Latest News
FEATURES
Joseph Aloba, father of late singer, Illerioluwa Aloba, aka Mohbad, has again accused his daughter-in-law, Wunmi, of paternity fraud.
In a fresh audio interview making the rounds on social media, Mr Aloba insisted that his grandson, Liam, is not his late son’s child.
According to him, Liam has “bow legs” and his family doesn’t have “bow legs.”
He said he believed that Wunmi’s concubine killed Mohbad and urged her to take her son to the rightful father.
He said, “All the names Mohbad mentioned in the petition he wrote, were involved in his death. I still insist that his wife’s concubine killed him. This is why DNA is a must.
“Wunmi said my son deflowered her so why is she running away from DNA? Liam has bow legs. We don’t have bow legs in the Aloba family. She should take the boy to his father. It is so sad that these wicked people k!Iled my son in his prime. Nigerians should please support me as I fight for justice for my son.”
A man, Shafiu Abubakar Gadan who was accused of setting a mosque ablaze, leading to the death of 14 worshippers was on Monday, May 20, remanded in a correctional centre by an Upper Shariah Court in Kano State.
The incident occurred during the Subhi (early morning) prayer in Gezawa Local Government Area of the state on May 15, 2024.
Many other worshippers sustained varying degrees of injuries from the ensuing fire.
The accused is also charged with setting several residents on fire, resulting in grievous harm and the death of some individuals.
During the court session, the prosecution, led by Kano State’s Attorney General, Barrister Haruna Isah Dederi, presented three counts of causing grievous harm and culpable homicide against the accused.
Dederi alleged that on May 15, 2024, at about 5:15 a.m., the defendant used petrol and set a mosque at Gadan village on fire during subhi.
“The defendant poured the petrol on the carpet where Sani Suleiman and 24 others were praying, and closed the door," Dederi said.
“In the process, several people sustained various degrees of injuries and were rushed to Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital Kano for treatment, while Suleiman and 13 others died while receiving treatment."
Shafiu Abubakar Gadan pleaded guilty to the charges.
The prosecution said the case is a capital offence and urged the court to allow the defendant to get a lawyer to give him his constitutional right.
In response, the presiding judge, Malam Halhalatul Huza’i Zakariyya, ordered the accused to be remanded in a correctional facility.
The case has been adjourned to May 31, 2024.
Over 40 people have been killed by bandits after invading Zurak village Bashar District of Wase local government area of Plateau State.
Those killed included vigilantes.
According to residents of the community, the incident occurred around 5: pm, on Monday, when people were going about their normal activities.
The residents said but they could not immediately report the incident due to the poor communication network in the area.
According to Sahpi’i Sambo, a youth leader in the area, who also confirmed the incident to Daily Trust, the bandits arrived at the community on motorcycles – two on a bike – with sophisticated weapons and started shooting sporadically.
He said “More than 40 people were killed while many injured. Residents of the village have fled to neighbouring communities for cover. As of yesterday, security personnel had not yet arrived at the community. It was deadly,” Sambo said.
Spokesperson of the state police command, DSP Alabo Alfred, had not responded to inquiry by our correspondent as of the time of filing this report.
Two wanted notorious kidnappers, Usman Gide Ali and Abdulrahman Amadu, have been arrested by Troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sub Sector 3 OPERATION WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) in Taraba State.
The military rejected a N2m bribe fromthe wanted suspects.
The Army in a statement on Monday night, May 20, 2024, said the two kidnappers have been on a wanted list of the security agencies for their involvement in multiple kidnappings in Wukari and its surroundings.
According to the statement, the suspects attempted to bribe the troops with N2m for their release but the soldiers staunchly refused the bribe.
In a similar operation in Ibi Local Government Area of the state, troops apprehended four more suspected kidnappers linked to numerous high-profile abductions in the region targeting both locals and foreigners for ransom.
“In a significant operation on 19 May 2024, troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sub Sector 3 OPERATION WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) have successfully captured 6 suspected kidnappers in separate operations carried out within Taraba State,” the statement read.
Acting on a tip-off, troops from the 93 Battalion Sub-Sector 3B OPWS, stationed at Forward Operating Base Wukari, carried out a well-planned raid in Chinkai Village of Wukari Local Government Area.
