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Multiple investment fraud: Crime Alert Security Network Boss Bags 63 Years Jail Term In Ibadan
AFOLABI
Justice Olusola Adetujoye of the Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan has convicted and sentenced Olaniyan Amos to 63 years in jail for multiple investment fraud.
Amos was convicted alongside his firm, Detorrid Heritage Investment Limited, on Monday.
They were prosecuted on 30-count charges by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ibadan Zonal Directorate, bordering on obtaining by false pretences, an offence contrary to Section 1(1) (a) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006.
This was contained in a statement by the Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, on Tuesday.
Count 21 of the charge reads, “That you Olaniyan Gbenga Amos and Detorrid Heritage Investment Limited on or about 18th of June, 2020, at Ibadan, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud obtained the sum of N995, 000.00 from Bada Titilope, when you falsely represented to him that the money is meant for registration and investment with Crime Alert Security Network with a promise of 30% return on investment in six weeks (30 working days), which representations you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence of obtaining money under false pretence contrary to Section 1(1) (a) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006.”
Another charge reads, “That you Olaniyan Gbenga Amos and Detorrid Heritage Investment Limited on or about 29th of January, 2020, at Ibadan, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud obtained the sum of N920, 000.00 from Onifade Isaac Olawale, when you falsely represented to him that the money is meant for registration and investment with Crime Alert Security Network with a promise of 30% return on Investment in six weeks (30 working days), which representations you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence of Obtaining Money under false pretence contrary to Section 1(1) (a) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006.”
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to him.
Upon his plea, the EFCC Counsel, Sanusi Galadanchi, opened the case on February 17, 2022 and called eight witnesses, tendered several exhibits marked “Exhibits A to H” and closed the case on January 24, 2023.
At the end of the prosecution’s case, the defendant filed a “no case submission” but was thrown out as the defendant was ordered by the court to enter his defence.
Subsequently, the defendant opened and closed its case on October 17th, 2024, where the first defendant testified for himself and on behalf of the 2nd defendant as a lone witness.
The court, after the presentation of the defendants’ case, adopted the final written addresses of both parties as judgment was reserved till April 28th, 2025.
At the resumption of the trial on Monday, April 28, 2025, Justice Adetujoye convicted and sentenced Amos to seven years imprisonment on each count of 6, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 23 and 24 but discharged and acquitted the defendant on 21 counts.
The court also ordered that the sentence should run concurrently and the convict must restitute the victims.
Amos was convicted and sentenced to seventy-five years imprisonment by Justice Bayo Taiwo of the Oyo State High Court, Ibadan, for a similar offence on December 14, 2023.
The convict has two other ongoing trials before the Federal High Courts in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Another journey by the convict to the Correctional Centre began when he was arrested and arraigned before Justice Olusola Adetujoye on December 14, 2021, by the EFCC.
He swindled several individuals under the pretext of investment ventures that led to the loss of money to the tune of over N1 billion by investors.
Umar Damagun, the acting national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), says the party’s national legal adviser has been directed to take legal action over the defection of Sheriff Oborevwori, governor of Delta, and other members to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Damagun addressed journalists in Abuja on Tuesday at the end of the party’s national working committee (NWC) meeting.
On Monday, Ifeanyi Okowa, former governor of Delta, and Oborevwori, his successor, alongside some stakeholders of the PDP in the state, formally defected to the APC.
Damagun said the party has decided to dissolve all the structures in Delta since the majority of the leaders have joined the APC.
The acting national chairman said the south-south zonal caretaker committee should oversee the affairs of Delta PDP pending the inauguration of an interim leadership.
“We also instructed the national legal adviser to recover our mandate that they have taken away,” he said.
“The fortune of this party cannot be left in the hands of our adversaries, so we will take legal action to retrieve those mandates.
“I want to use this opportunity to tell Nigerians that elections cannot be done by leaders but by people. I believe this (defection) should not weigh us down.”
Damagun urged PDP members to remain calm, adding that the 2027 presidential election is between Nigerians and the APC.
More than two decades after the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) of 2003 transformed Nigeria’s telecommunications landscape, key stakeholders have called for an urgent review of the legislation to address growing gaps and adapt to rapidly evolving digital realities.
