Latest News
FEATURES
The Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday alleged an attempt by security operatives to arrest one of its star witnesses ahead of the resumption of the governorship election tribunal sitting on Wednesday.
Naija News reports that a viral video circulating online showed the PDP’s governorship candidate, Asue Ighodalo, alongside the party’s lead counsel, Ken Mozia, and other party members, intervening as a plainclothes operative attempted to detain the witness.
The video, which surfaced late Tuesday, captured heated exchanges as party faithful tried to prevent the arrest.
One individual, believed to be a PDP supporter, claimed the witnesses and counsel were in a conference room at a hotel, preparing for the tribunal proceedings, when the attempted arrest occurred.
The governorship election tribunal is set to resume on Wednesday, with the PDP presenting its case challenging the outcome of the September 21 poll.
The party alleges irregularities and is seeking to overturn the election results in favor of its candidate, Ighodalo.
The PDP chieftain said, “All of a sudden, one of the security operatives said that the EFCC want to arrest witnesses of Ighodalo who are supposed to be in court on Wednesday in the first public hearing.
“They had no papers, they had no warrant of arrest, they had nothing and they just presented an identity card. Who does that? And taking into the fact that it is like reinforcing brazen criminality
“Ighodalo was even diplomatic and he let them to understand the enormity of what they are doing. The Nigerian Security Services and the EFCC cannot be an offshoot of a political party or people who want to pervert justice. So they are doing this on the eve of the case.
“These witnesses are not on the run.There is no invitation prior to this time asking these people to report anywhere. They just came and there are three young who now went back to their vehicle and left the whole place in chaos.”
An official of the hotel believed to be owned owned by a popular politician in the state said that the operatives claimed they were on investigation and that the individual who were looking for was not a lodger in the hotel.
[NaijaNews]
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has pledged the National Assembly’s commitment to completing the electoral reform process ahead of the 2027 general elections, emphasising that every vote must count.
Speaking Tuesday as the Senate resumed after the yuletide break, Akpabio, in a speech titled “Rising to the Greatness of Our Calling,” stressed the importance of strengthening electoral processes for party primaries, congresses and conventions.
“Electoral reform must be completed this year. As the nation begins preparations for the next election cycle 2027, we have a unique opportunity to strengthen our electoral act for the congresses, primaries and conventions,” he said.
Akpabio said, “It is our chance to give Nigerians an election that is transparent and credible and reflective of their will. Every vote must count.
“The foundation of every thriving democracy is trust in its electoral process. Electoral reform is not just a legislative duty; it is a moral imperative. It is our chance to gift the Nigerian people a system that is transparent, credible and reflective of their will.”
The Senate president urged lawmakers to remain steadfast in their responsibilities and dedicated to fostering peace and unity in the country. He identified two key priorities: the passage of the 2025 budget and completing electoral reforms.
Akpabio, a former governor of Akwa Ibom State, called on senators to rededicate themselves to the task of nation-building, saying, “We must rise to the greatness of our calling to fix Nigeria.”
On his part, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, outlined the House’s legislative priorities for 2025, with a focus on passing the Tax Reform Bills and the Appropriation Bill.
In his address, read by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Abbas emphasised the significance of the reforms in driving economic recovery and fiscal stability.
“Our legislative agenda for 2025 prioritises the passage of the Appropriation Bill and the Tax Reform Bills, both pivotal to broadening the tax base, improving compliance and reducing dependency on external borrowing,” he said.
The speaker stressed the importance of equity in implementing the reforms, ensuring they address the needs of all Nigerians, particularly vulnerable populations.
He acknowledged the socioeconomic challenges facing the country, including hunger, poverty and recent tragic events like stampedes during palliative distributions and civilian casualties during military operations, as stark reminders of governance complexities.
To promote transparency and inclusivity, Abbas announced plans for a Citizens’ Town Hall on the national budget. This initiative aims to provide Nigerians with a platform to engage directly with lawmakers on fiscal matters, reinforcing public trust and accountability.
He further noted that constitutional amendments would address governance challenges and promote inclusivity and equity.
