Davido, the award-winning Nigerian singer, has expanded his business ventures into sports by launching a football club.

Lagos Liga, a Nigerian premier private football league, announced 30BG Sports Club’s unveiling on its Instagram page on Wednesday.

The football league disclosed that the club has been registered to compete in its upcoming season alongside 15 other teams.

“With Davido bringing his energy into Lagos Liga 2024, we have great assurance that if opponents are not careful, there is a timeless promise they could fall because this competition just got risky,” the post reads.

Lagos Liga said the league promises high-stakes matches for non-professional and veteran football players.

The competition is scheduled to begin in December, with a N50 million prize for the winning team.

The singer joins fellow Nigerian music industry giants in the league, including Don Jazzy, who owns Supremos FC, and D’banj, who owns Koko FC.

Reality TV star Tacha also owns Tacha FC, which will compete in the league.

The development comes after Afrofusion star Burna Boy unveiled his football academy for boys aged 4-21.

A federal capital territory (FCT) court sitting in the Apo area of Abuja has remanded two men in Kuje correctional facility for allegedly impersonating Ola Olukoyede, chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

The EFCC arraigned the suspects — Ojobo Joshua and Aliyu Hashi — on Wednesday before Jude Onwuebuzie, the presiding judge.

The defendants were arrested in August alongside two others—Thomas Oduh and Paul Ogiji—at Gimbiya Street, Garki, and Apo Legislative Quarters, Abuja.

They were alleged to have contacted Mohammed Bello-Koko, a former managing director of the Nigeria Port Authority (NPA), claiming that he was indicted by the EFCC during a probe of his tenure.

The suspects allegedly demanded $1 million from Bello-Kokp, promising that Olukoyede would ensure a “soft landing” for him.

They also threatened him with arrest and prosecution if he failed to play along with them.

The EFCC filed a four-count charge against Joshua and Hashim for impersonation and attempted fraud.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to all the charges when they were read to them.

Elizabeth Alabi, EFCC counsel, prayed the court to remand the defendants to the correctional facility pending the commencement of the trial.

“Having pleaded not guilty, my lord, we ask for a date to begin calling our witnesses and request the defendants be remanded in custody,” she said.

Obinna Nwosu, counsel to the first defendant (Joshua), applied for his client’s release on liberal bail terms, while counsel for the second defendant, Peter Oriobe, made an oral request for bail.

The judge, however, directed Oriobe to file a written bail application for his client.

Onwuebuzie granted bail to the first defendant in the sum of N100 million with two sureties in like sum.

The judge said the sureties must not be less than level 16 officers in the civil service, adding that they must submit their appointment and promotion letters, valid identification, and a written undertaking to bring the defendant to every court sitting.

The first defendant must also submit his international passport to the court.

The judge ordered that the first and second defendants be remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre until bail conditions are met.

The matter was adjourned till November 18 for the hearing of the second defendant’s bail application.

The Nigerian Navy says it has received three newly acquired Agusta Westland (AW) 109 Trekker helicopters from the ministry of defence.

Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, director of naval information, said in a statement that the three helicopters were handed over on Tuesday at the Caverton Helicopters Limited (CHL) hangar facility in Ikeja, Lagos.

Adams-Aliu said the AW 109 helicopters have all purpose-built VIP configurations, with full leather and noise attenuation systems.

He added that the choppers are equipped with landing skids that provide a better loading capacity compared to traditional wheeled helicopters.

“Additionally, the helicopters are designed with auxiliary tanks to ensure extended endurance of up to 3hrs 40mins,” Adams-Aliu said.

“Thus, the helicopters could be used for long-range transport flights. The helicopters could also be retrofitted with purpose-built mission equipment.”

Emmanuel Ogalla, the chief of naval staff, thanked President Bola Tinubu “for his unflinching support” to the Nigerian armed forces and Navy.

Ogalla expressed gratitude to Mohammed Badaru, the minister of defence, and Bello Matawalle, minister of state for defence, for facilitating the acquisition of the helicopters.

