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Sociocultural group, Middle-Belt Youth Forum (MBYF), has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to stop what it described as political witchhunt and leave businesswoman Aisha Achimugu alone.
LEADERSHIP reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had declared Achimugu wanted. The agency’s spokesman, Dele Oyewale, made this known in a circular released via the EFCC’s X handle on Friday.
According to the EFCC, Achimugu is wanted by the agency in an alleged case of criminal conspiracy and money laundering.
But, reacting to the development, the sociocultural group, in a statement by its spokesperson, Comrade Meliga Godwin, claimed that Achimugu is innocent of the allegations and is a victim of political witchhunt.
The group described the allegations as frivolous, baseless and a plot to tarnish the good image of the businesswoman and philanthropist.
They appealed to President Bola Tinubu to call the agency to order, saying that in line with his campaign promise of maintaining rule of law, he allow the EFCC to run amok, in a possible bid to please some political actors.
The youth group said, “Aisha is not a politician, she doesn’t do business with politicians. She is a self-made businesswoman, her family has been in business of oil and gas. She worked through the ladder. When has knowing a politician amount to having access to the vault of a state? She worked so hard to build her career and she hasn’t been involved in any form of money laundering.
“This is an attempt to tarnish her reputation, a pure political gang-up. Coming up with frivolous allegations that she gave money to Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi. She’s innocent of the allegations and neither is she working for Lagos State government. If she’s friends with Governor Sanwo-Olu, how does that amount to a criminal offence??
“The EFCC shouldn’t allow the agency to be used for political witchhunt. It’s deliberate character assassination. This is aimed at tarnishing the reputation she worked so hard to build and slowing down her business interests. President Tinubu promised to run a government that obeys rule of law. We urge him to call the EFCC to order to stop this political witchhunt and madness. Aisha has been so committed, she believes in the Nigerian project and has empowered so many people. She has renewed hope of so many youth and women in line with President Tinubu’s agenda. The allegations are frivolous and baseless and should be withdrawn immediately.”
President Bola Tinubu has appointed Felix Morka, the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as Board Chairman of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).
In a statement by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu approved the appointment of Hon. Fatuhu Mohammed Buhari from Katsina State as Director-General of the National Agricultural Seed Council.
The President further appointed other party stalwarts as board chairmen of various federal government institutions.
“Mallam Muhammad Massan, APC State Chairman, Bauchi State – Board Chairman, Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, Ilorin.
“Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, APC State Chairman, Kano State – Board Chairman, Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service.”
“Dr. Austian Agada, APC State Chairman, Benue State – Board Chairman, National Agricultural Seed Council.
“Hon. Macdonald Ebere, APC State Chairman, Imo State – Board Chairman, Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, Lagos.”
Others are “Ubong Stephen Ntukekpo, APC State Chairman, Akwa Ibom State – Board Chairman, National Institute for Freshwater Fish, New Bussa.
“Chief Emma Eneukwu, Deputy Chairman (South) of the APC – Board Chairman, National Automotive Development Council.
“Aminu Musa Bobi, APC State Chairman, Niger State – Board Chairman, National Library of Nigeria.
“Pharm. Abass Olayide, APC State Chairman, Oyo State – Board Chairman, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Kaduna.
“Alhaji Mohammed Gadaka, APC State Chairman, Yobe State – Board Chairman, Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre.
“Benjamin Omale, APC State Chairman, Benue State – Board Chairman, National Orthopedic Hospital, Enugu.
“Rufus Bature, APC State Chairman, Plateau State – Board Chairman, Nigerian Coal Corporation.
“Alhaji Abubakar Muhammed Kana, APC State Chairman, Kebbi State – Board Chairman, Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies.
“Hon. Donatus Nwankpa, APC National Working Committee Member, from Abia State – Board Chairman, Project Development Institute (PRODA).
“Comrade Mustapha Salihu, APC State Chairman, Adamawa State – Board Chairman, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).”
Others are “Dr Kingsley Ononogbu, APC State Chairman, Abia State – Board Chairman, National Parks Headquarters.
“Alhaji Abdulmalik Usman, APC State Chairman, Federal Capital Territory – Board Chairman, Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria, Ibadan.
