer choice as a clergyman.
Hendricks previously alluded to threats against him but insisted that “the need to be authentic” was “greater than the fear to die
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna, on his 65th birthday.
Tinubu commended el-Rufai for his “endeavours for democracy and meritorious service to the nation”.
In a statement issued on Sunday by Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesperson, Tinubu commended the former Kaduna governor for his role in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“President Tinubu celebrates Mallam El-Rufai on this occasion and commends his endeavours for democracy; his meritorious service to the nation, and mentorship of the younger generation,” the statement reads.
“The President acknowledges Mallam El-Rufai’s role in the dialogues leading up to the formation of the APC and his contributions to the success of the party in the three consecutive elections of 2015, 2019, and 2023.
“President Tinubu wishes El-Rufai good health and strength for continuous service to the nation.”
The president’s felicitations come amid the political friction between his camp and the former Kaduna governor.
In the build-up to the 2023 elections, el-Rufai was one of the northern leaders who insisted that power must return to the south after the tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The former Kaduna governor supported the presidential ambition of Tinubu.
After Tinubu won the election, el-Rufai was nominated as a minister but the senate withheld his confirmation, citing security concerns.
The development was interpreted by political analysts as a move to whittle down his influence in the presidency.
Despite initially retreating from the political scene, el-Rufai recently resurfaced, unleashing a series of scathing critiques of the APC and the administration of Tinubu.
He is also known to constantly retweet X(formerly Twitter) posts critical of the Tinubu administration.
Of late, there have been unconfirmed reports that el-Rufai is seeking another political tent ahead of the 2027 elections.
The former governor also recently alleged that there may be plans to arrest and torture him upon his return to the country
Businessman Tunde Ayeni has denied the authenticity of a DNA certificate presented by Adaobi Alagwu, which allegedly proves his paternity of her child.
Ayeni, a former chairman of the board of directors, Skye Bank Plc, has been in the public eye over a paternity tussle with Alagwu, an Abuja-based lawyer.
Alagwu claimed they dated in 2019 and that she welcomed a child with Ayeni in the United States in 2022.
The businessman, however, denied the allegations and insisted that he “is not in any way connected to the child”.
In July 2023, Biola, Ayeni’s wife, argued that her husband was a target for “runs girls” who use “diabolical” means to seduce “unsuspecting and naive victims” due to his popularity.
However, TheCable Lifestyle recently obtained a DNA test report, which attributed a “99.9999997% probability of paternity” to Ayeni.
According to the now-disputed report, the DNA test was conducted at the DNA Diagnostics Center (DDC) in London on April 11, 2023.
The test results allegedly identified Ayeni as the biological father of Alagwu’s child. It stated that “the alleged father is not excluded as the biological father of the tested child”.
“Based on testing results obtained from analyses of the DNA loci listed, the probability is 99.9999997%. The probability of paternity is calculated by comparing to an untested, unrelated, random individual of the black population (assumes prior probability equals 0.50,” it added.
“Note: one possible mutation was observed. The mutation frequency was included in the calculation of the probability of paternity. This paternity calculation does not take into consideration any Biological relatives of the alleged father.”
Also, court documents filed by Ayeni’s lawyers and obtained by TheCable Lifestyle admitted that he paid “the customary dowry required to marry Alagwu in 2022, but the marriage didn’t proceed. In 2024, the dowry was returned to Ayeni, who accepted it”.
The dispute, according to the document, led to a summons from a customary court in Abuja, where Ayeni (the complainant) sought to dissolve the customary marriage due to its breakdown.
AYENI DENIES ALAGWU’S ALLEGATIONS
In a statement shared with TheCable Lifestyle, Ayeni claimed the certificate is “fake and compromised,” citing “irregularities in the DNA testing process”.
He alleged that Alagwu and her associates hacked into the email accounts of the laboratory responsible for the DNA test and inserted a fake document to support her claims.
The businessman reiterated that he has no “biological relationship with Alagwu’s child” and is seeking a new, independent DNA test to confirm his position.
“This lady is being clever by half. She is haunted by her reckless past and is truly desperate. It is this desperation that is pushing her on this journey to infamy and ultimate disgrace,” the statement reads.
“It has become necessary to once again address the persistent and shameful campaign of blackmail, deceit, and defamation orchestrated by Ms. Adaobi Alagwu. When I say the certificate is fake, it is a position informed by indisputable facts.
“First, the result was meant to be out in five days. Later, a letter, purportedly from the centre, came pushing the date the result will be ready by two extra days. When we cross-checked from the centre, they denied knowledge of the said letter and the Indian name that signed it.