Critical stakeholders at a high-profile colloquium organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Communications, in Lagos, on Tuesday, stressed the need to reassess the 22-year-old law to ensure it remains fit for purpose in an era defined by 5G, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity threats, and growing digital inequality.
The executive vice chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, said the Nigerian Communications Act of 2003 was visionary for its time, but the realities of 2025 demand a re-examination of its provisions. “We must update the legal framework to anticipate future opportunities and address today’s complex challenges,” Maida averred.
While acknowledging the Act’s role in liberalising the telecom sector, spurring growth, and catalysing digital transformation, Maida pointed out that it now struggles to accommodate present-day technological disruptions and economic shifts. He cited the sector’s impressive gains: from fewer than 300,000 mobile subscribers in 2001 to over 150 million today, and a 13.94 percent contribution to the GDP as of Q3 2024. Yet, he said, these achievements are being undermined by rising operational costs, inflation, rural connectivity gaps, and emerging cybersecurity threats.
“This colloquium must serve as a launchpad for bold reform. We need a legal and regulatory framework that not only protects consumers and fosters competition but also ensures Nigeria’s leadership in the global digital economy. Urban centres enjoy robust connectivity, while rural communities still face limited access. Operators are strained by infrastructure deficits, and consumers are demanding more affordable and reliable services. The current legal framework cannot adequately respond to these new realities,” he noted.
Echoing these concerns, the chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Communications, Rt. Hon. Peter Akpatason, emphasised the imperative for the Act to evolve alongside global digital trends. “The 2003 Act brought us this far, but now we must envision a more dynamic and responsive regulatory environment. This means confronting digital exclusion, strengthening cybersecurity, and encouraging innovation and investment in cutting-edge technologies,” Akpatason said.
The colloquium, themed “The Nigerian Communications Act 2003, 22 Years After: Reassessing the Nigerian Communications Act, Challenges, Opportunities, and Future Directions for a Digital Nigeria,” brought together regulators, industry operators, consumer advocates, academics, and lawmakers to evaluate the legislation’s strengths and gaps.
Key concerns highlighted at the event included widening digital divide between urban and rural Nigeria; Cybersecurity vulnerabilities in an increasingly digital society; Outdated regulatory tools that cannot accommodate technologies like blockchain, AI, and quantum computing; Investment disincentives due to regulatory rigidity and high infrastructure costs and Limited access to telecommunications services for underserved communities.
The speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, in his keynote message, described the colloquium as a timely step aligned with the 10th House’s legislative agenda. “This is an opportunity to reform and refocus the communications sector,” he said, stressing the role of digital infrastructure in economic growth and social inclusion.
Quoting international benchmarks, the speaker’s message delivered by the deputy chief Whip, Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka, cited World Bank and OECD studies which show strong correlations between broadband penetration and GDP growth. He noted that while digital financial services—such as Opay, Moniepoint, and Kuda—have integrated underserved populations into the economy, digital fear and cybercrime still limit broader adoption. “Cyber fraud, phishing, identity theft—these are eroding trust and impeding progress,” he warned.
The speaker also outlined several legislative efforts aimed at tackling these issues, including the Cybercrime Act (2015), Nigeria Data Protection Act (2023), and pending bills like the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill. He confirmed the National Assembly’s intent to amend the Nigerian Communications Act as part of its ongoing digital transformation agenda.
As deliberations continue, expectations remain high that the colloquium will produce a framework that not only reflects today’s digital realities but also anticipates future demands in Nigeria’s pursuit of a more inclusive and globally competitive communications sector.
Stakeholders therefore called for a comprehensive revision of the Act that would foster innovation through public-private partnerships, research and development initiatives, and incentives for digital entrepreneurship.
[Leadership]
The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has urged the Police Service Commission (PSC) board to initiate reforms like technology and professionalism in policing, saying it has the backing of the National Assembly.
Akpabio, who was represented by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, during the Police Service Commission Board Induction/Strategic Management session in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, said the National Assembly was ready to give the necessary legislative backing for the review of outdated laws.
