The Nation Newspaper

Category: Featured

  • Court orders EFCC to pay certification fee for documents in ex-aviation minister’s ‘trial

    Court orders EFCC to pay certification fee for documents in ex-aviation minister’s ‘trial

    An FCT High Court on Monday ordered the Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to pay the required fees for certification of some documents it tendered as exhibit in trial of former Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika, and three others.

    Sirika is charged alongside, his daughter, Fatima, son-in-law, Jalal Sule Hamma and Al-Buraq Investment Limited.

    Sirika, according to EFCC, abused his office as minister by conferring unfair advantage on Al Buraq Global Investment Limited, Fatima amd Hamma, by using his position to influence the award to them, the contract for the Apron Extension at Katsina Airport for the sum of N1,498,300,750.

    The EFCC said the offence contravened the provisions of Sections 12 and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000 and Section 17 (b) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004 as well as Section 315 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 532, Acts of the Federal Capital Territory and punishable under the same sections.

    They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

    At the resumed hearing, the prosecution tendered some documents through the ninth prosecution witness (PW9), Mathias Maiyaki Vyonku, a retired General Manager, Administration and Human Resources with the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority.

    Counsel for Hamma and Al-Buraq Global Investment Limited, Sunusi Musa (SAN) and Michael Numan (SAN), respectively, objected to the admissibility of some of the documents.

    This was on the grounds that the PW9 mentioned Nigerian Midstream and Upstream while the one of the document, the prosecuting counsel, Oluwaleke Atolagbe, tendered was that of Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

    They further argued that the prosecution did not paid the required fees for the certification of another document which certified true copy was part of the documents tendered in compliance with the provision of the Evidence Act.

    They, therefore, urged the court to reject the documents.

    Responding, Atolagbe argued that the defence counsel did not object to the admissibility of the covering letter that has the documents attached to.

    He said that it was the law that a document that has attachments must be admitted by the court as a whole.

    He further argued that there is no need for government agencies to pay for certification of documents.

    Read Also: Why we took VeryDarkMan into custody — EFCC

    He said that the witness did not mention NUPRC but said upstream did not viatite the documents tendered.

    After listening to parties, Justice Slyvanius in his ruling held that since government needs money, the Court cannot shut the doors against the prosecution for not paying the required fee for the certification.

    He said the court would rather allow the anti graft agency to pay the fee and re-present the document.

    He, therefore, ordered the prosecution to pay the required fee for the certification of the document and re-present same before the Court.

    In view of this, the prosecution asked for an adjournment to enable him do the needful as directed by the Court.

    This was not objected to by the defence team.

    Oriji then adjourned the case until May 6 for continuation of the evidence of the PW9.

    Earlier in his evidence, the PW9 informed the court that on March 14, 2024, EFCC wrote to the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority, informing it of an ongoing investigation on the third defendant Jalal Sule Hamma and requested for information on him (Hamma).

    Nyonku told the Court that as the General Manager, Administration and Human Resources, the Director-General of the Authority directed him to act accordingly and he then forwarded a letter to EFCC to confirm that Hamma was a staff member of the Authority.

    According to him, he was employed in November, 2021 on a permanent and pensionable appointment. He was reconfirmed after two years.

    The witness told the court that before the third defendant’s reconfirmation, he (Hamma) wrote to the authorities withdrawing his service, adding that the management subsequently approved the withdrawal of service.

    The PW9 told the court that the documents the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority forwarded to the EFCC included Hamma’s letter of appointment; letter of request for withdrawal of service; approval of withdrawal of service and all documents indicating that the defendant has paid one month in lieu of notice.

    Atolagbe subsequently tendered the documents as exhibits in the case. (NAN)

  • Over 75% of 2025 UTME candidates scored below 200 – JAMB

    Over 75% of 2025 UTME candidates scored below 200 – JAMB

    More than 75 percent of candidates who sat for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) scored below 200, according to official data released by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) on Monday.

    Out of a total of 1,955,059 registered candidates, only 420,415 scored 200 and above, representing just over 21 per cent of the total.

    A staggering 1,534,654 candidates, or 78.49 per cent, scored less than 200 out of the maximum 400 marks.

    JAMB’s data also showed that less than 1 per cent of all candidates managed to score above 300.