Olugbenga Edema, the governorship candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in Ondo, has asked a federal high court to disqualify Lucky Aiyedatiwa from participating in the election.

The state governorship election is slated to take place on November 16.

In an application, Edema said the court should compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw the nomination of Aiyedatiwa, the incumbent governor of Ondo and candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), from participating in the election.

He said Aiyedatiwa and his deputy were elected in an invalid party primary election conducted by the APC on April 20.

The NNPP candidate said the primary election was in contravention of the provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022, adding that the court should interpret the application of section 15 of the third schedule to the 1999 Constitution.

“Let 1. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); 2. All Progressives Congress (APC); 3. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa; and 4. Olayide Owolabi Adelami,” the court document reads.

“Within Seven (7) Days after service of these Summons on them, inclusive of the day of such service, cause an appearance to be entered for them to this Summons, which was issued upon the application of HON. OLUGBENGA OMOGBEMI EDEMA and NEW NIGERIAN PEOPLES PARTY, who are interested in the interpretation and application of the Section 15 of the Third Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as Amended), Sections 82 (1)(5); 84 (1)(2)(4a,b)(13) of the Electoral Act, 2022 and the Time Table and Schedule of Activities issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission for the Ondo State 2024 Governorship Election as well as other relevant laws and constitutional provisions.

“Whether the 1st Respondent is not bound or obligated to adhere to the clear and mandatory provisions Section 15 of the Third Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended); and Sections 82 (1)(5); 84 (1)(2)(4a,b)(13) of the Electoral Act, 2022, in determining which political party should be included in the list of political parties for election in the Ondo state gubernatorial election coming up on the 16th November, 2024.

“Whether by the combined provisions of Section 15 of the Third Schedule to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended); and Sections 82 (1)(5); 84 (1)(2)(4a,b)(13) of the Electoral Act, 2022, the 2nd Defendant conducted a valid primary election for the purpose of presenting candidates for the forthcoming Ondo State gubernatorial election slated for the 16th of November, 2024 to entitle the 1st Defendant to include its candidates in the final list of candidates published on the 7th day of November, 2024.

“Whether by the provision of section 84(13) of the Electoral Act, 2022, the 1st Defendant is not obligated to exclude/delist the names of the 3rd and 4th Defendants, being the candidates of the 2nd Defendant, from the list of approved candidates for the forthcoming Ondo State gubernatorial election slated for the 16th November, 2024, having been nominated from an invalid Party Primary election conducted on the 20th of April 2024.”

Edema left the APC to join the NNPP in June after he lost in the party’s primary election to Aiyedatiwa.

He was among the party’s aspirants who alleged that the election did not hold in most parts of the state.

President Bola Tinubu says reforms in the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) will strengthen trade and border security across the country.

Tinubu spoke in Abuja on Wednesday at the opening ceremony of the comptroller-general of customs (CGC) conference.

The president, represented by Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser (NSA), said the reforms align with his administration’s objective to grow Nigeria’s economy through industrialisation and diversification.

This, he said, demonstrates the service’s comprehensive modernisation agenda.

“Responding to our administration’s call for enhanced trade facilitation and economic growth, the service has introduced significant reforms, including the advanced ruling system and the authorised economic operator programme,” NAN quoted Tinubu to have said.

“These initiatives align with global best practices and show how agencies can innovatively implement solutions that advance our national economic objectives while meeting international standards.

“Such reforms enhance trade facilitation and create a more predictable business environment that supports our broader financial goals.”

Tinubu said the reforms contributed to Nigeria’s improved global ranking and ease of doing business.

The president pledged support for the agency’s modernisation and reform efforts, committing to back policies designed to strengthen the service’s capacity to fulfil its duties.

He said the NCS has shown progress in revenue generation, enhancing the government’s ability to fund essential development projects.

Tinubu said upon assuming office, he outlined a vision of strengthening Nigeria’s economy by building on existing frameworks and implementing necessary reforms.

He said his administration is determined to improve Nigeria’s trade and investment status globally as part of the reform initiatives.