“At that point, it became crystal clear to us that the process has been compromised and that the outcome can not be genuine. We have since discovered other nefarious steps taken to come about the so-called DNA certificate.”
Ayeni also alleged that Google notified him that his email account had been compromised at a critical point when they were expecting the DNA test results.
He claimed that “this was not a coincidence” and that it was clear that the “process had been compromised”.
Ayeni also denied “marital connection to Alagwu,” adding that his position has been “repeatedly affirmed through official legal documents, including an affidavit”.
“This desperation will lead Adaobi nowhere. If she is confused about the true father of her daughter, she should invite her numerous dates for DNA tests,” the statement added.
He also stated that legal actions are ongoing to address the alleged blackmail and cyber-attacks.
Alagwu was summoned by the court on February 11, 2025, to answer questions by Ayeni regarding their purpoted marriage but she was absent in court.
The court however adjourned the case till February 17.
Ali Pate, coordinating minister of health and social welfare, says the federal government is planning to engage 28,000 Nigerian health workers previously being paid by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Speaking in an interview on Channels Television on Friday, Pate said the federal government is ready to take ownership of the country’s healthcare sector amid the change in the policy of the US government.
US President Donald Trump recently ordered a funding pause for HIV treatment in developing countries as part of an executive order on foreign aid. The executive orders also affected the operations of USAID and other foreign interventions of the US government.
As a result, the US Department of State suspended the disbursement of funds from the president’s emergency plan for AIDS relief (PEPFAR).
PEPFAR is providing HIV treatment for more than 20 million people living with the disease in Nigeria and globally, including 566,000 children under 15 years of age.
However, the joint United Nations programme on HIV/AIDS in a statement had said the US government approved a waiver that allows people living with HIV to continue accessing treatment.
Recently, the federal executive council (FEC) approved an allocation of N4.5 billion for the procurement of HIV treatment packs to support Nigerians living with HIV/AIDS.
‘FG TO REDUCE FOREIGN DEPENDENCE’
Speaking further, the health minister said Nigeria has not invested heavily in the healthcare sector, adding that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is ready to change the narrative.
Pate said more than 70 percent of the medications being used in Nigeria are imported and that the country also imported more than 99 percent of its medical devices.
The health minister said 30 percent of the country’s health expenditure comes from the government while 70 percent comes from private individuals.
He noted that while part of the government’s healthcare expenditure is funded by external donors, foreign funding does not make up the largest portion of the country’s healthcare spending.
The health minister acknowledged the role played by the US government in supporting the country’s healthcare.
He said the federal and state governments must come together to fill the gaps created by the suspension of US aid and reduce foreign dependence.
“Quality healthcare is not cheap. We, as a country, have not invested in it yet and we are asking for the highest quality healthcare,” he said.
“Domestically, we have not invested. We have since things changed in the last 18 months with the deliberate efforts to improve investments and to allocate investments to where it matters — the foundation.
“Can you believe that more than 70 percent of our drugs, we import them with foreign exchange that we don’t really have.
“We are a capable country and we are determined to own up to that responsibility. If others step in and support us, we appreciate it but we are not begging.
“There are health workers, 28,000 of them who are being paid through US government support. While it has been appreciated, these health workers are Nigerian, we have to transit them.
“Our approach, long before the change in US policy, has been to increase national ownership.”
President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai on his 65th birthday.
In a statement which Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, issued on his behalf, Tinubu described El-Rufai as an administrator, scholar, and politician.
“He is a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and highly regarded for his resourcefulness and brilliance.”
“He served as governor of Kaduna State for eight years, and prior to elective office, he had served as Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from 2003 to 2007.
“President Tinubu celebrates Mallam El-Rufai on this occasion and commends his endeavours for democracy; his meritorious service to the nation, and mentorship of the younger generation.
“The President acknowledges Mallam El-Rufai’s role in the dialogues leading up to the formation of the APC and his contributions to the success of the party in the three consecutive elections of 2015, 2019, and 2023.”
Onanuga said President Tinubu wished El-Rufai good health and strength for continuous service to the nation.
El-Rufai was among those saying pencilled down to serve in Tinubu’s government before the dynamics changed.
Although nominated minister, the senate failed to clear him during screening.
He has since been critical of the APC government and its policies.
[DailyTrust]
Osun State governor, Ademola Adeleke on Sunday raised the alarm that the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, is planning to cause mayhem in the state from Monday, February 17, 2025.
Adeleke made the allegation during a press conference on Sunday.
It was gathered that Oyetola is spearheading moves to enforce a court order which reversed the sack of local council chairmen, elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state.
