A former deputy governor of Sokoto State, Muktar Shagari, has said the North will give President Bola Tinubu all the support he needs to win the 2027 election.

Shagari claimed that Tinubu has performed very well, especially in the area of of security.

He stated this on Friday while fielding questions on Arise Television’s Morning Show programme.

According to him, Tinubu has been able to implement the programs he promised Nigerians, insisting that the President needs a second term.

He said: “We in the APC, we have absolute confidence in the ability of President Bola Tinubu to run this country effectively. You would agree with me when he came into power, you people did say that there are problems, particularly the economy of the country and so on and so forth, which requires some sort of drastic decisions to be taken.

“The President is doing everything he can to make this country better, and results are now being seen that the country is gradually moving, and I believe we’ll get there.

“So for President Tinubu to be able to implement the programs he promised Nigerians, he needs a second term, and we in the APC believe in him, and we believe that he has the ability and capability to do that.

“What we can do is to give him the moral support, the political support, and ensure that nobody distracts him by contesting against him. So what the party did at the North-West level and at the national level yesterday is completely correct and right, and it’s constitutional, and we will give him all the support he needs to win this election.

“And I want to say that there are people who are saying that, “Oh no, Nigerians will not vote for him, northerners and so on.”

In the north, we have nothing against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He’s doing very well in the area of of security. I can tell security is getting better and better. And there are so many things that he is doing. So as far as I’m concerned and as far as we are all concerned in the APC, we are going to support Tinubu, and I feel confident that he win the election in 2027.”

A U.S. district court has sentenced a Nigerian man, Henry Ezeonyido, to 27 months in prison for orchestrating a health insurance fraud scheme that defrauded insurers of over $1 million through fake international medical claims.

The 37-year-old was also ordered to pay $655,313 in restitution and forfeit $396,998 in proceeds linked to the fraudulent scheme, and will serve three years of supervised release after completing his prison term.

According to a statement by the US department of justice, from October 2019 to February 2022, Ezeonyido submitted false claims to five insurance companies, claiming that he and at least seven others had received emergency medical treatment overseas for severe injuries such as stabbings, gunshot wounds, and car accidents. 

The statement read, “Ezeonyido was arrested and charged in July 2024 along with co-conspirators Brendon Ashe, Aqiyla Atherton, Darline Cobbler and Ariel Lambert. Ezeonyido was later indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2024. All four of Ezeonyido’s co-defendants pleaded guilty to their roles in the scheme and were subsequently sentenced to probation.

“From approximately October 2019 to February 2022, Ezeonyido submitted fraudulent health insurance claims – on his behalf and on behalf of at least seven other individuals, including Ashe, Atherton, Cobbler and Lambert – to five different health insurance companies for expensive medical treatment that they purportedly received and paid for out-of-pocket while travelling overseas.

“Many of the claims included fake traumatic injuries such as stabbings, gunshot wounds, and hit-and-run car accidents that the defendants and others purportedly suffered, requiring their hospitalisation abroad. In nearly all instances, the individuals were actually in the United States at the time of the purported international medical events.”

Following the submission of the false claims, the insurance companies disbursed approximately $655,313 to the individuals involved, some of whom reportedly paid kickbacks to Ezeonyido for orchestrating and facilitating the payouts.

It added, “As a result of these fraudulent claims, the victim’s health insurance companies were billed over $1m for services that were never provided, resulting in payments totalling approximately $655,313.

“Upon receiving these payments from their health insurance companies, Ashe, Cobbler, Lambert, and others paid a portion of the proceeds to Ezeonyido and other co-conspirators, including Atherton, who acted as an intermediary, bringing others into the scheme in exchange for a cut of their paid claims. In total, Ezeonyido retained approximately $396,998 in fraud proceeds.”