"This raid led to the apprehension of two individuals identified as Usman Gide Ali, aged 25 and Abdulrahaman Amadu, aged 28. The suspects have been on wanted list of the security agencies for their involvement in multiple kidnappings in Wukari and its surroundings.
"Upon their arrest, the suspects attempted to bribe the troops with 2 million Naira for their release. However, the soldiers staunchly refused the bribe, underscoring their dedication to justice and integrity.
“The suspects were also overheard stating that if money failed to secure their freedom, their associates would resort to armed means to rescue them from custody.”
In a parallel operation in Ibi Local Government Area, troops stationed at Sarikin Kudu acting on credible intelligence apprehended four more suspected kidnappers: Jafaru Banyi, aged 28, Mohammad Ardo, aged 25, Amadu Lawal Shatta, aged 20 and Biyu Ardu, aged 25.
"These captured suspects have been linked to numerous high-profile abductions in the region, targeting both locals and foreigners for ransom and have long been under the surveillance of security agencies.
"The Commander 6 Brigade/ Sector 3 OPWS, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidebere Uwa, has since commended the troops for their courage and unwavering commitment to ethical standards.
"He emphasized that the successful apprehension of these suspects is a testament to the diligent efforts and dedication of the soldiers, highlighting their refusal to accept bribes as a clear demonstration of their professionalism and integrity.'
Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, is mourning the demise of his father.
Pa Suleimon Atanda Obasa, a businessman, passed on in the early hours of Tuesday at the age of 83.
Pa Suleimon Atanda Obasa
This was made known in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Eromosele Ebhomele.
Baba Obasa, a loving family man and community leader in his lifetime, was a successful businessman in the oil and gas and in the transportation sectors owning filling stations.
He was also reputed for his success in farming, through which many citizens have always been empowered.
A devoted Muslim, Pa Obasa dedicated his life to the service of Allah and mankind taking care of the needy and the less privileged.
He is survived by his wives, children and grandchildren among whom is the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
His remains would be interred at 4pm in the Agege (Old Abeokuta Motor Road) area of Lagos State, according to Islamic rites.
Oba of Benin, Ewuare II has alleged that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is aiding crimes in the country.
The monarch made the allegations when he received the new Benin Zonal Director of EFCC, Effa Okim in his Palace in Benin on Monday.
He cited a case involving unnamed former palace officials who were left off the hook after they were arrested for fraud and handed over to EFCC in Benin for investigation and prosecution.
The Oba alleged that some EFCC operatives allegedly handled the case with kid gloves, which led to the release of the culprits a few years ago.
The monarch, who did not name the palace officials, expressed shock that the EFCC investigators allegedly swept glaring evidence of fraud against them (the palace officials) under the carpet.
While tasking the commission to fight crime without fear or favour, the Oba added,” We want to draw your attention to one or two grey areas in your operations”.
“No matter how much you try to support the EFFC from the palace, It is very difficult because they seem to listen to other parties. What I have been told is that they take instructions from the highest bidder.
“You know that I have been known for speaking the truth. I was not happy about certain things that happened with your predecessor.
“We get news from everywhere. We try to assist the EFCC. I even wrote a letter to the then-chairman who was removed from office.
“I even sent an emissary to talk to him regarding certain elements in Edo State, particularly the palace.
“How can EFCC operatives, especially, the lady who handled the case I cited earlier behave like that? If I was asked to comment on her performance, I would score her zero. I do not know if she was doing an EFCC job or just dancing to the tunes of people who were giving her money.
“At the time we were trying to assist EFCC, the report we kept getting was negative and I was not happy about it,” Oba Ewuare II added.
The monarch, however, said the newly appointed Chairman of EFCC, Olanipekun Olukayode is on the path to greatness if he continues to demonstrate fidelity in his duties.
He also pledged the palace’s support to the state government in addressing social inequality and reducing social vices.
Earlier in his address, Okim appealed to the Oba to support advocacy against financial crimes with Edo State ranking second behind Lagos State in the financial crime index in the country.
Recalling the historical ties between his state of origin, Cross River and Edo State, he solicited prayers and royal blessings to enable him to discharge his duties diligently.
The 210,000-barrel-per-day Port-Harcourt refinery may finally commence operations by the end of July after several postponements.
The new date was disclosed on Monday by the National Public Relations Officer, Independent Marketers Association of Nigeria, Chief Ukadike Chinedu.
He stated that the development would stimulate economic activities, reduce the price of petroleum products and ensure adequate supply.
