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The Nigeria Police Force has commenced disciplinary proceedings against six officers, including their supervisory officer, a Chief Superintendent of Police, following their involvement in a viral extortion video along the Benin Bypass, Edo State.
Recall that the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, earlier confirmed that the officers involved have been identified and summoned to the Force Headquarters for disciplinary action.
Providing an update on Tuesday, the NPF in a statement on its official X.com page stated that on arrival, the six officers were brought before the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, who described their actions as “shameful, distasteful, and utterly unacceptable.”
The IGP was also said to have ordered the commencement of internal disciplinary procedures, consistent with the Force’s zero-tolerance policy for extortion and misconduct.
The officers have reportedly been queried, and orderly room trials have commenced for the Inspectors directly implicated in the video.
The statement read, “Following the circulation of a viral video showing acts of extortion by police officers along the Benin bypass, the Nigeria Police Force, in line with its zero-tolerance policy on extortion and unprofessional conduct, has taken immediate action.
“Upon their arrival at the Force Headquarters, the six erring officers, including their supervising officer, a Chief Superintendent of Police, were marched in to appear before the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, who condemned their actions as shameful, distasteful, and utterly unacceptable.
“He further ordered the immediate commencement of disciplinary procedures against all six officers involved.
“Accordingly, the officers have been queried, while orderly room trials for the Inspectors implicated in the video have commenced.”
The Force reiterated its commitment to upholding professionalism and accountability, and assured the public that such misconduct will not be tolerated under any guise.
It also noted that appropriate sanctions will be meted out in line with established disciplinary procedures.
PUNCH Online reports that in the now-viral footage, a police officer was caught on camera demanding either ₦5,000 or five litres of fuel from travellers for failing to produce an Electronic Central Motor Registry certificate despite the suspension of ECMR enforcement in July 2024 by IGP Egbetokun.
The video, which sparked widespread outrage, drew swift condemnation from both the public and police authorities.
A resident of Grow Homes Estate in the Chikakore area of Kubwa in the Federal Capital Territory kidnapped by gunmen has been released, PUNCH Metro has learnt.
The gunmen had invaded the estate in the early hours of Monday and abducted two residents.
According to residents, the assailants were engaged in a gun duel by the security operatives who arrived at the scene.
Speaking on the incident, the spokesperson for the FCT Police Command, Josephine Adeh, confirmed the invasion and claimed the police rescued one of the victims after an intense gun battle with the armed men.
Adeh said efforts were ongoing to rescue the remaining victim.
However, speaking with our correspondent on Tuesday, two residents stated that the victim had been released after the N10m ransom was paid.
One of them said, ‘’The other man has been released. Initially, the kidnappers demanded N100m to release him but after many rounds of negotiations yesterday (Monday), the sum of N10m was agreed and his family paid to it to secure his release.”
Efforts to get the FCT police spokesperson, Adeh, were not successful.
The Lagos State Government has enrolled 130,000 households in preparation for the Federal Government’s N75,000 conditional cash transfer programme aimed at cushioning the impact of recent economic reforms.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday in Alausa, Ikeja, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Ope George, disclosed that the enrolled households have successfully had their National Identification Numbers integrated into the Lagos State Single Social Register, a subset of the National Social Register.
George said the exercise, which began on April 9, 2025, across all 57 Local Government and Local Council Development Areas, is a key requirement set by the Presidential Panel coordinating the relief programme.
“The Federal Government has mandated that all beneficiaries on the National Register must have updated records, including their NINs and geo-locations,” he said.
According to George, the update is crucial to ensuring the smooth disbursement of the cash grants and to eliminate fraud and duplication in the process.
He noted that the Lagos State Operation Coordinating Unit and Community-Based Targeting Teams had worked swiftly to meet the targets, with notable progress recorded in areas like Ikorodu, Alimosho, and Mushin.
“Out of the 130,000 households already linked, Ikorodu leads with 16,418, followed by Alimosho with 14,964 and Mushin with 10,712,” he said.