The speaker reaffirmed the importance of constructive collaboration between the legislative and executive arms of government while maintaining institutional independence.
“Our collective efforts should be focused on policies that prioritise the welfare of the people and strengthen the foundations of our democracy,” he added.
[DailyTrust]
Nigerian workers have again demanded at least 50 percent wage increase from the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu government to cushion the impact of the country’s untamed inflation.
The demand was re-echoed in an exclusive interview with DAILY POST on Monday by a senior executive of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, who preferred anonymity.
The wage rise demand comes barely six months after the minimum wage increase in July, 2024.
The workers want the presidential economic team to double down on policies that are inflicting pains on Nigerians in the last months.
“We have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a wage review. There is a difference between wage review and minimum wage negotiation.
“We had a meeting with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation; about seven or eight ministers were in attendance.
“They agreed that due to the country’s inflation, that there is a need for a wage review. We will officially write to the government for a wage review.
“On the proposed wage review, the leadership of NLC will meet to determine the exact amount, as you are aware prices have doubled after the last minimum wage review.
“Similarly, the President and his media team should double down on their harsh economic policies,” the NLC source told DAILY POST.
Meanwhile, calls DAILY POST made to NLC spokesperson, Benjamin Upah and its Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja were not responded to as of the time of filing this report.
DAILY POST reports that the central reason for the call for a wage rise was due to the rising cost of living in Nigeria.
Recall that Tinubu, in the build-up to the N70,000 minimum wage rise, had said he would accept a N250,000 wage rise if fuel prices were increased.
The President of NLC, Joe Ajaero, confirmed Tinubu’s position on the reason the union accepted the N70,000 minimum wage increase.
Despite the eventual minimum wage increase approved by Tinubu in July last year, the rise in the price of Premium Motor Spirit and other macroeconomic challenges had depleted the impact of the N70,000 minimum wage increase.
For instance, an average fuel price that stood at N770.54 per litre in July 2024 rose to between N935 and N1,100 on 13th January, 2025.
This means that between when the minimum wage was approved and now, fuel prices, a major determinant of the prices of goods and services, rose by N339, or 30 percent.
The National Bureau of Statistics, in its November Consumer Price Index and Inflation data, said headline and food inflation rose to 34.60 percent and 39.93 percent, respectively.
To this end, it is the eroding value of the N70,000 minimum wage that has made Nigerian workers demand a wage rise.
Also, speaking on the controversy of the four tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly, the NLC member asked Tinubu to review the threshold for workers that would enjoy zero taxation from N800,000 per annum to N1.5 million.
He aligned with NLC president, Joe Ajaero’s recent remarks that with the way the tax bill is structured with the minimum wage of N70,000, the majority of workers would have to pay more to the federal government as tax.
According to the source, the current structure of the tax bills means all Nigerian workers would pay more taxes to the government.
DAILY POST reports that President Tinubu, in his first media chat, said that four tax bills, namely the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, the Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill, are needed to retool the economy.
However, the bills had continued to generate controversies. Among those opposed to them are Northern governors, the National Economic Council, and other leaders from Northern regions.
Reacting, the NLC source decried that instead of the government lifting the pains of Nigerians at the time of skyrocketing costs of living, it wants to add to the burden.
“You are paying the lowest paid N70,000 as a minimum wage and you want to exclude only those from N0-N800,000 to be zero-taxed.
“What does that tell you? When you multiply N70,000 by 12 months, it will amount to N840,000; thereby, this means every Nigerian worker will pay more tax to the federal government.
“If in reality the government wants to exclude lower-income earners, the threshold should be N1.5 million, not N800,000, because inflation has eroded the value of the Naira.
“What is the point of collecting tax from a people already impoverished and who cannot afford a bag of rice?
“The government should be talking about how to reduce the burden on Nigerians, not add more by taxation,” he said.
DAILY POST reports that Ajaero had said the Nigerian government should address concerns in the tax bills.
[DailyPost]
The National Assembly Joint Committee on Finance has given revenue-generating agencies 48 48-hour ultimatum to appear or risk being withdrawn from government funding for 2025 operations.
