The lead Pastor of the Harvesters International Christian Center (HICC), Bolaji Idowu, will reportedly sleep in the custody of the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) of the Nigerian police in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, over allegations of ₦1.5 billion fraud.

Pastor Idowu was detained for his alleged involvement in real estate fraud and money laundering.

“Pastor Bolaji Idowu, known for his Next Level Prayer Conference, has been taken into custody and is undergoing interrogation in Abuja regarding allegations of real estate fraud and money laundering,” one police insider revealed.

Top police sources at the FCID who spoke with SaharaReporters said Pastor Bolaji would be sleeping over in the police cell for the alleged crime, noting that several billions of naira in the scheme were traced to the clergy’s church account.

The source said, “The case emanated from one of his pastors who duped several people in a real estate scheme.

“The police investigation showed that several billions of naira in the scheme were traced first to Pastor Bolaji’s church account and later to his personal account.”

Pastor Idowu founded Harvesters International Christian Center in December 2003. Since its inception, the church has expanded its presence across Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

According to its official website, the church attracts more than 70,000 worshippers in person and online.

In addition to his pastoral duties, Pastor Idowu runs the “Next Level Prayers” platform, a ministry designed to encourage individuals to strengthen their prayer lives, both offline and online.

South Africa has relaxed its visa application procedure for Nigerians in what the country said will strength diplomatic ties and bolster trade between the two nations.

The new visa policy will allow Nigerians to apply for a visa without submitting passport and will also be eligible for five-year multiple entry visas.

Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa, announced the development on Tuesday at the opening of the 11th session of the Nigeria-South Africa Bi-National Commission (BNC) in Cape Town, which President Bola Tinubu attended.

Ramaphosa disclosed that South Africa simplified its visa processes to create a conducive environment for Nigerian business people and facilitate travel to the country for tourists.

“Qualifying Nigerian business people can be granted a five-year multiple entry visa,” he said. 

He also pledged South Africa’s commitment to removing constraints on greater investment and addressing the challenges faced by companies in both countries.

“As we mark 30 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, we see a bright future for our relationship. Our strong bonds of friendship provide a firm foundation for more meaningful economic cooperation.

“Nigeria is host to a number of South African companies. South Africa has always been open to Nigerian business, reflected in the number of investments and operations established in this country.

“But there is much more we need to do. We need to remove the remaining constraints to greater investment, just as we need to address some of the challenges that companies have experienced.

Ramaphosa also acknowledged the Nigerian government’s reforms to further strengthen and foster a business environment that offers assurances to investors, including from South Africa.

He said his administration will continue with its efforts to improve the ease of doing business in South Africa. We want to enable investors to operate, trade and pursue opportunities in various sectors.

“We look forward to seeing more Nigerian companies investing in South Africa,” he said.

The South African leader said Africa’s development and the challenges facing countries of the Global South would be firmly placed on the G20 agenda.

“It will be the first time the G20 Leaders’ Summit will be held on African soil. We will seek to galvanise support for the AU’s Agenda 2063 as we pursue an inclusive global agenda.

“For South Africa, it is our view that in shaping global discourse, programs should be tailored to ensure that in our societies, no one is left behind,” he said

Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has granted bail of N2m to two doctors in the state standing trial for alleged manslaughter.

The doctors, Dr Jude Okpani, a gyneacologist (1st defendant) and Dr Isaiah-Tunde Akinlade, an anesthesiologist (2nd defendant), were arraigned by the Rivers State Government through the Ministry of Justice on two counts bordering on manslaughter and negligence.

According to the charge, the two doctors are alleged to have on February 2, 2024, at a clinic in Port Harcourt, did cause the death of one Rebekah Tamunotorukubu-Sekidika, an offence contrary to Section 325 of the Criminal Code of Law of Rivers State 1999.

The accused are also alleged to have neglected to administer the required dose of local spinal anesthesia to Rebekah Tamunotorukubu-Sekidika, which recklessly ruptured her uterus while carrying out a medical procedure on her leading to her death.

When the charges were read to them in court, the doctors pleaded not guilty.