The US authorities emphasized the significance of the sentencing in combating healthcare fraud. “Healthcare fraud affects every American through increased premiums and reduced trust in the system,” said U.S. Attorney Foley

Nigerians are known for their deep love for cars. It’s rare to find a car model—luxury or otherwise—that doesn’t grace Nigerian roads. From sleek sedans to rugged SUVs and performance machines, the streets of cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt are filled with a wide variety of vehicles. Some Nigerians will go to great lengths—financially and otherwise—to own the best models.

Cars as status symbols and necessity

While luxury car ownership often serves as a status symbol, cars in Nigeria are also a necessity due to the underdeveloped public transportation system. In cities like Lagos, Lekki, and Abuja, it’s not unusual to find exotic brands such as Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Maybach, and Rolls-Royce lined up outside nightclubs. These high-end machines, often brought out only at night, are a spectacle. The only vehicle classes yet to be spotted on Nigerian roads might be flying cars or fully autonomous vehicles.

However, while these luxury vehicles are owned by the wealthy elite—who can afford their high maintenance costs and keep backups—the real concern lies with middle- and lower-income Nigerians who can typically afford just one car. For these individuals and families, buying a used car is often the only viable option, especially amid worsening economic conditions.

The shift from tokunbo to Nigerian-used cars

In the past, imported used cars—popularly called tokunbo—were the go-to option for those who couldn’t afford new vehicles. But with the depreciation of the naira and rising import costs, more Nigerians are turning to locally used cars, which are significantly cheaper.

Yet, many buyers are unaware of the risks involved. Most car owners don’t sell their vehicles without a reason. It’s often due to recurring mechanical problems or high maintenance costs as the vehicle ages. While it’s possible to find a well-maintained car—for instance, when the owner is relocating abroad or downsizing their fleet—these are exceptions rather than the rule.

Key considerations before buying used car

Whether buying a locally used or imported car, several factors must be carefully evaluated:

Avoid Rare Car Models Steer clear of what is often referred to as “one-in-town” cars—models that are uncommon in Nigeria. These cars can be a nightmare to maintain due to the scarcity of spare parts. Even minor repairs can lead to long delays or hefty costs.

Go for Brands with Available Parts Stick with popular brands like Toyota, Honda, Nissan (Japanese), Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz (German), or widely supported Korean brands like Kia and Hyundai. These have more accessible spare parts and trained mechanics across the country. American brands like Ford also fare well in terms of part availability.

Ensure Local Serviceability Avoid cars that can only be serviced in major cities. You don’t want to be stranded in a rural area with a car that no mechanic can fix.

Do a Thorough Physical Inspection According to experienced mechanic Mr. Henry Ogbonna, there are several red flags to look out for:

Inspect the car body: Look for signs of repainting or bodywork that might hide serious damage.

Check for accident damage: A car involved in a serious crash may have structural issues.

Inspect the chassis: Look for rust or signs of repair. A rusted chassis can compromise safety.

Examine the engine: If the engine is smoking, it’s a sign of weakness and impending failure.

Test drive the car: Pay attention to how the gear shifts and how the car moves. Any jerking or lag could signal transmission issues.

Verify Documentation Confirm that the car’s papers are genuine and that the seller is the rightful owner—or has legal authority to sell on the owner’s behalf. Buying a stolen car or one with tampered documents can land you in serious legal trouble.

Consider Resale Value Choose a car model that has a reasonable second-hand market. If you opt for a lesser-known brand, make sure it is in top condition so you can at least enjoy it before it begins to show signs of wear.

Final thoughts

Buying a used car in Nigeria is no longer just about affordability—it’s about survival in an economy where every naira counts. However, a good deal can quickly become a nightmare if due diligence isn’t followed. Always involve a trusted mechanic in the inspection process, and resist the temptation to buy solely based on appearance or price. With proper care and wise decision-making, even a used car can offer reliable service for years

Nigeria continues to face mounting visa hurdles in 2024, with its Schengen visa rejection rate rising to 45.9%, placing it among the top 10 African countries with the highest refusal rates.