The initiative, George explained, is part of efforts to provide relief to the most vulnerable residents, especially in the wake of economic difficulties brought on by the removal of fuel subsidy, exchange rate unification, and broader national fiscal adjustments.
He reassured residents that the state would continue updating the register to capture more households and ensure they benefit from both state and federal interventions.
President Bola Tinubu has restated his administration’s unwavering commitment to fighting corruption and recovering looted public funds, declaring that there will be no safe haven for corruption in Nigeria.
Tinubu made the declaration on Tuesday at the Ministry of Justice Asset Recovery Summit in Abuja with the theme “Synergising Towards an Effective Assets Recovery and Management”.
Tinubu, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Madugu Gagare, said asset recovery was a key pillar of the national anti-corruption strategy.
“Asset recovery sends a clear and unwavering message: there will be no safe haven for corruption in Nigeria,” the president said. “It is about restoring the people’s trust and ensuring that every kobo of our national wealth works for the common good.”
He lamented the detrimental effects of corruption on national development, particularly in health, education, and infrastructure, stressing that repatriated funds must be reinvested into critical sectors to rebuild trust and promote equity.
Tinubu noted that transparency in the use of recovered assets has become a deliberate national policy, with many funds redirected toward high-impact infrastructure projects including the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, Second Niger Bridge, Abuja-Kano Expressway, and rural electrification schemes.
At the summit, Tinubu launched two key initiatives aimed at improving accountability in asset management.
The first is the Proceeds of Crime (Standardised Automated Asset Forfeiture Management System) Regulations, 2024, which introduces a technology-driven process to track and manage forfeited assets.
The second is the National Central Database of Forfeited and Recovered Assets, created under Section 81(1) of the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, 2022.
This publicly accessible platform will record all recovered assets and concluded forfeiture cases.
“These reforms are meant to ensure public oversight and foster transparency,” he said, adding, “Our government will take deliberate steps to strengthen anti-corruption institutions, enforce accountability, and ensure that justice is served—no matter whose ox is gored.”
Tinubu also expressed gratitude to international partners—including the United States, United Kingdom, Bailiwick of Jersey, Ireland, Switzerland, and France—for their cooperation in the recovery and repatriation of stolen assets. He called for continued collaboration to fast-track the return of funds still pending repatriation.
Also speaking at the summit, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), said the government was fully committed to transparency and the rule of law in its anti-corruption crusade.
Fagbemi revealed that in 2024 alone, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission recovered over N248bn, $105m, and 753 duplexes.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission also recovered N29.7bn and $966,900 in assets.
Since 2017, international cooperation has led to the recovery of over $763m and £6.4m, including $102.8m and £2.06m recovered between 2024 and May.
Notable recoveries include $52.8m from Galactica Assets, $50m in fines from Glencore, and £2.06m from Useni/Miner.
These assets, he said, have been reinvested into conditional cash transfers, healthcare centres, rural electrification, and key infrastructure projects under the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund. Civil Society Organisations, including ANEEJ and the CLEEN Foundation, have been actively monitoring the use of recovered funds and publishing periodic audit reports to ensure accountability.
Fagbemi also announced that agencies listed under the Proceeds of Crime Act are now required to update the National Central Database monthly with records of assets under their control.
While acknowledging progress, the AGF pointed out challenges such as cross-border complexities, the need for deeper international collaboration, and the imperative of maintaining transparency.
“This summit offers a platform for dialogue and innovation. Let us ensure that recovered assets are not only reclaimed but also reinvested in education, healthcare, and infrastructure to directly benefit Nigerians,” he stated.
Corruption not allowed in Nigeria – Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu has restated his administration’s unwavering commitment to fighting corruption and recovering looted public funds, declaring that there will be no safe haven for corruption in Nigeria.
Tinubu made the declaration on Tuesday at the Ministry of Justice Asset Recovery Summit in Abuja with the theme “Synergising Towards an Effective Assets Recovery and Management”.