Adeleke alleged that Oyetola is conspiring with several law enforcement agents, including the State Commissioner of Police and the State Director of the Department of State Services, DSS, to destabilize the state.
Adeleke said: “I called this press conference to alert the national and global audience about a deliberate plot to create chaos and anarchy in Osun State.
“I invite you all to expose a fascist anti-democratic agenda designed to enforce a non-existing court judgment on our local governments.
“This evil plot is being spearheaded by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Gboyega Oyetola in active collaboration with the Osun state Commissioner of Police, the Osun state Director of DSS and the State Commandant of the Civil Defense Corps.
“Before I continue this address, let me affirm that I know Mr. President to be a true democrat, a lover of rule of law, and a believer in the sanctity of the judicial process.
“I know, as a matter of fact, that Mr. President will never authorise a dictatorial violation of the constitution irrespective of who is involved. It is crucial to add that Mr. President will never support any action that is capable of generating bloodbath and bloodshed.
“I, however, regret to inform Mr. President and the public that Mr Gboyega Oyetola has concluded an arrangement to cause mayhem in Osun State starting from Monday.
“He is issuing illegal directives to security operatives to enforce illegality simply because he is the nephew of Mr. President.
“I chose to alert the nation before my people are killed or maimed by a minister dropping the name of Mr. President in connivance with the Osun State security operatives obeying unlawful orders.
“The bone of contention is the brazen effrontery to return to office council chairmen sacked by a subsisting court judgment using a different court decision, which has no consequential order.
“Let me make it clear that the said council chairmen were sacked before I was sworn in as governor of Osun State, contrary to the lies being peddled, that the chairmen and councilors were sacked by my Executive Order.”
[DailyPost]
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The Ekiti State Police have arrested Jimoh Abdulrahman for allegedly assaulting his wife, Mrs Akintunde Bidemi Taiwo, a nursing mother.
The incident gained widespread attention after a viral video surfaced, showing the brutal attack.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sunday Abutu, confirmed that the arrest took place on Saturday following an order from the Commissioner of Police, Mr Joseph Eribo.
The case has been transferred to the Gender-Based Violence Unit of the State Criminal Investigation Department for thorough investigation and subsequent arraignment.
Abutu detailed the arrest, stating, “On February 15, 2025, at approximately 19:00 hours, the Ekiti State Police Command arrested Jimoh Abdulrahman, who had severely assaulted his wife, Mrs Akintunde Bidemi
Taiwo, a resident of Nova Area, Ado Ekiti.”
Following a tip-off and the circulation of the disturbing viral video, Commissioner Eribo instructed the Divisional Police Officer at Oke-Ila, Ado Ekiti, to take immediate action.
“The operatives from the Oke-Ila division moved swiftly to apprehend the suspect, and the case has now been handed over to the GBV Unit of the State CID for further investigation and legal proceedings,” Abutu concluded.
[Punch]
PTML Terminal, the largest multipurpose terminal in West Africa, recently made history with the arrival of the MV Great Cotonou, the first Con-Ro (Container-Roll-on/Roll-off) vessel, which reached Lagos from Shanghai, China, in a record 27 days.
The operators of the terminal said this milestone marks a significant advancement in maritime trade between China and Nigeria, reducing transit times and enhancing logistics efficiency.
Owned by global shipping giant Grimaldi Group, which also operates PTML Terminal, the MV Great Cotonou is set to transform regional trade by offering the fastest transit time on this route—just 27 days.
Unlike other shipping services that require transshipment at intermediary ports, this direct service ensures faster and more reliable delivery for Nigerian importers, eliminating delays and additional handling costs.
With this innovative service, Nigerian businesses can now receive not only containerized cargo but also vehicles—including cars, vans, trucks, and project cargo—all on the same vessel.
This unique multimodal transport solution presents a substantial logistical advantage, streamlining supply chains and reducing overall costs for importers.
PTML Terminal is well-equipped to handle this new service, boasting state-of-the-art facilities, easy port access, and a dedicated workforce to ensure seamless operations.
The terminal’s highly efficient cargo-handling capabilities will further enhance the benefits of this direct shipping route.
The vessel’s arrival was commemorated with a high-profile welcoming event attended by key figures in the maritime industry. Among those present were Andrea Grimaldi, representing the Grimaldi family, alongside Giampaolo Vitale, Line Manager, and Salvatore Califano, Director of Grimaldi. PTML’s Managing Director, Ascanio Russo, also attended the event, emphasizing the significance of this milestone.