According to the European Commission, this marks an increase from 40.8% in 2023 and positions Nigeria as third-highest globally after Bangladesh and Senegal.

The European Commission revealed that over 11.7 million applications for short-stay Schengen visas were submitted in 2024 — a 13.6% increase from 2023.

However, visa issuance remains below pre-pandemic levels, with 15 million visas granted in 2019 compared to 9.7 million in 2024.

The Schengen Zone, encompassing 29 countries including France, Germany, Spain, and Italy, facilitates free travel across European borders.

For many Africans, securing a Schengen visa has become increasingly difficult, with some countries facing particularly steep rejection rates.

Top 10 African Countries with the Highest Schengen Visa Rejection Rates in 2024

1. Comoros – 62.8%

Small island nation Comoros tops the list with a staggering 62.8% rejection rate, making it the African country with the most Schengen visa denials in 2024.

2. Guinea-Bissau – 47.0%

Applicants from Guinea-Bissau also struggled, with nearly half of all visa applications rejected

3. Senegal – 46.8%

Senegal recorded the third-highest refusal rate in Africa, indicating persistent visa challenges for its citizens.

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4. Nigeria – 45.9%

With nearly 1 in 2 Nigerian applications denied, the country’s rising rejection rate signifies tighter scrutiny or documentation gaps.

5. Ghana – 45.5%

Ghanaian applicants were also heavily impacted, facing a rejection rate close to Nigeria’s.

6. Republic of the Congo (Congo-Brazzaville) – 43.0%

Visa denials spiked in Congo-Brazzaville, up from previous years, reflecting a worsening approval landscape.

7. Mali – 42.9%

Mali follows closely, also hovering around the 43% mark, indicating ongoing challenges in visa processing.

8. Guinea – 41.1%

Citizens of Guinea saw over 4 in 10 applications denied, keeping the country high on the rejection list.

9. Burundi – 40.0%

Burundi joins the high-refusal group, with a flat 40% rejection rate for Schengen visas in 2024.

10. Ethiopia – 36.1%

Though slightly lower than others on the list, Ethiopia’s 36.1% refusal rate still places it among the top 10 most-affected countries on the continent.

Nigerians living abroad are now required to pay $50 (about N80,000) to register for the bank verification number (BVN), according to TheCable.

On May 13, the CBN, in collaboration with the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), launched the non-resident bank verification number (NRBVN) platform to ease access to financial services for Nigerians in the diaspora.

The NRBVN platform allows Nigerians abroad to obtain their BVN remotely, eliminating the long-standing requirement of physical presence in Nigeria.

Olayemi Cardoso, governor of CBN, said the NRBVN is aimed at increasing financial inclusion, particularly for Nigerians living outside the country.

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE NRBVN

Applicants can access the new platform and register with a recognised email by visiting the link https://nibss-plc.com.ng/nrbvn/.

After registration, a link is sent to the email address provided to activate the applicant’s account. The link also redirects the applicant to another page for password creation.

The next process requires them to scan a QRcode using any two-factor authentication (2FA) app like Google Authenticator.

When this is successfully achieved, applicants are taken to a page with options to “Onboard, Open Bank Account, or Remit Money.” From here, applicants select their appropriate user type status from three options: ‘Nigerian, no BVN’, ‘Nigerian, BVN’, and ‘Nigerian by descent’.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR NRBVN ISSUANCE 

To use any of the services on the platform, a valid passport is the primary requirement, according to the portal.  However, where this is not available, other documents that can be used are the Nigerian passport (valid or expired), proof of foreign residency (valid foreign passport, residence permit, green card etc.), utility bill, work permit and/or proof of employment, proof of tax payment in the country of residence, and foreign bank account statements.

N80,000 REGISTRATION FEE

On the new portal, applicants are notified of a mandatory $50 non-refundable fee to process their registration using either a Visa card or a Mastercard. This contrasts with the free BVN registration for Nigerians living in the country.

