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  • Alleged N33.8bn fraud: ‘Provide your defence,’ Court tells ex-Power Minister Mamman

    Alleged N33.8bn fraud: ‘Provide your defence,’ Court tells ex-Power Minister Mamman

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has told a former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, that he has a case to answer in relation to the N33.8billion money laundering case brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Mamman served as the Minister of Power between August 2019 and September 2021.

    Justice James Omotosho, in a ruling on Thursday, overruled the no-case submission made by Mamman and held that the prosecution had sufficiently established a prima facie case against him to warrant the court to request that he enter a defence.

    Justice Omotosho held that the evidence tendered was such that the defendant must proffer some explanations or put in a defence to the allegation made against him, especially considering the seriousness of the offences.

    He noted that Mamman was still innocent until his guilt is established by the prosecution.

    Justice Omotosho ordered Mamman to open his defence in line with Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution to give explanations on some of the evidence tendered by the EFCC.

    The judge said, “I have carefully gone through the evidence presented to the court by the prosecution with respect to this charge.

    “The evidence all points to the establishment of a prima facie case against the defendant.

    “The evidence is such that the defendant must proffer some explanation or defence to the allegation made against them, especially considering the seriousness of the offences.

    “This court will refrain from evaluating the evidence but will limit itself to stating that on the whole, a prima facie case has been made out against the defendant.

    “This is not to say that the defendant is guilty as charged; put simply, that he be afforded his right to a fair hearing and put in his defence before this court.

    “The evidence of the prosecution has founded sufficient ground for proceeding with this trial.

    “A connection of the defendant with the offence, no matter how slight, constitutes prima facie evidence and as such the defendant would be required to enter his defence to the charge or a rebuttal of some sort,” the judge said.

    He further held that holding that a prima facie case has been established did not necessarily imply that the court found the defendant guilty of the charge.

    The judge added: “It is simply to allow the defendant to exhaust his options for his defence and to clear every unresolved issue which may weigh on the mind of the court in reaching a final decision.

    “The defendant is still presumed innocent until proven guilty, and the prosecution still has the duty to prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt,” he said, citing Section 135 (1) Evidence Act, 2011.”

    The judge added that the right of a defendant to defend himself orvherself is a fundamental right provided under Section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

    He added, “Such right cannot be taken from a defendant except where a defendant expressly or by conduct waives the same.”

    The judge held that, in a criminal trial, a defendant can elect to rest his case on the prosecution’s case, enter his defence, or make a no-case submission.

    “This defendant, having not waived his right to defend himself either expressly or by conduct, and the no-case submission made by him having been overruled, he is hereby called upon to put in his defence to the charge against him.

    “In conclusion, the address of counsel, no matter how beautifully constructed, cannot take the place of evidence.

    “Based on the fundamental right to fair hearing as contained in Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution, which the defendant is entitled to, this court is inclined to give him the opportunity and afford him his fundamental right to fair hearing.

    “Consequently, the no-case submission is overruled, and the defendant is hereby ordered to enter his defence and make some explanations as to the charge and evidence made by the prosecution,” the judge said.

    He subsequently adjourned till February 23, 2026, for defence.

    Mamman is accused by the EFCC, in a 12-count charge of diverting N33,804,830,503.73 released for the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant Projects by the Federal Government.

    The EFCC said the offence was contrary to Sections 18(a), 15(2)(b) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended), and punishable under Section 15(3) of the same Act.

    Some counts in the charge sheet, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/273/2024, read:

    *That you, Saleh Mamman (male), sometime in 2019, in Abuja, whilst you were the Minister of Power, conspired with other officials of your ministry and some private companies to indirectly convert the total sum of N=33,804,830,503.73 through various private companies which sums you reasonably ought to have known formed part of the proceeds of unlawful activity, to wit: criminal breach of trust about the funds released for the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant Projects by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

    *That you, Saleh Mamman (male), sometime in December 2019, in Abuja, conspired with Samson Bitrus to make a cash payment of US$655,700:00 to Mohiba Investment Ltd. (acting through Mohammed Asheik Jidda), without going through a financial institution.

