Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno Hints At Defection From PDP. Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has sparked speculation about his potential defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to another political platform. Speaking at a constituency outreach meeting in Ikot Akpankuk, Ukanafun Local Government Area, Governor Eno likened the PDP to a faulty aircraft, suggesting he might consider switching to a different party. “If you wanted to travel with Ibom Airline, and on the verge of taking off, it developed a fault that won’t enable it to fly, won’t you board the next available plane to take you…

Suspended Rivers State Governor Fubara Meets With Wike Seeks Reconciliation. Suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has paid a courtesy visit to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike at his Abuja residence. The meeting, which took place on April 18, aimed at seeking reconciliation between the two political leaders. Fubara’s visit followed a meeting with President Bola Tinubu in London, where they discussed the ongoing political tension between Fubara and Wike. The Rivers State Governor was accompanied to Wike’s residence by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and former Ogun Governor Olusegun Osoba. According to sources, Fubara showed…

GTBank Increases SMS Transaction Alert Fee. Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) has announced an increase in its SMS transaction alert fee from ₦4 to ₦6 per message, effective May 1, 2025. The bank cited a recent rise in telecommunication tariffs by service providers as the reason for the adjustment. In a message to customers, GTBank explained that SMS alerts sent to international phone numbers would attract higher charges due to varying telecom costs. The bank emphasized the importance of transaction alerts in helping customers monitor account activity. Customers who no longer wish to receive SMS alerts have the option…

INEC Unveils Six Digital Tools To Enhance Election Transparency And Efficiency. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has launched six innovative digital tools designed to improve the transparency and efficiency of elections in Nigeria. The commission introduced the new applications during a one-day retreat in Lagos State. INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu stated that the tools are part of the commission’s broader strategy to leverage technology in managing and conducting credible elections. The digital tools aim to transform key aspects of the electoral process, from voter registration to the collation of results. The six digital tools unveiled by…

Nigeria Calls For Fairer Global Order At BRICS Meeting. Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to fostering a fairer and more inclusive global order. Speaking at the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Tuggar emphasized the need for reforms that reflect contemporary realities and empower the Global South. Tuggar expressed gratitude to the Brazilian government for its hospitality and to the BRICS bloc for conferring upon Nigeria the status of Partner Country. This designation demonstrates the bloc’s dedication to promoting inclusive multilateralism. The Minister highlighted BRICS’ potential as…

Defendant In Super TV CEO Murder Trial Alleges Coercion By Police, Says Statement Were False And Made Under Duress. Chidinma Ojukwu, a former University of Lagos student accused of killing Super TV Chief Executive Officer Usifo Ataga, has testified in her defence before a Lagos State High Court. Ojukwu claimed that statements she made during police interrogation were false and obtained under duress. Ojukwu, who is standing trial alongside Adedapo Quadri and her sister Chioma Egbuchu, told the court that she was forced to narrate a story dictated by the Investigating Police Officer (IPO), Bamidele. She alleged that she…

NNPCL Sacks Refinery Managing Directors In Major Restructuring. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has removed the managing directors of its three major refineries, Port Harcourt Refining Company, Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company, and Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company, as part of a broad restructuring initiative. Several senior executives, including Bala Wunti, former Chief of National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), were also affected. The move is aimed at revamping operations and improving efficiency within the company. Although NNPCL spokesperson Olufemi Soneye did not provide an official comment, sources confirmed the changes. The restructuring includes the early…

Two Nigerian Soldiers Sentenced By Court Martial. A General Court Martial (GCM) at the 82 Division, Nigerian Army Headquarters in Enugu, has handed down significant sentences to two soldiers. Private Adamu Mohammed has been sentenced to death by hanging for murder, while Private Abubakar Yusuf has been sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for robbery. The GCM, presided over by Brigadier General Sadisu Buhari, delivered its judgement after a thorough trial of the two soldiers. Mohammed was convicted of murdering his girlfriend, Miss Hauwa Ali, an offence under Section 106 (a) of the Armed Forces Act. In a separate…

UK And US Conduct Joint Operation Against Houthi Militia In Yemen. The British military has confirmed that it carried out a joint operation with US forces against the Houthi militia in Yemen, marking the first such operation since President Trump re-entered the White House. The operation, conducted overnight, aimed to degrade Houthi capabilities and prevent further attacks on UK and international shipping. Typhoon jets using precision-guided bombs took part in the mission, targeting a cluster of buildings used by the Houthis to manufacture drones that have been used to attack ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.…

Agbakoba Demands Retraction Of Sexual Harassment Allegations Against Akpabio By Senator Natasha. Dr Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and lawyer to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has written a second letter to suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, demanding a retraction of her sexual harassment allegations against Akpabio. Agbakoba described the allegations as “clearly false and unsubstantiated”. The letter follows Akpoti-Uduaghan’s failure to clarify significant contradictions in her claims, as demanded in Agbakoba’s first letter dated April 14, 2025. Instead of clarifying the contradictions, Akpoti-Uduaghan deleted her social media post, which Agbakoba finds concerning. Agbakoba’s…

Lawmakers And Telcos Disagree On Role Of Technology In Curbing Kidnapping And Phone Crimes. Federal lawmakers, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and telecoms operators have expressed differing opinions on the role of technology in helping Nigeria stem the rising tide of kidnapping and other related phone crimes. The debate took place at a telecoms forum in Lagos, where lawmakers and industry stakeholders gathered to discuss the challenges and potential solutions. Lawmaker Ben Etanabene, representing Delta State, expressed frustration at the increasing cases of kidnapping in the country, accusing telcos of not doing enough in terms of information sharing with…

Five Convicted And Sentenced To Death For Armed Robbery And Murder In Ekiti. Justice Olalekan Olatawura of the Ekiti High Court has convicted and sentenced five individuals to death by hanging for armed robbery and murder. The convicts, Ojo Tope, Damilola Christopher, Joshua Adegoke, Aderopo Temitope, and Oyedele Oluwatobi, were also sentenced to 21 years imprisonment for conspiracy. According to the charge sheet, the offences were committed on August 18, 2021, at Agogo Street, Ilupeju Avenue, Odo-Ado, Ado-Ekiti. The convicts robbed three individuals of money, laptop computers, mobile phones, and other valuables, and tragically killed a night guard, Joseph…