James Akinwande, a Nigerian based in the United Kingdom (UK), has bought a new pair of shoes and a wristwatch as replacements for the ones allegedly stolen from Kemi Badenoch’s brother by men of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

Recently, in an interview, Badenoch, leader of the UK’s Conservative Party, said some officers of the NPF stole her brother’s watch and shoes.

Badenoch did not indicate the year the incident happened in Nigeria but said, “giving people a gun is just a licence to intimidate”.

Born Olukemi Adegoke to Nigerian Yoruba parents in the UK, Badenoch’s last name changed after she married a Scottish banker.

 

She came back to Nigeria, where she grew up, and finally returned to the UK at 16.

Badenoch has drawn the ire of some Nigerians—including a rebuke from Vice-President Kashim Shettima—for “constantly denigrating” her homeland.

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The Tory leader has consistently shown her disdain for the leadership situation in Nigeria—a development that has earned her both admiration and condemnation.

However, in response to Badenoch’s comment on the alleged theft, Akinwande recorded a video wherein he entered a shop in the UK and bought a pair of shoes and a wristwatch.

In the video, Akinwande took the new items to the UK Conservative Party headquarters to present them to Badenoch.

At the pedestrian gate, Akinwande met the security personnel and handed over the items with the view of giving them to the Tory leader.

At the end of the video, Akinwande wrote: “On behalf of every proud Nigerian who felt genuinely hurt by those unfounded disparaging remarks about The Nigerian Police. We “buy back” the stolen shoes and watch! (I hope it fits, tho..).”

The video has been circulating on social media.

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The Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Dingyadi, has pledged the government’s commitment to addressing unemployment in Nigeria.

Speaking before the Senate Committee on Employment, Labour, and Productivity, chaired by Senator Diket Plang (APC-Plateau) today, the minister outlined ongoing efforts to combat the nation’s unemployment crisis.

Just three months into his role, Dingyadi emphasized that tackling unemployment is the ministry’s top priority.

“Every hour, we are working tirelessly to address unemployment because it is our key responsibility. All our skill development programs are designed with the singular aim of reducing unemployment.”

On the nations unemployment statistics, the Labour minister refrained from providing specific figures, citing the need for accuracy.

“I don’t want to give figures I’m not certain about. However, we have these numbers, and our parastatals and agencies are actively working on the issue. We will coordinate and present accurate data to the committee soon,” .

Some lawmakers, however, commended the Tinubu administration’s dedication to the welfare of Nigerian workers, both in public and private sectors, highlighting the recent implementation of the new national minimum wage, effective April 1, 2024, as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to ensuring fair compensation and decent work.

Nathaniel Bassey, the Nigerian singer, on Monday, ministered at the presidential inaugural prayer breakfast of Donald Trump in Washington DC.

The event, held after Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States, is a non-official and non-governmental gathering, focusing on intercessory prayers and spiritual support for the incoming administration of Trump and Vice President JD Vance.

Bassey, who was invited to minister to the guests, delivered a powerful rendition of his song ‘Take the Stage’.

Through his music, he prayed for Jesus to guide the White House and for God’s glory to be manifested in the nation.

His heartfelt prayer also sought satisfaction for American citizens, asking God to make them His vessels.

“Please take the glory/ I’m satisfied/ Just to see you glorified/ Take the nation Lord and have your way/ We’re just your vessel/ And nothing more/ We’re satisfied/ Just to see you glorified/ Jesus, take the White House/ And have your way/ We’re just your vessels and nothing more/ When you’re done moving this nation/ Please take the glory/ We’re satisfied just to see you glorified,” he sings.

Bassey is a pastor, trumpeter, and songwriter popularly known for his songs ‘Imela’, ‘Onise Iyanu’, and ‘Olowogbogboro’.

The World Bank Group has announced the 30-month debarment of two Nigerian companies, Viva Atlantic Limited and Technology House Limited, alongside their Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Norman Didam, for fraudulent, collusive, and corrupt practices linked to the National Social Safety Nets Project in Nigeria.

In a statement issued on Monday, the World Bank disclosed that the project aimed to provide targeted financial assistance to poor and vulnerable households was compromised due to several unethical practices during a 2018 procurement and subsequent contract process.

The statement read, “The World Bank Group today announced the 30-month debarment of two Nigeria-based companies—Viva Atlantic Limited and Technology House Limited—and their Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Mr. Norman Bwuruk Didam.

