Edo State Government Initiates Action to Restore Full Budgetary Allocation to Office of Deputy Governor
News

Edo State Government Initiates Action to Restore Full Budgetary Allocation to Office of Deputy Governor

Following a decision made by the Edo State House of Assembly to reduce the budgetary allocation to the office of the State Deputy Governor from N1.3 billion to N354.5 million for the year 2024, the state government has now taken steps to revisit and adjust the budget. During the plenary session on Monday, the House received a letter from Governor Godwin Obaseki regarding the revision of the budget. The letter, dated May 16, 2024, and addressed to the Speaker of the House, Blessing Agbebaku, was presented by the Clerk of the House, Yahaya Omogbai. Signed by Osarodion Ogie, the Secretary to the State Government, the letter, titled 'Forwarding of the revised year 2024 Edo State budget,' contained the request to consider and approve the revised budget. As part of the revision process, the...
Former President Jonathan emphasizes the need for collaboration between Fubara and Wike for the welfare of Rivers people
News

Former President Jonathan emphasizes the need for collaboration between Fubara and Wike for the welfare of Rivers people

It is crucial for Rivers State Governor, Sim Fubara, and his predecessor, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to collaborate for the betterment of the state's inhabitants, as underscored by former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan. Transition of power poses challenges in Nigeria, and Jonathan expressed concern on this matter during his address as the special guest of honour at a Rivers State Government event for the initiation of the Trans-Kalabari Road Project. While acknowledging that power transitions at the national level are usually better managed despite inherent issues, Jonathan highlighted the particular challenge of transitioning power between governors. Using the political crisis in Rivers State as a case in point, Jonathan advised both current and fo...
Entertainment

Spryo’s Admiration for Nengi: Why He Avoids Being in the Same Room

A moment of admiration was shared by Nigerian Singer, Oludipe Oluwasanmi David, popularly known as Spryo, towards Big Brother Naija reality star Nengi Hampson as he reminisced about their first encounter. On his Instagram handle, the singer recollected an instance when an interviewer asked him about a female celebrity he would prefer not to be in a room alone with. In a light-hearted manner, he humorously mentioned Nengi, explaining that he strives not to mimic Jesus as he considers himself just a follower, thus, he avoids any interaction with the former BBNaija star to steer clear of temptation. “During a recent interview, I was asked, which female personality in this industry would you refuse to be alone with? Can you guess who I named? That would be NENGI. I don’t like pretending t...
The Publicity Secretary, Bemgba Iortyom, Receives Vote of No Confidence from Benue PDP
Politics

The Publicity Secretary, Bemgba Iortyom, Receives Vote of No Confidence from Benue PDP

In a strong statement, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and stakeholders in Benue State have expressed a lack of trust in the current Publicity Secretary of the party, Bemgba Iortyom. They caution Nigerians to be cautious of certain individuals within the party in Benue State. During a World Press Conference held in Makurdi on Monday, the stakeholders strongly opposed Iortyom's recent appearance on television. In his appearance, he suggested that the party leadership in Benue State would throw its support behind President Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 Presidential election to ensure fairness, equity, and a balanced political environment. The Stakeholders clarified that the party did not authorize Iortyom to endorse a presidential candidate on its behalf. They emphasized that his sta...
Etsu Nupe urges traditional rulers to back girl child education in Niger
News

Etsu Nupe urges traditional rulers to back girl child education in Niger

Encouraging all traditional rulers and relevant stakeholders, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman Council Of Traditional Rulers, Niger State, Yahaya Abubakar, has called for their support towards the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment, AGILE, aimed at advancing the girl child in the state. During a visit by the First Lady of Niger State, Hajiya Fatima Muhammed Bago for advocacy at his palace in Bida, Bida local government area of the state, the Royal father emphasized the importance of backing AGILE to achieve its core objectives of empowering adolescent girls through education, ensuring their meaningful contribution to the state's growth and development. Addressing the gathering, the First Lady of the State, Hajiya Fatima Muhammad Bago, expressed the state government's w...
Testimony of Fidelity Bank staff against Mompha in N6bn money laundering case
News