Their counsel, C.T. Walter, orally applied for bail which was not opposed by the prosecution counsel, Christiana Tombari Bodo, a Senior State Council in the Ministry of Justice, but requested stringent conditions from the court on the grounds that the matter is sensitive.

The trial judge, Justice Jumbo Stephens, after listening to the defence and prosecution counsels, granted bail to the two accused in the sum N1m each and two sureties who must be the Chairman and Secretary of Nigeria Medical Association, Rivers State Chapter.

Justice Stephens also directed that the sureties must provide two passport photographs and their addresses must be verified by an official of the court and photocopies of either a valid driving licence, passport or voter card must be deposited in court.

For the accused persons, Justice Stephens said, “The 1st and 2nd defendants who have just been admitted to bail are also to deposit to the registrar of this court two copies of their passport photographs. These are the bail conditions.”

Justice Stephens thereafter adjourned the matter to January 20 and 27, 2025, for ‘definite’ hearing.

Our correspondent recalls that Miss Rebekah Tamunotorukubu-Sekidika, (24-year-old at the time), a first class graduate of Microbiology from the Benson Idahosa University, Benin in Edo State was preparing for a trip to the United Kingdom for a Masters degree when the incident occurred.

It was a rowdy session in the House of Representatives plenary on Tuesday, following the declaration of support for President Bola Tinubu’s tax reform bills by the spokesman of the Green Chamber, Mr Akin Rotimi.

Rotimi, a member of the All Progressives Congress, incurred the wrath of his colleagues when he stood up to present two reports on behalf of the Chairman, Committee on Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring, Boma Goodhead, who was absent at Tuesday’s plenary.

The Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, who presided over the plenary, recognised Rotimi as conducting the brief exercise.

Rotimi chose to inform his colleagues about the stand of Ekiti federal lawmakers on the controversial four tax bills transmitted to the parliament on September 3, 2024.

He said, Mr Speaker, I am from Ekiti State, the first state whose National Assembly caucus has unanimously endorsed the tax bills.”

Members present at plenary did not allow him to complete his sentence as shouts of “No, no thereafter”, rented the air.

Repeated appeals by the speaker to restore order failed, as members vowed that the report would not be laid.

The Speaker waded in, saying “He is expressing his personal opinion”, just as the Ekiti lawmaker reminded his colleagues that he had the protection of the presiding officer.

Abbas’ remark that “He (Rotimi) was just talking on a lighter note. Let’s not take it seriously,” failed to calm frayed nerves.

Rotimi continued, “My introduction does not affect the substantive matter,” just as the speaker urged him to be restricted “to the person you are representing here. We are not talking about tax bills.”

With barely any way out for him, Rotimi said, “Hon colleagues, I withdraw the introduction. Mr Speaker, I withdraw the introduction. I will introduce myself properly. Mr Speaker, can I have the opportunity to speak?”

Abbas thereafter took over, saying “Mr Rotimi, you know this (tax bill) is a controversial issue. I don’t want you to be mentioning things that are not relevant to the subject matter. On your behalf, I withdraw that statement that you have made.”

With a semblance of order in place, Rotimi again stood up, saying, “Hon, colleagues, I would like to withdraw that introduction and restrict myself to the Order Paper.”

He later introduced himself without a word on the tax bills and laid a background of the report he was to present on behalf of Goodhead.

That said, the speaker asked for a seconder only for members to revert to the shouting mode, forcing the Speaker to again call for caution.

“I beg you. This has nothing to do with the tax bills,” Abbas pleaded repeatedly, all to no avail.

With all options exhausted, Rotimi took to the floor once again.

“I seek the leave of the Speaker and Hon members to step down the report,” he said.

Like Rotimi, the deputy spokesman of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese also had his dose of trouble when Kano lawmaker, Tijjani Ghali, standing on a matter of personal explanation (Order 6 rule 5), called on the former to resign from his position.

He said, “I woke up this morning to see an online publication from the deputy spokesman, saying that those opposed to tax reform bills are seeking speedy passage. I am one of the first persons that opposed these bills vehemently but the deputy spokesperson did not contact me as a stakeholder and did not seek my opinion on this.