Tinubu, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Madugu Gagare, said asset recovery was a key pillar of the national anti-corruption strategy.
“Asset recovery sends a clear and unwavering message: there will be no safe haven for corruption in Nigeria,” the president said. “It is about restoring the people’s trust and ensuring that every kobo of our national wealth works for the common good.”
He lamented the detrimental effects of corruption on national development, particularly in health, education, and infrastructure, stressing that repatriated funds must be reinvested into critical sectors to rebuild trust and promote equity.
Tinubu noted that transparency in the use of recovered assets has become a deliberate national policy, with many funds redirected toward high-impact infrastructure projects including the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, Second Niger Bridge, Abuja-Kano Expressway, and rural electrification schemes.
At the summit, Tinubu launched two key initiatives aimed at improving accountability in asset management.
The first is the Proceeds of Crime (Standardised Automated Asset Forfeiture Management System) Regulations, 2024, which introduces a technology-driven process to track and manage forfeited assets.
The second is the National Central Database of Forfeited and Recovered Assets, created under Section 81(1) of the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, 2022.
This publicly accessible platform will record all recovered assets and concluded forfeiture cases.
“These reforms are meant to ensure public oversight and foster transparency,” he said, adding, “Our government will take deliberate steps to strengthen anti-corruption institutions, enforce accountability, and ensure that justice is served—no matter whose ox is gored.”
Tinubu also expressed gratitude to international partners—including the United States, United Kingdom, Bailiwick of Jersey, Ireland, Switzerland, and France—for their cooperation in the recovery and repatriation of stolen assets. He called for continued collaboration to fast-track the return of funds still pending repatriation.
Also speaking at the summit, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), said the government was fully committed to transparency and the rule of law in its anti-corruption crusade.
Fagbemi revealed that in 2024 alone, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission recovered over N248bn, $105m, and 753 duplexes.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission also recovered N29.7bn and $966,900 in assets.
Since 2017, international cooperation has led to the recovery of over $763m and £6.4m, including $102.8m and £2.06m recovered between 2024 and May.
Notable recoveries include $52.8m from Galactica Assets, $50m in fines from Glencore, and £2.06m from Useni/Miner.
These assets, he said, have been reinvested into conditional cash transfers, healthcare centres, rural electrification, and key infrastructure projects under the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund. Civil Society Organisations, including ANEEJ and the CLEEN Foundation, have been actively monitoring the use of recovered funds and publishing periodic audit reports to ensure accountability.
Fagbemi also announced that agencies listed under the Proceeds of Crime Act are now required to update the National Central Database monthly with records of assets under their control.
While acknowledging progress, the AGF pointed out challenges such as cross-border complexities, the need for deeper international collaboration, and the imperative of maintaining transparency.
“This summit offers a platform for dialogue and innovation. Let us ensure that recovered assets are not only reclaimed but also reinvested in education, healthcare, and infrastructure to directly benefit Nigerians,” he stated.
FG directs JAMB, WAEC, NECO to blacklist CBT centres, candidates guilty of exam malpractices
AFOLABI
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has directed the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB; West African Examinations Council, WAEC; National Examinations Council, NECO as well as National Business and Technical Examinations Board, NABTEB, to blacklist Computer-Based Test, CBT, centres and candidates found guilty of examination malpractices.
His directive, said to be a response to the mind-boggling sharp practices that trailed the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, was contained in a letter, dated May 27, 2025, to JAMB and other examination bodies.
Alausa particularly said any school or CBT centre involved in examination malpractice or acting as a miracle centre be derecognised for a number of years that would be determined by the examination body.
He said: “If any school/CBT centre is derecognised by any examination body, other sister examination bodies should follow suit and derecognise the same school/CBT centre for the same number of years to run concurrently. This will send a very strong signal to operators of these miracle centres.
“The student(s) involved in examination malpractice should be barred from sitting for any external examinations in Nigeria, such as those conducted by WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, etc, for three years, using the instrumentality of NIN. Such a stringent measure will serve as a deterrent to other students and parents.”