“This goal is being pursued through strategic efforts to enhance trade facilitation, modernise port infrastructure, and streamline business processes to minimise trade barriers,” he said.

Tinubu said in less than two years of his administration, over $30 billion in foreign investment commitments have been secured, “reflecting the positive impact of these policies on both domestic and international investor confidence”.

He said the conference’s theme reflects the evolving economic landscape, noting that sustainable progress depends on strengthening existing alliances and forging new ones.

“Your deliberations should chart a path for enhancing our trade processes and compliance frameworks in ways that position Nigeria to maximise the opportunities presented by regional and continental integration while maintaining robust border security,” he said.

He said the outcome of the conference should provide a clear roadmap for achieving the objectives in line “with our national economic aspirations”.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has appointed Adedapo Segun as its chief financial officer (CFO).

In an X post on Wednesday night, the NNPC said Segun previously served as the executive vice-president (EVP) of its downstream arm, where he made significant contributions to the company’s downstream operations.

The national oil firm said Isiyaku Abdullahi will be taking over as its new EVP, downstream.

The company also named Udobong Ntia as the new executive vice-president (EVP) of its upstream operations.

“The Board of Directors of NNPC Limited is pleased to announce a series of strategic leadership appointments. These changes reflect our continued dedication to enhancing corporate governance, improving operational efficiency, and ensuring long-term success in Nigeria’s energy sector,” the post reads.

“These appointments align with NNPC Limited’s commitment to building a unified and competent leadership team to drive operational excellence and support the organization’s strategic objectives.

“The Board and Management also extend their deepest appreciation to Mr. Umar Ajiya and Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa A. Eyesan for their outstanding dedication and service to NNPC Limited.”

The NNPC restated its commitment to achieving operational excellence, enhancing global competitiveness, and ensuring financial sustainability, while prioritising the interests of the Nigerians in the petroleum industry.

Femi Falana, a human rights lawyer, has criticised Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), for gifting houses to judges.

In September, the minister flagged off the construction of 40 houses for judges in Abuja, which sparked a public outrage.

He said 20 of the houses, when completed, would be allocated to judges of the FCT high court, while 10 would be given to the judges of the federal high court and 10 to those of the court of appeal.

However, Wike on Wednesday denied the claim that the houses are being constructed to pocket the judges for political gains.

He said the construction of homes for judges is part of President Bola Tinubu welfare packages designed to promote the independence of the judiciary.

Reacting to the development during an appearance on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, on Wednesday, Falana said the judges have no business going to the executive to buy them cars and houses.

The senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN) said autonomy of the judiciary has been constitutionalised.

“The minister of the federal capital territory operates like a state governor by virtue of the section 299 of the Constitution,” Falana said.

“So, he cannot say I am going to build 40 houses; 10 shall go to the federal high court, 10 shall go to judges in the FCT high court and 10 shall go to the court of appeal and supreme court, No.

“Because you are a minister of the federal government like a state governor, your budget is limited to the affairs of the FCT.

“So, you cannot, as the head of the FCT, be dishing out gifts of cars and houses to judges in the federal high court, in the appeal court and the supreme court.

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“Number two, you have cases before these courts, on the theory of equality before the court you cannot be seen to be giving cars or houses to the judges who are going to determine your cases.”

Falana said judges’ housing should be managed by the national judicial council, adding that executive assistance to the judiciary should go through the national assembly.

“If the executive wants to assist the judiciary, the appropriate approach is to go to the national assembly. You can have a supplementary budget,” he said.

“If it has been discovered that the judiciary needs housing in Abuja, then the national assembly should make the necessary appropriations.

“But the constitution does not anticipate that the minister of the federal capital territory, like a governor of Kogi, Ondo, or Cross River State, would offer cars and houses to judges in the federal public sector. No.

“That is why this matter needs to be properly scrutinised and resolved in line with the provisions of the Constitution.

“Judges need houses, of course. Judges need cars, of course. They need security, of course. But these should be provided by the NJC within its budget.”

Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), says the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will be unable to resolve its internal crises if members keep trying to undermine him.