While calling for the introduction of a reward system for outstanding police officers, Akpabio said Nigeria must begin to institutionalise merit, discipline and integrity over mediocrity, favouritism and impunity, adding that reforms in the police require courage that would disrupt the status quo.
He urged the PSC to adopt policies that would make the police protectors instead of predators, and deliver justice instead of judgment, and advocated the adaptation of community policing models that emphasise empathy, conflict resolution and neighbourhood engagement like Japan and Finland.
[DailyTrust]
The North-Central All Progressives Congress, APC, Forum has rejected calls for President Bola Tinubu to drop Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate in the 2027 election.
The position of the North-Central APC Forum was made known in a statement released by its Chairman, Alhaji Saleh Zazzaga, in Abuja on Wednesday.
The APC Forum’s position followed agitation by some North-Central stakeholders, under the aegis of North-Central Renaissance Movement, who are calling on Tinubu to drop Shettima as his running mate for the 2027 election.
The Movement asked Tinubu to pick a running mate from the North-Central as a condition for the zone to support his reelection.
According to the Movement, the North-Central zone should produce Nigeria’s Vice President in 2027.
However, rejecting the calls for Shettima’s replacement as Vice President, the North-Central APC Forum declared that its earlier endorsement of Tinubu for the 2027 election extended to the Vice President.
According to the statement signed by Zazzaga, a member of the APC campaign council for the 2023 election, North-Central APC stakeholders are satisfied with Shettima, and are not involved in the calls for his replacement ahead of the next election.
“The North-Central All Progressives Congress (APC) Forum rejects calls on President Bola Tinubu to drop Vice President Kashim Shettima as his running mate in 2027.
“The calls are not coming from stakeholders of the APC in the North-Central. We disassociate ourselves from the calls and we hereby emphasize that our endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for the 2027 election extends the Vice President, Kashim Shettima.
“For emphasis, we hereby again endorse President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for the 2027 election.
“We urge Mr President not to pay any attention to the antics of individuals and groups who are trying to derail his administration, which has recorded so much achievements towards repositioning Nigeria on the part of progress and sustainable growth.
“We are satisfied with the role being played by Vice President Kashim Shettima in President Bola Tinubu’s administration, and we also commend the harmonious working relationship between the President and the Vice President, which is being envied by those in the opposition, who are now trying to sow seeds of discord in the APC government.
“The North-Central APC Forum stands on the Tinubu/Shettima ticket with which our party emerged victorious in the 2023 election,” the statement said.
The APC Forum, which had earlier promised to deliver six million votes for Tinubu in 2027, insisted on its determination to achieve the feat, as the people of the North-Central are happy with the President’s administration.
“We also restate that the six million votes we promised Mr President are intact. We are happy with the position of Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the ministerial portfolios and other appointments given to the North-Central, as well as infrastructural projects in the zone.
“However, if there are other opportunities, including infrastructural projects, that can come to the zone, we will also appreciate them,” the statement added.
The APC Forum noted that, currently, in addition to the high profile position of SGF, occupied by Senator George Akume from Benue State, the North-Central zone is holding key ministerial portfolios, as well as some other important appointments in the Federal Government.
The statement identified key ministries headed by ministers from the North-Central to include: Ministry of Justice, headed by the Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, from Kwara; Ministry of Information and National Orientation, headed by Mohammed Idris from Niger State; Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, headed by Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda from Plateau; Ministry of Women Affairs, headed by Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim from Nasarawa; Ministry of Special Duties, Intergovernmental Affairs, headed by Zephaniah Bitrus Jisalo, from the Federal Capital Territory, and Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, headed by Prof Joseph Utsev from Benue.
It would be recalled that in December 2024, the North-Central All APC Forum endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office.
The Forum declared that it decided to endorse Tinubu for a second term because his administration has extended several opportunities to the North-Central zone since he assumed office as President in 2023.
“The Forum equally evaluated the programmes and initiatives of the Federal Government and it is evident that, since the current democratic dispensation in Nigeria, no other President has given the North-Central as many opportunities as much as President Bola Tinubu.
“No other President has brought as many infrastructural projects to the North-Central as the President Tinubu administration.
