The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • NNPP flags removed from Kano Govt House

    NNPP flags removed from Kano Govt House

    • Governor yet to hold defection to APC rally

    There was calm but increased security in Kano State yesterday following Governor Abba Yusuf’s defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    There was, however, no official speech by the governor, his aides and the state government on the development.

     A formal ceremony to herald his defection, which was initially scheduled for yesterday, also did not take place.

    Yusuf was not in the Government House, where The Nation sighted some political aides removing   NNPP’s flag at the main entrance. They hung the Nigerian Green –White- Green national flag in the place of   NNPP’s.  

    The NNPP flag at the Deputy Governor’s Office was also removed.

    Some of the political aides were seen walking around the Government House premises with caps emblazoned with  President Bola Ahmed  Tinubu’s famous freedom cap.

    Tinubu’s freedom cap was first seen on the premises last Sunday at a function attended by Governor Yusuf and his exco members.

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    Many junior workers who were also spotted discussing in groups did not wear the   Kwankwasiyya cap, which hitherto was a part of their dressing.  

    There was a heavy presence of armed security personnel and Armoured Personnel Carriers(APCs)   in parts of Kano, especially around the  Government House.

    An exco member, who did not want his name in print, told The Nation that the governor skipped the ceremony to prevent violence.

    “We are no longer in NNPP. The most important thing about the defection to APC has been done, and others are still ongoing,” he said.

    The Nation gathered that Yusuf would soon fly abroad with his loyal stakeholders to brief President Tinubu on his defection.

    Another government official revealed that the governor defected with all the state’s council chairmen and all NNPP House of Assembly members. 

    Yusuf won the 2023 election on the platform of the NNPP, but has, for months, had open disagreement with Musa  Kwankwanso, widely regarded as the leader of the party(NNPP). 

    It was also gathered that the governor’s decision to defect stems from the unresolved leadership crises and multiple court cases within the NNPP.

    Kwankwaso, a former governor of the state,  has vehemently disapproved the move by the governor. He insists   Yusuf should relinquish his position if he must defect.

  • ‎Otu’s CoS receives C’River NIPR exco, pledges support

    ‎Otu’s CoS receives C’River NIPR exco, pledges support

    ‎The newly elected Executive of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Cross River Chapter, on Monday paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Staff to Cross River Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Ironbar, with assurances of deeper collaboration and renewed commitment to professionalism in public relations practice.
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    ‎Receiving the delegation with the Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Bassey Otu in attendance, the Chief of Staff showered encomiums on the Institute for what he described as its “strong commitment to ethical practice and professional discipline,” noting that NIPR remains one of the professional bodies he has admired over the years. “NIPR is a body that stands tall on ethics and integrity, and that reputation informed my personal decision to join the Institute,” he said.
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    ‎He congratulated the newly inaugurated executive committee members on their emergence, charging them to see their election as a solemn responsibility rather than a privilege. “You must live up to your responsibilities and continue to protect the ethics and integrity of this noble profession,” he admonished.

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    ‎On the forthcoming national convention, Ironbar assured the delegation of his intention to plan towards attending the NIPR Week 2026 in Kaduna. “If I am disposed, I will be there,” he said, pledging to support the chapter in ways that would enable members to attend the event in large numbers.
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    ‎He further pledged to be an active participant in both chapter and national activities of the Institute, stressing that effective public relations remains critical to good governance and public trust. “I see my membership as a call to active service, not a ceremonial one,” he noted.
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    ‎Reiterating his commitment to the growth of the Institute, the Chief of Staff promised to support the Cross River Chapter to rise as “a force to reckon with among notable chapters across the country,” adding that a strong chapter would enhance strategic communication in the state.
    ‎He also disclosed his readiness to host the next chapter meeting, saying it would provide an avenue to formally celebrate his induction. “I look forward to hosting you all so we can celebrate this induction together,” he said.
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    ‎The Chapter Chairman, Dr. Austin Mboso, who led the team comprising Dr. Eric Ogri, Finance Secretary and Head of the Department of Public Relations, University of Calabar, explained that the visit was to formally present the newly inaugurated executive committee to the Chief of Staff and to congratulate him on his induction into the Institute as a chartered member.

