Author: Damilola

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai appeared before the Federal High Court in Kaduna on Tuesday as his arraignment over alleged corruption charges commenced under heavy security. The El-Rufai court arraignment marks a major development in ongoing investigations by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), which is prosecuting him alongside Joel Adoga over allegations of money laundering and conversion of public property. Read related news: FG sues El-Rufai over alleged interception of NSA’s phone calls EFCC detains El-Rufai over alleged N423bn fraud El-Rufai writes Ribadu seeks clarification over alleged thallium procurement El-Rufai was brought to the…

Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has warned that a prolonged crisis in the Middle East could force Nigeria and other African countries to adopt work-from-home measures similar to those seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dangote issued the warning on Monday after meeting with Bola Tinubu at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos, expressing concern over the economic strain caused by rising oil prices and global uncertainty. “If this thing doesn’t de-escalate, you know, normally we in Africa, we don’t have any reserves in terms of savings. “And so, people normally go out and look for money for the next day…

Former acting Accountant-General of the Federation, Anamekwe Nwabuoku, has been sentenced to 72 years imprisonment by federal high court in Abuja, for money laundering. Presiding judge, James Omotosho, while delivering verdict on Monday, held that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had proved its case against Nwabuoku. He was granted bail in the sum of N500 million with two sureties in like sum. Nwabuoku was convicted on all nine counts and sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment on each count, amounting to a cumulative 72 years. The court, however, ordered that the sentences run concurrently. Omotosho described Nwabuoku’s diversion of funds…

Supporters of Rabiu Kwankwaso chanted the name of Peter Obi as the former Anambra governor attended the annual Kwankwasiyya Eid festival in Kano on Sunday. The crowd, many dressed in the signature red caps associated with the Kwankwasiyya movement, repeatedly hailed both leaders as they acknowledged cheers and addressed attendees during the celebration. Kwankwaso, a former presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), hosted Obi as part of the Eid-el-Fitr festivities. The gathering also drew other prominent figures, including Seyi Makinde and Seriake Dickson. Speaking at the event, Obi emphasised that his visit was not politically motivated but…

Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makimde, has said politicians associating with a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) linked to Nyesom Wike are effectively supporting the re-election of Bola Tinubu in 2027. Makinde made the remark on Sunday during a closed-door meeting with Bala Mohammed and Seriake Dickson at the Bauchi Government House. The Oyo governor said any engagement with Wike’s camp signals alignment with the president’s political ambition. “I came into the public domain to say that I was in a meeting with Wike and Mr. President, and he promised to hold the PDP for Mr. President towards…

President Bola Tinubu has disclosed that Nigeria has secured collaboration from France on military equipment and training following discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron. The president made this known on Sunday during a meeting with state governors at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos, where he is observing the Eid al-Fitr celebrations after returning from a two-day state visit to the United Kingdom. Tinubu said Nigeria is ready to leverage its international goodwill and existing credit lines to strengthen its security capacity. “I can report to you, yesterday again, at a lengthy discussion with Emmanuel Macron, their collaboration with us for…

A former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has decried rising insecurity in Nigeria, saying citizens should not be forced to live under the control of terrorists. In a post on his verified X account on Sunday, the former Anambra State governor described the current security situation as a breakdown of governance and humanity. Reacting to reports from Borgaja and other communities in Sokoto State, where armed groups allegedly ordered residents to vacate their homes, Obi said the development was deeply troubling. “What we are witnessing in Borgaja and other communities in Sokoto State, and indeed across our…

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has said it was unaware of the alleged sexual assaults during a festival in Ozoro, Delta State, citing the absence of an operational office in the state. The agency made the clarification on Saturday while responding to public criticism over its perceived silence on the incident, which has sparked nationwide outrage. A Facebook user, Chukwunenye Nweke, had questioned why the agency failed to act earlier if the festival had been in existence for years. Responding, NAPTIP said, “As you know, we cannot be everywhere at all times. Currently, we…

Nigeria’s minister of information, Mohammed Idris, says the country is prepared to play a role in supporting global stability, particularly in the energy sector, as geopolitical tensions persist in the Middle East. In a statement issued by his special assistant on media, Rabiu Ibrahim, Idris said Nigeria stands ready to contribute to global energy needs. “Nigeria is ever ready to contribute to energy security around the world. Whatever Nigeria can do to ease tension, it will do. The world needs oil, and Nigeria is there,” he said. Commenting on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent foreign engagements, the minister described the…

Saudi Arabia has declared five diplomats from Iran persona non grata, ordering them to leave the kingdom within 24 hours amid escalating tensions between the two nations. In a statement issued on Saturday, the Saudi foreign ministry said those affected include Iran’s military attaché, assistant military attaché, and three other embassy officials. The ministry said the move was prompted by continued attacks attributed to Iran on Saudi territory, warning that such actions risk further damaging bilateral relations. According to the statement, the attacks represent “a flagrant violation of all relevant international conventions, the principles of good neighbourliness, and respect for…