Speaking at the event, Russo stated: “The arrival of the Great Cotonou at PTML represents a pivotal moment for Nigerian importers.
“This service will significantly reduce transit times and logistics costs while offering unmatched convenience by accommodating various types of cargo in a single shipment.”
“We have the infrastructure, the expertise, and the human capital, and we will offer great service to our importers and exporters.
“The arrival of this ship and this new service will definitely create many more opportunities for our terminal, workers, host community, and Nigeria as a whole.
“This is the largest container-RoRo ship coming to Africa, and we have upgraded our facilities to receive this kind of vessel.
“We have recently acquired a massive mobile harbour crane costing more than USD 10 million. Additionally, we had to upgrade our infrastructure, including the quayside, with an investment exceeding USD 5 million just to accommodate these ships,” Russo said.
Also speaking, Andrea Grimaldi said, “Our goal is to create a fast and efficient trade link between Shanghai and West Africa, particularly Lagos.
“The Great Cotonou offers a direct connection with a rapid 27-day transit. We are starting with Shanghai, but as demand grows, we plan to expand our coverage to other Chinese ports and beyond.”
With this groundbreaking development, Nigerian businesses and logistics operators now have access to a faster, more efficient, and cost-effective trade link with China
The direct Shanghai-to-Lagos route reinforces Lagos as a key hub in global maritime logistics, strengthening Nigeria’s position as a leading player in West African trade.
As PTML Terminal continues to expand its service offerings, the launch of this direct shipping route, the operators of the terminal said, stands as a testament to its commitment to enhancing trade, boosting economic growth, and providing world-class logistics solutions in Nigeria.
[TheNation]
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Olayemi Cardoso, to use his “leadership position to immediately withdraw the patently unlawful, unfair, unreasonable and unjust increase in Automated Teller Machine (ATM) transaction fees.”
SERAP urged him to “ensure that the exercise of CBN statutory powers and functions does not inflict misery on poor Nigerians and contribute to human rights abuses.”
The CBN recently announced that ATM withdrawals made at a machine owned by a bank but outside its branch premises will now attract a charge of N100 per N20,000 withdrawn. ATM withdrawals at shopping centres, airports or standalone cash points, will incur a N100 fee plus a surcharge of up to N500 per N20,000 withdrawal.
Banks ‘are advised to apply the increased ATM fees with effect from March 1, 2025.’
In the open letter dated 15 February 2025 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “the manifestly unlawful, unfair, unreasonable, and unjust increase in ATM transaction fees will hit hardest those at the bottom of the economy and exacerbate the growing poverty in the country.”
SERAP said, “The increase in ATM transaction fees ought to have been shouldered by wealthy banks and their shareholders, not the general public. The increase only benefits the CBN and commercial banks at the expense of poor Nigerians.”
According to SERAP, “CBN policies should not be skewed against poor Nigerians and heavily in favour of banks that continue to declare trillions of naira in profits mostly at the expense of their customers. The increase in ATM transaction fees would inflict misery on poor Nigerians and contribute to human rights abuses.”
The letter, read in part: “The increase in ATM transaction fees is also entirely inconsistent with the oft-expressed commitment by the government of President Bola Tinubu to address the growing poverty across the country.”
“We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 48 hours of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel you and the CBN to comply with our request in the public interest.”
“The exorbitant and unlawful increase in ATM transaction fees at a time the country is facing economic and financial crises would contribute further to the impoverishment of the population.”
“Imposing exorbitant ATM transaction fees on socially and economically vulnerable Nigerians at a time several Nigerian banks are declaring trillions of naira in profits yearly is manifestly unfair, unreasonable and unjust.”
“The increase cannot be justified under the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], the CBN Act, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, and the country’s international human rights obligations.”
“The patently unlawful, unfair, unreasonable and unjust increase in ATM transaction fees also inherently contributes to violations of the human rights of socially and economically Nigerians.”
“The increase creates a two-tiered financial system that discriminates against poor Nigerians who may not be able to afford or pay the increased fees.”
“While the government of President Tinubu has primary responsibility for protecting the rights of Nigerians, the CBN also has the responsibilities to ensure that its practices and guidelines do not cause or contribute to human rights abuses.”
“The CBN could play an important role in promoting economic opportunities for Nigerians where the majority of the people live in poverty.”
“The CBN is failing to comply with the Nigerian Constitution, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act and the country’s international human rights obligations in the exercise of its statutory powers and functions.”
“The CBN is also compromising its stated mission to advance the management of the country’s economy, and ultimately, sustainable development.”