Speaking during a media chat in Abuja on Wednesday, Wike described the current leadership failure in the opposition party as the worst in its history.

”Let me tell you the problem—it is not that the PDP cannot get its acts together; it is this personal ambition,” the minister said.

“This attitude that ‘I must bring Wike down’. When all you attempt is to bring me down, you make mistakes. Wike will not go down, which is true.”

He said the PDP is not focused on tackling its crisis because some members are making every effort to undermine him.

He also accused Bala Muhammed, governor of Bauchi and chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, of poor leadership and failing to organised the party.

“PDP has never had it this bad in terms of leadership, particularly from the chairman of the governors’ forum. And I knew it would be so. Leadership is not by mouth. It is about talking; it is by action,” he said.

“How do you know when people are treacherous? When Tambuwal finished as the chairman of the PDP governors’ forum, the position has always been rotating between the north and south.

“But Bala and co connived and went to Bauchi and took away the chairman of the governors’ forum of the PDP to the north.

“Of course, he knows, if I was governor, it wouldn’t happen. For me as a leader, you must have to make sacrifices.

“You must have the capacity to galvanise the people. You are in the opposition party. You are not in the ruling party. People will see that you are serious about taking over power.

“How has he (Mohammed) mobilised his colleagues by funding the party to make sure that the party is effective and efficient through the national working committee?”

The Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has announced the dissolution of all executive boards within state agencies and parastatals, alongside the dismissal of permanent secretaries appointed from outside the Edo State Civil Service.

The news was shared on Wednesday by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, who issued a statement in Benin City confirming that the changes take effect immediately.

Governor Okpebholo directed all affected officials to return any government property in their possession to the most senior civil service officer within their respective ministries, departments, or agencies.

The statement partly read: “It is hereby announced for the information of the general public that the Governor of Edo State, His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the dissolution of executives of all boards, agencies, and parastatals in Edo State Public Service with immediate effect.

“In addition, all Permanent Secretaries appointed from outside the State Public/Civil Service and all political appointees are hereby relieved of their appointments.

“Accordingly, all affected appointees are to hand over all government properties in their possession to the most senior public officer in their respective ministries, departments, and agencies.”

Meanwhile, the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has announced an indefinite suspension of all state revenue collections, especially in motor parks and other designated areas, until further notice.

Also, the Governor instructed the State Commissioner of Police to apprehend any individuals who violate this directive.

Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has revealed that he decided to dump the Netherlands for Nigeria because he did not see a “clear path” to playing for the Dutch side.

Note that William Troost-Ekong was born in Haarlem, Netherlands to a Nigerian father, hence, he was eligible to play for the Super Eagles even though he had featured for Dutch youth teams.

The opportunity to play for the Super Eagles came during a phone conversation with the late Stephen Keshi, former coach of the Super Eagles, who reached out to him when Troost-Ekong was just beginning to establish his football career.

At 20, after an impressive season in the Eredivisie where he played over 30 matches, Troost-Ekong faced a critical decision of playing for Nigeria or his country of birth.

Despite having represented the Netherlands at the Under-19 and Under-20 levels, he found that opportunities with the senior national team were limited. Hence, he had to settle for Nigeria.

“I had to make this decision early in my career. At the time, I was finishing my breakthrough season and received a call from Stephen Keshi, a legendary figure in Nigerian football. His interest in me was truly inspiring”, Troost-Ekong told The Sports Afterparty Podcast.

“I had just started the season after representing Dutch youth teams, yet there wasn’t a clear path to joining the senior squad. Nigeria offered me a tangible opportunity to step into the international arena. The Super Eagles were changing, and I recognized that they needed fresh talent among their defenders.

“By choosing to play for Nigeria, I was not only seizing a chance to contribute to a team in transition but also enhancing my prospects at the club level. This decision was made with a comprehensive view of my career and growth opportunities.”

Note that since William Troost-Ekong made his international debut for Nigeria on June 13, 2015, the 31-year-old defender has made 71 appearances and scored seven goals