Last year in December, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, announced the mechanical completion and flare start-off of the biggest crude refinery in Port Harcourt.
The refineries comprise two units, with the old plant having a refined capacity of 60,000 barrels per day and the new plant has 150,000 BPD.
The refinery shut down in March 2019 for the first phase of repair works after the government secured the service of a technical adviser of Itay’s Maire Tecnimont to handle the reviews of the refinery complex, with oil major Eni appointed technical adviser.
On March 15, 2024, it was reported that the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Mele Kyari, stated that the Port Harcourt refinery would commence operations in about two weeks.
Some residents of Dawaki, a community near Kubwa in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have been kidnapped.
According to a source, 20 persons were kidnapped in the incident which sparked tension in the area.
The attackers were said to have raided houses on Frank Opara street before security operatives responded to distress calls.
Chairman of Dawaki Rock Heaven Community, Tunde Abdulrahim, said the incident happened at about 7:30 pm. on Sunday.
Abdulrahim said the heavily armed bandits, numbering about 50 and consisting of men and women, invaded the community and broke into about six houses.
Commenting on the attack, FCT police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, said the Commissioner of Police, CP Benneth Igweh, led policemen to the scene and engaged the kidnappers in a gun battle.
“In an immediate and strategic response to a distress call on the attack by unknown gunmen in Dawaki on May 19, 2024, at about 11:30pm, the operatives of the FCT police Command led by the Commissioner of Police, CP Igweh, himself, swiftly mobilised to the scene.”
“Displaying remarkable bravery and coordination, the police, in synergy with local hunters, advanced on the assailants, tactically ambushing them at Ushafa Hill via Bwari and Shishipe Hills via Mpape. This led to a fierce gun duel as the hoodlums were overwhelmed by the firepower of the operatives, forcing them to scamper to safety with various degrees of bullets injuries, and the victims were rescued.
“While one of the rescued victims is still in the hospital receiving medical attention, the Commissioner of Police, FCT, reaffirms the Command’s steadfast dedication to maintaining peace and security in the Territory, as search operations are ongoing to rescue other hostages who fled the scene during the shootout,” Adeh said.
Daily Trust had reported how the bandits in the early hours of Sunday abducted five people from Shagari Quarters, Dei-Dei in the FCT.
Vigilante sources in the community told our correspondent that the attackers arrived in the area around noon and went straight to the compound of a senior customs officer, where they picked his wife, three of his children and a younger brother.
“They spent more than two hours before proceeding to the neighbouring Dakwa community. The man used to work in Abuja, with the police Rapid Response Squad (RRS) always parking around his house. But they are no longer around following his deployment to Lagos, though his family is still living in the compound,” the source added.
An attempt by the bandits to attack some houses in Dakwa town was said to have been unsuccessful, following a fierce fire exchange with security men there, which forced them to withdraw, according to the Chief of Dakwa Dr Alhassan Musa Babachukuri.
The traditional ruler lamented that the bandits have created a base behind the Zuma Rock in Chachi community near Dakawa in neighbouring Niger State, which leads to some forests around Bwari.
He called on the government to take serious action against the bandits before they escalate their activities.
Police in Anambra state have detained a 30-year-old teacher for allegedly causing an 8-year-old student to fall into a coma due to physical assault.
Naija News gathered that the Anambra state government has permanently shut down Landmark School Mgbakwu in the Awka North Local Government Area.
The disclosure was made by the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, during a press briefing in her office on Monday.
The school’s proprietor and the teacher implicated in the incident, Faith Nwonye, were summoned to provide clarification on the events resulting in the assault of the primary two pupils.
Following the meeting, Chuma-Udeh clarified that the decision to shut down the school was not solely due to the disturbing incident but also stemmed from its unlawful operation.
She conveyed her sorrow regarding the situation, expressing concern that the victim’s likelihood of survival, currently hospitalized, stood at 20 percent, as indicated by the medical professional.
The Commissioner said: “We received this unfortunate incident from an illegal school in Mgbakwu that a child was beaten to a coma over the weekend.
“On behalf of the State Government, we invited the proprietress of the illegal school as well as the teacher who purportedly beat the child.
“We’ve handed the matter to the police for further investigations, as we await Mr Governor’s directives.
“Meanwhile, the school is closed down indefinitely because it’s not supposed to exist in the first instance.