  • Rivers won’t progress amid disagreement, says Fubara

    Rivers won’t progress amid disagreement, says Fubara

    …says ‘I am ready to make required sacrifices for peace’

    Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has vowed to do everything required of him to ensure peace in the state.

    Fubara, who spoke on Thursday while inaugurating the 10.7km Egbeda-Omerelu Road constructed by his administration, insisted that the state could never make progress without peace.

    The governor, who was accorded a red-carpet reception by a crowd of residents and supporters, called on all lovers of Rivers to eschew disunity and embrace togetherness.

    He further promised the people that development would get to all the nooks and crannies of the state, but maintained that progress would not come to the state in an atmosphere of disagreement.

    Fubara said, “My plea will continue to be that everyone should try to maintain peace. We can’t develop our place in an atmosphere of disunity. Progress will not come to our people when there is disagreement and fighting. Everyone who loves this State I will continue to say we need peace for development to come into Rivers State.

    “I stand here to make this promise again. Whatever is required of me to ensure that there is total peace, I will continue to do it. I also make this promise to the good people of Rivers State that development will get to every part of this State. We will make sure that we touch every part of the State. It is our promise today, and we will live up to it.

    Speaking on the project, the governor recalled that it was borne out of his promise when he came to the area about a year ago to inaugurate the other side of the road.

    “We were here about a year ago to commission the other side of the road. At that event the people of Emohua, Egbeda in particular, requested that this stretch, 8.7km, if the government were magnanimous by doing the road, it would bring development to the people.

    “We made a promise that we are going to do the project, and today I am happy that the government has fulfilled that promise made to the Emohua people, Egbeda community, and Omarelu people.

    Read Also: No rift with Rivers lawmakers, says Fubara

    Fubara frowned on the idea of ceremonious inauguration of projects in Africa, but said he decided to embrace it to let people know his administration’s story.

    He said, “You know, in Africa, what we do is when we deliver projects, we call our people to showcase what we have done. But in the real sense of it, what is the purpose of governance? Governance is to provide services to the people.

    “We decided to do this because you know where we are coming from, and if you don’t tell people our story, a lot of people won’t know that we are doing something to show.

    “Let me thank everyone of you for your support. Like I said, we don’t even need to come here to do this, but if we don’t tell our story, who will?

    “So we are here to tell the world that even in the face of our tribulation, we were still focused on delivering the dividends of democracy. We will continue to serve our people with respect and honour.”

    The governor reinstated his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying his administration would back all groups working to deliver him in 2027.

  • JUST IN: Senate clears Fani-Kayode, Omokri, Ikpeazu, ex-INEC chair, others for ambassadorial positions

    JUST IN: Senate clears Fani-Kayode, Omokri, Ikpeazu, ex-INEC chair, others for ambassadorial positions

    The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs on Thursday approved the nomination of former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, for appointment as ambassador.

    Other nominees cleared by the committee include former Minister of Interior Abdulrahman Dambazau, ex-special adviser on new media to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri, former presidential aide, Senator Ita Enang, and Senator Grace Bent.

    Also confirmed were former INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, former Governor of Enugu State Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and former Governor of Abia State Victor Okezie Ikpeazu, among others.

    Read Also: FULL LIST of 68 ambassadors-nominees

    The screening session, conducted in batches of five nominees each, experienced a mild drama during Omokri’s turn.

    Senators Mohammed Ali Ndume and Adams Oshiomhole openly disagreed on how his clearance should proceed.

    After Omokri’s batch had introduced themselves, Ndume moved a motion to allow the nominees to take a bow and leave.

    Some senators, including Oshiomhole, indicated they wanted to comment.

    The Committee Chairman, Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, recognised Oshiomhole to speak, but Ndume insisted that his motion should be seconded before allowing further interventions.

    This led to a sharp disagreement between the two senators.

  • ABU develops blueprint on agriculture, human capacity development for Zamfara

    ABU develops blueprint on agriculture, human capacity development for Zamfara

    Ahmadu Bello University has proposed a unified, evidence-based, and fully integrated intervention to address agricultural and human capacity development in Zamfara State.