    Read Also: JAMB dissociates itself from fraudulent bank account

    The board revealed that 40,247 underage candidates were granted special permission to participate, under a policy aimed at encouraging exceptionally gifted individuals.

    However, only 467 of them (about 1.16 per cent) met the board’s benchmark for extraordinary performance. JAMB said their advancement would depend on further evaluations across three additional stages.

    In its summary, JAMB noted that 71,701 registered candidates were absent during the examination period.

    Additionally, 97 candidates were confirmed to have committed various exam infractions, while 2,157 others are currently under investigation for suspected malpractice.

    The board said candidates who experienced biometric verification issues are being reviewed. Those cleared will be rescheduled for a separate sitting.

    JAMB also stated that results for blind candidates and others under the JEOG (Joint Examination for the Gifted) category are still being processed.

    A press briefing is expected later in the week to inform candidates how to officially access their results.

  • BREAKING: Trent Alexander-Arnold leaves Liverpool, joins Real Madrid

    BREAKING: Trent Alexander-Arnold leaves Liverpool, joins Real Madrid

    Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has officially completed his transfer to Real Madrid, bringing an end to his long-standing association with the Premier League club.

    This was disclosed in a post by veteran sports journalist, Fabrizo Romano on his official X page.

    He said, “Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid, here we go!”

    The decision to leave Liverpool now confirmed as Trent says goodbye to the club after winning one more PL title.

    Documents being prepared for Trent to join Real Madrid on a 5 year contract, verbal agreement done.”

    Read Also: Trent Alexander-Arnold: I’m adapting to Liverpool’s new system

    Announcing his departure, the 26-year old defender said on social media, “This is easily the hardest decision I’ve ever made in my life,”

    The England international rose through the ranks of Liverpool’s academy, making 352 appearances for the first team.

    During his time at Anfield, he won two Premier League titles — including this season’s, and played a key role in the club’s 2019 triumphs in the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup. His honours also include two Carabao Cups, one FA Cup, and the Community Shield.

  • Fed Govt allays fear over threat to Budget 2025 implementation

    Fed Govt allays fear over threat to Budget 2025 implementation

    • Expert cautions against delayed fiscal execution, dependence on oil price

    Despite headwinds, Budget 2025 will be implemented to achieve its objectives, Federal Government sources said yesterday.

    A drastic drop in oil price and delayed take-off, among other factors, are threatening the N54.99 trillion Appropriation Act.

    An official said there was no cause for worry because the government can easily adjust to the international oil price fluctuations.

    Besides, the official said the lifespan of the capital component of last year’s budget was pro-actively extended till next month by the National Assembly to take care of such shocks.

    A source said: “Critical steps are already in motion to ensure that the budget is not derailed. The National Assembly took proactive measures by extending the lifespan of the capital component of the 2024 budget until June.

    “This extension was aimed at ensuring continuity in funding for projects that are already underway. The idea was to focus on ongoing projects. So, there is no cause for alarm about 2025 Budget implementation.”

    The Nation further learnt that implementation of budgets begins with the procurement process, which the source explained, could take four to five months before the award of contracts.

    He said: “This timeline accounts for the perceived slow pace of the 2025 Budget rollout. Implementation is a process that begins with procurement. Usually, that takes averagely four to five months before the actual award of contract.”

    On whether the government was paying attention to the capital expenditure side of the budget, the government insider pointed out that “the recurrent component of the 2025 Budget is in effect. This has kept essential government operations running smoothly.

    “The recurrent component of the budget is being implemented. Otherwise, government operations would have been grounded to a halt. So, it’s incorrect to say that the 2025 Budget is not being implemented.”

    There are concerns about oil price volatility. In the Budget 2025 Appropriation Act, oil price is pegged at $75 per barrel but as at yesterday, it was sold at $61.5 per barrel.

    An official said there was no cause for alarm.

    He dismissed such fluctuations as a familiar challenge.

    According to the source, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, had explained that the budget remains an estimate that can be adjusted as conditions require.

    “Oil price volatility is not a new phenomenon. The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning has responded several times to this issue. Budget is essentially an estimate that could be adjusted as the situation demands,” he explained.