He explained that his action was backed by an extant law, especially Section 16(2) of the Examination Malpractices Act.
The Act, he noted, states: “An examination body may, in the exercise of its powers under this section, circulate the name of an offending candidate, supervisor, invigilator, official, school or examination centre to other examination bodies, which may impose similar punishment.”
Recall that JAMB had, while releasing the 2025 UTME resit results, claimed to have recorded what it referred to as “advanced malpractices.“
JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, had said “while some Nigerians are busy dissipating energies on conspiracy theories and the spread of hatred, the future of Nigeria is being put in jeopardy by an advanced level digitised fraud.”
Speaking further, Oloyede had said that “further high-level malpractices were uncovered, which led to the withdrawal of some results and the arrest of several culprits across the country, some of whom have made useful confessions.
“These unwholesome practices include collusion of certain CBT centre/school proprietors, with the connivance of accredited centres, to hack the networks of targeted CBT centres, thereby gaining control of candidates’ computers and remotely submitting their responses to the relevant local server of the centre as recently discovered by security agencies to whom we are profoundly grateful.
“AI-enabled photo blending of candidates with impersonators, many of whom are current undergraduate students; registration with combined fingerprints, which involves the combination of fingerprints from multiple persons for a single candidate’s registration.
“There were also cases of extension of Local Area Networks, LAN, from centres to remote ‘strong rooms’; pairing of candidates with professional mercenaries after wilfull disruption of sitting arrangements who had registered for the UTME for the purpose of access to the examination hall.
‘’Unfortunately, many undergraduates of tertiary institutions are found to be involved in this nefarious practice.”
“While releasing the results, it should be emphasised that recent discoveries, particularly by security agencies, have necessitated the withdrawal of some of the results of implicated candidates across the country, whose results have been previously released,
“Over three thousand candidates nationwide have been identified as either accomplices or beneficiaries of this extraordinary examination fraud.
“But as investigation progresses, all candidates implicated in these unwholesome activities will have their results withdrawn as soon as incontrovertible proofs are established, even if the results have been released.”
An Abuja High Court sitting at Garki, on Tuesday, ordered the arrest of the Director of Investigations and Prosecution of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA, Mr. Joseph Eriki, over his alleged involvement in a land fraud.
Justice Suleiman Belgore issued a bench warrant against the FCTA boss, following his failure to appear before the court to enter his plea to a nine-count charge the Federal Government L preferred against him and 11 others.
Other defendants in the matter are: Boniface Agwu, Ikechukwu Kanu, Prince Isaac Omoluwa, Nwaimoneye Augustine Onyisi, Surajo Aliyu, Ogbole Michael, as well as five companies; Super Structure Limited, Bonatec Electrical Company Limited, Weatherfield Engineering Marine Services Limited and Asher Information Services Limited.
FG alleged that the defendants had sometimes between 2019 to 2024, conspired among themselves to defraud a firm- Etha Ventures Limited, of plot 461 to 470 and 486 to 496, Sabon Lugbe, East Layout, Abuja.
They were accused of using a forged land document to defraud the firm, an offence contrary to section 366 of the Penal Code, 2009, and punishable under section 364 of the same Act.
Specifically, FG alleged that the FCTA Director, willfully and with the intent to defraud, falsified information about the plots of land and presented the forged documents to the office of the Attorney General of the Federation.
When the case was called on Tuesday, government prosecutor, Mr. David Kaswe, told the court that the defendants are currently on administrative bail.
He told the court that though they were duly informed of the charge against them, all efforts to bring them for arraignment proved abortive.
Consequently, relying on section 124 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA, 2015, he applied for the court to issue a bench warrant against the defendants as a last resort to compel their attendance for trial.
In a brief ruling, Justice Belgore ordered the arrest and production of the defendants before the court on June 4.