    The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Adamu Ahmed, presented the blueprint to His Excellency, Dr Dauda Lawal, the Executive Governor of Zamfara State.

    Prof Ahmed made the presentation when the governor came to the university to commission an upgraded departmental library at the institution’s Department of Political Science and International Studies.

    The governor, who is an alumnus of the university, having graduated from the Department of Political Science and International Studies in 1988, refurbished the library.

    Presenting the proposal to the governor, the Vice-Chancellor said the university developed the blueprint through its three leading agricultural research institutes – IAR, NAPRI, and NAERLS – as well as the Institute of Education and the Institute of Administration.

    The Vice-Chancellor, who acknowledged the effort of the governor in prioritising merit-based reforms in the state, explained that the proposal was at no cost to the Zamfara State government.

    He said the harmonised framework, as captured in the proposal, blends crop research and climate resilience, livestock innovation, last-mile extension delivery, and human capacity development into a single transportation agenda for the state.

    The interventions, according to him, would be run as capacity building in the mode of train-the-trainers and delivered largely via the virtual mode through the facilities of ABU Distance Learning Centre.

    The Vice-Chancellor explained that the goal was to restore crop and livestock productivity in the state as well as to strengthen the resilience of households and communities to climate shocks and challenges of insecurity.

    Read Also: Lawal commissions upgraded Political Science Library in ABU 

    He also said it was to train extension agents in modernized extension delivery systems, build institutional capacity of ministries, ADP, cooperatives, civil service, teacher service, and communities.

    Prof Ahmed further said the proposal was tailored towards transforming the state civil service through comprehensive capacity building programmes for senior, middle, and top directorate cadres.

    The Vice-Chancellor commended Governor Dauda Lawal for his administration’s decision to appoint permanent secretaries through rigorous examination processes rather than political favouritism.

    Ahmed also lauded Governor Dauda Lawal’s government for prioritizing capacity-building programmes, conducting training sessions for procurement staff, audit officers, and administrative leaders.

    Receiving the document, His Excellency, Dr Dauda Lawal, the Executive Governor of Zamfara, expressed his government’s immense gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor and the university management for the passion to help transform the state.

    Governor Dauda Lawal, who said he would remain grateful to Ahmadu Bello University for shaping his life, promised to continue to give back to his alma mater.

  • Oyo leverages technology to combat gender-based violence, unveils FGM action plan

    Oyo leverages technology to combat gender-based violence, unveils FGM action plan

    The Oyo State government has announced plans to partner with key stakeholders to deploy technology as a strategic tool in combating gender-based violence (GBV) across the state.

    The announcement coincided with the unveiling of the Oyo State FGM Action Plan, aimed at eradicating female genital mutilation (FGM) by 2030.

    Developed by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion with support from the Centre for Comprehensive Promotion of Reproductive Health (CCPRH), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and other partners, the Action Plan was presented during a multi-sectoral symposium held as part of the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

    This year’s theme, “Leveraging Technology to End Gender-Based Violence,” brought together civil society organizations, NGOs, community leaders, traditional rulers, security operatives, government officials, tech innovators, media representatives, and development partners.

    In her keynote address, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Toyin Balogun, highlighted the significant reduction in FGM prevalence in Oyo State compared to other parts of Nigeria. She noted, however, that the practice persists due to cultural beliefs, misinformation, and social pressures, emphasizing the need to harness digital tools to eradicate it.

    “Digital platforms can redefine advocacy, information sharing, and community engagement,” Balogun said. “Social media amplifies the voices of survivors and activists, while digital storytelling exposes the consequences of FGM. Data-driven dashboards enable precise tracking and targeted interventions.”

    She added that effective use of technology requires integration into policy actions, expansion of digital literacy among women and girls, and strengthened online reporting systems.

    The Commissioner urged stakeholders to make practical commitments, empowering youth as digital champions and engaging traditional leaders to promote behavioral change and shift community norms.

    She assured that the Ministry would continue collaborating with organizations like UNFPA and CCPRH to ensure digital innovation remains central to anti-FGM strategies.