    Acknowledging that oil remains the dominant source of revenue, the official indicated that the government is taking aggressive steps to diversify and boost revenue collection.

    A major focus, he revealed, is on increasing crude oil production, a responsibility now firmly placed on the shoulders of the newly appointed board and management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

    Read Also: Bagudu: why Tinubu raised Budget 2025 by N4.52 trillion

    “Oil might be the major source of revenue, but there are other sources. The government’s response would be to ramp up production. This is one of the targets given to the new management of the NNPCL,” he stated.

    He said that the President Bola Tinubu administration had from the outset prioritised increased production and lower production costs as twin goals for the petroleum sector.

    The source explained: “The underlying objectives of the Bola Tinubu administration are to increase production and reduce the cost of production. The new board and management of the NNPCL have been saddled with this responsibility with timelines.

    “Apart from oil, attention is now being shifted to non-oil sector as alternative sources of revenue. The government is actively working through the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and various government-owned enterprises to step up revenue collection.

    “Revenue collection is being ramped up to ensure the budget is funded appropriately. The FIRS and Customs Service, as well as government-owned enterprises, have been charged to up their game. There is nothing to panic about.”

     The tax reform due to come into place after passage by the Senate this month, in concurrence with the passage of the tax bills by the House of Representatives, will also widen the tax net and bring in more revenue without additional tax burden on the people.

    This will enhance better funding for Budget 2025.

    Managing Director,  Ambosit Capital Managers, Dr. Wahab Balogun, called for urgent fiscal reforms and accelerated implementation measures to avert economic stagnation.

    He explained that for Nigeria to achieve inclusive growth, fiscal discipline must return to the center of public finance. “We cannot afford another year of delayed implementation and dependence on oil price ,” he warned.

    Reacting to the government’s efforts to shore up revenue through the FIRS, NCS and  and various Government-Owned Enterprises (GOEs),  Balogun said the current oil price of $61.45 per barrel, which is significantly lower than the $75 benchmark in the 2025 budget, presents a serious fiscal challenge.

    According to him, the government must now look beyond oil. He stressed the need to broaden the non-oil revenue base and enhance compliance across the tax system. He urged the FIRS to intensify digital tax administration and enforce the Finance Act provisions on tax remittance and withholding obligations.

    He said: “The government must accelerate the implementation of the tax harmonization roadmap recommended by the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee.”

    He also noted that the Nigeria Customs Service must become more efficient in blocking leakages, curbing smuggling, and ensuring full implementation of border revenue policies.

    He added: “Customs modernization is no longer optional; it’s a necessity. Streamlining duty waivers and enforcing compliance at all entry points will significantly boost collections.”

    On the role of GOEs, Balogun argued that many of these enterprises underperform due to weak corporate governance. He stressed that the government must commercialize and hold GOEs accountable, pointing out that only a handful remit any meaningful surplus. “This is a missed opportunity in an economy trying to close a growing fiscal gap,” he said.

    He further advised the government to aggressively pursue public-private partnerships (PPPs), asset monetization, and cost-cutting reforms. According to him, through agencies like the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) and the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), the administration can unlock significant value by concessioning dormant assets and scaling back non-essential expenditure.

    On the delayed implementation of the 2025 budget, Balogun expressed concern that the extension of the capital component of the 2024 budget until June 2025 could undermine fiscal stability and policy coherence. While acknowledging that the extension is legally permitted, he argued that it distorts the budget cycle and hampers the timely execution of new projects.

    “We’re already in May and no funds have been released for 2025 capital projects. This creates uncertainty for investors, contractors, and even states relying on federation account flows,” he noted.

    Balogun called for the immediate release of 2025 recurrent funds and urged the Budget Office to publish the implementation framework without further delay. He also recommended a performance audit of the 2024 capital budget to identify dormant or slow-moving projects, which can then be reallocated to critical areas once the June deadline lapses.

    He insisted on the need to harmonize budget approval, procurement, and project execution timelines to reduce the incidence of rollovers, while also urging the National Assembly to strengthen its oversight role to ensure that MDAs fully utilize their allocations within the budget year.

  • Decline, slight rise in banks’ loans to customers

    Decline, slight rise in banks’ loans to customers

    • ‘Interest rate too prohibitive’

    Banks’ loans to customers is a mixed grill of decline and slight rise between what obtained in fourth quarter 2024 and first quarter 2025.