“The debarment is in connection with fraudulent, collusive, and corrupt practices as part of the National Social Safety Nets Project in Nigeria.” 

The bank said that Viva Atlantic Limited, Technology House Limited, and Didam misrepresented a conflict of interest in their bids and accessed confidential tender information from public officials.

It added that these actions constituted fraudulent and collusive practices under its Anti-corruption Framework.

The World Bank further noted that Viva Atlantic Limited and Didam falsified the company’s experience records, submitted fake manufacturer’s authorisation letters, and provided inducements to project officials, which it classified as corrupt practices.

These violations, according to the bank, undermined the integrity of the social safety net initiative designed to benefit Nigeria’s most vulnerable populations.

The statement noted, “According to the facts of the case and the general principles of the World Bank’s Anticorruption Framework, in connection with a 2018 procurement and subsequent contract, Viva Atlantic Limited, Technology House Limited, and Mr. Didam misrepresented a conflict of interest in the companies’ Letter of Bids and received confidential tender information from public officials, which constituted fraudulent and collusive practices, respectively.

“Further, Viva Atlantic Limited and Mr. Didam misrepresented Viva Atlantic Limited’s experience and submitted falsified manufacturer’s authorization letters, as well as offered and provided things of value to project public officials. These actions were fraudulent and corrupt practices, respectively.”

The debarment precludes the two companies and Didam from participating in World Bank-financed projects and operations for the specified period.

As part of their settlement agreements, the parties acknowledged their culpability and committed to meeting specified conditions, including enhanced compliance measures.

The conditions require Didam to complete individual ethics training, while the companies are mandated to improve their internal integrity compliance policies and implement corporate ethics training programmes in line with the bank’s Integrity Compliance Guidelines.

The bank highlighted that reduced debarment periods were granted due to the parties’ cooperation during investigations, voluntary corrective actions, self-imposed restraints from bidding for contracts, and the time elapsed since the infractions.

The statement added that the debarments qualify for cross-debarment by other multilateral development banks under the Agreement for Mutual Enforcement of Debarment Decisions, signed in April 2010.

It also stated, “The companies also commit to continue to fully cooperate with the Bank Group Integrity Vice Presidency. The settlement agreements feature reduced debarment periods due to the companies’ and Mr Didam’s cooperation with the Bank Group’s investigation, voluntary corrective actions, voluntary restraint from participating in Bank Group tenders, and the passage of time.”

The World Bank reiterated its commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in development projects, stressing that the sanctions demonstrate its zero-tolerance approach to corruption.

It said the implicated parties must fulfil the stipulated conditions during the debarment period to regain eligibility for participation in future Bank-funded initiatives.

Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari is set to appear before the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Paris on Thursday in an alleged breach of contract case concerning the Mambilla Power Project.

A power firm, Sunrise Power, had instituted a $2.3 billion arbitration case against the federal government claiming that Nigeria had defaulted in its contractual obligations to the company.

Speaking to LEADERSHIP under anonymity, a source familiar with the matter confirmed the development. “Yes, the former president will testify on Thursday in France on the matter,” the source said.

The case revolves around claims made by Sunrise Power concerning a 2003 agreement to construct the 3,050-megawatt Mambilla hydropower plant in Taraba State, valued at $6 billion.

The company alleges that the federal government failed to honour its contractual obligations, leading to arbitration proceedings at the ICC.

Meanwhile, the Presidency has dismissed recent social media reports suggesting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu pressured prominent Nigerians to participate in the arbitration process.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the claims as “false and misleading.”

“The arbitration process remains confidential, and those involved in Nigeria’s defence are doing so voluntarily, driven by patriotism and a sense of duty,” Onanuga said. “At no point has President Tinubu pressured anyone to testify or barred anyone from doing so.”

A power firm, Sunrise Power, initiated the arbitration proceedings on October 10, 2017, seeking $2.354 billion in damages for what it described as a breach of contract.

The company claims the federal government violated a 2003 agreement for the Mambilla Project, originally designed as a “build, operate, and transfer” scheme.

In 2017, then minister of power, works and housing Babatunde Fashola described Sunrise Power as a “middleman,” stating that the Buhari administration had engaged Sinohydro Corporation Limited, a Chinese firm, as the project’s Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor.

But while an out-of-court settlement of $200 million was reportedly agreed upon in 2020, Sunrise Power later filed a new claim for $400 million at the ICC, alleging the government had defaulted on the settlement terms. The company also sought reinstatement as the local partner for the revised $5.8 billion Mambilla Project, a condition, it claimed, was removed in subsequent negotiations.