“Hon. Ibrahim Tukur El-Sudi, APC State Chairman, Taraba State – Board Chairman, Environmental Health Registration Council of Nigeria.
“Sola Elesin, APC State Chairman, Ekiti State – Board Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Mining and Geosciences.
“Emperor Jarrett Tenebe, APC State Chairman, Edo State – Board Chairman, Federal College of Agriculture, Akure.
“Alhaji Tukur Umar Danfulani, APC State Chairman, Zamfara State – Board Chairman, Federal Medical Centre, Azare.
“Hon. Aminu Sani Gumel, APC State Chairman, Jigawa State – Board Chairman, Federal College of Produce Inspection and Stored Products Technology, Kano.
“Barr. Idris Shuaibu, APC State Chairman, Adamawa State – Board Chairman, Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Ibadan.”
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Remi Tinubu has penned a heartfelt message in honour of her husband, President Bola Tinubu as he marks his 73rd birthday.
In a brief but emotional statement released on Friday, the First Lady described the President whose birthday is on Saturday, March 29 as her “knight in shining armor,” praising his courage, strength, and resilience over the years.
“I rejoice and thank God Almighty for His faithfulness in your life, over the years,” she wrote.
“I celebrate your courage, strength and resilience that have all contributed to who we both are today. May you live long, in divine health, joy, peace and prosperity,” Senator Tinubu wrote.
The Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society of Nigeria has condemned the behaviour of some Nigerian Muslims performing the lesser hajj in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
NASFAT urged Nigerian pilgrims to refrain from inappropriate and disrespectful conduct while in the holy city, stating that such actions did not represent Islam.
In viral videos circulating on X (formerly Twitter), some Nigerian Muslims were seen insulting other nationals in Yoruba while struggling to touch the Kaaba.
One Nigerian pilgrim in the video was heard telling a foreign national, “Are you the one who killed the Prophet, or perhaps your forefathers were responsible?”
Another pilgrim, mocking a white worshipper, said, “If you want to pray, pray and don’t disturb me here. You’ve started crying again…”
Additionally, many Nigerian pilgrims were seen recording and posting their spiritual activities on social media, a practice clerics have criticised as inappropriate.
Commenting on the matter, NASFAT’s National Da’wah Officer, Abdul-Ganiy Raji, expressed disappointment over the behaviour of the Nigerians, stating that pilgrimage should not be conducted in such a manner.
Raji called for consequences and penalties for misbehaving in the holy land, warning that acts of irreverence could render prayers ineffective.
“If one plays during solat, Allah won’t answer such a prayer. The irreligious acts by some Nigerians in Mecca are disturbing. People from across the world come for hajj and conduct themselves properly,” he said.
Raji alleged that individuals with questionable sources of wealth were often the ones engaging in misconduct, stressing that not all Nigerian pilgrims behaved in such a manner.
He also criticised the commercialisation of hajj, noting, “Hajj should not be seen as a profit-making venture.”
The NASFAT officer further blamed private hajj operators for failing to screen pilgrims properly before facilitating their trips.
“It is unfortunate that private organisations given slots by the National Hajj Commission do not screen those travelling for hajj. As a result, anyone with money—regardless of character—can go, even someone who is mentally unwell. NAHCON needs to address this issue.
“In the past, people who failed to answer basic religious questions were withdrawn from hajj, but that no longer happens,” he added.
Raji urged NAHCON to hold private operators accountable, suggesting that any company whose clients misbehaved should have its licence revoked.
Similarly, an Islamic cleric and lecturer at the Department of Religions, Lagos State University, Dr Sidiq Uthman, linked the behaviour of some Nigerian plgrims to excessive materialism.
He argued that many of the individuals involved might be unaware of the gravity of their actions and should not bear sole responsibility.
“Attention should be directed at the hajj agencies and coordinators responsible for supervising the pilgrims in Saudi Arabia. These individuals ought to have been warned of the implications of such sacrilegious acts,” Uthman said.
He also blamed social media for encouraging the inappropriate display of religious activities, pointing out that the problem was not limited to hajj pilgrims.