    The banking sector struggles with credit risk management and high interest rates.

    Operational reports of big banks for the first quarter of this year show that nearly one out of every two banks recorded a drop in loans to customers.

    This kept the sector’s customer loan position almost unchanged, despite substantial increase recorded by some of the banks.

    A review of 10 banks, including the biggest five that control more than two-thirds of the sector, yesterday indicated that 40 per cent of them recorded a decline in customer loans. These included the sector’s biggest lenders — Access Holdings Plc, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) Plc and United Bank for Africa (UBA). StanbicIBTC Holdings Plc.

    The banks reviewed yesterday also included Zenith Bank Plc, First Holdco Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc, Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) Plc, Wema Bank Plc and FCMB Group.

    Ecobank, the largest by size of loans, saw a decline in customer loans from N15.436 trillion in December 2024 to N15.311 trillion in March 2025.

    Access Holdings, which was the second highest lender with N11.488 trillion as of  December 2024  dropped to the third position with N10.962 trillion by March 2025.

    UBA’s loans dropped marginally from N6.954 trillion in December 2024 to N6.827 trillion by March 2025, while  StanbicIBTC’s declined slightly from N2.348 trillion to N2.262 trillion.

    Total customer loans for the reviewed banks stood almost unchanged at N67.118 trillion by March 2025, 0.75 per cent above N66.629 trillion recorded by December 2024.

    However,  Fidelity Bank increased loans minimally to customers from N4.387 trillion to N4.605 trillion. Zenith Bank’s loans also rose from N10.994 trillion to N11.082 trillion.

     First Holdco, the holding group for First Bank of Nigeria, also recorded a substantial increase in customer loans from N8.768 trillion to N9.202 trillion.

     GTCO raised loans to customers from N2.786 trillion to N3.220 trillion, while Wema Bank’s loans portfolio rose marginally from N1.201 trillion to N1.211 trillion.

      FCMB Group’s loans to customers increased from N2.357 trillion in December 2024 to N2.436 trillion in March 2025.

    Chief Executive Officer, Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), Dr. Muda Yusuf, said the decline might not be unconnected with the high interest rate regime in the banking sector. He noted  that people were scaling down exposures due to what he described as “prohibitive interest rates.”

    Yusuf added that the notable drop in loans might be due to people considering alternative options, given the high cost of direct loans from banks.

    Read Also: Edo partners NELFUND to provide loans for state tertiary students

    He said: “Taking credit under the current condition is a very difficult decision to make. How would anybody want to go and take a credit facility at 30 per cent or 35 per cent unless such a person or such a business is in an extremely desperate situation.

    ‘’Nobody wants to go and touch that kind of credit, because it’s suicidal to do so. How are you going to pay it back? What is the return on investment?

    “Most of the facilities that you are seeing in the books are legacy facilities or legacy credits that businesses have been servicing over time. You know, when you have taken a facility, over maybe a year ago, two years ago, three years ago, it’s not easy to just walk away from that facility because you have used the money. So you have to continue to service it. But for you to go and take a fresh facility at the current interest rate, I think it’s only rational that people scale down the exposure to this facility because of the cost.

    “The cost is prohibitive. So,   I think that is perhaps the biggest reason why this is happening. People are looking at other options. People are looking at commercial paper. They are looking at the other windows in the capital market. They are looking at raising more equity. I think these are some of the options that people are looking at because commercial credit’s rate is prohibitive.

    “So, that is what I think is likely responsible for the drop in the credit that the banks are posting. And for those who are even taking the money for working capital, it’s also not easy for them. ‘’One of the people who take working capital more frequently is those who are in the petroleum downstream sector. You can see the way they have been lamenting because of the volatility in prices and so on.

    ‘’Many of them have burnt their fingers. So taking credit facility for business is extremely, very, very risky and it could endanger any business because the rates are simply not sustainable.” 

    But a bank executive, who pleaded anonymity, said banks were aiming at higher asset quality by strengthening their credit risk management.

  • Brace for cost-reflective tariffs, minister tells Nigerians

    Brace for cost-reflective tariffs, minister tells Nigerians

    The nation’s economy can no longer sustain electricity subsidies, Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu has said.