After confirming the information, users are redirected to a secure Tazapay checkout page to complete the transaction using their debit or credit cards.

The payment portal, powered by international gateway provider Tazapay, was launched to process applications from diaspora residents who are unable to travel to Nigeria for biometric enrollment.

Once all the required information and documents are provided and payments made, the NRBVN system will validate and screen the information. Once approved, an NRBVN will be provided within 72 hours.

As of May 2025, with the naira trading at around N1,600 to the dollar, the BVN registration fee represents a cost of approximately N80,000 per applicant.

The initiative is expected to enhance know-your-customer (KYC) compliance and reduce identity fraud across Nigeria’s banking system, particularly in the face of tightening regulatory oversight over fintech operations, foreign exchange (FX) inflows, and diaspora remittances.

A federal judge in the United States has blocked the department of homeland security order barring Harvard University from enrolling international students.

Jeffrey White, the US district judge, halted the decision as Kristi Noem, secretary of the department of homeland security, made the order public on Thursday.

White also barred the US government from arresting, incarcerating or transferring foreign students elsewhere, pending the outcome of a lawsuit challenging the termination of the legal status of several such students.

Between March and April, over 4,700 international students had their permission to study in the US cancelled abruptly.

Some two dozen students filed a court case to challenge the decision.

The move to bar foreign students came days after US Vice-President JD Vance said immigrants on student visas would be deported if the US determined that their stay was not in the best interest of the country.

Vance blamed foreign students for taking up spots in high-ranking universities at the expense of native Americans, a development he vowed that the Donald Trump-led administration would rectify.

The US government’s clash with Harvard University is part of broader discontent over rising immigration levels.

enate President Godswill Akpabio says President Bola Tinubu should be the sole presidential candidate not just for the All Progressives Congress (APC), but for the entire country in 2027.

Speaking in Abuja on Thursday at the APC summit, Akpabio praised Tinubu’s “political sagacity” and said the president has placed the country on a path of economic growth.

“The political sagacity of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in view of the fact that despite very difficult times, he has been able to set Nigeria on a path of growth, confirmed by the International Monetary Fund,” he said.

“In view of the fact that Nigerians are grassroots people, they are very excited; in view of the fact that even the members of the national assembly and senators said they have never had it this good.”

Akpabio called on members of the national assembly at the summit to stand up and endorse Tinubu’s re-election bid.

“The leadership of the house of representatives should join me,” he said.

“I want all the members of the national assembly of the APC extraction to stand up wherever they are.

“I want distinguished senators to stand up wherever they are. And you will re-echo what I’m going to say. Those who love you will also join.

“I want to move, and let it be moved, that not only will President Bola Ahmed Tinubu be a sole candidate for the presidency in 2027, but he will also be a sole candidate for the whole Nigerian population.

“Because all other political parties have been turned into shreds. I went to my state, and I saw the umbrella of the PDP. It has over 100 holes.

“And so, very soon you will hear. I’m not the one to break the news. But I know the national chairman has already broken the news that everything in the south-south has collapsed for you. And that is the same thing that is happening in the nation.

“Nigerians are saying that because you have done a difficult job well, it is time for us to reward you by sending you back to the presidency for a second term in office.

“I move, therefore, as the senate president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, that Mr President return, one, as a candidate of the APC unopposed, and secondly, as the next president for a second term, come 2027. I so move.”

Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house of representatives, seconded the motion.

“I stand on behalf of the whole entire 109 senators, 360 members, and all the 36 speakers and their members to second this very important motion moved by the senate president,” Abbas said.

Earlier, the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) formally endorsed Tinubu as the sole candidate of the APC for the 2027 presidential election.

Hope Uzodimma, governor of Imo state and chairman of the forum, announced the decision on Thursday at the APC summit.

Labour Party, LP, factional National Chairmen, Callistus Okafor, has declared that the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, cannot lead Nigeria.