“Any parent who is enrolling his/her child in an illegal school is doing so at his/her own peril.
“To the proprietors of private schools, anyone running an unapproved school in Anambra is a criminal. It’s a criminal offence to run an illegal school in the state.
“Whether the school is legal or not, it’s criminal to beat a child. According to the doctor, the chances of survival of the child is 20%.
“As soon as the police are done, the teacher will face other institutions against child rights. She’s going to have the full wrath of the law brought upon her over her actions.
“Anambra state abhors violence to children, women, and any other person. It’s not part of this administration and Mr. Governor is against such.”
ABUJA – The China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) has handed over phase one of $50 million dollars worth Federal University of Transportation Daura, Katsina State to the Nigerian government.
The Chairman of CCECC, Jason Zhang, hinted that the completion of the Federal University Daura, marked a significant milestone in the realisation and dedication through deliverance of long-expected vision, noting that the existence of the university would strengthen the relationship between Nigeria and the Republic of China.
According to him, “Federal University of Transportation, Daura is an investment by CCECC with the total amount of $50 million dollars as one of the ways in given back to Nigeria, to help in technical advancement.”
Zhang during the handover in Abuja explained that the implementation of this project has provided more than 600 jobs, and many technical exchange programs were conducted.
Responding, the Minister of Transportation who hosted the handing-over ceremony of the Federal University of Transportation, Nigeria (Phase 1), which was built by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and donated to Nigeria, stated that the completion of the Federal university Daura is indeed a huge achievement and of significant value for economic growth and social well-being through societal development.
Building the university he said was part of the corporate social responsibility by the Chinese contracting firm, CCECC.
More...
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TotalEnergies, Patrick Pouyanne, has explained why the company is investing a whooping sum of $6 billion in energy projects in Angola over Nigeria.
Pouyanne, who spoke with panellists of the Africa CEO in Kigali, Rwanda, said the inconsistency in policymaking decisions led to the diversion of the project from Nigeria to Angola, a country with a more stable policy framework.
The oil boss stated that although the Niger Delta is the most productive region in West Africa, the erratic policy environment has made investment untenable.
He added that TotalEnergies has not conducted oil exploration in the region for 12 years.
“Nigeria loves to open topics without closing them. You love to debate. There is always a new legislature in Nigeria about a new petroleum law. When you have such permanent debates, it’s difficult for investors looking for long-term structure to know what direction to go.
“In reality, the Niger Delta is the most prolific part of West Africa. But if you look at what happened, because of these debates, there has not been a single exploration in Nigeria for 12 years.
“It’s important to have a debate and then settle it and put a framework on the table that investors can trust.
“We have countries that have perfectly integrated policies like Angola. So, we go to Angola and announced a very large $6 billion projects in the beginning of the week because there their framework is stable. So we know where we go,” Pouyanne said.
Insecurity, lack of talent stifling investment
In addition, Pouyanne said that insecurity and the lack of human capital are two of the main issues facing investment in the country.
According to him, investors need the guarantee that their investments are secured and not exposed to violence and demolition.
He also added that the firm is training individuals to boost human capital and required talents needed in the oil and gas sector.
“What are the challenges? Security comes first. For a CEO like me, security of my people is of utmost important. Fortunately, we have customs in the Niger Delta to deal with it.
“We also have finding talent has a difficulty. In some countries like Nigeria and Rwanda, we find difficult to find talent. Some of them have difficulty in education. And we can contribute to that. That’s some of the things we do, training people,” he said.
What you should know
In December 2023, TotalEnergies said it would invest as much as $6 billion in Africa’s biggest oil producer in the years ahead.
The energy firm said it will target deep-water projects and gas production at a time when international oil companies (IOCs) are shifting attention away from onshore to offshore operations in Nigeria.
Pouyanne had told President Bola Tinubu during a meeting in Abuja that the French company is in support of the current administration’s policies and push to resolve insecurity issues in the industry.
Nigeria contributes eight to 10% of TotalEnergies’ global output and is home to more than 18 per cent of its overall investments.
However, the company has been finding it difficult to get the oil major to retain its interest in offshore assets, which has been problematic for IOCs because of their vulnerability to insecurity and vandalism.
In February, Nairametrics reported that the firm announced plans to sell its minority stake in a major Nigerian oil joint venture.