It decried their failure to honour invitations for their 2025 budget defence and their revenue-generating profile.
The agencies include the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the Nigerian Postal Service (NPS), and the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).
Others are the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Tertiary Education Trust Fund, Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority and the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
The Nigerian Copyright Commission, National Insurance Commission, National Pensions Commission, National Space and Research Development Agency, and the Nigerian Metrological Agency are also included.
The rest are the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporations, Airspace Management Authority, Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas Limited, Transmission Company of Nigeria, Bank of Industry (BoI), and Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaira.
Speaking during the second day of the revenue profiling exercise, Chairman of the Senate Committee of Finance, Senator Sani Musa (APC-Niger), said President Bola Tinubu, while presenting the 2025 budget to the National Assembly, mandated all ministers and heads of agencies to appear to defend their respective budgets before the Assembly.
According to Senator Musa, members of the National Assembly had to cut short their Christmas holidays to attend to the national assignment.
“But to our dismay, a lot of agencies have refused to honour our invitations to appear before us, for us to scrutinise their performances in 2024 and look at their 2025 projection, if it is justifiable.
“These agencies have refused to honour the Joint Committee’s invitation.
“So, by virtue of the constitutional powers given to the Joint Committees on Finance of both the Senate and the House of Representatives, we are given the chief executives of these agencies 48 hours within which to appear before this Joint Committee.
“Failure to do that, the Committee will not hesitate to recommend to the Appropriation Committee to withhold any appropriation to these agencies.
“If these agencies are self-funded, we will also request both the Minister of Finance and the Accountant General of the Federation to withhold their funding,” he said.
Chairman of the House Committee on Finance, James Faleke (APC-Lagos State), said the essence of the budget defence exercise was to boost revenue generation and cut down on borrowing.
“If these agencies refuse to appear before us, the needful will be done by the National Assembly,” he said.
The Senate adjourned plenary till January 28 to enable heads of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to defend their allocations in the N49.7trillion 2025 Appropriations Bill before its relevant committees.
The Senate’s resolution to suspend plenary for two weeks followed a motion moved by the Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Ashiru Oyelola.
Senators approved the motion when it was put to voice vote by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
[TheNation]
The National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria’s key agency for data dissemination, is still reeling from a cyberattack on its official website, which occurred on December 18, 2024.
As of January 14, 2025, the website remains inaccessible, raising doubts over the timely release of its much-anticipated Consumer Price Index and inflation data, typically published on the 15th of each month.
The hack came just days after the NBS released its controversial Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey, which revealed that Nigerians paid an estimated N2.3tn in ransom within a year.
The sensitive nature of the report has fuelled speculation about a possible link between the survey’s release and the cyberattack.
Following the breach, the NBS took to its official X (formerly Twitter) account to confirm the incident, assuring the public that efforts were underway to restore the website.
The agency advised users to disregard any information from the compromised platform until the situation was resolved.
Despite these assurances, the prolonged downtime has disrupted access to critical economic data, sparking concern among policymakers, analysts, and investors who rely heavily on the bureau’s statistics for decision-making.
In a related development, the NBS has announced plans to introduce three new indexes in its monthly CPI.
The new additions are expected to be part of the rebased CPI.
The continued inaccessibility of the NBS website, however, casts doubt on how this critical report will be disseminated.
NBS spokesperson Joel Ichedi did not immediately respond to calls and WhatsApp messages from our correspondent on Tuesday.
However, he earlier told The PUNCH that the delay in restoring its website was due to a thorough investigation of the incident and the extended holiday period, which has hindered timely recovery efforts.
He assured the site will soon be accessible to Nigerians as efforts are ongoing to restore it.
The PUNCH earlier reported that the National Bureau of Statistics has earmarked N35m in its 2025 budget proposal for “Capacity Building on Cybersecurity and Data Centre Management.”
In addition to the cybersecurity allocation, the NBS’s 2025 budget proposal includes several other projects aimed at improving its operational efficiency, modernising infrastructure, and enhancing service delivery.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Marketing Research Association recently pledged to develop private-sector alternatives to ensure the availability of economic data in situations like this.