“After assessing the state of the nation, the North-Central APC Forum is of the view that President Bola Tinubu has done well to earn a second term in office.
“An assessment of President Bola Tinubu’s policies also shows that he is taking the country in the right direction and deserves the support of all Nigerians to get the country there.
“The economic policies introduced by President Tinubu are already making the expected impact, with the recent strengthening of the Naira in the foreign exchange market, improvement in volume of oil production, and rise in foreign reserves, among others.
“President Tinubu’s policies in the petroleum sector have already eliminated scarcity, and we believe that, with time, Nigerians will witness reduction in the cost of petroleum products, which would reverse inflation in the county.
“The APC North-Central Forum believes President Bola Tinubu deserves a second term to midwife these reforms which are already bearing fruit, and we call on all Nigerians to support his administration to improve the situation in the country.
“After extensive considerations, North-Central APC Forum has given the President a passmark on insecurity, appointments, infrastructure, economy and other areas. We stand firmly behind President Bola Tinubu as his bold leadership has brought significant progress to our region, and we believe he is the right person to continue leading Nigeria towards greater prosperity.
“We urge all Nigerians to rally behind the President and support him for a second term, to enable his administration to deepen the gains of his reform policies.
“Just as we worked for his election in 2023, the North-Central APC Forum assures President Tinubu and all his supporters that we will again work for his reelection in 2027,” the North-Central APC Forum said in a statement released to announce the endorsement of President Tinubu for the 2027 election.
[DailyPost]
A team of Nigerian civil servants has clinched the N5 million grand prize at the 5th Federal Public Service Innovation Competition with a groundbreaking carpooling app designed to ease transportation challenges among public workers.
The winning team, Team Carpooling, developed a ride sharing solution that allows civil servants to either pay colleagues who own cars for rides or rotate the use of personal vehicles among a group of car owners without financial transactions.
The innovation, tailored to address daily commuting struggles, was hailed as a practical, scalable solution to reduce transport costs and improve productivity.
Team leader Nusrah Wali said the app offers both financial and non-financial models, noting that the idea was born out of real hardship faced by workers.
“This will not only ease the burden of transportation but also foster collaboration and convenience among civil servants,” she said.
Presenting the award, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, praised the project as a model for how innovation can directly impact lives and public service efficiency.
She described the initiative as perfectly aligned with the ongoing Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025 (FCSSIP25), which prioritizes innovation as a core pillar.
“This is more than an app; it’s a symbol of the new direction we’re heading, a service that is smarter, more citizen-focused, and solution-driven,” Walson-Jack said during the award ceremony held in Abuja.
The Head of Service noted that this year’s competition saw over 155 entries, with 132 ideas pitched and 66 teams emerging after rigorous virtual training and mentorship. Judges included international experts from MIT (USA), San Francisco, Canada, and Nigeria.
Other winners received N3 million and N2 million as first and second runners-up, while ten finalists were awarded N200,000 each.
Walson-Jack also unveiled several digital tools now available to civil servants, including: SERVICE-WISE GPT – an AI assistant for real-time support on public service processes; FCS Online Academy – an e-learning platform offering professional development and the Civil Service Newsletters – internal publications promoting welfare, reforms, and innovation.
She called on private sector players and development partners to support the scaling of such innovations, emphasizing the need for a collaborative ecosystem that drives national development through technology and ideas.
Walson-Jack noted that the Federal Public Service Innovation Competition, launched in 2020, has grown into a flagship initiative for transforming public service delivery in Nigeria.
[TheNation]
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has said he is unbothered by what he described as the “noise” from opposition party members in the state.
Otti made the remark on Tuesday while receiving a delegation led by the member representing Bende North State Constituency, Nnamdi Ibekwe, who recently dumped the Peoples Democratic Party to join the ruling Labour Party in the state.
According to the governor, many of those in the opposition who claim they are coming to contest elections are not serious contenders.
He said their motives are to seek recognition, negotiate political benefits, or project themselves for the future.
“We are not bothered about the oppositions and their noise. There are different reasons why people show up (for elections).
“Sometimes, they just want recognition—that their names showed up for the primaries—knowing fully well that they will not win the election.