“This issue reflects the negative impact of social media in today’s world. Even here in Nigeria, places of worship have become selfie spots—ranging from Pentecostal churches to Muslim asalatu groups,” he noted.
Uthman further criticised some Muslim scholars, accusing them of promoting such behaviour by recording their own prayers to please sponsors.
“Religious leaders are equally guilty of this. Many record their secret prayers to prove to sponsors that they are fulfilling their obligations. When those who should lead by example engage in such acts, there is little hope for change,” he concluded.
‘How Fubara Masterminded Rivers Crisis, Gave Bag Of Money For The Burning Of State Assembly’ – Top Govt Official Exposes
AFOLABI
The immediate past Head of Civil Service in Rivers State, Dr. George Nweke, has credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the state with averting total chaos and economic sabotage.
Addressing journalists on Friday in Port Harcourt, Nweke accused suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara of being the architect of the recent political turmoil in the state.
He alleged that the governor orchestrated the destruction of public assets and had ulterior motives that could have plunged the state into anarchy.
Nweke also clarified that his resignation was voluntary and not due to dismissal or external pressure.
“You would recall that I was appointed as the Head of Service by our suspended governor, Siminalayi Fubara. Let me also use this opportunity to appreciate him for giving me the opportunity to serve,” he said.
“With the loads of misinformation on print and electronic media, I have chosen to put the record straight, I was not sacked neither was I pressured to resign, I did it willingly from the depth of my heart.”
As someone who worked closely with Governor Fubara, Nweke said he felt compelled to speak out due to the gravity of the situation in the state.
“It will be unfair for me to keep silent or not to address some key factors that have affected or will affect our state if we continue on this trajectory,” he said.
He praised President Tinubu’s intervention, saying the emergency declaration—now ratified by the National Assembly—helped to prevent the worst-case scenario.
He said: “If not for the intervention of Mr. President, Nigeria would have faced the worst economic sabotage and Rivers State would have been up in flames.”
Recounting events leading up to the crisis, Nweke made serious allegations against Governor Fubara, claiming the governor instructed his then-chief of Staff, Edison Ehie, to burn down the Rivers State House of Assembly complex to thwart an impeachment attempt.
“First, it all started with the Rivers State House of Assembly where the Governor, Siminilayi Fubara directed his Chief of Staff (Edison Ehie) to burn down the Assembly in a way to avert his impeachment,” he said.
“I was there with them when a bag of money was handed over to Edison for that operation, though I do not know the amount inside.”
“I want to tell Rivers people today that the House of Assembly complex in Moscow Road was clearly brought down by Edison Ehie under the instructions of Governor Siminilayi Fubara. I challenge him to an open confrontation and I will throw more light on it.”
Nweke said the incident nearly led to his resignation, but fear of retaliation held him back.
He said: “A day after that incident, I almost resigned but I was very scared because I know the power of a sitting governor and he knew that I am aware of the whole plan.”
He also claimed there was a plot to destroy the residential quarters of Assembly members, which was only thwarted by a public outcry.
“Another attempt was also made to destroy the residential quarters of the House of Assembly members if not for the press conference that was made there by Rivers youths, Rivers elders and National Assembly members,” the former HoS said.
According to Nweke, Governor Fubara had even expressed regret for not demolishing another building used by the Assembly members for their sittings.
He said: “He personally told me that if he knew early he would have gone to pull down their hall before visiting the residential quarters of the Assembly.
“I was shocked and I asked myself how could a man that wants to lead his people be destroying his state assets and wasting public funds on a needless ego fight.”
Nweke further urged stakeholders criticizing the emergency declaration to reconsider their stance, insisting that the President acted in the nation’s best interest.
“If the President did not take proactive step, no one knows who would have been affected by the sinister plans that were cooking,” he warned.
He also accused Governor Fubara of making dangerous political calculations tied to national elections.
“One of the factors that got me removed was when Governor Fubara told me that they will use the Ijaws to decide who will become the next president of Nigeria and I asked him how will that work?
“He clearly told me that he is the chief security officer of Rivers State and his brother is in charge of Bayelsa State and all the pipelines are under their care, that at the appropriate time they will tell the boys what to do and fund was not an issue.