The association emphasised the importance of diversified data sources to mitigate the impact of disruptions from official agencies.
As the NBS battles with the attack on its website, The PUNCH observed that the Central Bank of Nigeria has moved its Monetary Policy Committee meeting previously scheduled for January 27 and 28, 2025.
The updated calendar on the apex bank’s website showed that the committee will meet five times this year, with its first meeting slated for February 17 and 18, 2025.
[Punch]
…Says Nigeria can’t afford to be left behind
The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, WTO, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has advocated a decentralised approach to electricity supply in Nigeria.
She spoke on the critical role of Artificial Intelligence in socio-economic development at the 10th convocation ceremony of the African University of Science and Technology, AUST, in Abuja, yesterday.
According to the nation’s former Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Nigeria must increase internet access for her citizens to be able to upskill them in AI, a feat that would not be possible without access to constant power supply and that Nigeria could not afford to be left behind in AI.
She said: “Underpinning all that, of course, is access to reliable electricity power supply. Power outages and constant interruptions might prove a more challenging constraint in Nigeria and other African countries to internet access and AI adoption than anything else.
“In other words, we could lay out the smartest approaches to the adoption of AI, like the federal government and AUST are trying to do, but find that efforts undermine our lack of access to the very basics – electricity infrastructure.
“Here, I would propose that we take a more decentralized approach to electricity provision in the country in light of the improved affordability of renewable energy.
“Each production, consumption and learning unit that is able should try to create its electricity supply through renewables. I’m proud to learn that AUST is embarking on this path, with feasibility studies for hydro and solar sources that can carry the campus. The issue is to mobilize the N200 million needed to make this happen.”
Put AI regulations
Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, one of the university’s founders, noted that it was necessary to put regulations in place to guide the use of AI to ensure data security.
“We also need to bear in mind that relying on AI-driven systems could pose challenges to data sovereignty and security. Many African economies currently depend on foreign technology providers for AI tools and platforms, potentially raising concerns about privacy, governance and the protection of sensitive information.
“All these risks, combined with limited regulatory frameworks in many African countries, including Nigeria, underline the need for robust oversight and ethical guidelines tailored to local context.
“Nigeria and other sub-Saharan African nations must work hard, so they can overcome the lag in AI readiness. We score 0.34 on the IMF’s AI Preparedness Index, which evaluates factors such as digital infrastructure, workforce skills, innovation, economic policies and ethical regulations.
“Putting in strong regulatory guardrails is crucial to ensuring that AI serves as a tool for inclusive and sustainable development, rather than a source of new vulnerabilities. So on the road ahead, let me try to bring my talk to a conclusion,’’ she said.
We need investments to benefit from AI
The WTO boss urged investments in ICT infrastructure to enable Nigerians enjoy the benefits AI provides.
Her words: “I’ve been saying throughout that for people in Nigeria and across the continent to fully harness the gains from AI, we need investments. Investments in basic infrastructure first and foremost, investments in regulatory frameworks, in digital literacy, in upskilling our young people, in creating appropriate business ecosystems and more.
“But I’m confident that with foresight and careful planning for implementation, Nigeria and Africa can do it.”
She said over the past few years, AI had evolved from being a technological curiosity to becoming a force within industry and within people’s lives.
“It has already starting to redefine how we live, learn, work, and trade. AI has been likened to the advent of electricity, a transformative force that reshapes everything it touches.
‘’In my view, it’s already clear that AI is the most disruptive and transformative technology since the advent of the Internet a generation ago. It will transform the nature of work.
“It will change existing jobs. It will create new ones we had not thought about. And yes, it will probably take some jobs away.
‘’The potential gains are enormous. The consultancy, Pricewaterhouse estimates that AI could boost global economic activity by up to $15.7 trillion, or roughly 15% by 2030. They predict that this growth will not be confined to the industrialized north.
“The global south, including Nigeria, has much to gain. But countries across the developing world will need to be proactive to seize this potential, and we cannot afford to be left behind,’’ Okonjo-Iweala added.