“Some of them also come for negotiations, and then of course, some others also show up for projections. They look at themselves and say, ‘If I start the noise in 2025, maybe by 2040 they will know that I have been in the race and they will call me and recognise me,’ so they are projecting themselves”, Otti stated.
He noted that his focus remains on the mandate given to him by the people, and his response to opposition criticism is to deliver tangible results across the state.
“People are making noise, but I respond with work. We are very committed to the job that our people asked us to do. We are doing just that. For us, governance is about stewardship and leadership. And that is what is keeping us here,” he said.
Speaking further, Otti congratulated Ibekwe on his decision to join the LP, stressing that it was a voluntary move made without pressure.
He reiterated that his administration does not prioritise political affiliations in governance, but is focused on delivering good governance to all Abians.
He added that the party is inclusive and welcoming, noting that Ibekwe has become a ranking member of the party.
He also announced that an official reception would be organised in his honour.
Earlier, Ibekwe said he was attracted to the Labour Party because of Otti’s achievements, which he described as unprecedented.
“This is the best time for Abia people”, he said, while praising the governor’s visionary leadership and assured him of his full support and that of his supporters toward the governor’s 2027 re-election bid.
Ibekwe was accompanied by key stakeholders from Bende North State Constituency, including the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Cliff Agbaeze; Labour Party stalwart, Chief Uwakwe Maduka; former Commissioner for Boundary Matters, Mr. Mascot Obike; and the Abia State APC spokesperson, Mr. Okey Ezeala, among others.
[Punch]
Cardinals aged 80 and above are ineligible to vote in a papal conclave. Of the 135 cardinals originally eligible for the 2025 conclave, 15 are 79 years old—some just weeks away from the age limit. However, with Cardinal Antonio Cañizares of Spain stepping aside due to health reasons, the total number of electors now stands at 134.
The age restriction for electors was introduced by Pope Paul VI in the 1970s and reaffirmed by Pope John Paul II in the 1996 apostolic constitution Universi Dominici Gregis.
Among those participating, the five oldest cardinals eligible to vote hail from Spain, Guinea, Poland, Pakistan and England, according to Catholic News Agency.
Here’s a closer look at these senior members of the 2025 conclave:
Cardinal Carlos Osoro Sierra – Spain
Born: May 16, 1945
Cardinal Osoro Sierra, the retired archbishop of Madrid, is known for his pastoral style and dedication to Catholic education. Previously archbishop of Valencia and Oviedo, he was appointed to Madrid by Pope Francis in 2014 and created a cardinal in 2016. His episcopal motto, “Per Christum et cum ipso et in ipso,” translates to “Through him and with him and in him.”
Cardinal Robert Sarah – Guinea
Born: June 15, 1945
A prominent figure in the Vatican, Cardinal Sarah has served under three popes in key curial roles, including prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship. He became an archbishop at age 34 and strongly advocated for traditional liturgy. Fluent in French, Italian, and English, Sarah also participated in the 2013 conclave and is seen by some as a potential candidate for the papacy.
Cardinal Stanisław Ryłko – Poland
Born: July 4, 1945
Cardinal Ryłko, a long-serving Vatican official, was a close collaborator of Pope John Paul II and led the Pontifical Council for the Laity. Ordained by Cardinal Karol Wojtyła before he became pope, Ryłko was made a cardinal in 2007 by Pope Benedict XVI. He played a role in shaping lay ministry initiatives and is fluent in Polish, Italian, English, and German.
Cardinal Joseph Coutts – Pakistan
Born: July 21, 1945
A trailblazer for the Catholic Church in Pakistan, Cardinal Coutts served as archbishop of Karachi and is only the second cardinal from his country. He has been deeply engaged in interfaith dialogue and was present at the 2019 signing of the Document on Human Fraternity in Abu Dhabi. He speaks multiple languages, including English, Urdu, Italian, and Punjabi.
Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe – England
Born: August 22, 1945
A respected theologian and former master of the Dominican Order, Cardinal Radcliffe has had a global impact as a preacher and retreat leader. He previously taught theology at Oxford and was recently asked by Pope Francis to lead spiritual meditations for the Synod on Synodality. His episcopal motto, “Vos Autem Dixi Amicos,” means “I have called you friends” (John 15:15).
