The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • Surpass EFCC records as Justice Ministry’s DPP, Olajengbesi tasks Oyedepo 

    Surpass EFCC records as Justice Ministry’s DPP, Olajengbesi tasks Oyedepo 

    Human rights lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi, has charged Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) to surpass his past prosecution records with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in his new role as the Director of Public Prosecutions in the Federal Ministry of Justice, Abuja. 

    In a statement, Olajengbesi, a senior partner at Abuja-based law firm, Law Corridor, described Oyedepo’s appointment by President Bola Tinubu as deserving. 

    Oyedepo was transferred from the anti-graft agency to the mainstream Federal Civil Service to succeed Abubakar Babadoko, who is due to retire on December 31, 2025, after completing the mandatory eight years as a director.

    Olajengbesi said, “The appointment of Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) as the Director of Public Prosecutions in the Federal Ministry of Justice is applaudable. 

    “Over the years, the learned silk has demonstrated capacity and competence in the diligent prosecution of complex economic and financial crimes. His almost two decades in the EFCC and various landmark cases he meticulously prosecuted are testaments of professionalism and diligence. 

    “Yet, the latest appointment is a call to higher responsibility and patriotic duty. It is only desirable that Oyedepo surpass the fine records he achieved in the EFCC now that he has been appointed as the Director of Public Prosecution in the Federal Ministry of Justice. 

    “Oyedepo’s work is cut out for him. The Justice Ministry will count on his expertise to reduce reliance on external counsel for critical prosecutions. Indeed, the reward for hard work is more work.”

  • Makarfi urges Nigerians to harness unity, resources for better Nigeria

    Makarfi urges Nigerians to harness unity, resources for better Nigeria

    Former Governor of Kaduna State and ex-Chairman of the National Caretaker Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Ahmed Makarfi, has called on Nigerians to deploy their skills, strength, resources and diversity to rekindle hope and build a better nation.

    In a New Year message personally signed and made available to journalists in Abuja, Makarfi said the New Year offers Nigerians another opportunity to confront the country’s challenges with renewed determination.

    Makarfi, who recently resigned as Secretary of the PDP Board of Trustees, extended his greetings and best wishes to Nigerians as the country bids farewell to 2025.

    He noted that the outgoing year tested the patience and resilience of citizens amid economic difficulties, insecurity and other uncertainties, stressing that the New Year provides a chance to strengthen collective resolve.

    According to him, Nigerians must face their challenges together as a united people, bound by shared hopes and a promising national destiny, in order to overcome current difficulties and secure a brighter future for the country.

    “As we look ahead, we must continue to carry on with courage, industry and faith in the promise of Nigeria, leveraging on, among others the one big endowment that God has blessed us with, which is our diversity in both human and material resources. 

    Read Also: Makarfi urges governments to tackle insecurity, ease economic hardships in 2026

    “Using this, we can rekindle hope and reinforce unity across all lines. As our diversity remains our biggest source of strength, we must continue to see and use it to engender mutual respect and sustained dialogue, so that together, all of us can deploy our disparate skills and expertise to build and bequeath a Nigeria worthy of the pride of this and upcoming generations of Nigerians. 

    “I appeal to governments at all levels to upscale efforts aimed at decisively wiping out all forms of insecurity that have been allowed to become seemingly intractable as well as introduce measures to ease the burdens imposed by the economic difficulties, ravaging the country. 

    “It is my fervent prayer that God Almighty brings forth a 2026 and beyond that heralds renewed unity and peace, improved security, economic recovery and grater opportunities for all Nigerians. 

    “Happy New Year and may God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

  • Group donates food items, N1million to Osun Catholic orphanage 

    Group donates food items, N1million to Osun Catholic orphanage 

    As part of activities marking the 2025 Yuletide season, Osun Country Club has donated food items worth millions of naira and N1 million in cash to a Catholic orphanage in Osun State.

    The group also used the occasion to call on well-meaning Nigerians and institutions to support orphanage homes across the state.