Education abroad is a great way to expand your horizon as a Nigerian and close the knowledge gap. Finland offers high-quality education, innovative research opportunities and an excellent standard of living. This makes it a great option for foreign students looking to get quality education without having to worry about language barrier, because most courses are taught in English.
Over the years, the European country has gained popularity among Nigerian students as it has renowned schools that prioritise high education standards, making their certificates recognised worldwide, whilst being affordable. This article highlights ten (10) of the best courses to study in Finland.
1. Computer Science
Studying computer science is considered the best choice, mostly for international students. Finland is known for its innovative tech industry, it is home to major tech brands like Supercell, Nokia and many more. One can diversify into software engineering, programming, data science, AI, cybersecurity and many more. The University of Helsinki is one of the major universities with great strength in AI and data science.
2. Engineering
Studying engineering in Finland offers a wide range of perks that make it one of the most attractive destinations for both EU and international students. Studying engineering in Finland involves close collaboration between universities and top tech/industrial companies like Nokia and others, with majors like mechanical, chemical, electrical, biomedical, environmental, and industrial engineering. All these majors are taught in world-class universities and in English.
3. Business and Management
Degrees in business administration, marketing, HR, accounting, finance, logistics, and more can be majored in when studying Business and Management. Some schools that offer this course include Aalto University, Hanken School of Economics and Tampere University. Admission is based on grades, English proficiency and tuition fees.
4. Medicine
Though competitive, it has its perks. Medical degrees are offered to become a licensed doctor or conduct medical research. Several top universities like University of Helsinki, University of Oulu, University of Eastern Finland are go-to places to study medicine. Medical students gain hands-on experience early in their studies, working in well-equipped Finnish hospitals with access to advanced healthcare systems. Global recognition is one of the major perks of studying in Finland.
5. Nursing
Studying nursing in Finland is a hands-on and meaningful experience. You get to learn in real healthcare settings like hospitals and clinics, often from early in your studies. Some programmes are taught in English, but since you’ll be caring for patients, learning Finnish is essential. The training is practical, people-centred and focused on safety and modern healthcare practices. After graduation, nurses are in high demand both in Finland and across Europe. The Finnish nursing qualification is recognised throughout the EU, and the country offers a strong support system for healthcare workers.
6. Natural Science
If you’re passionate about nature, the environment or how the world works, Finland is an inspiring place to study natural sciences. The education is research-driven and encourages curiosity and critical thinking. Whether you’re into biology, chemistry or environmental science, you’ll have access to modern labs and real-world research projects. One unique perk is Finland’s natural landscape with its forests, lakes and wildlife, which offers an incredible outdoor lab for fieldwork and exploration, especially in environmental sciences.
7. Mathematics and Statistics
In Finland, studying math and statistics isn’t just about numbers, it’s about learning how to solve real-world problems. The programmes give you a solid theoretical base, but they also connect with areas like data science, economics and technology. You’re encouraged to think deeply and creatively. Thanks to Finland’s focus on tech and digital innovation, math and stats grads are in demand in sectors like finance, AI and research. It’s a great path if you enjoy logical thinking and want to make sense of complex systems.
8. Social Science
Social science in Finland gives you the tools to understand how societies work, from politics and human rights to economics and social change. The teaching is research-based, but also very connected to real-world issues like sustainability, inequality and public policy. Many programmes are in English, especially at the master’s level, and you’ll study in a society known for equality and a strong welfare system. It’s a great environment if you want to make a difference or work in areas like policy, NGOs or international organisations.
9. Art and Design
Finland has a global reputation for clean, thoughtful design and if you’re creative, it’s an amazing place to study art and design. What you get in Finland is education that combines artistic freedom with technology and sustainability. Aalto University, in particular, is world-famous for design. Students work in inspiring studios and labs, often collaborating with companies or communities. Whether you’re into visual arts, product design, or fashion, you’ll be encouraged to experiment and develop your unique style.