[Vanguard]
Abba Moro, the senator representing Benue south, says the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would have won the 2023 presidential election if it had not chosen Ifeanyi Okowa as the running mate of Atiku Abubakar, its presidential candidate.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, Moro said the choice of Okowa, the former governor of Delta state, as the opposition party’s vice-presidential candidate was a “serious mistake“.
This is coming on the heels of a comment by Okowa, who said he regretted being Abubakar’s running mate during the 2023 elections.
Okowa, who spoke on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Monday, said his being the PDP’s vice-presidential candidate was against his people’s will.
On April 23, Okowa and Sheriff Oborevwori, governor of Delta, defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The former governor of Delta said his defection to the ruling party was in the “best interest of our people” and the need for the people of the state to “connect to Abuja”.
However, Moro said Okowa’s claim of regret after the PDP failed to win the presidential election in Delta state showed that his “soul” was not in the party.
“Given what we know now, with the hindsight that we have now, some of us think that the party would have won the election if other candidates, other than Okowa, had been picked as the vice-presidential candidate from the south,” the Benue senator said.
“I think there is an error of judgment on the part of everybody that was involved in the choice of Okowa as the candidate.
“How else would you characterise this scenario that a sitting governor, a former senator, and a presidential candidate of a party couldn’t deliver his state even to the presidential candidate?”
“And to think that two out of the senators from that state were from the opposition parties other than the PDP.
“So, I think that picking Okowa as the vice-presidential candidate in 2023 was a very serious mistake.”
Moro added that Okowa’s action showed a lack of commitment to the party.
“As it is now, you can safely conclude that we lost the election because of lack of commitment,” he said.
“Otherwise, how can you explain that shortly after losing his state, that ordinarily should have been a very easy pick for the PDP, instead of rendering an apology to the party and Nigeria, he’s now talking about regretting being on the ticket?
“His soul was not in the PDP. His soul was not in that election, and that is why we performed very miserably in Delta state.”
[TheCable]
The federal government has declared Thursday a public holiday to mark this year’s Workers’ Day, celebrated annually on May 1.
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the minister of interior, announced the holiday in a statement issued on Tuesday.
Tunji-Ojo commended Nigerian workers for their diligence and sacrifice, recognising their efforts as contributors to the country’s internal and external growth.
He reiterated the need for peace to drive industrialisation and economic growth and urged workers to imbibe the culture of innovation and productivity.
“There is dignity in labour; the dedication and commitment to the work we do is vital to nation-building,” the statement reads.
“This administration is fully committed to the security of life and property of every citizen and foreigner in the country.
“While wishing workers a happy celebration, the Honourable Minister urged Nigerians to keep hope alive as the present administration of President Bola Tinubu is committed to the Renewed Hope Agenda he has promised.”
The minister also encouraged workers to raise the bar of their trade, noting that it would improve governance and enable citizens to derive maximum benefit from the nation’s wealth and resources.
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Emeka Okonkwo, the socialite better known as E-Money, was released on Tuesday night after hours of questioning by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
E-Money was arrested on Monday night at his residence in the Omole area of Lagos and taken to the EFCC’s Abuja office for interrogation.
The arrest was linked to allegations of naira abuse and defacing foreign currencies, particularly for allegedly spraying US dollars — an act that violates the Foreign Exchange Act.
Following his release, the businessman took to his Instagram page to share a video of himself in a regal setting.
“No tension, everywhere good. I see all your love and support. God bless you all,” he captioned the post.
The clip featured a gospel song playing in the background, with lyrics expressing gratitude: “Thank you for saving me, thank you, my Lord”.
Pascal Okechukwu, another socialite better known as Cubana Chief Priest, also celebrated E-Money’s release on Instagram.
“My brother don fall out, To God be the glory,” he wrote.
Nigerian Law Student wins $2,000 grant at Innovate Conference 2025 with Plastic-to-Paint Business
Admin
Daniel Chukwueloka Monyei, a final-year Law student from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, emerged victorious at the recently concluded Innovate Conference 2025, taking home the coveted $2,000 grant prize with his innovative waste plastic-to-paint conversion business.