“That was why when he made that statement in his public function that ‘I will tell the boys what to do at the appropriate time,’ I knew something was up and perhaps the time was near,” Nweke said.
Nweke appealed to Tinubu to remain actively involved in Rivers affairs, warning that unresolved issues still pose significant threats to peace and stability in the region.
The national chairman of the Labour Party (LP), Julius Abure has accused elected lawmakers of the party of failing to financially contribute to its growth.
He stated that none of the lawmakers have contributed a dime to the party since they were elected into office in 2023.
Abure shared his displeasure while speaking during a town hall meeting organized by the Lagos State chapter of the party.
Speaking further, he vowed that those instigating parallel structure in the party will face severe consequences
This was contained in a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, in Abuja on Friday.
He quoted Abure as appealing to the Obidient Family to work towards owning the party by registering as party members to qualify for participation in the forthcoming congresses scheduled for June and July 2025.
Abure said, “We are willing and ready to absorb all the Obidients into the Labour Party. All you need to do is go to your ward as an Obidient and register. The party has only one structure; all the others are counterfeit.
“A party cannot have two conflicting structures, a party can only have one structure and I advice, if you do not want to be left out of the scheme of things, find your way into the main structure. Those who are doing parallel structure, candidate structure will lose out at the end of the day.”
Regarding the relationship between the party and elected members, Barrister Abure said, “It is a fact that they don’t respect the party; it is a fact that they don’t make contributions to the party. As I speak with you today, we have not received one kobo at the national level from those we elected to the national Assembly.
“The responsibility of running this party is still with the party’s leadership. As of today, we have six senators, about 30 Reps members, and numerous House of Assembly members, but it will shock you to know that none of these lawmakers have contributed a dime to the party since their election in 2023.
“Let them go and ask other parties, it is those elected under their platform that fund the party. Today, most of them want to have control over their local government and for us to hand over their constituencies to them, yet they are not ready to work or partner with the party. Is it fair?.”
The national chairman also promised to investigate the grievances of the Lagos State party faithful. He said, “I want to appeal to our members in Lagos State who may have one grievance or the other arising from the imperfection witnessed in the 2023 general election to keep their grievances aside.
“We cannot continue to dwell in the past. Those who did not get the party ticket in 2023 election may have the opportunity to do so in 2027. And for some of you who have special cases, I plead with you to come and present the matter to the leadership of the party, instead of fighting ourselves in the social media. As long as I am the National Chairman, those with genuine cases will be given special attention in the 2027 general election.”
Vice President Kashim Shettima has urged Nigerians to persist in their prayers for the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as well as for peace, stability, and progress in the nation.
Acknowledging that prayer is a ‘great weapon’ against despair, the number two citizen specifically requested prayers for divine guidance, asking God to bestow wisdom and strength upon the President to lead the country towards peace, unity, and prosperity.
Naija News reports that Shettima made this request during the closing ceremony of the Tafsir (Quranic recitation) held at the State House Mosque in the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Friday.
The VP emphasized that prayer serves as a stronghold for believers, a refuge where aspirations are cultivated and destinies are formed.
Shettima reminded those present that governance is a shared responsibility, not solely the duty of the government. He highlighted the crucial role of religious leaders, who reflect the moral conscience of society, in shaping values and guiding the community.
“It is our greatest weapon against despair and the most powerful armour for those entrusted with leadership. In this spirit, I urge us all to continue praying for our beloved nation and the leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he stated.
“May Almighty Allah grant him the wisdom, strength, and resolve to continue steering the ship of our great nation towards peace, unity, and prosperity. May He protect him from harm, fortify his heart with courage, and guide his every effort in service to the Nigerian people.
“Their service reminds us of the ideals that must define us: integrity, justice, and an unyielding commitment to the welfare of others. To them, we owe our deepest gratitude.”
He enjoined the Muslim faithful to embody Ramadan’s values, including sacrifice, discipline and love in their daily lives, maintaining that as they prepare to bid farewell to the holy month, they must not forget the essence of the sacred month.
