Author: Damilola

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has scheduled April 22 for the hearing of appeals arising from the leadership crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The appeals were filed by a faction of the party led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, challenging rulings of the Court of Appeal delivered on March 9. A five-member panel of the apex court, headed by Mohammed Garba, fixed the date on Tuesday after granting a request for accelerated hearing. The court also shortened timelines for filings, directing respondents to submit their briefs within five days, while appellants were given two days to respond. The appeals…

A court in Paris has convicted Lafarge for paying about $6.5 million to jihadist groups, including the Islamic State and the al-Nusra Front. The ruling marks the first time a company has been tried in France for financing terrorism, following an investigation that began in 2017. Former CEO Bruno Lafont was sentenced to six years in prison, while former deputy managing director Christian Herrault received a five-year sentence. Lafarge acknowledged the court’s findings, stating that the actions occurred more than a decade ago and were in “flagrant violation” of its code of conduct. The case stems from the company’s operations…

The Nigerian Naira posted a marginal recovery in early trading on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, as the foreign exchange market responded to mid-month liquidity adjustments and continued central bank interventions. At the official window, the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM), the currency opened at around N1,358.20 per Dollar, showing a slight improvement from the previous day’s close. Early session data indicated mild fluctuations, with the Naira trading between N1,357.31 and N1,358.63, reflecting a relatively stable market as banks and institutional investors met routine demand. In the parallel market, however, rates remained higher due to sustained demand for foreign currency among…

Lawmakers in Owo Local Government of Ondo State have written to the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, urging him to withhold any approval for return of suspended Chairman, Tope Omolayo pending the outcome of the suit. The lawmakers, through their solicitors, Messrs Tolu Babaleye & Co., noted that the dispute surrounding the chairman’s suspension is already before a competent court and should not be undermined by administrative action. The case, filed at the High Court sitting in Owo, seeks a judicial determination on the legality of the suspension. A copy of the suit sent to The New Daily…

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has said he would prioritise the development of northern Nigeria, describing the region as the country’s most valuable asset. Read more breaking stories from our latest nigeria news Speaking on Prime Time, a programme on Arise Television, Obi said the North’s vast uncultivated land presents an opportunity for Nigeria to surpass its oil earnings through agriculture. “Our greatest asset is in the north. The vast uncultivated land in the north is our future. We can make more money as a country from agriculture than we make from oil, and we must begin…

Iyabo Obasanjo, an Ogun State governorship aspirant and daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has shelved her interest in the race. The decision came aftet the announce of Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as the preferred governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the state in 2027. She made the this known in a statement on Monday, adding that her decision followed the adoption of Adeola at a caucus meeting of the party held in Abeokuta. She said, “I congratulate him and wish him every success. I also thank the state and national leaders of our great…

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has named Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as the preferred governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2027 elections. Abiodun made the announcement on Monday during a party caucus meeting in Abeokuta, saying the decision followed extensive consultations among party leaders. He noted that the endorsement was aimed at promoting unity within the APC and ensuring continuity in governance, describing Adeola as a candidate with the experience and political reach to lead the state. “Nothing will give me more joy than to fulfil all the dreams of my predecessors,” Abiodun said.…

Pope Leo XIV has pushed back against criticism from United States President Donald Trump, insisting that the Catholic Church will not be drawn into political alignment. Speaking to journalists aboard the papal plane en route to Algeria, the pontiff said his responsibility—and that of the Church—is to proclaim the Gospel rather than engage in political interests. “I have no fear of your administration or speaking out loudly of the message of the Gospel, which is what I believe I am here to do, what the Church is here to do,” he said. “We are not politicians. We don’t deal with…

The United Kingdom is considering a potential ban on social media use for children under 16 as part of broader efforts to tackle concerns around screen time and online safety. According to reports, the proposal is being discussed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer as part of an ongoing consultation on regulating young people’s access to platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Starmer said the government is also examining additional measures, including app curfews, usage limits, and restrictions on algorithm-driven content feeds, which he said encourage “addictive scrolling” among children. “We’re consulting on whether there should be a ban for under 16s.…

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai on Monday appeared before the Kaduna State High Court as proceedings resumed in his ongoing trial filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission. Video footage shared by Nigerian TV station Arise News captured El-Rufai, dressed in traditional Agbada, making his way through a crowded courthouse corridor filled with supporters, lawyers, and observers. Shortly before entering the courtroom, he was heard discussing the upcoming national convention of the African Democratic Congress scheduled for Tuesday. “So tomorrow is our convention, right?” El-Rufai asked. “Insha Allah (God willing),” an associate responded. The exchange…