[Vanguard]
Fire has gutted Focus Holiday Inn, an upmarket hotel in the Garki area of Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city.
Eyewitnesses said the fire, which began around 3am, started from a section of the building before engulfing the three-storey structure.
Personnel of the fire service are currently trying to put out the fire.
There are no reports of casualties at the time of filing this story.
Fire incidents have become commonplace in the federal capital territory (FCT) recently. On November 2, 2024, fire razed a telecommunications facility in the Maitama area of the city.
On November 13, a popular fitness centre in Gwarinpa was also gutted by fire.
[TheCable]
The Lagos State Government has launched the EKO Learners’ Support Programme, an innovative initiative aimed at aiding students preparing for the West African Examinations Council and National Examinations Council examinations.
This was made known by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, during an unveiling ceremony at the Education Resource Centre, Ojodu, Lagos, on Tuesday.
In his address, Alli-Balogun emphasised the importance of education as the foundation for development and highlighted the state’s commitment to providing students with the resources needed for academic success.
“This initiative has been designed to broadcast a head-start of 320 lessons in 10 different subjects; English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Economics, Government, History, Literature-in-English and Yoruba on Lagos Television and other social platforms, with proficient teachers, who were recruited painstakingly through thorough and rigorous screening.
“The programme is scheduled for 26 weeks in the period leading up to the start of these public examinations with a duration of 30 minutes per episode and each episode archived for easy access by learners and teachers,” the commissioner stated.
The approach, according to the ministry, ensures that students have continuous access to the materials, enabling them to review content at their own pace and engage with teachers and peers online.
“The lessons after broadcast on television are archived permanently on social media platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X – (formerly Twitter),” the commissioner added.
Alli-Balogun encouraged students to fully utilise the resource, emphasising that their hard work and dedication are crucial to their success. He also expressed gratitude to educators, partners, and stakeholders for their collaboration in making the programme possible.
Some Nigeria Police school staffers, who are on extended service following the Federal Government’s decision to increase the retirement age for teachers from 60 to 65, are expressing frustration over the authorities’ refusal to pay their salaries for 33 months.
During separate telephone interviews on Sunday, the aggrieved teachers expressed their frustrations to PUNCH Metro, revealing that their families were struggling with financial hardship and debt.
They explained that they had to borrow money to sustain their livelihood after the police stopped paying their salaries due to issues surrounding the extension of their service.
PUNCH Metro reports that the five-year service extension for teachers in Nigeria was introduced by the Muhammadu Buhari administration, effective January 1, 2021.
The beneficiaries of the service extension, including teachers in police schools, the army, navy, air force, and Federal Government colleges in Nigeria, have called for the immediate implementation of the new service scheme.
However, while other institutions, such as the Ministries of Education and Defence, promptly implemented the policy, the aggrieved teachers accused the former Nigeria Police Force Education Officer, DCP Rabi Umar (retd.), of refusing to enforce it. They claimed this decision had plunged the families of the police school teachers into financial hardship.
The situation took a new turn in November 2023 when the aggrieved teachers, despite having their salaries restored by the current Force Education Officer, ACP Ibidapo Oludare, did not receive their outstanding arrears.
Despite numerous appeals by the teachers for the payment of their over 33-month outstanding salaries, the aggrieved teachers lamented that the police authorities had failed to act.
Speaking to PUNCH Metro on Saturday, one of the affected teachers, identified simply as Peter, revealed that in addition to the police refusing to pay their arrears, there had been unexplained deductions from their monthly salaries.
He said, “When our salaries were restored in November 2023, we noticed that the arrears were not paid. On top of that, deductions started appearing in the salaries we received. We have no idea what is going on.
“Some reported deductions of about N40,000, others N36,000, and some N20,000. It’s only in our education system that we experience these kinds of deductions. The deductions were made last December, and we have no idea what will happen in January.”
Expressing concern that her five-year service extension granted by the Federal Government would end in November 2025, Odi feared that her 33-month unpaid salary might be lost once her extension expires later in the year.