“The heading is insinuating that for those who opposed these tax bills, there is an inducement somewhere. Therefore, I am calling for the withdrawal of this statement and an investigation and apology in print media because this is injurious to me, my people, my religion and the region where I come from.

“Mr Speaker, this is a breach of privilege and is unprofessional, unethical and immoral. Therefore, I am personally calling (chorus, we are calling) for this matter to be investigated to find out those people opposed to the bills that are now asking for their speedy passage.”

The member representing Jibia/Kaita Federal Constituency, Katsina State, Sada Soli, moved that the matter be referred to the Ethics and Privileges Committee for investigation.

Ruling on the matter, Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu promised action, stating “Once a point of privilege is moved, it is not debated. You have asked for this to be investigated. But you did not tell whether to move it to ethics and privileges and that is why Sada Soli came with his own. It is not in your prayer. There are many ways to investigate this.”

A Nigerian airline, Aero Contractors, has reduced its airfare price across all destinations amid the 2024 Yuletide celebration.

Ado Sanusi, managing director of Aero Contractors, made this announcement in a press conference in Lagos on Tuesday.

The domestic airline said that its airfare to all destinations has been reduced to N80,000 per trip.

According to him: “Though the slash in ticket price, is billed to end in January next year, we aim to give back to Nigerians and support them during the Christmas season.

“Our prices will start from N80,000 to all of our destinations, and we intend to make it affordable to the flying public. And this is to allow the flying public/families to meet their loved ones during this Christmas season.”

Blessing, a sister of the Dowen College student who died in controversial circumstances in 2021, Sylvester Jnr, has mourned the death of her mother, Mrs Rosemary Oromoni, who reportedly passed away on November 25, 2024, PUNCH Metro learnt

Mrs Oromoni was said to have “succumbed to an intermittent blood pressure-related illness.”

Family and close associates of the deceased confirmed the news in a series of condolence messages shared on social media on Tuesday.

The Executive Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Area, Jaro Egbo, in a Facebook post, confirmed the development, as he offered condolences to the family.

In the pictures of his condolence visit to Oromoni Snr on November 28, shared on Facebook by the Ughelli North Local Government Council, Egbo was said to have described Mrs Oromoni’s sudden death as shocking and painful.

He added that she passed away at a time when her presence would be needed most by the husband.

The caption partly read, “Mrs. Oromoni’s passing has left a void in the lives of those who knew her.

“On behalf of my immediate family and the good people of Ughelli North Local Government Area, I expressed my heartfelt condolences to my dear brother, friend, and great colleague on the passing of his beloved wife, Mrs. Rosemary Oromoni.”

Blessing, a sister of the late Sylvester, identified as b_anuta247, also shared a post on her Instagram story on Tuesday containing a prayer for those who are grieving.

The post partly read, “Dear God, we pray for those who are grieving today. Please, wrap your loving arms around them and bring them comfort in their sorrow. Remind them that You are near to the brokenhearted and your presence brings peace even in the deepest pain.”

Mrs. Oromoni’s death sparked an outpouring of sympathy on social media, with many reflecting on the journey the family has endured since Sylvester’s tragic death. Some however linked her passing to the unresolved grief she carried.

Controversy trailed the death of Sylvester after a family member alleged that the Junior Secondary School 2 pupil died from the injuries he sustained during an assault by colleagues who allegedly wanted to initiate him into cultism.

Meanwhile, the school claimed he died after an injury he sustained during a football match.

Meanwhile, PUNCH Metro reports that the father rejected the judgment of the Coroner’s Inquest which indicted him, his wife and the family doctor for their son’s death.

He said it was not the end of the case, as the medical expert did not give them a concluding result of the black substance that was found in their son’s stomach.

The Coroner’s Inquest that looked into the findings of the death of Sylvester Oromoni Jnr exonerated Dowen College and the five students who were accused of bullying, beating, and forcing the deceased to drink a substance that allegedly caused his death and indicted the deceased’s parents and family doctor of negligence.

The coroner, Magistrate Mikhail Kadiri, in his judgment at the Ogba Magistrate Court, held that Dowen College, its staff members, and the five students namely, Favour Benjamin, 16; Edward Begue (16); Ansel Temile (14); Kenneth Inyang and Michael Kashamu, 16, son of the late Senator Buruji Kashamu, did not play any role that led to the death of Oromoni.