“According to our information, the CBN through a Circular to all banks and other financial institutions dated February 10 2025 stated that it has reviewed and increased the ATM transaction fees prescribed in section 10(7) of the CBN Guide to Charges by Bank, Other Financial and Non-Bank Financial Institutions 2020.”
“Section 42(1)(a) of the CBN Act 2007 provides that ‘The Bank shall wherever necessary seek the co-operation of and co-operate with other banks in Nigeria to – (a) promote and maintain adequate and reasonable financial service for the public.’ It also provides that any policy of the CBN ‘shall be in the national interest.’”
“Section 1(c)(d) of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018 provides that the objectives of the Act are to ‘protect and promote the interests and welfare of consumers’ and ‘prohibit restrictive or unfair business practices’ such as the exorbitant and unreasonable increase in ATM transaction fees by the CBN.”
“Significantly, the provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act are directly binding on the CBN, as the provisions constrain the exercise of the statutory powers and functions of the institution.”
“Specifically, section 2(1) the Act provides that its provisions ‘apply to all undertakings [such as the CBN] and scope of application to all commercial activities within, or having effect within, Nigeria.”
“Section 2(2) provides that, ‘This Act also applies to and is binding upon- (a) a body corporate or agency of the Government of the Federation; (b) a body corporate; (c) all commercial activities aimed at making profit and geared towards the satisfaction of demand from the public.’”
“According to section 70(1) of the Act, ‘For the purpose of this Act, an undertaking [such as the CBN] is considered to be in a dominant position if it is able to act without taking account of the reaction of its customers or consumers.’”
“The Act prohibits abuse of dominant position by the CBN including charging excessive ATM transaction fees to the detriment of consumers.”
“Section 104 of the of the Act asserts the supremacy of the Act over ‘the provisions of any other law’, such as the CBN Act. The only exception to the provision is the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended].”
“Section 127(1) of the Act also prohibits the CBN from making any policy or providing “any services at a price that is manifestly unfair, unreasonable or unjust.”
“The CBN has clear responsibilities under the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) to undertake human rights due diligence to identify and mitigate contributions to human rights violations of not only its own activities but also activities to which it is directly linked by its business relationships.”
“The CBN has responsibilities under the UNGPs to take effective steps to avoid or mitigate potential human rights harm and to consider ending any charges or transaction fees where severe negative human rights consequences cannot be avoided or mitigated.”
[Vanguard]
‘The Switch,’ a movie produced by Sandra Okunzuwa and directed by Okey Ifeanyi, premiered on Prime Video in January 2025.
The film, centered around domestic violence, was a compelling watch with thought-provoking themes. While there were some pitfalls here and there, the themes and cast performances make it a compelling watch. This movie could have been even more impactful with tighter pacing and attention to detail.
SYNOPSIS
Two couples agree to switch partners for a month, but discover that the grass isn’t always greener.
THE STRONG POINT OF THE FILM
The most intriguing aspect of the movie was its themes. While domestic violence has been explored in films before, ‘The Switch’ stands out in raising awareness of the issue while weaving in other compelling themes. Love, regret, self-esteem, self-worth, friendship, and betrayal were deeply explored, making the story relatable. At some point, I found myself murmuring, ‘You never know the value of what you have until you lose it,’ because the film captured that sentiment so well. The thought-provoking themes strengthened the movie.
The actors knew their craft and delivered their roles flawlessly. Despite the cast being fewer than ten, their performances carried the story effortlessly. Their expressions, dialogue, and delivery made the emotions feel real. For instance, in the scene where Stephanie confronted Pablo, cursing him out, the pain and regret in her voice and expression were palpable. It was one of those moments that truly resonated. The cast brought their A-game.
The cinematography of the movie was also decent. While it was not groundbreaking, it effectively complemented the story, capturing the emotions and intensity of each scene.
THE WEAK POINTS OF THE FILM
However, the movie was not without its flaws. The storyline was quite predictable from the moment the switch was suggested, and the outcome felt obvious. Beyond that, the premise did not seem plausible, especially within the Nigerian setting. The idea that someone would willingly swap partners with a friend just for the sake of “exploring” felt far-fetched.
Additionally, the makeup in the movie was noticeably inconsistent. While the bruises from the beatings were well done initially, they were not applied with continuity in mind. In some scenes, they appeared darker, in others, lighter, and at times, they were completely absent.
The film’s slow pacing was another weak point. Some scenes felt unnecessarily dragged out, making the runtime of over two hours feel longer than needed for the storyline. The plot could have been tighter with better pacing, ensuring the story remained engaging without losing momentum.
FINAL VERDICT
‘The Switch’ gets a 6/10.
[TheCable]