The event, which reached its climax on Saturday, April 26, 2025, saw five finalists compete for the prize money.
The finalists included Anesi Lifestyle, Mercysweet Foods, Softway Finance, Suftly, and P2P (PLASTIC 2 PAINT) – Monyei’s enterprise that ultimately claimed the top spot.
The “Innovate Pitch & Grant” program, an initiative by Crosspoint Church, aims to empower young Nigerian entrepreneurs and professionals through competitive pitching, business mentorship, networking opportunities, and a platform for showcasing groundbreaking ideas.
Speaking to the press at the event, Convener of Innovate and Lead pastor at Crosspoint church, Ladipo Soyombo emphasized the importance of supporting young talents: “Innovate is a means to foster the innovative spirit shared among Nigerian youth. We are committed to creating value for young people to benefit from. There’s youth disconnection within the economy, yet our youth have the potential, talent, and passion to drive innovation in society. Innovate was born out of our commitment to bridge the gap between Nigerian youth and economic opportunities. What we’re witnessing today is the manifestation of what happens when we create platforms that nurture innovation. The disconnect between our youth’s immense potential and their access to resources has been a longstanding challenge in our economy. Through initiatives like this, we’re actively working to transform Nigeria’s brightest minds into job creators rather than job seekers.”
Keynote speaker Kola Aina, founder of Ventures Platform and a prominent investor across Africa’s startup ecosystem, stated the need to invest in initiatives like Innovate. “What we’ve seen today represents the future of Nigeria’s economy. These young entrepreneurs are creating solutions to our most pressing challenges. All people of means, government agencies, and established corporations must recognize their social responsibility to support these dreamers with capital, mentorship, and market access. Innovation thrives where support exists, and today’s event demonstrates the incredible outcomes possible when we invest in our youth.”
Upon receiving the grant, Daniel Chukwueloka Monyei, CEO of P2P, shared his vision: “The future of P2P is that for every liter of paint purchased, you’re actually helping save the planet, you’re saving the world, and this is what we believe. The future of P2P basically involves producing more paint and eliminating more plastic. This support from Innovate will help us scale our operations and impact more communities across Nigeria.”
Monyei’s winning business model addresses two critical issues in Nigeria – plastic waste management and access to affordable paints. By implementing a community-based collection system and innovative processing technology, P2P creates an environmentally sustainable solution while offering cost-effective products to the market.
What set P2P apart in the competition was not only its innovative approach but also its remarkable impact. To date, the company has upcycled over 250 tonnes of plastic waste and prevented over 190 tonnes of CO2 emissions, significantly reducing environmental pollution across Nigeria. The company projects it will process up to 500,000 tonnes as operations scale. P2P’s paint products feature mosquito-repellent properties that remain active for six months while maintaining their glossy finish for years, addressing both environmental and public health challenges simultaneously.
A cornerstone of P2P’s success has been its community engagement model, working in partnership with 35 women and the Kaduna State Environmental Protection Agency (KEPA) to collect plastic waste, providing economic opportunities while educating communities about environmental sustainability. Additionally, P2P trains schoolchildren about the dangers of plastic to the environment and has trained over 14 at-risk youth in artistic and vocational painting skills, equipping them to become professional painters now engaged by P2P and others seeking skilled painting services. This dual approach to social and environmental impact was a key factor in the judges’ decision to award P2P the grant.
Joining Monyei in leading P2P’s innovative approach are Abdulfattah Omisanya as Chief Marketing Officer, Idakwo Ramatu as Chief Operating Officer, and Abdulmalik Yahya serving as Chief Technology Officer. This diverse leadership team brings complementary expertise to drive the company’s mission forward.
The Innovate Conference 2025 brought together aspiring entrepreneurs, industry experts, and investors, providing a platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and growth opportunities for Nigeria’s next generation of business leaders.
Manager to Juju legend King Sunny Ade (KSA), Dayo Adegeye, has dismissed rumors that the music icon was abducted.
In a statement on Tuesday, Adegeye described the claims as “malicious” and aimed at damaging KSA’s reputation.
He said, “We want to assure the public that King Sunny Ade is safe and sound. There is no truth to the kidnapping rumor.”