    Presenting the food items and cash donation to Our Lady of Fatimah Orphanage Home in Osogbo, the state capital, the President of the club, Chief Abiola Falayajo, said the visit was aimed at supporting the humanitarian work being carried out by the home.

    According to him, the members of Osun Country Club came to appreciate God and acknowledge those caring for the less privileged in society. 

    He noted that the donation was part of the club’s commitment to sustaining support for orphanage homes, adding that the outreach would be an annual activity and the club’s maiden humanitarian event in Osun State.

    Falayajo also urged government to complement such efforts, particularly in the area of infrastructure and subventions, while encouraging individuals and institutions to contribute to the welfare of orphanage homes rather than leaving the responsibility solely to government.

    In his remarks, Hon. Sunday Akere commended the management of the orphanage for their dedication to the care and upbringing of the children.

    Speaking on behalf of the proprietor of the orphanage, Reverend Sister Elizabeth Akinlotan expressed appreciation to Osun Country Club for the generous donation, describing it as a significant boost to the welfare of the children.

  • U.S. to deport Nigerian convicted for armed robbery, illicit drug trade

    U.S. to deport Nigerian convicted for armed robbery, illicit drug trade

    The United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is set to deport Ibrahim Tunde Ijaoba, who was convicted for armed robbery and trade in illicit drugs.

    In a notice published on Monday, ICE said Ijaoba is a former member of the ‘Bloods’, a notorious gang famed for violent crimes, entered the country “illegally” and was convicted of certain crimes, including aggravated assault on a police officer with a firearm, and armed robbery.

    Read Also: Southeast will vote massively for Tinubu, Nwifuru — Umahi

    “Ibrahim Tunde Ijaoba is a criminal illegal alien from Nigeria and former member of the Bloods — a notoriously violent street gang.

    “He entered illegally and then racked up an extensive rap sheet that includes convictions for: Aggravated assault on a police officer with a firearm; assault & aggravated assault; armed robbery; obstruction; drug sales; and escaping police custody.

    “He has a final removal order and awaits deportation in ICE custody,” the statement reads.

    Recently, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) arrested Oluwadamilola Ogooluwa Bamigboye, a Nigerian, for allegedly evading arrest and abducting an immigration officer.

    Bamigboye and his accomplice, Rekeya Frazier, have been taken to court for assaulting a federal agent.

    The accused was also charged with overstaying his student visa.

  • Eight dead, four missing after terrorists attack in Adamawa

    Eight dead, four missing after terrorists attack in Adamawa

    The bodies of eight residents were found and four others unaccounted for after suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked three villages in Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

    The latest round of attacks, launched on Zah, Kijing, and Mubang villages, was the third in the orgies of violence in the Hong Local Government Area  during the yuletide.

    Earlier incidents during Christmas included twin assaults on nearby Mayo Ladde and Garaha districts.

    Read Also: New tax laws take off January 1, 2026, Tinubu insists

    Information obtained yesterday indicated that the fresh assaults on Mubang, Kijing and Zah occurred on the night of Monday, when many households were destroyed and residents forced out.

    Sources gave conflicting human casualty figures, but Chairman of Hong council, Inuwa Usman Wa’aganda, put the figure at eight.

    Wa’aganda confirmed that many residential houses and business places had been destroyed before security personnel could reach the affected villages.

    The Hong Council boss said: “It is true. Boko Haram terrorists attacked Mubang, Zah and Kijing villages of Hong. For now, eight bodies have been recovered from the three villages and four persons are still missing.”

  • 39 suspects fleeing Sokoto arrested in Ondo forest

    39 suspects fleeing Sokoto arrested in Ondo forest

    The Ondo State Security Network Agency, known as the Amotekun Corps, has arrested 39 suspected terrorists who allegedly fled Sokoto State following the United States’ airstrikes targeting terrorists in the Northwest.

    Its Commander, Mr. Adetunji Adeleye, broke the news yesterday in Akure, the state capital while parading 61 suspects apprehended across various parts of the state during the ongoing ‘’Ember Month Patrol’’.

    “These 39 suspects claimed they fled from Sokoto,” he told reporters.

    He said the suspects, aged between 18 and 45, were undergoing profiling, adding that those found in possession of incriminating materials would be prosecuted.

    Mr Adeleye further said the Corps had intensified patrols and strengthened collaboration with sister security agencies, particularly in border communities linking Ondo with Ekiti, Osun, Ogun, Edo and Kwara states.

    The Amotekun commander said of the 61 suspects paraded, 50 were for various breaches of law and order, two for offences related to anti-open grazing laws, six for kidnapping-related crimes, while three were arrested for gender-based violence and rape.

    Read Also: Southeast will vote massively for Tinubu, Nwifuru — Umahi

    He explained that the ‘’mber Month Patrol’’ would end next Tuesday but assured residents that security operations would not be relaxed, as Operation Le Jade Phase Two is scheduled to start tomorrow.

    Adeleye added that the Corps had also increased its 24-hour surveillance, with the deployment of Amotekun Rangers to forest reserves.

    He commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for providing an enabling environment for effective security.

    He lauded the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigerian Army, Department of State Services (DSS), vigilance groups and the public for their cooperation.

     Adeleye said two suspects – Mustafa (34) and Philip (45) – were apprehended for kidnapping around Ofosio in Odigbo Local Government Area.

    “In the Isua-Akoko axis, three suspects identified as Idris (18), Ibrahim Abdullahi (20), and Lawal Idris (23) were arrested for alleged crimes while Daniel Ojo (19), Usman (33), and Bejide (41) were nabbed in Isinkan for rape and assaulting Amotekun officers.

    “The Corps also arrested suspected armed robbers identified as Ola Tunbosun (30), Ibrahim, and Shahidu in Akure North, Oba-Akoko and Oba-Ile.

    “The suspects were allegedly part of a robbery gang that recently stole a vehicle in Akure, with plans to transport it to Abuja for sale. The stolen vehicle, as well as a taxi reportedly used to rob unsuspecting passengers, were recovered and displayed during the parade,” he said.

    Adeleye explained that the gang’s modus operandi involved operating in densely populated areas, picking up passengers, introducing another gang member as an extra passenger, and then using a firearm to dispossess victims of their belongings before pushing them out of the vehicle.

    He advised the public to remain vigilant, particularly when boarding taxis without proper markings or readable registration numbers.

  • Man gets 13-month community service for environmental offences in Lagos

    Man gets 13-month community service for environmental offences in Lagos

    A special Offences Mobile Court in Oshodi, Lagos has sentenced a 48-year-old man, Makinde Rasaq, to 13 months’ community service at Kirikiri Correctional Centre.

    Rasaq was arrested with an Honda SUV filled with refuse on Lagos Island

    The accused, who faced seven counts, pleaded guilty to  the  charges and was subsequently sentenced to various terms with an option of community service for the offences totalling 13 months’ community service, which would be served at Kirikiri Correctional Centre.

    Lagos State Waste Management Agency (LAWMA), Managing Director, Muyiwa Gbadegesin, told The Nation that the offences included breach of peace, and indiscriminate dumping of waste.

    Others were non-patronage of the Private Sector Partnership (PSP) operators, illegal transportation of waste without a valid licence and obstruction of officers.

    The convicted man, he said, was arrested while illegally dumping refuse on Saturday night at the Tinubu Fountain in Central Lagos.

    Also, he said Razaq was suspected to be part of a syndicate dumping refuse to create a narrative that Lagos is dirty.

    He was subsequently placed detained at Adeniji Adele Police Station before he was handed over to Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) officers for arraignment by the legal officials from the State Ministry of Justice.

    Read Also: New tax laws take off January 1, 2026, Tinubu insists

    Speaking on the latest conviction which went viral,  Gbadegesin said the message of the conviction is a declaration of zero tolerance on indiscriminate waste disposal message to everyone.

    He warned residents to ensure proper waste disposal through patronage of the LAWMA accredited PSP operators in accordance with the Environmental Laws of Lagos State.

    He reiterated that residents should desist from the unwholesome waste disposal as generation of waste is an unavoidable aspect of existence, adding that residents must always patronise the PSP for better service delivery.

  • Suspected herders set rice farm ablaze in Benue community

    Suspected herders set rice farm ablaze in Benue community

    Hundreds of hectares of rice farm have been set ablaze by suspected herders in Gbajimba, Guma Local Government Area in Benue State.

    The incident happened last Thursday when the owner, Mr Makir Washima Lawrence, and his labourers were threshing rice.

    The farm, which is located on River Benue, suffered extensive damage, with several hectares of cultivated land destroyed, including standing and harvested rice being prepared for threshing.

    Mr. Makir said two suspected herders, accompanied by many cattle, allegedly invaded the farm without provocation.

    Read Also: Southeast will vote massively for Tinubu, Nwifuru — Umahi

    He said: “When I  attempted to address the situation, the young herder instructed him to await further action. Herders later withdrew the cattle to the forest and returned to set the farm ablaze.’’

     Mr Makir said the damage was massive, adding that he had borrowed from local contributions and a commercial bank to establish the farm.

    The farmer expressed concern about his ability to repay the loan, and called for  support from government and spirited individuals .

    He also appealed to the government to address the incessant attacks that farmers endure daily.

    “This is a national crisis, and something needs to be done. No one should have to go through what I’m going through. Losing hectares of my rice farm to these herders is an ordeal no one should have to endure,” he added.

  • Firm offers shoppers deals

    Firm offers shoppers deals

    A major relief has come the way of the Nigerian-consumer publics with the berth of Bango Nigeria, an ecommerce platform aimed at driving inclusion within the marketplace.

    Bango Nigeria, which is the brainchild of Ademuyiwa Adebola Taofeek and Caleb Adenegan, is a data-driven concept to confront the hydra-headed monster of price arbitrariness, pauperisation of the consumers, to mention just a few.

    Justifying the need for the name Bango, Ademuyiwa, the ICT expert who has traversed the intricate world of technology incubation, said Bango was derived from two words, which are Bargain and Go.

    “We needed a name that expressed a satisfied experience, something that showed a buyer had a good experience before leaving the market,” he said.

    Expatiating, he said, Bango is all about helping buyers save money and time when they go to the market by providing them realtime information on what other buyers are paying in markets around them. “It is a system we’ve built to reward fair pricing and sellers that do well by buyers.”

    Going down memory lane, he recalled that Bango was inspired by his experience two years ago when he intended to get baskets of tomatoes for Salah in Lagos but was quoted a very ludicrous price, which he believed the farmers who actually planted the tomatoes would not benefit much from.

    He made a tweet about it, and some people tried to justify it. He then went ahead to get the tomatoes from Jos and found out that the total price it took for him to buy and get them delivered to his house in Lagos was not up to one-third of the price he was told in the Lagos market.

    The realisation that there are sellers offering fair prices and doing well by buyers in markets across the country, but that people hardly hear of them, was what inspired the creation of Bango.

    As to which organisation he is benchmarking the standards with, in terms of the projections for Bango, Ademuyiwa admitted that at the moment the whole idea is to build an ecommerce platform that actually works for Nigerians and pan Africa. “The benchmark is us, as this is a never-been-done-before solution. It is community-powered.”

    Read Also: New tax laws take off January 1, 2026, Tinubu insists

    While acknowledging that Bango comes across as a data-driven service, he was however quick to add that “Buyers are the ones who post these prices. If a buyer goes to a seller based on information uploaded by another buyer and the seller tries to be inconsistent with pricing, buyers will have the ability to make comments and report the inconsistency for other community members to be aware of. Remember, this is community-driven.

    “What we want to achieve is to help everybody save money and time, and this cuts across every part of the process involved in purchasing these commodities and delivery. It is currently bootstrapped because, right now, we want to first show people how letting each other know what the market is saying can help them go to the market more equipped with the right information. This, in turn, empowers them and helps them save money and time.”

    In terms of user interface, he said, “At the moment, it is very easy to use. All you have to do is sign up and either find prices or submit prices. We intend to continue to make it easier as we progress. The site usability is very seamless because once you log in it just pops up. https://www.bango.ng

    “It doesn’t matter if you are illiterate or literate when it comes to Bango. It doesn’t require literacy to do well by your buyers—that’s all you need to do as a seller. You do well by your buyers, and your buyers share it with other buyers by sharing the experience on Bango. Before every price is submitted, a seller must consent to their information being shared.”

  • MEXC rewards creators, educators, community leaders with commission-earning programme

    MEXC rewards creators, educators, community leaders with commission-earning programme

    As the new year begins, MEXC has taken a bold step to reward creators, educators, and community leaders with one of the most generous affiliate programs in the crypto industry.

    The newly unveiled MEXC Affiliate Policy allows key opinion leaders to earn over 70 percent in commission, opening a powerful income stream for anyone with influence in the Web3 space.

    This move clearly shows MEXC’s commitment to empowering its global community and supporting the people who drive crypto adoption every day.

    The MEXC Affiliate Programme is designed for content creators, traders, educators, community managers, and crypto enthusiasts who actively share crypto knowledge and opportunities with others. As an affiliate, you earn a commission when users you refer to MEXC trade on the platform. Simply put, you help people discover MEXC, and MEXC rewards you for the value you bring.

    With the new year update, the program has become even more attractive, especially for KOLs and serious builders in the crypto space.

    According to the company, the biggest highlight of the new affiliate policy is the commission structure. Qualified affiliates and KOLs can now earn over 70 percent of trading fees generated by their referrals. This is one of the highest commission rates offered by any major crypto exchange today.

    “This means that as your community grows and becomes more active on MEXC, your earnings can scale significantly. Whether you run an X page, Telegram group, YouTube channel, Discord server, or educational platform, your influence can now translate into long term and sustainable income,” it said.

    It added that one major advantage of the MEXC Affiliate Program is transparency.

    “Affiliates have access to a clear dashboard where they can track referrals, trading volume, and commissions in real time. There are no hidden rules or confusing calculations. What you earn is clearly shown, giving you confidence and control over your performance. This transparency makes it easier for affiliates to plan content strategies, measure impact, and optimize their growth,” it said.

    Being a MEXC Affiliate, it said, is not limited to earning commissions alone. Affiliates also gain access to exclusive benefits that support long term growth and visibility.

    “Affiliates can participate in special campaigns, trading competitions, and promotional events. These activities often come with extra rewards, bonuses, and exposure opportunities. For creators, this means more engaging content ideas and more reasons for their audience to stay active,” it said.

    The MEXC provides dedicated support for its affiliates, especially KOLs and community leaders. This includes marketing materials, referral tools, campaign updates, and direct communication with the MEXC team. Affiliates are not left to figure things out alone. Instead, they are treated as partners in growth. This support helps affiliates focus on what they do best, creating content, educating users, and building trust within their communities.

    Also, MEXC is known for its wide range of listed tokens, deep liquidity, and user friendly interface. It supports users across many regions, including Africa, Asia, Europe, and beyond. This global reach makes it easier for affiliates to onboard users from different countries without friction.

    “For affiliates with international audiences, this is a major advantage. You can promote one platform to a diverse audience and still enjoy smooth onboarding and trading experiences for your referrals,” it said.

    Beyond earning commissions, MEXC Affiliates gain access to learning opportunities that help them grow professionally. Affiliates often learn more about trading, market trends, Web3 products, and community building. This knowledge can be applied not only on MEXC but across the wider crypto ecosystem.

    For many affiliates, the program becomes a pathway into deeper roles in Web3, including consulting, partnerships, and project collaborations.

    The new MEXC Affiliate Policy reflects a larger shift in crypto adoption. Exchanges are recognizing the power of educators, creators, and community leaders in driving real and sustainable growth. By offering over 70 percent commission, MEXC is placing real value on trust, education, and community influence.

    This approach helps users learn crypto responsibly while rewarding those who take the time to guide and support them.