Shettima added: “The days of devotion, self-restraint, and reflection must not be confined to Ramadan alone; rather, they must illuminate the path we walk every day. Fasting has not only taught us sacrifice and discipline; it has also awakened in us a profound sense of empathy. It has reminded us of the struggles of the less privileged, the hunger of the destitute, and the responsibilities we bear toward those in need.
“But as Ramadan draws to a close, we must ask ourselves: What have we truly gained if we revert to old habits of neglect, indifference, and discord? The true test of faith is not how we worship during Ramadan, but how we embody its values after it.
“Let us, therefore, carry the spirit of this sacred month into our daily lives. Let us extend kindness where there is cruelty, offer generosity where there is want and radiate love where there is division. Let us be ambassadors of Islam not only in public but also in our most private moments, embodying the goodness that defines our faith.”
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dismissed claims linking former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to the investigations of Nigerian businesswoman, Aisha Achimugu.
Naija News reports that Atiku had claimed that the EFCC was probing him concerning financial activities involving Sanwo-Olu.
However, the EFCC’s Head of Media & Publicity, Dele Oyewale, in a statement on Friday, March 28, disclosed that Achimugu is being investigated for alleged criminal conspiracy and money laundering and has no correlation with Atiku and Sanwo-Olu.
The anti-graft agency maintained that it was non-partisan and non-sectarian, urging the public to keep faith with the professionalism of the Commission without imputing any extraneous consideration to its works.
The statement added, “We wish to state unequivocally that the investigations of Achimugu have no correlation of any kind with the two political actors. She is being investigated for alleged criminal conspiracy and money laundering and has since been declared Wanted by the Commission.
“The EFCC commenced investigation of Achimugu in 2022 and though she approached the court to obtain an injunction restraining the Commission from arresting, investigating, inviting or detaining her for any alleged criminal act, the injunction was challenged and vacated on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 by a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja.
“The court ruled that “…no court has the power to stop the investigative powers of the Police or EFCC or any agency established under our laws to investigate crimes when there is reasonable suspicion of commission of a crime or ample evidence of commission of an offence by a suspect”.
“The court further upheld the interim order of forfeiture of assets of Achimugu suspected to be proceeds of crime, dismissing her suit against it as lacking merit .
“The foregoing clearly establishes that the EFCC’s case against her has no immediate or remote nexus with any politician or any veiled or open reference to any political engagement or transaction.
“The EFCC is non-partisan and non-sectarian. We enjoin the public to continue to keep faith with the professionalism of the Commission without imputing any extraneous consideration to its works.”
First Lady Remi Tinubu has downplayed a viral video of nursing students allegedly mocking her during her visit to Delta State
Naija News reported that the students of the nursing school rejected a song introduced by the Master of Ceremony (MC), calling the wife of the President the mother of the nation.
The students said Mrs. Tinubu was the MC’s mother and not theirs nor that of the nation.
Reacting in a statement on Friday, SSA Media to the First Lady, Busola Kukoyi, said that educational institutions should foster an environment where students feel safe to express themselves while maintaining decorum.
According to her, First Lady’s visit was intended to inspire and uplift healthcare professionals.
The statement reads: “The attention of the Office of the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has been drawn to a video circulating on social media, showing chants welcoming both the First Lady of Delta State and the First Lady of Nigeria during the Renewed Hope Initiative’s donation of 10,000 Professional Kits to Midwives in the South-South zone held at the Dome Event Centre, Asaba, Delta State, on Tuesday, 25th March, 2025.
“The event was primarily to motivate midwives across the nation, with the aim of reducing infant and maternal mortality, and morbidity in Nigeria. Her Excellency deeply appreciates the warm reception by the Delta State Government, the people of Delta State, as well as enthusiasm shown by nurses, midwives, women groups, and student nurses present at the event.
“However, a section of the video, allegedly recorded by some students at the event, showed a spontaneous and playful twist to the welcome song. Sequel to that, it has come to our attention that some of the students of the Delta State College of Nursing Sciences have been issued a query regarding their participation in the chants. While the Office of the First Lady of Nigeria respects the right of institutions to uphold discipline, it is important to recognize that students, in moments of excitement, often express themselves in a light-hearted and jovial manner.