Sunrise’s legal representative, Femi Falana, filed the lawsuit at the ICC, demanding that the government pay $400 million in compensation and penalties for defaulting on the agreement. The claim includes a 10 percent penalty for delays beyond the stipulated 14-day settlement period agreed upon in January 2020.
The federal government has argued that the terms of the agreement were reviewed due to the financial strain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, prompting fresh negotiations.

The arbitration outcome could have significant implications for Nigeria’s finances and the future of the long-delayed Mambilla power project.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo is currently in Paris to honour the invitation to speak on the Mambila Power Project.

LEADERSHIP gathered that the former president left Nigeria for Paris on Saturday morning to enable him to appear and speak on the subject matter, which may be ongoing as we speak.

Obasanjo’s special assistant on media, Kehinde Akin Yemi, confirmed to LEADERSHIP on Monday afternoon in Abeokuta that Obasanjo had chosen to honour the invitation to set the record straight.

The suspended Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe of the Catholic Church of Warri Diocese, actually dumped his celibacy vows and renounced his priestly calling to marry his heartthrob in Dallas, United States of America, PUNCH Metro gathered on Sunday evening.

The priest tied the matrimonial knot with his wife, Dora Chichah, at the Stream of Joy Church in Dallas, USA on December 29, 2024, without waiting to be released from his canonical obligations and responsibility by the universal Church.

Consequently, the church Diocesan authorities suspended him from priestly duties noting that “by this action, Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe has incurred a Latae Sententiae suspension in accordance with the provisions of Canon 1394 S1.”

The suspension, which was contained in a statement titled, ‘Decree of Suspension’, dated, Thursday, January 16, 2025, jointly signed by the Bishop of Warri, Rt. Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido and the Chancellor/Notary, Very Rev. Fr. Clement Abobo had alleged that “Fr. Oghenerukevwe entered into marriage with Ms. Dora Chichah on December 29, 2024, at the Streams of Joy Church in Dallas, USA.”

“By this action, Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe has incurred a Latae Sententiae suspension in accordance with the provisions of Canon 1394 S1, and I, Most Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, Bishop of Warri, do hereby officially decree that he is suspended from the exercise of sacred ministry,” the statement partly read.

“A footage of the marriage reportedly circulated widely on social media had, in addition, prompted the church to act.

“According to the Diocese, even though Fr. Oghenerukevwe had requested on November 30, 2024, to be released from all canonical obligations associated with Holy Orders, the Diocese affirmed that it “reached out to him, asking for the required documents to begin the process, but the priest went on to marry without completing the procedure”.

“As such, he is prohibited from presenting himself as a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Warri in any capacity. All canonical implications associated with this suspension take immediate effect (cf. Can. 1333),” the Church statement posited.

The Diocese, however, remarked that “Fr. Oghenerukevwe retains the right to petition for the revocation or amendment of the decree but must demonstrate a willingness to reform.”

“May God grant him the grace to reflect on this situation and guide him on the path of reconciliation,” the statement concluded.

But more details emerged on Sunday evening on why the now suspended Catholic priest, Rev Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe, dumped his celibacy vows and renounced his priestly calling to marry his heartthrob in Dallas, USA.

A woman who claimed to be the biological sister of the suspended Catholic priest, Mary Okanatotor, maintained that “it was the best decision” for her brother.

Mary, in a social media comment over the reports that her brother (Fr Oghenerukevwe) secretly married her partner in America, attributed his decision to “loneliness.”

She disclosed that Fr. Oghenerukevwe suffered from mental health for a long time and could not handle the “loneliness” as a priest.

She added that the family was not physically present to support the priest when he was undergoing difficult challenges.

She wrote, “Thank you all for the comments, the said priest is my brother and it was the best decision for him because he had a lot of issues with his mental health for a long time and couldn’t deal with the loneliness.

“We, his family members, are not with him to give him support physically. Thank you for your encouraging words.

“This is a trying time for our family, but he who finds a wife finds a good thing.

“Secondly, he did not do a secret marriage as he wrote to the Diocese to inform them of his decision.

“Once again, thank you. For the sponsor of this post, may God bless you and reward you accordingly.”

Fr. Oghenerukevwe, who hails from one of the communities in Ewu Kingdom of Delta State, was ordained as a priest on June 21, 2008, into the Catholic Diocese of Warri.