He cleared the school of any negligence as well as the five senior students accused of bullying the deceased and administering a poisonous substance to him.

The Ikeja Special Offences Court, on Tuesday, admitted further evidence in the ongoing trial of Ismaila Mustapha, popularly known as Mompha.

Mompha is facing trial over alleged N6bn money laundering before Justice Mojisola Dada.

He is being tried, alongside his company, Ismalob Global Investment Limited, on eight counts bordering on conspiracy, retention of proceeds of crime, failure to disclose assets and properties, possession of documents containing false pretences, the use of properties derived from unlawful acts, and laundering of N6bn, preferred against him, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Justice Dada had granted Mompha bail in the sum of N200m, with two sureties in like sum.

At the resumed hearing of the trial on Tuesday, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission counsel, Suleiman Suleiman, continued its case with testimony from Prosecution Witness Six (PW6), Detective Idi Musa.

While testifying, Musa presented Mompha’s iPhone in court, claiming it was used in fraudulent activities, and sought to tender it as evidence.

The defence counsel, Ademola Adefolaju, objected to the submission, arguing that the prosecution had not laid a proper foundation regarding the iPhone.

He urged the court to reject it.

“My Lord, I object to its admissibility on the grounds that proper foundation has not been laid regarding the iPhone,” Adefolaju stated.

However, Justice Dada overruled the objection and agreed with the prosecution’s argument.

The EFCC explained that the iPhone was recovered during the investigation and sent to the FBI for forensic analysis. A representative from the FBI, testifying as PW3, confirmed that documents retrieved from the iPhone were submitted to the court as evidence.

Consequently, the judge admitted the iPhone as evidence and marked it as Exhibit P7.

Justice Dada, however,  adjourned the case to February 3, 2025, for the continuation of the trial.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has explained that it is against ethics to reveal the identity of individuals indirectly linked to forfeited assets.

The clarification follows criticism that trailed EFCC’s failure to reveal identity of the owner of a 753-duplex Abuja estate that was forfeited to the government on Monday.

The anti-graft agency had revealed that it recorded its single largest asset recovery through a verdict issued by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory High Court.

The commission’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, made the clarification in a statement on Tuesday.

“It will be unprofessional of the EFCC to go to town by mentioning names of individuals whose identities were not directly linked to any title document of the properties,” Oyewale said.

He faulted the claim by activist and publisher, Omowole Sowore, over his claim that the forfeited asset belonged to the former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN), Godwin Emefiele and that the commission was fond of hiding identities of high profile criminals.

The statement partly read; “The commentaries of reform-minded Nigerians to the Commission’s painstaking efforts in securing the final forfeiture of the Estate to the Federal Government of Nigeria, are appreciated.

“However, the denigration of such efforts by Omowole Sowore and his think-same and act-same, is unacceptable and grossly un-charitable.

“The allegation of a cover up of the identity of the promoters of the Estate stands logic on the head in the sense that the proceedings for the forfeiture of the Estate were in line with Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud Act which is a civil proceeding that allows for action-in-rem rather than action-in-personam.

“The latter allows legal actions against a property and not an individual, especially in a situation of an unclaimed property. This Act allows you to take up a forfeiture proceeding against a chattel that is not a juristic person. This is exactly what the Commission did in respect of the Estate.

“The proceedings that yielded the final forfeiture of the Estate were products of actionable intelligence available to the Commission. The company flagged by our investigations denied ownership of the Estate following publications made in leading national newspapers.

“On the basis of this, the Commission approached the court for an order of final forfeiture which Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court granted on Monday, December 2, 2024.”

The anti-graft agency through its spokesperson expressed its disappointment in the human rights activist,Omowole Sowore and Nigerians, pointing out that the agency expected an appreciation for the asset recovery rather than being called out negatively.

“The expectation of the EFCC from citizen Sowore is a patriotic appreciation of its efforts in securing such a landmark forfeiture.

“It is shocking that the activist is not concerned about the systemic lassitude and unhelpful permissiveness that allowed such a monstrous corrupt act in the first instance.

