Author: Damilola Olufemi

The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal has struck out two motions filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, ordering him to pay ₦100,000 in costs. The three-member panel, led by Justice Hamman Barka, delivered the ruling on May 21, 2025, after Akpabio applied to withdraw the motions. The motions, dated March 3 and March 25, 2025, with suit numbers CV/395/M1/2025 and CV/395/M2/2025, respectively, listed Akpabio as the appellant. His appeal was against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, and Senator Neda Imasuem, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions. Akpabio’s…

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Dele Momodu, has raised alarm over Nigeria’s deteriorating democratic environment.

Thirty-four foreign embassies in Abuja are now facing the risk of closure today after reportedly failing to pay ground rent for 11 years, a total debt of ₦3.662 million since 2014. This enforcement follows FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s May 26 directive to target properties, totalling 4,794 in default, for revocation and sealing, although a 14-day grace period declared by President Tinubu expired on Monday. What is ground rent Ground rent is money that property owners must pay the government for using land. Embassies named as defaulters The Director of Lands at the FCTA, Chijioke Nwankwoeze, stated that defaulters would be…

Wike has called on leaders and members of the PDP to ensure that the party’s presidential ticket in the 2027 election is zoned to the southern region of Nigeria.

A new travel ban imposed by the United States of America’s President Donald Trump took effect at midnight on Monday, barring entry into the United States for citizens from 12 countries. The order marks a return to one of Trump’s most polarising policies from his first term, the BBC reports. The latest restrictions target nations such as Iran, Afghanistan, Haiti, and Libya—countries grappling with conflict or tense relations with Washington. Others affected include Myanmar, Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. In addition, the U.S. government has placed partial restrictions on travellers from six more countries: Burundi, Cuba,…

Maryam Abacha, wife of the late Nigerian military ruler General Sani Abacha, has strongly denied allegations that her husband looted the nation’s wealth, insisting instead that he saved money for Nigeria—funds she says vanished after his death. In an interview with TVC, the former first lady challenged the longstanding narrative surrounding Abacha’s financial dealings while in power from 1993 until his death in 1998. “Who is the witness of the monies that were being stashed?” she asked. “Did you see the signature or the evidence of any monies stashed abroad? And the money that my husband kept for Nigeria, in…

A tragic incident occurred during the UEFA Nations League final between Portugal and Spain in Munich on Sunday, as a fan died after falling from the stands, UEFA has confirmed to AFP’s German subsidiary, SID. The incident happened during the first half of extra time, when the individual fell from the middle tier of the stadium down into the press area located below. Emergency responders, including paramedics and police, quickly arrived at the scene to assist. UEFA later released a statement describing the incident as a “medical emergency,” confirming that a spectator had “sadly” passed away during the match. Following…

Portugal clinched their second UEFA Nations League title on Sunday night in Munich after a dramatic 5-3 penalty shootout victory over Spain, following a 2-2 draw in regular and extra time. Rúben Neves scored the decisive penalty, sealing the win after Spain’s Álvaro Morata saw his effort saved by Diogo Costa. It was a historic moment, marking just Portugal’s second competitive win over their Iberian rivals. The match saw Portugal come from behind twice. Spain took the lead in the 21st minute through Martín Zubimendi, who capitalised on slack Portuguese defending to smash the ball into the net after a…

The Ojude Oba Festival is a vibrant cultural spectacle celebrated annually by the Ijebu people in Ogun State, Nigeria. Regarded as one of the country’s most prominent cultural events, the festival blends tradition, religion, pageantry, and community pride. “Ojude Oba,” meaning “The King’s Court,” began as a simple gesture by Ijebu Muslims in the 19th century, who would gather shortly after Eid-el-Kabir to pay homage to their traditional ruler, the Awujale of Ijebuland. What started as a modest act of reverence has evolved into a nationally and internationally recognised event, drawing participants and spectators from across Nigeria and beyond. Under…

A fire broke out at a hotel housing 484 Nigerian pilgrims in Mecca on Saturday, according to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). The incident occurred around noon local time on Shari Mansur Street, however, no casualties were recorded. In a statement released by NAHCON spokesperson, Fatima Sanda Usara, the blaze was quickly brought under control thanks to the swift intervention of Saudi emergency services and the hotel management. All the affected pilgrims have since been relocated safely to Mina. “Thanks to the prompt response from Saudi authorities and hotel staff, the fire was swiftly contained, preventing further damage…