Okafor made this declaration on Thursday as he announced his exit from the party.

He cited unresolved leadership tussles and disappointment with Peter Obi.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja, Okafor, said the decision followed extensive deliberations by his faction’s National Working Committee and National Executive Council.

“My team and I had carefully looked at what is happening in the Labour Party, including the crises that have been going on for seven years, and wondered how long it will continue,” he said.

According to him, an estimated five million supporters are leaving with him, declaring his new destination to be Team Wazobia Nigeria, a socio-political and non-partisan movement.

“I hereby stand today to announce to Nigerians and all the Labour Party faithful who are under my own faction that we are pulling out today as a team.

“We are moving from the Labour Party to Team Wazobia Nigeria. This crisis has come to a point where it’s no longer healthy in the Labour Party,” he added.

Okafor blamed Obi for failing to resolve the lingering leadership crisis, saying his inaction raised questions about his capacity to govern a country like Nigeria.

In fulfillment of a promise to give free medical services to a Sokoto businessman accidentally shot during an operation, the Department of State Services (DSS) has invited the victim to its hospital in Abuja.

In mid-March, the DSS Director- General, Mr. Tosin Ajayi, approved the payment of N10 million damages awarded by a court to the businessman six years earlier.

To compensate for time lost, the DG handed the businessman an additional N10 million, bringing the total sum to N20 million.

At the time, the DSS Chief directed the DSS hospital to officially integrate the businessman into the Services’ medical care system, which would enable him to enjoy free medical services anytime he so desired.

A security source said the businessman arrived in the hospital “a few days ago, and has been undergoing free medical tests and treatment from the hospital’s best doctors.”

He said, “True to the DG’s directive, the man has been in the VIP ward which, of course, is fully air-conditioned. They have been running a series of checks and giving him round-the-clock medical attention, in order to make him regain full control of his limbs. I even understand the DG asked that he be fed for free.”

In 2016, during a pre-dawn operation to arrest a suspected gunrunner in Jos, Plateau State, DSS operatives mistakenly shot and injured the businessman who incidentally bears the same name with the suspected gunrunner.

The gunrunner was eventually arrested.

Two years after the shooting, in 2018, the businessman, through his lawyer, Idris Akibu, approached a Federal High Court in Bauchi.

Delivering judgement on the matter with suit number FHC/J/CS/18/2018, the court, presided by Justice Muhammed Shittu Abubakar, ordered the DSS to pay N10 million in damages to the injured businessman.

“This is the third DG since this unfortunate case of mistaken identity happened.  We were very happy when our new DG directed that we pay the money.

“He even added another N10 million to the victim’s money. It goes to show that, not only can security agencies be law abiding, we can also be full of the milk of human kindness,” the source declared.

The Lagos State Government has enhanced its community-based security framework with the recruitment of over 1,000 officers into the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps, LNSC.

This strategic move forms part of a broader initiative to modernise local security operations and extend their impact across grassroots communities.

Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Mr Olugbenga Oyerinde, disclosed this development during the 2025 annual ministerial press briefing held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Ikeja. He highlighted the comprehensive reforms undertaken to reposition the LNSC as a more dynamic and responsive security outfit.

“In the past year, we have deepened our reach across communities by recruiting over 1,000 officers.

“This is more than just a number, it reflects our commitment to ensuring every ward in Lagos feels the presence of security and order,” Oyerinde said.

According to the commissioner, the state has gone beyond just increasing manpower. New specialised units have been introduced within the LNSC, including Marine Patrol, Forest Rangers, Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence, Forensics, Crime Scene Management, Paramedics, and Crowd Control.

These units are designed to equip the agency with the tools needed to tackle diverse and emerging security threats.

The government has also provided the corps with an array of modern mobility assets, ranging from patrol bicycles and scooters to motorcycles and vehicles, ensuring faster and more efficient response times across the state.