    Uzoma Ayodeji, Southwest Gender Analyst at UNFPA, described the development as encouraging, noting that Oyo State’s FGM prevalence has dropped from 68 percent to less than 20 percent. “This gives us hope that our efforts are not in vain. With continued collaboration, we are optimistic that prevalence will reach zero by 2030,” he said.

    Prof. Oladosu Ojengbede, Director of CCPRH, added that the 16 Days of Activism Against GBV serves as a nationwide advocacy platform, offering Oyo State the opportunity to strengthen and update its action plan while addressing remaining pockets where FGM persists.

    The launch of the Action Plan marks a major milestone in Oyo State’s commitment to using technology and collaborative strategies to eliminate FGM and promote women’s safety and empowerment.

    He said, “We stakeholders have come together to draft, adjust, cost, modify, and present the Oyo State FGM Action Plan aimed at putting an end to the practice. This year’s theme emphasizes synergy, and we are using it to develop a digital roadmap that will unite partners and enhance the use of technology as an effective tool in eliminating FGM.”

    In her goodwill remark, the Assistant Controller-General (ACG), Nigerian Correctional Service, Oyo State Command, Abimbola Ogunyemi, urged parents to remain vigilant and avoid entrusting their female children to anyone without proper caution, stressing the importance of listening to children when they speak up.

    Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Dr. Mofoluwake Ibitoye, described the gathering as timely and strategic, especially in view of the year’s theme.

    Speaking on the importance of the 16 Days of Activism and the integration of technology in accelerating FGM abandonment, she said, “The incorporation of digital tools offers innovative avenues for prevention, reporting, and intervention. When we act collectively, we contribute to a safer and healthier Oyo State.”

    The President of the Council of Traditional Baales, Ibadanland, Baale Oladapo Wasiu Atilola, in his remarks, reiterated the need to eradicate FGM by 2030.

    The community leader who emphasized the severe physical and emotional consequences of FGM, including chronic pain, infections, and psychological trauma, urged traditional leaders to champion the message that FGM is not a cultural necessity and to promote alternative rites of passage that celebrate girls’ growth without cutting.

  • First Lady urges Nigerians to ‘reach out more’ in 2026

    First Lady urges Nigerians to ‘reach out more’ in 2026

    …says President working tirelessly to keep country safe

    First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has called on Nigerians to embrace a renewed spirit of generosity in 2026 by sharing more of their God-given blessings with the less privileged, stressing that giving is a moral duty and an expression of gratitude.

    She made the call on Thursday while speaking to journalists at the end of her 2025 Children’s Christmas Brunch held at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja.

    The event, the third in the editions, was organized for children from foster homes in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    Mrs Tinubu said she intends to expand her message of generosity in her upcoming podcast, noting that many Nigerians refrain from giving because they measure their lives by the standards of the wealthy rather than remembering their own humble beginnings.

    “Next year should be a year Nigerians reach out to others, especially those who are less privileged. Most people, when they are blessed, want to remain at that level of blessing and only associate with people there. But not me. I always try to hold on to my foundation… When you begin to fly high, you can fall like Humpty Dumpty if you forget who you are,” she said.

    The First Lady explained that she often gives until she has “zero,” not out of abundance but from a desire to share the favour God has bestowed on her.

    She urged Nigerians to take pride in what they have and to view giving as an extension of gratitude.

    “You’ve been eating before you got to this position. You’ve been wearing clothes before you got to this position. Own what you have; be proud of who you are; and then you will be able to share the favour God has given you,” she added.

    She explained that the event is deliberately structured for children from modest backgrounds, not the children of ministers or top government officials.

    “When I was First Lady before, I never invited ministers’ children; they have food to eat. This is for the people. We bring in children so that one day, if they become leaders, the picture is already planted in their minds,” she said.

    She said the event also serves as cultural exposure for children, introducing them to new experiences and helping shape their aspirations.

    “Some said they want to be soldiers, they see what is going on and are already planning how to help protect society in the future,” she noted.