“The Office of the First Lady believes that educational institutions should foster an environment where students feel safe to express themselves while maintaining decorum. The First Lady’s visit was intended to inspire and uplift healthcare professionals, and it is our hope that this event remains a positive and motivating experience for all involved.
“We trust that the Delta State College of Nursing Sciences will handle this matter with understanding and fairness, ensuring that students continue to thrive in an environment that balances discipline with free expression.”
MRS Oil Nigeria Plc has announced plans to voluntarily delist its shares from the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) following a robust financial performance in 2024.
The company reported a 71.2% increase in revenue, reaching N312.2 billion, and a profit after tax of N6.49 billion, marking a 62.2% year-on-year growth. 
The decision to delist was approved by shareholders during an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) held on June 25, 2024.
The move aims to provide the company with greater operational flexibility and reduce the costs associated with maintaining a listing on the NGX.
Post-delist, MRS Oil intends to list its shares on the NASD OTC Securities Exchange to facilitate trading for interested investors.
MRS Oil has seen increased consumer demand following its landmark purchase of products from the Dangote Refinery, which are often perceived as superior by fuel-efficiency-conscious customers.
Despite the positive financial outcomes, the company reported that the hike in Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) prices following full deregulation adversely impacted sales volume performance. However, the overall revenue growth offset this decline. 
Share Buyback and Share Capital Reduction
In line with the delisting process, MRS Oil plans to undertake a share buyback and share capital reduction.
- This initiative aims to provide an exit opportunity for dissenting shareholders who do not wish to remain invested post-delist.
- The company has set aside necessary funds to compensate these shareholders, with the claim period running from April 4 to July 4, 2025.
Shareholders who do not opt for the buyout within this window will have their shares migrated to the NASD platform. 
MRS Oil has assured stakeholders that the delisting process will comply with all requisite regulatory approvals from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the NGX.
The company emphasizes that this strategic move will “enable it to focus on long-term growth strategies” without the constraints of public listing requirements.
Delisting amid broader market trend
With this move, MRS Oil joins a growing list of companies that have opted to exit the Nigerian Exchange in recent years.
- Notable exits include GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Consumer Nigeria Plc, which cited strategic business reviews and operational constraints for its delisting.
- Others like Union Diagnostics and 11 Plc (formerly Mobil Oil Nigeria) have also taken similar paths, shifting to the NASD OTC Securities Exchange or going private altogether.
MRS Oil, which had a market capitalization of around N59 billion before this announcement, represents another dent in the NGX’s overall market size, which currently stands at approximately N63 trillion.
- These delistings raise concerns about the long-term attractiveness of the NGX for mid-sized and multinational companies facing rising compliance costs, low trading liquidity, and a challenging macroeconomic environment.
- While MRS says it will continue to engage shareholders and provide updates as the delisting process proceeds, the broader picture points to a worrisome trend for the Nigerian capital market.
- The repeated exits suggest deeper structural issues that may require urgent reforms to restore investor confidence and retain listings on the bourse.
[Nairametrics]
More...
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said he never collected any money from Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos for his 2023 election campaign.
This is contained in a statement issued by Atiku Media Office in Abuja on Thursday.
The Media Aide to Atiku, Paul Ibe, who issued the statement, denied the reports making the rounds that Sanwo-Olu gave money to the former vice-president for his 2023 presidential election campaign.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Atiku was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections.
Ibe, in the statement, described the insinuations as a lie and kindergarten propaganda.
He said that the report had claimed that Sanwo-Olu had made available to Abubakar money purportedly belonging to Lagos.
The media aide stated that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was also credited with investigating the matter.
Ibe described the report as ‘a blatant lie from the pit of hell; a contrived political hogwash and a futile campaign of calumny aimed at advancing a political interest against Abubakar’.
He said that Abubakar did not know Sanwo-Olu and had never met him before.
“How is it possible for an Atiku that did not know and had no connection with Sanwo-Olu to be having a transaction with him involving the exchange of money – let alone during the presidential election of 2023 in which his boss was a contestant? To what end would that be?, he queried.
Ibe advised EFCC to make public the outcome of its alleged investigation, since it had been dragged into it.