    “We are here to identify with you and formally present the leadership entrusted with the affairs of the chapter,” he said.
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    ‎The Chairman also invited the Chief of Staff to participate in the NIPR Week 2026, scheduled to hold in Kaduna State from April 19 to 25, 2026, while seeking his support to enable the chapter attend en masse through the provision of buses and financial assistance. He further invited him to the next monthly meeting of the chapter slated for Thursday, January 15, 2026, expressing optimism about sustained partnership.

  • MultiChoice names new CEO as Ugbe retires

    MultiChoice names new CEO as Ugbe retires

    MultiChoice Nigeria, a Canal + company, has announced a leadership transition, as Chief Executive Officer, John Ugbe, retires after a distinguished tenure. 

    He will be succeeded by Kemi Omotosho, who will be appointed Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria from January 2026.

    Ugbe steps down after nearly fifteen years at the helm, during which he steered the business through significant industry and market shifts, strengthening operational foundations and long-term resilience.

    Omotosho brings over 20 years of leadership experience across media, telecommunications, and digital businesses in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa. 

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    She has held several senior roles within the MultiChoice Group, including Executive Head of Customer Value Management in Nigeria and Group Executive Head of Customer Value Management for Rest of Africa, providing functional leadership across more than 50 markets. Most recently, she served as Regional Director for Southern Africa, with full P&L responsibility for a seven-country portfolio.

    With a proven record of leading complex organisations, driving disciplined growth and building high-performing teams, Omotosho will lead MultiChoice Nigeria’s strategy, operations and stakeholder engagement, building on the foundations laid by her predecessor.

    Speaking on her appointment, Omotosho said; “It is a privilege to be entrusted with the leadership of MultiChoice Nigeria at this important moment. Nigeria remains one of the Group’s most strategic and dynamic markets. I look forward to working with our teams and partners to deepen our relationship with consumers, champion local storytelling and the creative economy as well build a future-ready organisation that delivers sustainable value.”

    The company said Ugbe’s retirement and Omotosho’s appointment follow a structured and orderly transition, ensuring continuity and stability.

  • Customs begins new regulatory procedure for courier firms

    Customs begins new regulatory procedure for courier firms

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) yesterday announced the commencement of a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for regulating courier companies operating under the Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) regime.

    The new framework provides a unified framework for registration, manifest submission, declaration, valuation, clearance, delivery and compliance monitoring, in line with global best practices

    The newly implemented SOP sets out a unified framework for courier activities, covering registration, manifest submission, declaration, valuation, clearance, delivery, and compliance monitoring, in line with global best practices.

    The DDP initiative, according to a statement by the NCS’s spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, derives its legal foundation from International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Incoterms 2020, relevant sections of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards, the Revised Kyoto Convention, the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, the NCS Courier Clearance Guidelines, and the Nigeria Postal Service Act 2023.

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    Customs said under the newly commenced procedure, courier companies intending to operate the DDP regime are requested to obtain a license from the NCS Headquarters License and Permit Unit under the Tariff and Trade Department.

    “They are expected to submit all mandatory documents, including CAC registration papers, valid courier licenses, compliance bonds and a formal application to operate under DDP. It is pertinent to note that all licensed operators are required to submit an Advance Electronic Manifest (AEM) 24 hours before shipment arrival, clearly indicating DDP as the Incoterm and providing complete details such as HS codes, item descriptions, values, origins and consignees, in line with the WCO safe framework of standards,” the statement read.

    The SOP, the Service noted, further mandates courier companies to act as declarants by filing Single Goods Declarations (SGDs) via the B’Odogwú platform.

    Customs said declarations should include the declared FOB values, supported by invoices, airway bills, and packing lists. Also, full payment of customs duties, VAT, and other statutory levies must be completed through authorised NCS payment channels before clearance.

    “Additionally, risk-based cargo profiling will guide inspections, with physical examinations conducted when discrepancies or high-risk indicators are identified. Delivery to the consignee is permitted only after full clearance, and Proof of Delivery (POD) must be provided upon request,” the service stated.

    To ensure strict adherence, the NCS has instituted a robust monitoring and enforcement mechanism through periodic Post-Clearance Audits (PCA).

    These audits, Customs said, will verify the accuracy of DDP declarations, prevent revenue leakages, and confirm compliance with classification and valuation standards.