    Responding to questions about the mixed experiences of Nigerian children this year, global academic and other achievements on one hand and mass abductions on the other, the First Lady insisted that the administration has acted swiftly and responsibly, particularly in the recent rescue of abducted schoolchildren.

    “Mr President has done the needful. They’ve gone after them. This is the quickest rescue we have ever gotten in the history of this nation,” she said.

    Mrs Tinubu urged Nigerians to appreciate the scale of Nigeria’s challenges, noting that the country’s population, estimated at over 250 million, is comparable to that of the United States.

    “Cut Mr President some slack. We work seven days a week here. You think I don’t want a safe society? I do. Every child who leaves this place should feel safe. That is what we are working for,” she appealed.

    Describing the brunch as “a really good day,” the First Lady said the children’s joy reflected the hope that still exists in the country.

    She added that their aspirations, including those who declared interest in joining the armed forces, show that the next generation is already thinking about how to confront security threats.

    “They are ready for you. Before you get me, I’m going to get you—that’s what they are saying. It’s a good day. We should celebrate,” she quipped.

    The First Lady engaged the children in a reading session from her book, The Christmas Story, which creatively reimagines the story of Jesus’ birth, featuring Nigerian characters.

    “I wanted to create a Christmas story where the heroes are black, where children could see themselves in the story. We own this story with our rich culture and tradition,” she explained.

    The First Lady stressed the importance of instilling pride in heritage and identity in the young ones, saying, “It is my culture that really gives me good self-esteem. I know who I am and who I am.”

    Each child introduced their ambitions, ranging from doctors and engineers to pastors, bakers, soldiers, lawyers, and even the president.

    The celebration included a feast of jollof rice, fried rice, Chinese noodles, sweet treats, and gifts from the First Lady, alongside appearances by Santa Claus.

  • Reps pass bill to establish specialised medical college for armed forces for second reading

    Reps pass bill to establish specialised medical college for armed forces for second reading

    The House of Representatives on Thursday passed for second reading a bill seeking to establish a specialised medical college for members of the Nigerian Armed Forces

    Proposal for Establishing a Nigerian Military Medical College.

    The bill sponsored by the Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson (APC, Lagos) will be responsible for training medical doctors, specialist physicians, and allied health professionals for the Nigerian Armed Forces, as well as the other uniformed services.

    The proposal draws on international models, national workforce data, and the operational needs of a modern military with key drivers including the ongoing medical exodus of Nigerian physicians, frequent industrial actions in civilian medical education, the need for military-unique medical training (tropical medicine, trauma, CBRN, austere medicine), and the operational advantage of a reliable, disciplined medical corps exempt from civilian strikes.

    Leading the debate on the bill, Benson said the healthcare capacity of a nation is a key determinant of its security posture, adding that for the Nigerian Army, dependable medical support is essential for force health protection, casualty management, preventive medicine, and the welfare of troops and their dependents.

    He said that despite significant strides by the Nigerian Army Medical Corps (NAMC), the wider national health system faces persistent shortages of doctors, unequal distribution of specialists, and a continuous outflow of medical professionals to higher-income countries.

    According to him, establishing a military medical college will create a sustainable, mission-focused pipeline of physicians trained for the unique demands of military service.

    He stressed that Nigeria has experienced a significant outflow of medical professionals over the past decade, adding that a 2022 study on physician emigration reported that “between 2016 and 2018, over 9,000 medical doctors left Nigeria seeking opportunities abroad, with many more expressing intent to emigrate.

    “National reporting and government statements indicate that thousands more have migrated in subsequent years; one widely-cited review and national press coverage estimated that around 16,000 doctors emigrated over a five-year period, leaving an estimated 55,000 doctors remaining in the country.

    “Other analyses suggest that as many as half of licensed medical doctors trained in Nigeria have emigrated over the course of their careers, contributing to a low physician density compared to global benchmarks.”

    He maintained, “The situation in the Nigerian Army (NA) and sister services is even more dire. From 2019 to 2025, only 21 doctors could be commissioned into the NA due to low civilian interest. During the same time period, 21 doctors left the system. Presently, there are only 189 doctors serving the entire army, of which nearly 40% (71) are on various specialist training in civilian institutions outside the army.