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday adjourned until January 30 to hear a suit filed by Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE against the Nigeria Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and six others.

Justice Inyang Ekwo granted the new date following an application by the plaintiff’s counsel, George Ibrahim (SAN), who sought leave to amend the originating summons.

Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE, in a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1324/2024, is seeking to halt the issuance of oil import licences to some oil marketers.

Mentioned in the suit as 1st to 7th defendants are the NMDPRA, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, AYM Shafa Limited, A.A. Rano Limited, T. Time Petroleum Limited, 2015 Petroleum Limited, and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited.

In its originating summons, Dangote Refinery prayed the court to nullify the import licences issued by the NMDPRA to the NNPCL and the five other companies for importing refined petroleum products, arguing that such actions violate Sections 317(8) and (9) of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

Dangote Refinery claimed that these licences should only be issued in cases of proven shortfalls in local supply and accused NMDPRA of failing to support local refineries as mandated by the PIA.

Additionally, Dangote Refinery sought N100bn in damages against the NMDPRA for allegedly continuing to issue import licenses to the NNPCL and the other marketers.

In response, three major oil marketers—AYM Shafa Limited, A.A. Rano Limited, and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited—filed a counter-affidavit urging the court to dismiss Dangote Refinery’s suit.

The marketers argued that Dangote Refinery does not produce enough petroleum products to meet Nigeria’s daily consumption needs and that monopolising the sector would harm the economy.

They maintained that the import licences issued to them were lawful and in compliance with the PIA, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, and other relevant laws.

They further warned that granting Dangote Refinery exclusive control of the petroleum sector would eliminate competition, drive up prices, and destabilize the country’s fragile economy.

The marketers also cautioned that relying solely on Dangote Refinery for petroleum products could lead to supply shortages and higher costs in the event of operational disruptions at the refinery.

At Monday’s resumed hearing, the plaintiff’s counsel, George Ibrahim (SAN), informed the court that the matter had been fixed for a report on settlement or service.

However, he stated that he had not been able to serve the amended originating summons on the defendants.

He added that the issue of settlement could not be addressed due to a motion filed to amend their originating summons, due to the errors in the earlier application.

Similarly, the defendants’ counsel confirmed they had not been served and requested proper service before the case could proceed.

Mathew Bukar (SAN) appeared for the NMDPRA, Ahmed Raji (SAN) represented AYM Shafa, A.A. Rano Limited and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited, while Divine Oguru appeared for T. Time Petroleum and 2015 Petroleum Limited.

NNPCL counsel, Ademola Abimbola, on his part, informed the court that he had only been served with the application on Monday morning, shortly before the court session began.

Abimbola noted that Dangote Refinery served the amended originating summons following objections that the NNPCL should not have been included in the suit, as it was sued under an incorrect registered name.

He further claimed that the plaintiff amended the suit after it became public in the media, adding that the application would be reviewed for an appropriate response.

Justice Ekwo instructed Dangote Refinery’s counsel to ensure the case was properly positioned to be heard on the next adjourned date.

“You have not been able to position this matter to be heard, and that is the cause of the adjournment,” Justice Ekwo said.

The plaintiff’s counsel requested 10 days to serve all parties in the suit.

Upon his request, Justice Ekwo adjourned the case to January 30 to allow all parties to complete the filing and service of court processes.

Meanwhile, another party, represented by Olanrewaju Oshinaike, sought to be joined in the matter but was asked to stand down until the issue of service was resolved.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved a tariff adjustment for telecommunications operators, with a cap set at 50 per cent on current rates.

The decision followed a careful review of the rising operational costs faced by telecom companies, which have remained unchanged since 2013 despite mounting inflationary pressures.

The approved tariff adjustment is a crucial step in addressing the widening gap between telecom operators’ operational costs and existing tariff rates.

Although some operators initially requested increases exceeding 100 per cent, the NCC has opted for a more measured increase of up to 50 per cent, striking a balance between the needs of the industry and consumer protection.

In a press release signed by the NCC’s director of public affairs, Reuben Muoka, and made available to LEADERSHIP on Monday, the regulator clarified that the revised tariffs would remain within the guidelines of the 2013 NCC Cost Study. Adjustments will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, as per the NCC’s standard review process. Furthermore, the adjustments will be implemented in compliance with the recently issued NCC Guidance on Tariff Simplification, 2024, ensuring transparency and clarity.