    He told Nigerians to brace for cost-reflective tariffs.

    ‘’We have to understand that our economy cannot sustain subsidies indefinitely,” Adelabu pointed out at a meeting with the Chairmen of Generating Companies of Nigeria (GenCos) in Abuja.

    He, however, reaffirmed government’s interest in providing targeted subsidies for  economically disadvantaged Nigerians.’’

    He did not explain the category of Nigerians in the ‘’economically disadvantaged’’ category.

    The Federal Government currently owes Generating Companies (Gencos) over N4 trillion in backlog subsidy payment.

    In its February DisCos Performance report, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) said the average actual tariff is N116.18kwh while consumers pay N88.2kwh.

    The difference between the actual tariff and average collection, which is  N27.97 kWh, was the cost of subsidy per kilowatt hour in February.

    All NESI customers, except 15 per cent, which constitutes  Band A, enjoy subsidy.

    Adelabu’s spokesman Mr. Bolaji  Tunji quoted the minister as telling the GenCos: Citizens must pay the appropriate price for the energy consumed. The Federal Government will continue to provide targeted subsidies for economically disadvantaged Nigerians.”

    Adelabu also said the   Federal Government was determined to offset a substantial part of the N4 trillion debt crippling power generation in the country through cash and financial instruments such as promissory notes.

    He said this would be proposed at a meeting being planned between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and GenCos’ leadership.

    He said: “There is a need to pay a substantial amount of the debt in cash. At the minimum, let us pay a substantial amount, then ask for a debt instrument in promissory notes to pay the rest.

    “We recognise the urgency of this matter. The government is committed to resolving this debt to stabilise the sector and prevent further crisis.”

    Chairman of Mainstream Energy Solutions, Col. Sani Bello (retd.), who led his colleagues to the meeting had earlier sounded the alarm over the sector’s challenges, citing the N4 trillion debt as a critical threat to their operations.

    Read Also: Increased telecoms tariffs and inconsistent quality service

    Bello warned that liquidity challenges had left the GenCos unable to secure loans or maintain infrastructure.

    He added  that  “without urgent intervention, the entire power ecosystem could collapse.”

    Kola Adesina, chairman of Egbin Power and First Independent Power Limited, spoke in the same vein as Bello.

    He said: “This is a national emergency. Everything hinges on power—industries, homes, hospitals. We cannot afford to let the sector fail.”

    Association of Power Generating Companies (GenCos) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Joy Ogaji, listed challenges undermining GenCos as including chronic payment defaults, erratic gas supply and foreign exchange volatility.

    Ogaji noted that naira’s plunge from N157/$1 in 2013 to N1,600/$1 now had made nonsense of maintenance budgets and loan repayments.

    “GenCos have borne unsustainable risks—from grid failures to unproductive taxes—while remaining patriotic,” she said.

  • Six injured as Ondo Police, Amotekun operatives clash over suspect’s custody 

    Six injured as Ondo Police, Amotekun operatives clash over suspect’s custody 

    A violent clash between the Ondo State Police Command and operatives of the Amotekun Corps has left six people injured in Akure, the state capital. 

    The confrontation erupted over the custody of a suspect accused of stealing property from a church near the Sunday Bus Stop, Ijoka.

    Witnesses reported that both security units engaged in sporadic shooting, causing panic among residents. 

    The dispute allegedly stemmed from an argument over which outfit would detain the suspect. While Amotekun operatives initially took charge, the police later reinforced and forcibly took possession of both the suspect and the exhibits. 

    Ondo police spokesman, Alayande Olushola, confirmed that two officers from the command were the first to arrive at the crime scene before tensions escalated.

    According to him, “It is important to note that the police officers were the first to arrive at the scene. However, while they were executing their lawful duties, operatives of the Amotekun Corps arrived in the company of a large group of commercial motorcyclists (okada riders). In a disorderly and commando-like manner, the Amotekun personnel and accompanying individuals forcefully took custody of the suspect and the exhibits, in the process injuring a police officer.

    Following this, the Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, immediately directed tactical commanders to recover both the suspect and the exhibits.