    “The army requirement of doctors is at least 15 times the current number. There are similar statistics for the sister services. Generally, retention rates are far below recruitment, leading to a net loss of skilled manpower with attendant consequences.

    He said the losses have direct operational implications, saying Low physician-to-population ratios hinder routine health services, surgical capacity, and the ability to staff military medical facilities with experienced specialists.

    He said, according to WHO indicators, Nigeria’s physician density remains well below recommended thresholds. Recurrent strike actions by university staff unions in Nigeria have led to prolonged academic calendar disruptions.

    He maintained that repeated strikes reduce student motivation, extend training time, and negatively affect knowledge retention among medical undergraduates, adding that research shows that students exposed to frequent strike-related disruptions are at higher risk of repeated examinations and delayed completion.

    He argued that military-run medical institutions internationally are typically insulated from such disruptions because they operate under military command, with students often receiving service contracts and being part of a broader defence education system.

    He said this institutional continuity shortens training disruptions and maintains operational readiness, saying several established military medical schools demonstrate the feasibility and value of dedicated military medical education.

    He said, “The Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) in Pune, India — established in 1948 — trains physicians for the Indian Armed Forces, offering undergraduate and postgraduate training with strong links to operational military medicine and public health (AFMC official website).

    “Similarly, the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) in the United States provides a military-centered medical education that integrates leadership, military medicine, and biomedical research into the curriculum (USUHS official website).

    “These institutions produce doctors who are both clinically competent and familiar with military structures, ethics, and operational needs. Their graduates provide dependable staffing for military hospitals, research in defence-relevant health topics, and leadership in field medical operations.

    “A dedicated military medical college can create contractual obligations (service terms) and incentives that encourage retention. Service scholarships, guaranteed employment, and career progression within the military reduce the financial and professional motives to emigrate.

    “Military educational institutions operate within defence structures that are not subject to civilian academic union strikes, ensuring continuity of training. This stability reduces prolonged study timelines and minimizes the indirect costs associated with delayed graduations and professional uncertainty.

    “Military physicians require competencies beyond civilian training: battlefield trauma care, mass casualty management, CBRN response, tropical medicine, austere resource management, and leadership under stress. A military medical college can integrate these components into undergraduate and postgraduate curricula (USUHS, AFMC).

    “Having in-house trained physicians ensures availability of personnel familiar with military protocols and ready for rapid deployment in national emergencies, peacekeeping missions, and joint operations. It also reduces reliance on civilian secondees during crises.

    ‘A military medical college can focus on operational research relevant to the Nigerian security context: trauma systems, endemic disease control in deployment areas, mental health among troops, and rehabilitative medicine. This localized research agenda supports evidence-based policy for force health protection.

    “The proposed Nigerian Military Medical College (NMMC) will be a fully accredited medical school operating under the Ministry of Defence in collaboration with the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).

    “While initial costs are substantial, long-term savings will accrue from reduced reliance on knee-jerk medical staff recruitment, lower medical evacuation costs, improved troop health and reduced sick days, and retention bonuses avoided due to staff emigration. Additionally, the NMMC could offer paid services and postgraduate training to civilians as a revenue stream.

    “NMMC governance will include a Board of Governors chaired by the Chief of Defence Staff, an academic council with representatives from NUC and MDCN, and a Medical Education Unit responsible for curriculum standards and quality assurance. Periodic external reviews and international partnerships will ensure compliance with global medical education standards.”

  • African leaders plan joint colonial reparations claim against UK

    African leaders plan joint colonial reparations claim against UK

    African leaders are advancing plans to file a coordinated reparation claim against the United Kingdom for crimes committed during the colonial era, signaling a united legal and diplomatic effort to address historical injustices inflicted on their nations and peoples.

    The initiative gained momentum at a major conference in Algiers, where policymakers met to transform principle into action, focusing on having colonial-era crimes “recognised, criminalised and addressed through reparations.”

    The meeting builds on a resolution passed earlier this year by the African Union (AU), which calls for justice and reparations for victims of colonialism and formally defines colonization as a crime against humanity.

    Nigeria, a regional powerhouse, is taking a leading role in the campaign. The push follows an earlier move in September when Nigerian Senator Prince Ned Nwoko sent an official claim to the British government demanding $5 trillion in reparations for the damages of colonialism. While this was a national initiative, it set a precedent for a broader continental effort.

    The British government has consistently rejected such claims, describing demands for colonial reparations as “astonishingly hypocritical” and asserting that it remains proud of its modern partnerships with African nations. Nevertheless, the African initiative is gaining traction in the court of global opinion.

    A recent documentary, From Slavery to Bond, has renewed scrutiny of the British Empire’s legacy, highlighting how colonial policies on resource extraction, arbitrary borders, and the looting of historical artifacts contributed to enduring challenges across the continent. The film adds both academic and moral weight to the reparations argument.

    Analysts said a joint AU claim would carry far greater political and legal influence than individual national efforts, presenting a significant diplomatic challenge to the UK.

    The next phase is expected to involve consolidating a common historical assessment, finalizing a legal strategy, and determining the structure and scope of the reparations demand.

    While the path to actual monetary compensation remains long and complex, the coordinated move marks a pivotal step in Africa’s ongoing pursuit of justice and recognition for the harms of colonialism.

  • BOI, NCGC launch N10bn guaranteed loan scheme to empower women entrepreneurs

    BOI, NCGC launch N10bn guaranteed loan scheme to empower women entrepreneurs

    The Bank of Industry (BOI), in partnership with the National Credit Guarantee Company (NCGC), has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to unlock ₦10 billion in guaranteed loans for women entrepreneurs, marking a significant step in boosting women’s economic participation.

    The initiative, championed by BOI Managing Director Dr. Olasupo Olusi, aims to create a gender-inclusive credit-guarantee framework that makes financing more accessible and affordable for thousands of women-led businesses nationwide.

    Olusi revealed this during the signing ceremony in Abuja with NCGC Managing Director Mr. Bonaventure Okhaimo.

    Under the agreement, NCGC will provide a 25 percent credit guarantee cover on BOI loans, reducing lender risk and enabling the bank to fund more women-owned enterprises.

    “The initiative targets high-impact sectors including manufacturing, processing, ICT, digital marketing, e-commerce, creative and entertainment industries, healthcare, education, renewable energy, and waste management,” Olusi said.

    He described the GLOW (Guaranteed Loans for Women) programme as a deliberate national intervention designed to remove long-standing barriers preventing women from scaling their businesses.

    Olusi added, “This event represents more than a procedural milestone; it signals our collective commitment to expanding access to finance for Nigerian entrepreneurs, particularly women and MSMEs. GLOW delivers affordable, flexible, and well-structured financing to women, designed from the ground up to close systemic gender-financing gaps.”

    The programme offers ₦10 billion in funds, concessionary interest at seven percent, flexible collateral arrangements, and embedded capacity-building support.

    The overwhelming market response underscores its importance, with over 33,000 applications in progress, valued at more than ₦65 billion.

    NCGC’s MD, Bonaventure Okhaimo, stated that the organisation will start with ₦5 billion to manage portfolio risk while reaching viable women-owned businesses previously underserved due to collateral constraints.

    He added that this arrangement will allow women entrepreneurs to access loans at lower interest rates and with faster approval timelines.

  • Owo church killings: ‘How we were attacked’ – Catholic priest tells court

    Owo church killings: ‘How we were attacked’ – Catholic priest tells court

    A Catholic priest on Thursday gave details of how the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo, was attacked on June 5, 2022, which resulted in the death of over 40 worshippers, with over 100 others suffering various degrees of bodily injuries.

    The priest, whose name was not given, but merely identified as “SSA,” spoke while testifying as the first prosecution witness in the prosecution of five men accused, in a nine-count amended charge, of being behind the attack.

    Those being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) in relation to the attack are

    Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza (25 years), Al Qasim Idris 20 years), Jamiu Abdulmalik (26 years), Abdulhaleem Idris (25 years), and Momoh Otuho Abubakar (47 years).

    The witness said the attack took place towards the end of the first Pentecost Sunday celebration service, which was attended by many worshippers.

    The priest, who said he presided over the service, told the court that as the service was drawing to a close, they suddenly heard a loud noise, followed by sporadic shootings, which created commotion and chaos among worshippers.

    Led in evidence by the prosecuting lawyer, Ayodeji Adedipe (SAN), the witness said June 5, 2022, remains a memorable day for him “because it was the day when the violent attack was launched on us, myself and all the worshiping community of St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State.

    “It was an incident which led to the death of over 40 persons among us, while some of us became maimed; some of us, till this point, have permanent physical injuries.

    “I recall that the attack was towards the end of the worship that day. I was the priest assigned to lead the community in worship, which is known as the holy mass.

    “Towards the end of the mass, I was performing the last rite, and the people of God had started singing the recessional hymn, the closing hymn. Suddenly, I heard a loud sound. I looked into the congregation, facing them.

    “There was already a commotion, which, for me, I thought somebody had fallen. But I saw two men from our congregation, who were members of our community.

    “They quickly locked the main entrance door, and another elder in the church came to me in the sanctuary and said to me, Father, we are under attack.

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    “From this point, I heard the sporadic shooting of guns. This was still outside the church. This elder told me, father you have to leave. At first, I was reluctant to leave the sanctuary. If not for anything, but at least because of those children, who call me father.

    “So, taking my leave from the sanctuary, some adults moved some of these children into a safe place. This is an attachment to that church.

    “When I was in this place (the safe place), I continued to hear the continuous shooting of guns and the use of about three explosives.

    “The third explosive landed very close to the safe place, where I was with the children, with the effect which looked like the opening of the ground. The effect was like the ground opening to swallow us immediately.

    “So, the attack continued. After a while, some of our church members came into this place (safe place) and notified us that those who came to attack us had left.

    “Moving out with the children, I saw my choir master shot at the chest. He called me to pray for him. I did, but I told him I have to move him to the hospital.

    When I got out, I saw some already dead on the floor.

    “So, I shouted that if there is any of us who could still drive, let us begin to move our brothers and sisters to the hospital,” the witness said.

    On whether he counted the number of the dead, said it was impossible for him ascertain the number of those killed under the chaos that the attackers created in the church environment on that day.

    The priest said, “It was with that violent attack that I understood that proverb that the one struck or hit by a vehicle does not wait to take note of the vehicle’s number. So, I could not immediately count the number of those dead.

    “Personally, I went two times to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owo, to take the casualties to the hospital. By the time I came the second time, there were already ambulances, both from FMC Owo and St Louis Catholic Hospital Owo, also moving the casualties to these two hospitals.

    “The second time, when I got to FMC, the emergency ward was filled with these casualties.

    The casualties were those who were killed and injured. With the wailing, weeping, and crying from people, I couldn’t even drive again. The care and healing of those injured continued,” the witness said.

    The priest said he was later invited to the DSS office in Akure, Ondo State, where he made a statement.

    Under cross-examination by defence lawyer Abdullahi Mohammad, the witness said he could not ascertain the number of those who carried out the attack.

    He said, “With the commotion in the church, and my desire to rescue, especially the children, quickly as possible, I could not and I did not identify or recognise those who carried out the attack.

    Therefore, I don’t know their number.”

    On how he could rescue the children, the witness said the children were at the foot of that sanctuary, where he was standing, when the attack started.

    He added, “And, I said with some adults, I moved with the children to a safe place. This safe place is the restroom, attached to the building as a sanctuary. From that building that is attached, you can move into the sanctuary and out of it.”

    Earlier, at the commencement of proceedings, Adedipe told the court that the charge had been amended to correct some minor errors.

    He applied that the amended charge should be ready for the defendants, which was done, and the defendants all pleaded not guilty.

    Justice Emeka Nwite has adjourned till January 13 and 14, 2026, at 12noon each day for the continuation of the hearing.