10. Architecture
Studying architecture in Finland means blending creative ideas with practical, sustainable designs. Finnish architecture is known for its simplicity, harmony with nature and smart use of space and that’s exactly what you’ll learn in class. Programmes focus on both the artistic side of architecture and technical skills like digital modelling and structural design. It’s a great choice if you want to create spaces that are both beautiful and functional, with a focus on future-friendly building.
Abductors of the three members of the Deeper Life Bible Church in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, have reportedly demanded a N15million ransom for their release.
Recall that the church members were abducted Monday evening while returning from Bible Study at Kasemola area, in Ogbese community.
A family source told newsmen that the abductors have opened line of communication with the family and the leadership of the Deeper Life Bible Church.
The source said: “Yes, they have contacted us and have demanded for a ransom of N5 million per victim.
“We are raising money from well wishes and church members to be able to pay the ransom.”
Meanwhile, the church leaders have organised prayer warriors to intercede for the release of the kidnapped church members.
A source in the church, who confirmed the development said: “We have reported the incident to the police and Amotekun Corps in the state.”
Contacted, the state police command spokesperson, Ayanlade Olayinka, confirmed the abduction of the three church members.
Ayanlade said that police detectives were already combing the forest to locate and secure their release.
According to him, “I can confirm to you that there is an issue of kidnapping but I cannot confirm the number of the victims for now,”
He noted that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the culprits and bring the situation under control.
French President Emmanuel Macron denied, on Monday, having a domestic dispute with his wife Brigitte after a video appeared to show her shoving his face away when they touched down for a visit to Vietnam.
He blamed disinformation campaigns for trying to put false meaning on the footage.
The Elysee had been hoping that the visit to Vietnam would showcase France’s reach into the Indo-Pacific, but it has been shadowed by the incident which occurred as the doors of the presidential plane swung open after landing in Hanoi Sunday.
This is the third time this month that Macron has been the subject of viral video footage at a time when France says it is being targeted by repeated disinformation attacks as Russia steps up attacks on Ukraine.
It was falsely claimed Macron took cocaine on a trip to Kyiv alongside British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Images images also emerged purporting to show Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan dominate the French leader in a handshake.
Brigitte sticks out both her hands and gives her husband’s face a shove, according to footage shot by the Associated Press news agency.
The French president appears startled but quickly recovers and turns to wave through the open door. But with most of her body hidden by the aircraft, it is impossible to see his wife’s facial expression or body language.
“My wife and I were squabbling, we were rather joking, and I was taken by surprise,” he said.
Now it’s “become a kind of planetary catastrophe, and some are even coming up with theories,” Macron told reporters.
‘Calm down’
Macron testily referred to the other incidents, including the images shot on a train to Kyiv where some accounts falsely claimed he shared cocaine with Merz and Starmer.
But the object Macron removed from the table when the media entered was a tissue.
Erdogan, meanwhile, was filmed holding the president’s finger at a summit.
“For three weeks… there are people who have watched videos and think I shared a bag of cocaine, that I had a fight with the Turkish president, and that now I’m having a domestic dispute with my wife,” said Macron.
“None of these are true,” he said.
“Everyone needs to calm down,” he added.
After the incident in Hanoi, the couple proceeded down the staircase for the official welcome by Vietnamese officials, though Brigitte Macron did not take her husband’s arm when he offered it.
The video circulated rapidly online, promoted particularly by accounts that are habitually hostile to the French leader.
Macron’s office initially denied the authenticity of the images, before they were confirmed as genuine. A close associate of the president later described the incident as a couple’s harmless “squabble”.
‘Nothing more’
Referring to the past incidents, Macron said: “In these three videos I took a tissue, shook someone’s hand and just joked with my wife, as we do quite often. Nothing more.”
“We have loads of accounts, anonymous or not, whose frustrations are going to their heads, including news commentators who said this morning that I have the diplomacy of a beaten man,” he added.
He emphasised that all three videos were “completely authentic” but the meanings attached to them were not.
Vietnam is the first stop on Macron’s almost week-long tour of Southeast Asia where he will pitch France as a reliable alternative to the United States and China.