    “Subsequently, after intervention and dialogue led by the commanders of both agencies, the suspect and exhibits were returned to the police in the spirit of inter-agency cooperation.

    “However, it must be stated that while the matter was being amicably resolved, a few aggrieved members of the Amotekun Corps, unhappy with the release of the suspect, began firing sporadically into the air. To prevent a breakdown of law and order and to disperse the agitated crowd without harm, the police officers at the scene responded with the professional use of tear gas. No exchange of gunfire occurred between the two agencies.”

    Some injured Amotekun officers, who spoke on anonymity, said their walkie-talkies were collected.

    They said many deaths would have been recorded if they had retaliated.

  • FULL LIST: Five personalities sentenced to death by court in Nigeria

    FULL LIST: Five personalities sentenced to death by court in Nigeria

    The death penalty is authorised by Section 33 of the Constitution of Nigeria. Being sentenced to death means a court has officially ordered that a convicted individual be executed as punishment for a crime.

    This is a legal penalty for certain serious offences, primarily those involving murder, treason, and armed robbery.

    The death sentence is carried out by the state after a court of competent jurisdiction finds the person guilty.

    In the past few years, many individuals convicted by the court have remained on death row, and while governors in Nigeria are not very open to signing death warrants. These people are one signature away from losing their lives.

    Bamise Ayanwola and Andrew Ominikoron case

    In April 2025, the Lagos High Court sitting at the Tafawa Balewa Square convicted and sentenced to death a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) driver, Andrew Ominikoron, for the murder of a 22-year-old fashion designer, Bamise Ayanwola.

    Delivering judgment, Justice Sherifat Sonaike held that the prosecution successfully proved its case, relying on the doctrine of “last seen” and the victim’s dying declaration to establish Ominikoron’s guilt.

    Ominikoron faced a five-count charge, including conspiracy to commit a felony, rape, sexual assault, and murder. He was found guilty on all counts.

    The case captured national attention in 2022 after Bamise went missing on February 26, following her boarding of a BRT bus operated by Ominikoron at the Ajah area of Lagos. Her mysterious disappearance ignited public outrage, social media campaigns, and demands for justice.

    Nine days later, her body was tragically discovered dumped under the Carter Bridge on Lagos Island.

    Soldier and girlfriend’s murder

    A General Court Martial sitting at the Headquarters, 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu, sentenced Private Adamu Mohammed to death by hanging for murder.

    The sentence was handed down following the conclusion of his murder trial.

    A statement on Tuesday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Unuakhalu said the court martial composed of 11 members, was inaugurated on February 18, 2025, by the General Officer Commanding, 82 Division, Major General Oluyemi Olatoye, to adjudicate cases involving erring personnel within the Division.

    Delivering judgment on Private Mohammed, the President of the court, Brigadier General Sadisu Buhari, said the soldier was found guilty of the murder of his girlfriend, Miss Hauwa Ali, an offence punishable under Section 106(a) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

    Read Also: Court sentences BRT driver to death for rape, murder of female passenger

    Osinachi’s husband was sentenced to death by hanging for murder

    A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Wuse Zone 2 sentenced Peter Nwachukwu, the husband of late gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu, to death by hanging following his conviction for her murder.

    Judge Njideka Nwosu-Iheme, delivering her judgment on Monday, found Peter Nwachukwu guilty of culpable homicide in connection with the death of his wife, Osinachi, on April 8, 2022.

    Osinachi, who tragically passed away on April 8, 2022, was initially believed to have died from throat cancer.

    The federal government brought a 23-count charge against Nwachukwu, including culpable homicide punishable by death, criminal intimidation, child cruelty, spousal abuse, and other offences.

    The trial, which began on June 20, 2022, and concluded on March 10, 2023, saw 17 witnesses testify for the prosecution. The accused’s children also gave testimony as the fourth and fifth prosecution witnesses, PW4 and PW5.

    Hanifa Abubakar’s case

    On the 28th day of July 2022, Justice Usman Naabba of the Kano State High Court sentenced the Proprietor of Noble Kids College Kano, Abdulmalik Muhammmad Tanko (38), and two others to death by hanging for the kidnapping and killing of Hanifa Abubakar, a five-year-old pupil.