He called for immediate halt to what he described as a voyage of misadventure and campaign of calumny against the person and reputation of Abubakar.
(NAN)
Members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) and soldiers clashed on Thursday afternoon resulting to gun battle at the popular Banex Plaza, Abuja.
The clash occurred just hours after the United States Embassy in Nigeria issued a security alert, warning its citizens about planned IMN protests in Abuja and other major cities on Friday.
In the advisory, the US Embassy cautioned that demonstrations could lead to disruptions such as roadblocks, traffic congestion, and possible confrontations.
“The Islamic Movement of Nigeria has called for demonstrations in Abuja and other major cities on Friday, March 28, 2025. Heavy traffic and other disruptions are possible. Based on past occurrences, protests may involve roadblocks, checkpoints, traffic congestion, and physical confrontations,” the embassy stated.
The security warning listed potential protest locations, including Banex Plaza, Berger Junction, Unity Fountain, the National Human Rights Commission Head Office, Eagle Square, Area 10 Shopping Plaza, the National Mosque, Al-Noor Mosque, and Fouad Lababidi Mosque.
Details of the incident is sketchy as at when filing this report.
Efforts to get the reaction of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Police Public Relations Officer, SO Josephine Adeh were futile as call and messages put across were not responded to.
Details shortly……
[TheNation]
Gunmen have reportedly launched a deadly attack on mourners in Ruwi community, Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State and killed ten persons.
The mourners were said to have gathered at a deceased family’s house in the community when the gunmen attacked them on Thursday night.
According to eyewitnesses, the victims were mostly women, with seven being brutally clubbed to death with machetes.
Witnesses added that three men were among those killed, while two other women were injured in the attack.
The Chairman of the Community Peace Observers in Bokkos LG, Mr. Kefas Mallai, confirmed the killings to The PUNCH in Jos on Friday, stating that the perpetrators took advantage of the mourners’ gathering to carry out the heinous act.
Mallai noted that security personnel were alerted to the attack, but unfortunately, they arrived after the perpetrators had fled the scene.
The chairman said, “Yes, it is true. It was around 10pm yesterday, March 27, 2025, at Ruwi community in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau state.
“The victims were mostly women. Seven women were clubbed to death with matchettes. Three men were killed, too, with two other women injured because many of them were women.
“They came to mourn their loved one that died a natural death. So, they were just there as is our tradition which demands that they would gather at the deceased family house and many of them would sleep over till the next day and even three days especially relatives just to keep the deceased family company.
“So that was the situation, and the enemy took advantage of that and came in the night and slaughtered the mourners around 10pm. I learnt the perpetrators were killer Fulani herders. When the attack was taking place, I learnt security men were called to the village, but before they could arrive at the place, the killers had finished their evil act and fled the scene.
“But as it is now, there is no any retaliation from the community and even the Bokkos town is calm but if you go the affected community, that is where you will see crowd that has gathered, bemoaning the calamity that has befallen the people ”
“So at the moment, the community is currently in a state of shock and mourning, with many gathering at the affected community to bemoan the calamity”
When contacted, the Spokesman for the Plateau State Police Command, Alabo Alfred, could not be reached immediately as his phone indicated that it was switched off.
The attack came barely one week after the police Command had convened an enlarged stakeholders meeting where participants, including farmers and herders, pledged to keep the peace in the state.
[Punch]
At least 144 people have been killed, and more than 730 were injured in the powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on Friday, according to the head of the country’s military government.
A strong aftershock of 6.4 magnitude also hit Myanmar, with tremors felt across Thailand and in China.
According to military government officials, the quake triggered the collapse of buildings hundreds of miles away in Thailand.
At least three people have died in the nation’s capital, and authorities are racing to free 81 people believed to be trapped under the rubble of an under-construction high-rise in the city, officials said.
Myanmar, one of Asia’s poorest nations, is reeling from a civil war sparked by a 2021 military coup. Weak infrastructure makes it ill-equipped to deal with major natural disasters.
Swathes of the country are run by a patchwork of militias, making it extremely difficult to gather reliable information. The military also regularly cuts communications in conflict zones.
CNN