He added, “The King of World Beats, King Sunny Ade, is not abducted or kidnapped by anyone. The Adegeye family and King Sunny Ade’s team are working diligently to put an end to the rumor and protect his reputation.”
Dayo issued the statement after KSA’s daughter, Damilola Esther, raised alarm on Instagram, accusing him of holding their father captive and mismanaging his bookings.
She wrote, “Dad told my brother that he wants to go home. Where is he? Where are his phones? He has not been online or picking his calls. Where is he?”
Another post read, “I want Dayo (manager) apprehended. I want him to provide all the money they have been stealing from him. He has a UK visa, thinking he can run.”
Damilola also demanded an investigation into her brother’s handling of KSA’s business affairs.
As of the time of filing this report, King Sunny Ade had yet to issue a public statement.
[Guardian]
Chairmen of the eight branches of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Rivers State have strongly condemned a recent query issued to the Port Harcourt Branch chairman of NBA, Cordelia Eke, by the Administrator of the State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), through the State’s Ministry of Justice.
The query which was signed by the Director of Administration in the Ministry of Justice, Ebiriemg Deresima, and dated April 25, accused Eke of “serious misconduct,” alleging she co-authored a communique criticising the Ibas for “severe and brazen acts of lawlessness and impunity” and for actions deemed unconstitutional, including the dismantling of democratic institutions and attacks on peaceful protesters in the State.
The sole administrator claimed Eke’s actions violated the Public Service Rules and were unbecoming of a civil servant.
But, in a joint press statement issued in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, the NBA branch chairmen described the allegations against one of them as an attempt to intimidate her and stifle dissenting voices among legal professionals in the State.
They clarified that Mrs Eke did not issue the controversial communique in her capacity as a civil servant, but rather as the elected chairman of the Port Harcourt Branch of NBA, in line with her constitutional mandate within the NBA.
The NBA chairmen argued that their collective statements — including the one referenced from April 9 — were issued following formal deliberations within the association and reflected the position of all NBA branches in the State.
They also noted that their views aligned with those of the NBA at the national level, as articulated by the Association’s President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN.
The NBA chairmen further criticised the query as part of a broader effort by the Sole Administrator to suppress free speech and dismantle democratic norms under the guise of maintaining peace. They asserted their duty to uphold the rule of law and vowed not to be silenced in the face of intimidation.
“The query to our brother Chairman is nothing but a ploy by which the Sole Administrator seeks to intimidate her into discontinuing her functions and duties as Chairman of NBA Port Harcourt Branch, and an attempt to intimidate lawyers in Rivers State and by extension other good people of Rivers State from standing up and speaking against executive rascality and impunity,” they said.
“It must be noted that the main objective of the Nigerian Bar Association is the promotion of the rule of law thus, as watchdog of the society, it is our duty to speak truth to authority on behalf of lawyers and the general public and cannot be intimidated to shy aware from this sacred responsibility.
“Consequently, we, the Chairmen of NBA Branches in Rivers State, condemn in its entirety the query issued to our Brother Chairman of NBA Port Harcourt Branch and demand an immediate withdrawal of the same.
“We consider the issuance of this query to our brother Chairman as an unfortunate act the Sole Administrator has decided to use to suppress freedom of speech and constitutional rights of the good people of Rivers State against his various incidences of dismantling of peaceful democratic institutions already in existence in Rivers State and other acts and actions capable of causing breach of peace instead of maintaining the peace which was the primary claim for his appointment as Sole Administrator in Rivers State. We condemn in its entirety the query issued to our colleague and demand its immediate withdrawal,” the NBA chairmen added.
The press statement was signed by Dr. Hilda Desmond-Ihekaire, Chairman, Ahoada Branch; Simple Dioha, Esq., Chairman, Isiokpo Branch; Abiye Abo, Esq., Chairman, Degema Branch; Dr. N. A. Duson, Chairman, Bori Branch, and Dr. Celestine Nwankwo, Chairman, Okehi Branch.
They reaffirmed their commitment to resist any harassment or persecution targeting NBA leadership, lawyers, or the wider public in Rivers State.
[Leadership]