“Nigerians should gear up more against lapses and loopholes in our system that continue to make the nation vulnerable to corrupt tendencies.”

The future commission reiterated its commitment to combating financial crimes, noting that investigations on the forfeited assets were yet to be concluded.

“The EFCC will continue to safeguard the financial space of the nation against manipulators and organised brigandage.

“It is important to note that the substantive criminal investigation on the matter still continues.

“The EFCC is unwavering in its no-sacred-cow approach to every matter and together we will make Nigeria greater,” he said.

The family of a former President of the Senate, late Dr Chuba Okadigbo has expressed appreciation for an international airport named after their departed patriarch.

In a statement on Tuesday by Okadigbo’s younger brother, Henry Okadigbo, the family expressed joy over the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport, located in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

The younger Okadigbo thanked the federal and the Ebonyi state governments for naming the airport after his late older brother.

He commended President Bola Tinubu; First Lady, Remi Tinubu; Works Minister, Dave Umahi; and Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru for their roles in building the airport and immortalising the late politician.

He thanked Governor Nwifuru for ensuring that every necessary infrastructure is provided at the airport to make it fully functional.

Okadigbo said that the naming of the airport after his late brother, would inspire other Nigerians to give their best to the country with the hope they would be recognised and honoured whether dead or alive.

“Dr. Okadigbo dedicated himself to the service of our Nation, tirelessly working to ensure that the voices of the marginalized were heard and that every Nigerian had the opportunity to reach their individual destinies”.

“He was a man who believed in the power of diversity, embracing our differences as strengths rather than divisions.”

Henry Okadigbo said the late Senate President wanted a Nigeria where every citizen could soar, unencumbered by the shackles of inequality and strife.

According to him, the naming of the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport was not merely an honour, but also a living embodiment of his (Okadigbo’s) aspirations for a united and prosperous Nigeria.

The family said the airport would serve as a bridge that connects the hearts and minds of the Nigerian people and stands as a symbol of hope and a reminder that we can rise above our challenges and work together toward a brighter future for all Nigerians.

He concluded by saying that the airport would create numerous economic opportunities for the people of Ebonyi and other Nigerians who believe in the unity of the country.

The wife of the Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, has warned parents in Abia state that starting from January 2025, it will be a crime for any child to be found hawking during school hours.

Mrs. Otti made this charge on Tuesday during the distribution of free exercise books to pupils and students in the state.

The event was a part of the interventions spearheaded by Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of Nigeria.

The ceremony, which was sponsored by the Renewed Hope Initiative in collaboration with the Office of the Wife of the Governor and the Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), saw the distribution of over 110,000 exercise books with each pupil receiving six exercise books to enhance their learning experience.

Mrs. Otti noted that the state government has prioritized education, providing significant support through infrastructure development, a 20% allocation in the state budget for education, and teacher training programs to enhance teaching and learning.

She noted that Abia State is proud to be among the 13 states on the human capacity map and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting education.

“Parental support plays a vital role in shaping a child’s success, both in school and in life. I urge all parents to be actively involved in their children’s academic journey.

“Take the time to assist them with their homework, ensuring they have the guidance they need to excel.

“Provide them with nourishing meals to fuel their minds and bodies for learning. Make it a priority to visit their schools regularly, fostering a partnership with teachers and showing your children that their education truly matters,” she advised.

The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Elder Goodluck Ubochi, called on traditional rulers and community leaders to ensure the protection of school properties.

He also encouraged pupils to study diligently and remain obedient, highlighting that the state government has made education free from primary to junior secondary school.

He further noted that funds have been provided to school heads to support the management of their institutions.

“These exercise books represent tools that will aid in the nurturing and development of the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and innovators.

“We trust you will continue to guide and inspire our children, helping them to reach new heights of achievement.

“May this be the beginning of new learning opportunities for you,” said Ubochi.

Speaking earlier, the Executive Chairperson of ASUBEB, Lady Lydia Onuoha, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Mr. Kenechukwu Nwosu, described the initiative as a demonstration of sincerity of purpose and further expressed satisfaction that the state government is leading the campaign for education reform.