The firm said It wants to divest its share of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC) and is looking to reshape its portfolio since producing oil in the Niger Delta is not in line with its health, security and environmental policies.
A sixty-three-year-old woman, Chinyere Nkwocha, has been arrested for operating a baby factory in Abia State.
The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), said the baby factory was uncovered by the Department of State Services (DSS), Abia State Command.
Ten victims were rescued from Umunkwa village, located in the Umuafai Ndume Ibeku area of Umuahia North Local Government, Abia State where Nkwocha operates.
The victims, aged between one and 24 years, included seven young girls, six of whom are pregnant, one lactating mother, and two boys who are minors.
NAPTIP said the suspects and the victims have been handed over to its Abia State Liaison Office for further investigation and appropriate action.
The Director-General of NAPTIP, Prof. Fatima Waziri–Azi, expressed concern over the increasing incidences of the buying and selling of babies and the proliferation of baby factories across the country.
She said in recent times, there have been alarming reports and public outcry regarding the sale of babies and the existence of facilities specializing in trapping young girls, recruiting men to impregnate them, and subsequently selling the babies after delivery.
Waziri-Azi in a statement by the Communication Officer of the agency, Adekoye Vincent, stated that the factories operate covertly and prey on the desperation and vulnerability of unsuspecting victims.
She said the operators of the factory often lure people with promises of financial gain or false assurances of care and support.
The Director-General, while commending the Abia State Command of the DSS for the successful operation, urged the public, especially parents, to be vigilant and ensure that their wards do not fall victim.
She also encouraged communities to continue collaborating with Law Enforcement Agencies in combating the crime by reporting all cases of human trafficking to NAPTIP through its toll-free number, 0703 0000 203, or short code 627 (MTN & AIRTEL Only).
Japa: School Proprietor Collects WAEC, NECO Fees, Sells School Facilities To Finance His Escape Abroad
AFOLABI
Mr. Sunday Adeyemi, a school owner in Ibadan, has reportedly disappeared with funds earmarked for students’ WAEC and NECO exam fees, leaving their educational prospects in jeopardy.
The shocking revelation came to light through Adejoke Lasisi, the founder of Planet 3R, who took to Facebook to share the distressing news.
According to her post, many parents had gone to great lengths, even borrowing money, to ensure their children could take these crucial exams.
However, their hopes were shattered when they discovered that the school had not registered their children for the exams despite collecting the fees.
Adejoke’s post was fueled by both anger and personal experience, as her younger brother had once been a victim of a similar incident. Fortunately, her family managed to rally support and funds to re-register him for the exams.
The school owner’s actions were described as a betrayal of trust, especially considering he had operated “The Lord’s Favour” school for more than two decades.
It was revealed that Mr. Adeyemi had allegedly sold off his properties, including his home and the school itself, to finance his escape abroad, leaving the students and parents in a state of disbelief and hardship.
Adejoke concluded her post by emphasizing that while everyone has the right to seek opportunities abroad, it should not be at the expense of others, especially when it involves breaching trust and jeopardizing the futures of innocent students
Ex-Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) housemate, Ka3na, has been criticized for claiming that she recently made about a billion dollars while asleep.
In a post via Instagram on Monday, Ka3na said she made $900 million from selling properties in London, United Kingdom.
While sharing the screenshot of a message from her agent informing her of the success of the transaction, the former BBNaija housemate boasted that she would retire as a young billionaire.
“$900,000,000 while I sleep. Retiring as a young billionaire. [hash tag] Ka3naTheBossLady,” she captioned the post.
Her claim, however, stirred criticism from fans and friends.
@karo_okogbe said: “You go school? You know wetin be 900 million??”
@germanyhiltonn: “Lol, you lie alot Sha”
@adenlylfatima: “even if it’s true, must u bring it here”
@smoochleezeagu: “What is now our business”
@realnexy: “Na which kind of play be this, $900,000,000 aunty why you Dey lie to all this gullible people ??? Ehn baby why”
@chldora5: “Believe the Internet at your own risk.”
@official_assurance03: “If this convo is real then you don fall victim with this I dey see that’s pure scam conversation there.”
@onyl_best_girl: “Be like dem don hack Bosslady acc.”
@queenjey_abikwl: Looks like those photos yahoo boys dig up to use for scam anyway.”
@soniaemodi: “this one resemble photo wy dem dy send give client and the story too.
[DailyTrust]