He will also visit Indonesia and Singapore.
The relationship between Macron, 47, and his 72-year-old wife has long been a subject of fascination at home and abroad.
She was a drama teacher and he a pupil when they met at a private school in their hometown of Amiens in northeast France. A mother of three children, Brigitte divorced her husband and began a relationship with Macron while he was in his late teens.
A high-profile first lady, she has taken legal action to counter false claims on social media about her gender.
Governor Umo Eno has been applauded by the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for his bipartisan disposition to governance in Akwa Ibom state following a donation of a Prado Jeep to Obong Stephen Ntukekpo, the chairman of the main opposition party in the state.
Commending the governor for such a rare gesture, the state APC publicity secretary, Barr. Otoabasi Udo, said the party received the gift with excitement, describing the governor’s benevolence as borne out of mature politics.
“The APC Akwa Ibom State, wishes to express our profound gratitude to our amiable governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, on his kind gesture and generosity by doling out to our ebullient state Chairman, Obong Stephen Leo Ntukekpo, a brand new SUV Prado Jeep,” he stated.
LEADERSHIP learnt that the presentation of the car gift took place during the celebration of the governor’s second anniversary at the International Worship Centre. Governor Eno used the opportunity to showcase some spectacular performances within the short space of two years of his administration.
Besides, the governor used the forum to reflect on peace and tranquility in the state achieved by his administration which, he noted, remains the bedrock of development and progress going on in the state.
He emphasized the fact that a political party, be it A or B, is a mere vehicle upon which a politician mounts to execute his vision for the people.
The APC spokesman enjoined the people not to overheat the polity over his impending movement across party lines.
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Inter Miami stars Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez have founded a new fourth-tier Division D Uruguayan soccer club named Deportivo LSM. The former Barcelona teammates and current MLS players unveiled the project on social media, beginning a new chapter of their historic footballing careers.
“Today I want to offer Uruguayan football, which I love and grew up with since I was a kid, the opportunities and tools to help all teenagers and children grow. That’s why, with the club, we want to begin competing in the AUF (Uruguayan Football Federation) world, which is something that excites us enormously and is a huge step forward for me and my family in a project we believe in,” said an emotional Suarez.
The name of the club, LSM, is a representation of the two footballers names.
“This dream doesn’t end here, sharing it with our family, friends, and close friends,” added Messi. “We’ve experienced many things in common since we were kids; we’ve shared so many experiences at the top of football, and that’s why today I’d love to introduce a friend, a teammate. This project is the perfect place to continue sharing our vision of football and to have the same vision since our beginnings.”
The team will train at the Luis Suarez complex, a nearly 20-acre facility with a synthetic turf stadium that has a capacity for 1,400 spectators as well as a 7-a-side pitch with room for 620 fans.
Lateef Fagbemi, attorney-general of the federation (AGF) and minister of justice, says the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) recovered N277 billion and $105 million in 2024.
Fagbemi spoke in Abuja on Tuesday at a summit on asset recovery.
He noted that asset recovery is essential in the fight against corruption, economic crimes, and illicit financial flows.
The AGF said Nigeria had recorded some successes in asset recovery, both at domestic and international levels, in the past couple of years.
“In 2024 alone, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is reported to have reclaimed over N248 billion, $105 million, and 753 duplexes in its asset recovery efforts,” Fagbemi said.
“The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is also reported to have recovered N29.685 billion in cash and $966,900 in assets.
“The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has equally intensified its efforts in seizing assets linked to drug-related crimes, ensuring that illicit proceeds do not fuel further criminal activities.
“Nigeria has successfully repatriated significant funds from abroad, reinforcing our commitment to financial accountability.
“With regard to international recovery and repatriation of assets, which is within the purview of the federal ministry of justice, it is pertinent to state that from 2017 to date, the ministry, working in collaboration with its counterparts and international partners (the US, UK, Bailiwick of Jersey, Ireland, and Switzerland), was able to facilitate the execution of various agreements.