“I borrowed money from several people during the period when our salaries weren’t paid. It was only by the grace of God and the support of loved ones that I managed to get through that time. When the salary was eventually restored, I started paying back little by little. I had hoped that once the arrears were settled, I would clear my debts.
“Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case. We are desperately appealing for assistance, as it has been an extremely challenging time. By November 2026, the five-year extension would have come to an end, yet our salaries remain unpaid. This means the extension has had no meaningful impact. We are humbly requesting help, as we are struggling to make ends meet.
Similarly, another teacher, identified only as Mrs Awo, shared that the unpaid salaries had had a severe impact on them, urging those in authority to intervene and offer their support.
She said, “My unpaid salary amounts to 33 months, from February 2021 to November 2023. I didn’t receive a single payment during that entire period. During that time, I had to borrow money and buy items on credit, relying on the support of my husband and children to get by.
“They promised that they would pay it, and that was their commitment. However, up until this very moment, nothing has been paid, even after our monthly payments were restored.”
Regarding the salary deductions, she explained that the issue had been ongoing for some time, saying, “You just collect whatever you see.” She emphasised that no one knows the exact amount of their salaries.
A related report was published on Monday, where some retired staff members of Lagos State University of Education, Ijanikin Campus, appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for intervention in the non-payment of their 31-month pension arrears, stating that the delay was causing them significant hardship.
When our correspondent called ACP Olubiyi on Tuesday to inquire about the delay in paying the salary backlog, his mobile phone rang unanswered.
When it comes to global safety standards, Air Peace stands tall with world aviation giants – IATA
Admin
Air Peace, Nigeria’s leading airline, has once again demonstrated its commitment to global safety standards by receiving its sixth consecutive International Air Transport Association (IATA) Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification. Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Patrick Fatokun, IATA’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa, commended Air Peace for consistently meeting the stringent safety requirements.
Dr. Fatokun in his statement mentioned that when it comes to global safety standard, Air Peace stands shoulder to shoulder with aviation giants and the best airlines in the world. He noted that the IOSA certification process, conducted by independent external auditors, is one of the most rigorous assessments in the industry, designed to ensure compliance with international safety and operational standards. According to him, Air Peace has not only maintained but surpassed expectations, earning a reputation for safety that places it on a pedestal in the international aviation sectors.
Dr. Fatokun further emphasized that achieving and renewing the IOSA certification is no small feat, as many airlines struggle to maintain compliance after initial success. He urged other Nigerian airlines to follow Air Peace’s example, noting that prioritizing safety and operational integrity would elevate the entire industry and enhance Nigeria’s reputation in global aviation.
In his statement, the Chairman/CEO of Air Peace commended the Nigerian government, particularly the Minister of Aviation, for creating a supportive environment that encourages the growth of local airlines. He called on other airlines to strive for IOSA certification, which not only validates their safety processes but also positions them as credible competitors on the global stage. According to him, this milestone is not just a badge of honor for Air Peace but also a source of pride for Nigeria, showcasing the country’s ability to produce world-class airlines capable of holding their own among global giants.
Dr. Onyema, further expressed his profound gratitude to God, the staff, and the management for their relentless efforts in sustaining this remarkable milestone. He described the certification as a testament to Air Peace’s unwavering dedication to operational excellence and its commitment to prioritizing the safety and comfort of passengers.
As Air Peace continues to raise the bar for safety and operational excellence, the airline remains a shining example of what can be achieved through vision, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of global standards.
[Vanguard]
More...
The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled February 4, 2025, to hear a N500m lawsuit filed against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, by a human rights lawyer, Abba Hikima, on behalf of vulnerable residents of the FCT.
The suit challenges the alleged violation of the fundamental rights of homeless individuals, scavengers, hawkers, and beggars, following their reported arbitrary arrest and detention by a joint task force under the minister’s directive.
Hikima claimed that on November 12, 2024, he witnessed a convoy of security operatives rounding up individuals perceived as vulnerable while passing through Ahmadu Bello Way at about 11 p.m.