    Tanko, alongside his accomplice, Hashim Isyaku and Fatima Musa, were arraigned before the Kano State High Court on a five-count charge of criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, confinement, and culpable homicide contrary to sections 97, 274, 277, 221 of the penal code.

    Tanko kidnapped and killed Hanifa, a five-year-old pupil, on 4 December 2021, while she was returning from Islamiyya School and subsequently buried her in a shallow grave.

    The judge, Usman Nababa, sentenced Mr Tanko, 38, and Hashimu Isyaku, 38, to death by hanging for the kidnapping and killing of Hanifa Abubakar.

    The convicts were sentenced to five years each for conspiracy.

    Ramon Adedoyin

    Ramon Adedoyin, the owner of Hilton Hotels in Ile-Ife, has also been sentenced to death by the Court of Appeal in Akure, Ondo State, for his role in the murder of Obafemi Awolowo University graduate student Timothy Adegoke.

    This verdict upholds a lower court’s earlier decision and brings a measure of closure to a case that has gripped the nation. The appellate court had reserved judgment on the matter since 29 October 2024.

    The Appeal Court judgement reads: “The judgment of the High Court of Osun State stands. Adedoyin’s appeal is dismissed in part. The Court of Appeal held that Adedoyin was properly convicted and sentenced to death.”

    The appeal court, however, set aside some of the decisions of the lower court.

    “Order of forfeiture of Hilton Hotel quashed and set aside. Order of education scholarship to children of Timothy Adegoke by Adedoyin and others quashed and set aside,” the judgment read.

    Sunday Jackson

    In 2015, Jackson, a 29-year-old farmer and student from Dong Communi­ty in Demsa LGA of Adamawa, was working on his farm in Kodomti Community, Numan LGA, when Buba Ardo Bawuro, a herdsman, herded his cattle into his farm to feed on his crops.

    Jackson challenged him, but the herdsman pulled out a knife and attacked him twice.

    Although wounded, Jackson was able to seize the knife and stab him in return. Bawuro later died from his wounds.

    The police arrested and tried the farmer for culpable homicide in the Yola High Court. The charge carried a death sentence under Section 211 of the penal code.

    In court, Jackson admitted that his attacker died at his hands, but he maintained his innocence of any crime.

  • JUST IN: Obi’s former campaign manager, Obaze, dumps Labour Party 

    JUST IN: Obi’s former campaign manager, Obaze, dumps Labour Party 

    Former Secretary to the Anambra State Government, Oseloka Obaze, has resigned from the Labour Party (LP), citing unresolved leadership issues at the national level. 

    Obaze, who also served as Peter Obi’s campaign manager, expressed concerns over the party’s handling of internal affairs and protested the conduct of the April 5, 2025, governorship primary in the state, describing it as fraught with irregularities. 

    His resignation, contained in a letter addressed to the LP Chairman in Ochuche Ward 406, Ogbaru Local Government, further deepens the party’s crisis in Anambra, where he has been a key figure. 

    Obaze, a former diplomat, played a central role in Obi’s 2023 presidential campaign and was instrumental in the ‘Obidient movement.’

    His exit raises fresh questions about the party’s stability in the state.

  • NDLEA intercepts 942 explosives, seizes N3.4 billion worth of opioids in Lagos, PH

    NDLEA intercepts 942 explosives, seizes N3.4 billion worth of opioids in Lagos, PH

    • …uncovers drugs in chocolate tins

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has intercepted 942 explosives headed for Zamfara along the Kaduna-Zaria Expressway.

    Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters Abuja, Femi Babafemi, made this known in a statement on Sunday.

    Babafemi said the explosives were seized by NDLEA operatives on patrol along the Kaduna-Zaria expressway on Saturday, May 3, in a commercial vehicle coming from Nasarawa State.

    He said a search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 942 explosives concealed in a sack.

    He added that a 30-year-old suspect, Nura Sani Muhammad (alias Nura Hariji) was arrested in respect to the seizure.

    According to the statement, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), directed that the suspect and exhibits be transferred to the appropriate security agency for further action.

    Babafemi also said 3,500,000 pills of opioids and 163,000 bottles of codeine syrup with a combined street value of N3,428,000,000 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and Lagos State.