    According to the Service, violations, including false declarations, non-payment of duties, or operational misconduct, will attract sanctions such as suspension or revocation of clearance licences, seizure of goods, penalties with interest, and prosecution under the NCS Act, 2023.

    “Courier operators are also required to submit monthly reports of all DDP shipments, including duty payments, classification details and delivery records, to the relevant Area Commands.

    “With this commencement, the NCS reaffirms its commitment to strengthening the integrity of the clearance process, enhancing revenue assurance, facilitating legitimate trade and ensuring that courier operations under the DDP regime meet the highest global compliance standards,” the statement added.

  • Teenager docked for alleged Ponzi fraud

    Teenager docked for alleged Ponzi fraud

    A 19-year-old Taoheed Olaniyan has been arraigned before Osun State Magistrates’ Court sitting in Osogbo for alleged Ponzi scheme fraud and using the proceeds to purchase a mobile phone.

    Taoheed was dragged to court by the state Commissioner of Police on two counts of fraud and stealing.

    The Prosecutor, Inspector Kayode Adepoju, told the court that the defendant committed the offences  about 4pm on January 2, this year, at No.1 Koledowo Estate Ibuaje Community behind Garage Ilesa, Osogbo.

    According to him, Taoheed stole N326,000, property of One Baruwa Augustine Oluwabukola and thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 390(9) 419 of criminal code Cap 34 vol. 11.Laws of Osun State of Nigeria 2003.”

    He explained further that the defendant met his victim on WhatsApp where he introduced the 16-year-old girl to a Ponzi scheme.

    “He told her to pay N2,000 to get N10,000. After which the victim started sending money to him from the mother’s bank account.”

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    The mother of the victim explained: “My daughter has the password to my bank account. Then she transferred the money. I had warned my daughter against it when Taoheed introduced her to the scheme, unknowingly, that she went ahead to transact with him.”

    However, he pleaded not guilty to the offences pressed against him, as his lawyer, Najite Okobe applied for the bail of the defendant on the most liberal terms.

    The presiding Chief Magistrate, Dr Olusegun Ayilara, granted bail to the defendants with the sum of N500,000 and one surety in likesum.

    He adjourned the matter to February 19, 2026 for mention.

  • Police intensify clampdown on digital crimes, upskill detectives

    Police intensify clampdown on digital crimes, upskill detectives

    To equip investigators with the right skills to detect latest digital and cybercrimes that undermine national security, the Nigeria Police Force yesterday began a three-day training for specialised units.

    The training, being conducted in partnership with a private firm, HFM, drew partiticoants from Cybercrime Unit, Anti-Fraud Section, INTERPOL National Central Bureau, Anti-Money Laundering Units, Police Special Fraud Unit, forensic and intelligence components, as well as state and zonal criminal investigation departments.

    Officers involved in counter-terrorism financing and ransom payment tracking were also drafted in reflecting the links between financial crimes and violent offences.

    The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, who declared the training open, said the training was critical to national security.

    He noted that financial crimes were fuelling terrorism, kidnapping, cyber fraud and other organised criminal activities.

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    The IGP, who was represented by the Commissioner of Police (CP), Training at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, Edwin Eloho, said the rapid growth of digital trading platforms, online forex markets and cross-border transactions had created new opportunities for fraud, illicit financial flows and organised crime, making specialised investigative skills indispensable.

    “Financial crime is a major enabler of violent crime. Terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, arms trafficking and transnational organised crime all depend on illicit financial flows for recruitment, logistics and operations,” said Egbetokun.

    He stressed that enhanced capacity to investigate digital trading abuses, forex fraud, money laundering and Ponzi schemes was a direct investment in public safety and national security.

    Egbetokun explained that the training was designed to equip officers with a practical understanding of the digital financial ecosystem, legitimate trading practices, emerging fraud typologies and key investigative red flags, to help distinguish lawful investment activity from criminal deception.

    He described the programme as part of the NPF’s broader policing reforms, which place manpower development and technological competence at the centre of operational effectiveness in a rapidly digitalising crime environment.

    “Over the three days, participants will be trained in digital trading systems, forex market operations, fraud detection techniques, investigative methodologies, intelligence analysis and inter-agency collaboration,” he said, urging participants to apply the knowledge gained to real-life cases and to cascade the expertise within their respective units to improve investigative outcomes and public confidence.

    Egbetokun also commended HF Markets Nigeria Limited for supporting the initiative and for its commitment to regulatory compliance, transparency and investor education, noting that effective policing in modern financial systems required structured public-private collaboration in line with global anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing standards.

    Earlier, HFM’s Managing Director, Ope Abiola, said the training was conceived to address the gap between the rapid evolution of financial markets and public understanding, which often complicates investigations.

    Abiola noted that digital trading and forex transactions frequently sit at the intersection of finance, technology and human behaviour, making related disputes complex and rarely straightforward.

    “The objective is to provide clarity on how digital trading systems work, distinguish legitimate market loss from criminal deception, and define the responsibilities of traders, brokers and other market participants,” he said.

    The programme, he said, was structured to be neutral and evidence-based, focusing on practical frameworks rather than opinions, to help investigators avoid criminalising legitimate market activity while identifying genuine wrongdoing.

    The training, he added, would be deemed successful if participants left with clearer tools for separating fraud from failure and evidence from allegation.

  • Govt unveils framework for preservation of public assets

    Govt unveils framework for preservation of public assets

    The Federal Government has unveiled a comprehensive framework aimed at strengthening the maintenance and preservation of public assets across the country.

    The initiative is being driven by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development through its Department of Federal Public Assets Maintenance (FPAM), which has developed a framework containing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure effective, uniform, and sustainable maintenance of federal public assets nationwide.

    As part of the rollout, the Ministry has commenced engagements with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to facilitate the implementation of the SOPs, providing a harmonised approach to asset maintenance and preservation across the Federal Public Service.

    FPAM, a department under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, is statutorily responsible for the oversight of maintenance functions in all MDAs.

    The department was established through Presidential Executive Order No. 11, which was officially gazetted on April 6, 2022.

    READ ALSO; Between Wike and Fubara

    To ensure seamless implementation of the framework, FPAM has introduced and distributed a set of compliance forms and a comprehensive maintenance manual to MDAs. These documents form part of a certification and oversight process designed to ensure proper documentation, traceability, accountability, and alignment with established maintenance standards and protocols.

    Speaking on the initiative, the Director of FPAM,  Chioma Wogu- Ogbonna  explained that the objective of the framework is to institutionalise a proactive maintenance culture within MDAs, prevent premature deterioration of government assets, and promote value-for-money through structured and standardised maintenance practices.

    She noted that the SOPs and compliance tools were developed to reflect measurable outcomes, quality assurance, and consistency in asset management across government institutions.

    Ogbonna appreciated the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Dr. Shuaib Belgore for his unwavering leadership and institutional support, describing the initiative as a major breakthrough in the Federal Government’s effort to safeguard public assets nationwide.

    According to the FPAM Director, the support of the Permanent Secretary has been instrumental in translating the department’s mandate into actionable policies and operational frameworks.

    In his remarks, Dr. Belgore reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening asset maintenance culture within the public service, stressing that effective preservation of public assets is critical to sustainability, service delivery, and prudent management of public resources.

    He emphasised the need for Permanent Secretaries across MDAs to work closely with FPAM and ensure that agencies under their supervision align with the department’s regulatory and operational mandates as the central instrument for public assets preservation.

    To further drive awareness and operational efficiency, FPAM has also unveiled innovative tools, including a smart card embedded with a QR Code, which provides instant access to the department’s activities and mandate on an internet-based platform. In addition, the department has rebranded its operational bus with the FPAM logo to support outreach, monitoring, and engagement activities nationwide.

    In recognition of his leadership and support, the FPAM Department presented an Award Plaque to the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, underscoring his role in advancing the maintenance framework and positioning FPAM to unlock its vast untapped potential.

    The Ministry reiterated that the successful implementation of the framework would ensure the longevity of government assets, promote accountability, and entrench a sustainable maintenance culture for national development.

  • Savannah Energy appoints Ogunwunmiju director

    Savannah Energy appoints Ogunwunmiju director

    Savannah Energy Plc has confirmed the appointment of Kehinde Ogunwumiju, 43 years old, as a Non-Executive Director, with immediate effect.  He has no shareholding in the company.

    Commenting on the appointment, the Non-Executive Chair of Savannah, Joseph Pagop Noupoué, said: “I am delighted to welcome Kehinde to the Board. He is an internationally respected legal professional with a proven track record of supporting dynamic, high growth organisations such as Savannah. I believe his expertise will be instrumental as the Company continues to execute its growth strategy across Africa.”

    Reacting to his appointment, Ogunwumiju said: “I am pleased to be joining Savannah at this important stage in its growth and look forward to applying my experience in this role. I am excited to work with the Board and executive management team as the Company pursues its ambitious and wide-ranging objectives.”

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    Ogunwumiju, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), is the Managing Partner at Afe Babalola & Co, a leading African law firm. His practice has seen him successfully represent the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation in over 100 disputes and the Federal Republic of Nigeria in multiple international disputes, including against a near $5 billion claim at the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (“ICSID”) in Washington DC. He has worked on many Nigerian and international arbitrations.

    He sits as director on several boards in the past five years, including but not limited to Abuad Management Company Ltd; Adga Investment Nig Ltd; Afe Babalola & Co.; Bita Exploration and Production Limited; Curlew Express Limited; Enerymix Nigeria Ltd.; Enerymix Nigeria Ltd and Lumen Energy Limited among others.

  • Generator fumes killed family of six in Rivers, say police

    Generator fumes killed family of six in Rivers, say police

    The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed that the family of six who died in their sleep at their home in Ogale community, Eleme Local Government Area of the state  on Sunday were killed by fumes from their generator.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Chief Superintendent of Police Grace Iringe-Koko, said they arrived at this preliminary report after their investigation of the matter.

    The statement said the tragedy occurred about 1500hrs on January 11, in Ogale where the remains of the six members were found dead in a locked room.

    The command said one Godwin Ogosu of Ogale, through a distress call, reported that his elder brother, wife and children, who slept the previous night had not woken up with the doors still locked.

    “In a swift response, operatives of the Command attached to the Eleme Division, mobilised to the scene, and forced open the doors to the room and discovered their lifeless bodies,” the statement said

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    The command identified the victim as Theophilus Obele, 49: Eunice Obele, 35; Saka Obele, 18; Peace Obele, 14, Nyimenka Obele,seven and  Abel Nwaka, 25.

    The statement said: “Preliminary investigation suggests possible generator fume poisoning as the cause of death. The generator was reportedly left on in the parlour of the Victims.

    “The bodies have been deposited at Last Home Mortuary, Ebubu Eleme, for autopsy. Photographic evidence has been taken, and investigation is ongoing.”

    According to the statement, the  Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, Olugbenga A. Adepoju, psc, directed a thorough investigation into the incident.

    The police boss further advised residents to place generators in a well-ventilated outdoor area, away from doors, windows and vents rather than in parlours, garages, sheds, or partially enclosed spaces to prevent carbon monoxide.

  • Community seeks arrest of son’s killers

    Community seeks arrest of son’s killers

    The Ugborodo Community Management Committee has called on law enforcement and relevant federal authorities to ensure the arrest, investigation, and prosecution of the individuals involved who killed their son, Emiko Onuwaje.

    At a press conference last weekend, the committee said Onuwaje was killed during an attack allegedly carried out by assailants acting on the instructions of a sponsor.

    The committee maintained that the incident followed a series of reported threats and acts of intimidation in the community.

    Chairman of the committee, Emmanuel Onuwaje, said witness and evidence relating to the incident had been submitted to security agencies.

    He noted that while arrests were reportedly made at the scene and the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) directed an investigation, key suspects and alleged sponsors had not been charged.

    The committee raised concerns over perceived “undue delay in the investigation and prosecution,” warning that failure to act could undermine public confidence in law enforcement and the justice system.

    READ ALSO; Between Wike and Fubara

    It further alleged the unlawful deployment and possible involvement of uniformed security personnel in the incident, and called for an independent investigation into their conduct in line with applicable laws and service regulations.

    The community is demanding the arraignment of suspects, an investigation into alleged sponsors, disciplinary action against any compromised security personnel, and adequate protection for witnesses.

    The committee urged the IGP, Department of State Services, National Security Adviser, military high command, and Attorney-General of the Federation to treat the case as a matter of public safety and national security.

    The victim was killed on December 20, at Ogidigben amid reports of youth leadership tussle in the community.