He described the scene as one of “verbal harassment, physical threats, extortion, and detention without charge,” which he argued constituted “inhumane and degrading treatment contrary to Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).”
He is seeking a declaration that “Nigerians, regardless of their economic status, place, birth or appearance, have the liberty to move freely in the FCT, Abuja, including the liberty to sleep on public roads without let, permission, or hindrance whatsoever in accordance with the spirit and purpose of Sections 35, 41, and 42 of the Constitution.”
Among his prayers is an order directing the respondents to issue “a public apology to the affected individuals and Nigerian citizens at large for the inhumane, arbitrary, and unconstitutional treatment meted on them pursuant to the directive of the 1st respondent (Wike) dated October 22, 2024.”
He also requested an order mandating the respondents to implement policies and reforms to protect the fundamental human rights of vulnerable Nigerians.
The lawsuit follows Wike’s October 2024 directive banning street hawking in the FCT.
The minister argued that such activities were linked to rising criminality in the capital city.
However, Hikima contends that homelessness, begging, and petty trading “are not crimes in Nigeria” and attributes these situations to “harsh and unbearable government policies” as well as the government’s “failure and ineptitude in providing vulnerable Nigerians with security and decent lives.”
Hikima’s affidavit also alleged that individuals arrested under the directive included hawkers of ice cream, sweets, and biscuits; petty traders conducting lawful roadside businesses; and those dressed in ways reflecting economic hardship.
“I felt devastated as a human rights lawyer,” Hikima said, adding that he had followed the task force’s motorcade to Eagle Square, where the victims were dropped off.
He identified three of the victims – Abdullatif Shehu, Hajiya Talatu Danladi, and Judith Samuel – whose testimonies he documented as evidence.
Listed as respondents in the case are Wike, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and the Federal Government of Nigeria.
When the matter was called on Tuesday, Usman Chamo, counsel for the applicant, confirmed that all respondents had been served.
A.P. Korobo-Tamono, representing the DSS, stated that a counter-affidavit had been filed, but no legal representatives appeared for Wike, the Inspector-General of Police, or other respondents.
Justice James Omotosho ordered hearing notices to be served on the absent respondents and adjourned the case until February 4, 2025, for a substantive hearing.
I Have No Regrets Killing My ‘Girlfriend’ Salome Adaidu - Says Gospel Singer Timileyin Ajayi
AFOLABI
Thirty-two-year-old Timileyin Ajayi, has been remanded in the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Nasarawa State Police Command in Lafia, the Nasarawa State Capital
Timileyin was apprehended for the murder of his alleged girlfriend, Salome Eleojo Adaidu, a 24-year-old member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), serving at Nicon Insurance in the Nation’s capital, Abuja.
Salome was murdered when she visited the suspect at his house in the Papalana axis at New Karshi in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
Timileyin Ajayi was brought to the headquarters of the Nasarawa State Police Command from Karshi development area of Karu Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday. He was paraded alongside the knife and machetes he used to commit the crime.
Timi was nabbed Sunday, January 12, while trying to dispose of the head of Salome after killing her and dismembering her body parts when she visited him at his house.
Frail from injuries sustained from the mob that identified him before his arrest, Timileyin confessed to the crime.
Answering to questions in an exclusive interview from our Correspondent, when asked if he killed Salome, he answered? Yes, narrating that it wasn’t planned but it is because they don’t have each other all the time.
“I killed her because we don’t have each other all the time, it’s not something I planned. It happened on that day and it happened. Not that I have the plan in mind, she was cheating. She hides most of the things from me most times. I got to know from her phone. I saw her chats with other guys on the phone, that was why I decided,” he said.
When probed further, he said he has no regrets in committing the crime.
Do you have any regrets?
He said, no. “I don’t have any regrets because life is reciprocal that is what I thought, if you must do something to someone, you have to be reciprocal with that person. You have to understand what that person is going through so that you can actually put yourself in the position that the person is going through, that is why I don’t have any regrets because we were actually compatible.”
Salome’s elder sister, Esther Adaidu denied knowledge of any relationship between her deceased sister and the suspect as she pleaded for justice.