“This led to the payment of fines, recovery and repatriation of assets in the sum of $763,734,000, and 6,472,610 pounds.
“Of these sums, a total of 102.88 million dollars and 2,062,000 pounds (Galactica assets 52.88 million dollars, Glencore fined 50 million dollars, Useni/Miner 2,062,000 pounds) was recovered from 2024 to date.”
In January 2025, the federal government and the United States signed an asset return agreement on $52.88 million recovered from the Galactica assets.
The assets were linked to Diezani Alison-Madueke, a former minister of petroleum, and her associates.
The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC) of plotting to turn Nigeria into a one-party state.
The opposition party claimed the move is driven by Tinubu’s fear of losing the 2027 elections.
The PDP’s stance was outlined in a communiqué issued on Tuesday after the party’s national executive committee (NEC) meeting held in Abuja.
Opposition parties, including the PDP, Labour Party (LP) and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), have been hit by a gale of defections in recent weeks.
The development has drawn criticism from various stakeholders, who believe the APC-led government is steering Nigeria toward a one-party state.
However, the main opposition party said it stands in firm resistance to the plot by the president and the APC.
“NEC stands in firm resistance to the sinister plot by the Tinubu-led APC to turn Nigeria into a one-party totalitarian state, as evidenced by the desperate attempts to stifle and annihilate opposition parties through open siege, threats and intimidation of opposition figures and institutions of democracy in Nigeria,” the communique reads.
“It is clear that this plot is borne out of APC’s mortal fear of inevitable defeat in 2027 due to its dismal failure in government.
“On the part of the PDP, NEC restates our party’s belief in democracy, the rule of law and the supremacy of the will of the people as expressed through their free and unhindered democratic participation in multi-party politics and governance.”
STATE OF AFFAIRS
The PDP expressed concern over what it described as the “sorry and melancholic” state of affairs in the country under the “irredeemably exploitative, insensitive and anti-people” administration of the APC.
The party condemned the killings, banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes in the country, saying the federal government has failed to protect citizens.
The party asked Tinubu to reverse all policies which have brought economic hardship to Nigerians.
“NEC restates the PDP demand that President Tinubu’s administration should rescind all its anti-people policies and take practical steps to address the insecurity and economic recession in the country,” the party said.
The party also ratified the composition of the national convention committee and approved the convention, which will be held from Thursday, August 28, to Saturday, August 30.
It added that the NEC also received and ratified the composition of the committee on the zoning of national offices ahead of the national convention.
The zoning committee members are Douye Diri, governor of Bayelsa, as chairman; Dauda Lawal of Zamfara as vice-chairman; and Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau as secretary.
The national convention committee comprises Ahmadu Fintiri, governor of Adamawa, as chairman; Ademola Adeleke of Osun as vice-chairman; and Peter Mbah of Enugu as secretary.
The NEC also received the resolution of the south-east zonal executive about the issue of the national secretary and resolved to consider it at the next NEC meeting scheduled to be held on June 30.
A woman who has identified herself as the wife of a deceased Nigerian has renounced her South African citizenship following her husband’s death.
Speaking to News Central in a clip posted on Tuesday, the woman lamented the treatment of other Africans in South Africa.
“From now on I won’t be a South African; I’m ashamed to call myself a South African. I am a Nigerian; call me names; I don’t care,” she said.
“All I’m asking is that the Nigerian government stand and fight for our people.”
The bereaved woman said her two sons for the deceased are scared to attend school in the former apartheid country.
“Is it a crime to be Nigerian? Why did they have to kill my father?” she said, quoting her 13-year-old son. What kind of country is this?”
She also alleged that her husband’s suspected killer is walking free, accusing the South African government of being complacent.
She asked the Nigerian high commission in the country to intervene, vowing not to relent until justice is served.
The deceased Nigerian man was said to have been killed in Pretoria in a case of retaliatory violence.
TheCable could not immediately reach the Nigerian high commission for comments.