Testimony of Fidelity Bank staff against Mompha in N6bn money laundering case

On Monday, Ezekoli Ozoemenam, a compliance officer at Fidelity Bank, provided testimony against social media personality Ismaila Mustapha, also known as Mompha, who is facing charges related to money laundering amounting to N6 billion. Ozoemenam, the fourth witness for the prosecution, was examined by the counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Suleiman Suleiman. During the testimony, the witness discussed details regarding an account at the bank that was allegedly connected to Mompha. Following the testimony, the prosecution submitted the document as evidence and requested its admission in court. The defense counsel, Mr. Kolawole Salami, stated that he had objections to the document being presented as evidence. Subsequently, the EFCC's counsel asked for a...
12 internet fraudsters handed various jail terms by the courts
Metro

12 internet fraudsters handed various jail terms by the courts

Federal High Courts in Makurdi, Lafia, and Abuja, presided over by Justices R.J. Egbe, N. I Afolabi, Emeka Nwite, M.S. Abubakar, A. Onoja, Ajiya Ngajuwa, and Emeka Nwite, have sentenced 12 internet fraudsters to prison for their crimes. These individuals admitted guilt after facing one-count charges brought by the Makurdi Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. The convictions were announced by the EFCC in a statement released on Monday. The convicted individuals are Bem Peter, Onminyi Joseph Ocheje, Nelson Ogbu Oche, Gabriel Sughter, Samuel Lubem, Terver Terfa James, Dominic Chiemere Bonaventure, Anaambe Michael, Okanche Samuel, Ebu Emmanuel Anoyedu, Omotunde Oluwamayowa, and Pkutu Christopher. One of the charges against Ocheje read: "Onminyi Joseph Ocheje...
Teacher in Anambra arrested for allegedly causing 8-year-old’s coma through beating
Metro

Teacher in Anambra arrested for allegedly causing 8-year-old’s coma through beating

Arrested in Anambra State is a 30-year-old teacher, Faith Nwonye, who works at Landmark School in Mgbakwu, Awka North Local Government Area. She is held for reportedly causing an eight-year-old student to fall into a coma due to physical abuse. The state's Commissioner for Education, Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, explained during a meeting with journalists at her office that the government has taken swift action by permanently shutting down the school. Chuma-Udeh further revealed that she has called upon the school’s owner and Nwonye to provide an explanation for the incident that led to the severe treatment of the young pupil in primary two. She clarified that the closure of the school was not solely due to the beating incident but also because of its lack of legal authorization. She added, “We w...
78 Internet Fraudsters Arrested by EFCC in Enugu and Imo
Metro

78 Internet Fraudsters Arrested by EFCC in Enugu and Imo

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, operating in the Enugu Zone, made the arrest of a total of seventy-eight individuals suspected of internet fraud in both Enugu and Imo States. The arrests took place on separate days. According to a statement released by the Commission, twenty-nine suspects were apprehended in Enugu on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. The remaining forty-nine suspects were caught in Imo State on Friday, May 17, 2024. The arrests were a result of credible information indicating their involvement in unlawful online activities. Among the items seized during the operations were mobile phones, laptops, and a total of 13 cars. The EFCC stated that the suspects will face legal charges once the investigations are complete.
EFCC captures five Forex speculators in Aba
Metro

EFCC captures five Forex speculators in Aba

An official team from the Uyo Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, apprehended five individuals suspected of engaging in forex speculation at the Ama-Hausa mosque on Hospital Road in Aba, Abia State. The arrests took place on Friday. This information was revealed in an announcement made by the Commission on Monday. The apprehended individuals were identified as Hassan Umaru, Haruna Umar, Badamasi Abdullahi, Auwal Muhammed, and Kasimu Muhammed. They were found in possession of various currencies during the time of their arrest. The currencies that were confiscated include 23,000 Korean Won, 52 Chinese Yuan, $6,500 Japanese Nippon Ginko, 40 notes of Philippine Dalawampung Piso, 20 Gambian Dalasis, 20 Swazi Lilangeni, and N382,000 in Nigerian Naira. In add...