She said, “This so-called Timi guy, we don’t know him. We have never seen him until we were called up to tell us that this guy murdered and dismembered our sister.
“I demand and need justice to be served to this guy sitting over there because he is the one that murdered my sister and he confirmed it to me.”
Salome’s uncle, Samson Adaji Adaidu stated the position of the family.
“The position of the family is we discovered this through the Nigerian Police and we are expecting justice from the police,” he said.
He narrated the sad experience, saying, “He has succeeded in destroying our daughter, not ordinary killing, he butchered her into pieces. He cut that body into more than 50 pieces and when you look at the whole thing, he is preparing that body for consumption because he cut them and left them in about six polythene bags’
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Nasarawa State Command, SP Ramhan Nansel assured that justice will be served.
He said, “Investigation is ongoing, and upon conclusion of the investigation he will be arraigned in court for prosecution. I want to assure the family and members of the public that this suspect will not be spared if found wanting.
“He will be charged to court for prosecution. We are calling on members of the public who may have any complaints against the suspect to come forward with their complaints and it will be looked into and investigated.”
With insinuations about Timileyin’s profession of being a gospel singer, he mentioned to Channels Television that he is a cryptocurrency trader.
He has been remanded in custody at the Nasarawa State Police Command’s Criminal Investigation Department pending further investigation.
Media
The Senate Committee on Information and National Orientation has rejected the ₦8.9 billion allocation in the 2025 budget proposal to the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, describing it as inadequate.
The Chairman of the Committee, Senator Kenneth Eze, announced the decision to reject the proposal when the Information Minister, Mohammed Idris, appeared before the committee to defend the ministry’s appropriation.
Eze stated that the decision to reject the budget is unanimous and had been adopted by all members of the committee.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly Joint Committee on Finance has increased the revenue projections for the Nigeria Customs Service from the proposed ₦6.5 trillion to ₦12 trillion for the 2025 fiscal year.
The committee also increased the revenue projection for the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation from ₦163.3 billion to ₦180 billion.
The decisions were taken when the heads of the two agencies appeared before the committee to defend the 2025 budget proposals and the revenue projections for 2025 fiscal year.
Nollywood actor Lateef Adedimeji has opened up on his denial of an alleged romantic relationship with Bimpe Oyebade-Adedimeji, years before their marriage. He also recounted the humorous story of how he proposed to his wife.
Speaking during an interview with Chude Jideonwo on the With Chude Podcast, the actor revealed that his wife thought he was joking as he proposed marriage to her over the phone.
Lateef Adedimeji stated that Mo Bimpe’s initial reluctance was because of his Islamic religion, and she feared that her father would not agree to that. He recalled:
“I called her and told her I wanted to ask her something, then I told her I wanted to marry her. She was just joking, like, ‘What is doing this one? Get out! I can’t marry a Muslim; are you okay? My daddy won’t even hear that.'”
The actor then arranged to meet her father and asked for her hand in marriage, and eventually, he agreed. He continued:
“Then I told her that we’d go see her dad, and I’d speak to him and calm him down. So we went to her village during one of their masquerade festivals, and towards the end, I asked to see her dad. I promised him that I’d take care of his daughter, and he said he’d pray and get back to me, and that was it.”
Though the couple consistently denied being an item for months before their wedding, fans had long suspected that the pair were together. Clearing the air, Lateef claimed he dated Mo Bimpe for about three months before their marriage and not as long as their fans perceived. He concluded:
“The proposal wasn’t planned because we just dated for like two, three months and then we got married.”
Lateef and Bimpe had the traditional leg of their celebrity wedding at Ijero-Ekiti in Ekiti State on Saturday, December 18. A Nikhai then followed on Wednesday, December 22, 2021, in Ikeja, Lagos State.
Some of the celebrities in attendance were Toyin Abraham, Kolawole Ajeyemi, Nkechi Blessing, Mercy Aigbe, Adunni Ade, Wumi Toriola, Femi Adebayo, Yetunde Bakare, Odunlade Adekola and Tunde Kelani.