The telecommunications industry has faced several challenges in recent years, including rising fuel prices and currency devaluation, which have compounded the pressure on operators to adjust their tariffs. The tariff increase is seen as a necessary measure to ensure the sustainability of the sector, enabling operators to continue investing in network infrastructure and improving service delivery to consumers.

The NCC emphasised that the changes were aimed at enhancing service quality, improving network coverage, and promoting better customer service. In response to concerns about the impact of higher tariffs on Nigerian households and businesses, the Commission has mandated that operators implement the changes transparently and fairly, with clear communication to the public regarding the new rates and expected improvements in service delivery.

The decision followed extensive consultations with stakeholders across both public and private sectors. The NCC highlighted its commitment to balancing the protection of consumers with the long-term viability of the telecommunications industry.

Recognising the financial pressures faced by Nigerians, NCCn stressed its commitment to supporting indigenous vendors and suppliers who form a critical part of the telecom ecosystem. The NCC also reiterated its ongoing efforts to foster a resilient, innovative, and inclusive telecommunications sector that will drive the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.

The statement read in part: “The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), pursuant to its power under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 (NCA), will approve tariff adjustment requests by Network Operators in response to prevailing market conditions.

“The adjustment, capped at a maximum of 50 percent of current tariffs, was arrived at after considering ongoing industry reforms that will positively influence sustainability. While some operators requested over 100 percent increases, the approved adjustments are designed to maintain service quality without compromising consumer interests. These adjustments will remain within the tariff bands outlined in the 2013 NCC Cost Study, and each request will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The implementation will follow the recently issued NCC Guidance on Tariff Simplification, 2024.

“Given that tariff rates have remained unchanged since 2013, despite rising operational costs, the approved adjustment is intended to bridge the significant gap between costs and tariffs, ensuring continued service delivery to consumers. The Commission remains committed to fostering industry sustainability, encouraging investment in infrastructure, and improving services for consumers, including better network quality, enhanced customer service, and wider coverage.”

The NCC reaffirmed its dedication to creating a balanced, sustainable telecommunications environment that serves the interests of both consumers and operators while supporting the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.

Father of self-acclaimed gospel singer, Timileyin Ajayi, who was caught with severed head of his supposed girlfriend, has begged the government on his son’s behalf even as he called for his release.

LEADERSHIP reports that Timileyin was caught with the severed head of 24-year-old Corps member, Salome Eleojo Adaidu, penultimate Sunday.

Timileyin’s father, Sunday Ajayi, pleaded for his son’s release in a viral video online. He expressed in Pidgin English that he would like the government to help him settle the matter and release his son.

“I want government make dem help me make the matter settle abeg. Make dem help me try to beg the people make una leave am,” he said.

Timileyin’s mum, Dorcas Ajayi, however, took a different stance from her husband.

She noted that she would not know how to feel if what happened to Salome happened to one of her own children.

According to her, the government can carry out any action they want on the matter because everything is in their hands.

“Had it been it’s one of my daughters they did that to, how do I feel? So I don’t know. Anything government want to do, everything is in their hands,” she stated.

Timileyin’s father’s comments have been met with criticisms online as many suggested that the old man be investigated as well.

Some others expressed that his stance was rather inhuman and unreasonable.

Mexico’s Interior Secretary Rosa Icela Rodríguez, on Monday, announced a project called “Mexico Embraces You,” providing support for Mexican citizens who could be deported from the United States following President Donald Trump‘s assumption of office.

“Mexico will do everything necessary to defend, care for and allocate what is needed to receive those who are repatriated in order to achieve their reincorporation to their native country,” Rodríguez said during a press conference on Monday.

Through the “Mexico Embraces You” plan, the country’s National Migration Institute will be in charge of receiving Mexicans from abroad, processing their repatriation and supporting transfers to their places of origin, the secretary said.

The government said Mexican citizens will be given 2,000 Mexican pesos (about $100) upon arrival to use during their transfer to their place of origin.

Rodríguez added that the National Population Registry, which is similar to the US Social Security number system, will process identity documents if necessary.

The interior secretary said that the government has been working and developing the plan since Trump pledged to carry out mass deportations.

The plan was developed in coordination with international organizations, including the International Organization for Migration, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and UNICEF.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said that she would try to communicate with newly inaugurated President Trump’s team after the inauguration, and she asked Mexican citizens living in the US to remain calm.