    Read Also: NDLEA recovers N1.042b illicit drugs in raid of Lagos hotel

    He said the bulk of the seizures include two million pills of tafrodol 225mg and 163,000 bottles of codeine syrup, was made on Tuesday 29th April 2025 during a joint examination of a watch-listed container by NDLEA officers, men of Customs Service and other security agencies at the Port Harcourt Ports Complex, Onne, Rivers state.

    Babafemi said in Lagos, a total of 1,500,000 pills of a controlled opioid were recovered from a suspect Olarenwaju Wahab at the Alaba-Rago area of Ojo on Tuesday 29th April while the source of the consignment was traced to Q104B Road 25, Victoria Garden City, Lekki, which is the residence of one Obinna Kenneth who is now at large.

    He added that NDLEA operatives at the import shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Ikeja Lagos intercepted 42 parcels of Canadian Loud, a strong strain of cannabis weighing 20kg, concealed in tins of chocolate, milo beverage, white kidney beans and dark red kidney beans packaged as part of cargos that came into the Lagos airport onboard a British Airways flight from Canada.

    Babafemi said at least three suspects, including the receiver of the consignment, Monsurat Ewawunmi Lawson, have been arrested between Wednesday 30th April and Saturday, 3rd May.

    He said in like manner, a businessman, Bobby Morris Osas, was on Friday, 2nd May, arrested at the Lagos airport while attempting to board a Turkish Airlines flight to Italy. A thorough search of his luggage led to the seizure of 8,130 pills of tramadol 225mg, 200m,g and 100mg.

    Babafemi added that an attempt by another syndicate to ship 104 grams of tramadol and skunk concealed in bottles of body cream to Iraq through a courier company in Lagos was also thwarted on Monday, 28th April, by NDLEA officers of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI).

    He said, “Five members of a syndicate led by Aminu Musa (a.k.a Kadagi) were arrested on Wednesday, 30th April arrested by NDLEA operatives at Dangoro market, Kano, with 50 blocks of skunk weighing 21.6kg recovered from them. In Edo state, operatives acting on intelligence on Thursday, 1st May, intercepted at Uromi, Esan North-East, a white Toyota bus conveying assorted opioids from Onitsha, Anambra state, heading to Auchi.

    “Recovered from the vehicle include: 314,020 pills of tramadol, rophynol, diazepam, exol5; 638 bottles of codeine syrup and 200 ampoules of pentazocine injection, while a suspect.

    Dare Adeyemo was taken into custody.

    “A Mazda commercial bus marked XA343TSE was equally intercepted at Agu-Awka junction, Awka, Anambra state by NDLEA operatives on Wednesday, 30th April, while a total of 50,400 capsules of tramadol, 500 tablets of co-codamol and 300 ampoules of pentazocine injection were recovered, and a suspect, Chinedu Eneh arrested.

    “In Niger state, NDLEA officers on patrol along Kontagora -Mokwa road on Saturday 3rd May intercepted a Mitsubishi canter truck marked RBH 104 ZY. A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of 5,500 capsules of tramadol and 2,300 ampoules of pentazocine injection as well as the arrest of a suspect, Yusuf Abubakar, 30. 

    “After 10 months of painstaking investigation, NDLEA operatives on Saturday, 26th April arrested a wanted drug kingpin, the 52-year-old Managing Director of Ovidaq International Ltd, Dominic Chiegozie Obijiaku, over his involvement in the importation of a consignment of 2,616,060 pills of tramadol 225mg intercepted by NDLEA at Apapa seaport in Lagos on 28th July 2024.

    “A follow-up operation at his house in Lekki led to the seizure of 51 wraps of Canadian Loud weighing 34 grams.

    “The War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, social advocacy activities by NDLEA Commands equally continued across the country in the past week. Some of them include: WADA sensitisation lecture delivered to students and staff of Al-istigama University, Kano, and students and staff of Government Girls Junior Secondary School, Kankia, Katsina state, among others.

    “While commending the officers and men of DOGI, MMIA, Lagos, Kano, PHPC, Kaduna, Anambra, Edo, Niger and Apapa Commands of the Agency for the arrests and seizures of the past week, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) equally praised their counterparts in all the commands across the country for ensuring a fair balance between their drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts.