Unity Bank Grows 34% Pre-tax Profit, Records N23B Gross Earnings in H1 2021

Nigeria’s retail lender, Unity Bank Plc has declared half-year result posting gross earnings of 23.6 billion Naira, which is a 3% increase compared with the corresponding period of 2020.

A review of the unaudited half year result (H1’2021) released to the Nigerian Stock Exchange, the Agric-focused lender showed notable improvement across key financial matrices. The Bank grew bottom-line by 34% as Profit before Tax (PBT) moved up significantly in positive territory to close at N1.50 billion from N1.12 billion recorded in H2 2020. 

Similarly, the Profit After Tax, PAT closed at N1.38 billion within the period under review from N1.03 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2020, a sign of a stronger recovery in the overall economy and the Bank’s key focus market segment after a disruptive pandemic year.

A major highlight of the result is the growth in the Bank’s loan book, which saw a 22% increase to N246.90 billion within the period compared to N202.08 billion recorded in H2 2020.

The lender also sustained growth trajectory in its assets as total assets for the period rose by 11% to N547.37 billion from N492.02 billion as of December 31, 2020.

Other highlights of the financial statement include a 21% jump in fee and commission income to N3.07 billion from N2.54 billion in the corresponding period of 2020; and N9.87 billion upticks in net interest incomes, representing a 9% increase from the N9.06 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2020.

Interest and similar income also rose though recording a marginal 2% growth to close at N20.27 billion compared to the N19.79 billion recorded in half-year 2020. Earnings per share rose by 3 kobo to close at 11.82 Kobo within the period compared to 8.82 Kobo recorded in the corresponding period of 2020.

The financial report also contained the details of the three months to June 2021 (Q2 2021) report showed that the Bank recorded a 17% leap in gross income to N12.32 billion from N10.50 billion recorded in the corresponding quarter of 2020.

Pre-tax profit for the period closed at N718.0 million, a 31% increased from N546.35 million recorded in Q2 2020, while Profit After Tax equally closed at N660.57 million from N502.65 million recorded in the corresponding review period.

Commenting on the result, the Managing Director/CEO, Unity Bank Plc, Mrs. Tomi Somefun noted encouraging trends in key performance indicators driving the numbers reported in the H1 result, in that the Bank is beginning to reflect greater consistency, steady outlook and resilience that places it on a performance pedestal ahead of the volatilities in the operating environment occasioned partly by the prevailing global pandemic and other market shocks that have far-reaching implications in the local and foreign economies.

The double digits growth recorded in both earnings and profits, she further added, was the result of a portfolio plan which the Bank set out in the beginning of the year to diversify its portfolio whilst incrementally pursuing asset creation in petrochemical downstream, consumer, healthcare and general commerce with agribusiness providing the bulwark for identified business and brand benefits.

She stated that the Bank will be looking to strengthen its balance sheet from the liability side as it continues to grow its brand franchise in many areas of the retail market by promoting and leveraging its Agriculture value chain businesses as an offshoot to achieve better performance ratios that enable it expand the scope of business for even greater outcome.

Analysts share the optimism on the growth trajectory achieved on the back of contributions from diverse portfolio investments which is a radical departure from the past.

Both Of You Should Go On 3 Days Fasting And Prayer, To Secure Release – Nigerian Cleric Say’s To Nnamdi Kanu And Igboho

Prophecy From Nigerians Pastor, Apostle Paul Okikijesu Founder Of Christ Apostolic Miracle Ministry, has stated that he got a message “from God” to Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, and the Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo (Igboho).

According to Okikijesu, God has promised to intervene in their cases, if the activists could fast and pray for three days as this will assure a divine intervention.

Thus says the Lord of hosts: within the next 21 days, I will release Kanu and Sunday from their incarceration,” he prophesied in a statement released on Thursday.

“They used people of their tribes for them to know their movement, arrest them, and bring charges against them.

“This is what caused what happened to them; because if there is no one with their organization, or very close to them, who anonymously provided confidential information, and betrayed them; they will not find themselves in their present situations.

“Kanu and Sunday should be cautious; they should not apply only their own wisdom to their journeys; because the wisdom of I the Lord alone is worth in anyone’s journey.

“It is certain people who decided that ‘let us silence these people.’ If there is a powerful person in a state, and there is no one who can subdue the powerful person; then, people will use those who are close to the powerful person, who understands him and speaks the language of the powerful person. It is such people that were used to divulge the ways to entrap Kanu and Sunday Igboho.

“Inform both Kanu and Sunday Igboho, they should fast for three days from July 29th, 2021 to July 31, 2021. I the Lord Myself, the Almighty God, the Ancient of Days, I the One who is called Jehovah in the eternal throne; who created mankind.

“I the Lord Myself will intervene in their cases, and I will take control/possess those who incarcerated them; then the truth shall manifest, and they will be set free from detention,” he said.

Yoruba Nation Agitator, Sunday Igboho Defended Himself In Benin Republic Court – Lawyer

 Yoruba Agitator Known As Sunday Igboho denied claim by the Nigerian government that he was involve in trafficking in arms or inciting violence

When questioned by the judge, the lawyer said, “Igboho explained that what was said about him are false.

“He explained that he did not do anything illegal in Nigeria. He clarified that Nigeria has never charged him to a court or jailed him for any offence, he was never arrested for any offence or invited to police station.

“Igboho said he never had any criminal record in Nigeria. He told the judge that the Nigerian government was after him because he was defending the Yoruba race against killer Fulani herdsmen. He said that he ran away from Nigeria because the government was after his life.

“He was asked when he got to Benin, how he got in and how long. Igboho replied that he left Nigeria on Sunday, got to Benin on Monday and attempted to leave Monday night for Germany before he was arrested.

“The judge asked him where he stayed, who drove him and how he escaped security checks. He replied.

“What is surprising is that the judge said he was not arrested because he committed an offence. He said he breached Benin (Republic) rules and he should be investigated.”

I Prefer To Die Than To Give My Land To Fulani – Governor Ortom Disclose

Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom says he will rather die than surrender his land to the Fulani ‘who have made over a million homeless (people) in his state’.

Resign Now - Popular Islamic Cleric, Sheikh Gumi Tells Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has been asked by popular Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi to resign over his inability to secure the country from criminals, which makes the blood of innocent lives to flow in the country.

People Moves Into Politics Due To Hardships In The Country – Ex Minister Obanikiro

Ex Nigerian Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro says Nigerians do everything to occupy public offices for financial gains because other opportunities for making money are difficult in the country.

He also said he was not in support of the idea of Nigerian political parties asking aspirants to have a certain amount of money before they can participate in politics.

The former minister, however, noted that such requirements are necessary to check numerous people scrambling to contest for political offices in the country.

Obanikoro, a former Lagos senator, disclosed this during an online interview on City Talks with Reuben Abati, which was monitored by SaharaReporters on Saturday.

“The idea of commercialising elections to me is very quite unfortunate. I’m not in support and cannot be in support. And let me tell you why I cannot be. I can record vividly in 1992, when I joined full politics or 1990 or thereabout, I wouldn’t have been able to get to where I am today if such impediments were placed on my way.

“What informs this is so unfortunate that we live in a society where almost all windows at getting things done in life have closed. Therefore, the only opportunity you have now is to participate in politics. When you now see the scramble for public offices, then you’ll be compelled to put certain requirements in place to see how we can manage all these interests.

“It is a way of definitely reducing the number of people who are contesting for one position at a time. If these things are left to be free, you’ll be shocked that for one position, you’ll have about 2, 000 people contesting.

“I’m not saying this is the best, but we must further challenge ourselves and come up with better ways, and not the commercialisation,” Obanikoro said.

While speaking on the low turn-out of voters at last Saturday’s local government elections in Lagos, the former Nigerian Ambassador to Ghana explained that poverty has constituted a challenge.

He also said, “And on top of that is this belief by an average person that their vote does not count.

“There are so many reasons for this and you don’t have to look far to begin to appreciate why people feel this way. Every one of us has become a government unto ourselves. That’s one. Number two, you also have economic hardship all over this place.

“So, until we overcome these challenges, we’ll have difficulties in participating in elections. But, if you look at it, to flip it to me is a mistake. You still have to participate because this is democracy. And the only way to get the government that you deserve is when you participate.”

Igboho Is Our Son, He Should Be Protected By Ibadan People – Olubadan Says As He Sends Delegate To Benin Republic

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Saliu Adetunji, says he has sent a delegation to Cotonou, Benin Republic, to observe court proceedings in the trial of Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, better known as Sunday Igboho.

Igboho is standing extradition trial in Cotonou today, July 26, after he was arrested with his wife at Cotonou airport on their way to Germany and placed in custody. The court freed Igboho’s wife last Thursday.

A statement signed by Adeola Oloko, personal assistant/director of media and publicity to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, said those selected to be part of the delegation will be at the court in Cotonou, where Igboho’s case will resume today.

The statement said, “Oba Adetunji stated this at his Popoyemoja, Ibadan palace on Sunday while exchanging views with some leaders of thought comprising Yemisi Adeaga, the president general of Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes and his executive members. Also at the meeting was senior chief Lekan Alabi, the Ekefa Olubadan.

“Olubadan said it has become necessary in order to allay the fears of several people, including protesters who besiege Olubadan palace every now and then that Kabiesi is not folding his arms over the travails of Igboho.

“Igboho lives in Ibadan, got married in Ibadan, rear children in Ibadan, built houses in Ibadan and as such he has the rights to be protected by Ibadan traditional institution within the ambit of the law just like any human being in Ibadan.”

Olubadan stated that he is in constant touch with Yoruba prominent royal fathers, including Igboho royal crowns to allay public fears of a repeat performance of Yoruba-Fulani coalition of 1814.

The statement added, “Students of Nigeria history may wish to be reminded that when some people, during the period under reference, chose to engage in territorial expansion to the sea, it took the Ibadan army under Balogun Oderinlo to repel the attack and stop the incursion near Osogbo.”

Nigerian Government Listed Three Offences Against Sunday Igboho In Benin Republic

The lawyer said the Nigerian government also accused the freedom fighter of calling for secession and disturbing the country.

Salami said, “The Nigerian government  said Igboho was involved in arms trafficking into Nigeria.

“The second one is that he is causing disturbances in Nigeria and the third one is that he is trying to divide Nigeria into two or three.”

Reporters had on Thursday reported that the Cour De’appal De Cotonou, Benin Republic, where Igboho and his wife, Ropo, were arraigned on Thursday, ordered the wife to be released same day.

The court had ruled that Igboho should be returned to custody.

Reporters had  that Sunday Igboho was awaiting his fate at the Cour De’appal De Cotonou, Benin Republic, following his arraignment by the authorities of the country for immigration-related offences.

Igboho was taken to court on Thursday afternoon.

A source had told Reporters that the activist was not for extradition to Nigeria.

Reporters had reported how Benin Republic police on Monday night arrested Igboho at Cardinal Bernardin International Airport in Cotonou, while trying to fly from the country to Germany.

The Department of State Services (DSS) had on July 1 raided the residence of the activist in Ibadan, Oyo state.

Igboho had planned a ”Yoruba Nation Rally” in Lagos two days before the raid.

The DSS raided the residence, killing two people and arresting 12 aides but Igboho escaped.

The agency alleged that Igboho was stockpiling weapons, and subsequently declared him wanted.

The agitator had been on the run since the raid 

South-West Governors Working Underground For Sunday Igboho’s Trial – Governor Sanwo-Olu Opens Up

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has finally reacted to the arrest of Sunday Igboho by the Beninese government.

Lagos State Governor Sanwo-olu aslo stated that the trial of Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Igboho, is “difficult times” for the South-West Governors, adding that people are, however, working behind the scenes.

He also noted that a lot of people had steps being “taken quietly and privately.”

The governor made this known on Saturday while addressing newsmen at the Polling Unit 019 Ward 08, Ikoyi II, where he cast his vote during the Local Government/Council Areas election on Saturday.

When asked why there was presumed silence of the governors on the arrest of Igboho, he replied, “These are very difficult times for all of us. I can assure you that people are working behind the scenes.

“At occasions like this, it’s not by how many Press people you call. I’m aware that a lot of people have responses that they are doing quietly and privately and it doesn’t have to be a public conversation.”

 

Digital Currency To Be Launch On Independence Day – CBN

 The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced that it will be announcing its own digital currency on October 1, 2021.

 Nairametrics reported that the CBN alongside stakeholders picked Independence Day as its launch date.

According to the publication, CBN’s IT Director, Rakiya Mohammed at the conclusion of the 306th Banker’s Committee meeting, disclosed that the apex bank has been conducting research in regards to digital currencies since 2017 and may conduct a proof of concept before the end of this year.

The project name is tagged Project GIANT and it will use the Hyperledger Fabric Blockchain. Nigeria’s central bank further revealed that the importance of eNaira includes Macro management and growth, cross border trade facilitation, financial inclusion, monetary policy effectiveness, improved payment efficiency, revenue tax collection, remittance improvement, and targeted social intervention

You Arrested Sunday Igboho, Nnamdi Kanu, But Bandits Leaders Pose With Governors In Photographs – Southern Group Blast President Buhari

The Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU) has said the Nigerian government is capable of defeating the ravaging terrorists and bandits killing and maiming its people in Kaduna State.

The union, however, said that the government is only interested in silencing activists from the Southern region of the country such as Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra and Yoruba nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, more commonly called Sunday Igboho.

SOKAPU stated this in a release by its President, Mr Jonathan Asake.

The group stated that it had seen “leaders of these Fulani bandits and kidnappers armed to the teeth and kitted in full military gears” taking photographs during negotiations with governors, and notable Islamic clerics such as Sheikh Ahmad Gumi.

Asake, in the statement, lamented that while the Emir of Kajuru, Alhaji Alhassan Adamu, was rescued within 24 hours from bandits who abducted him, the students of Bethel Baptist High School were still in the den of bandits.

The statement reads in part, “As we are addressing you now, students of the Bethel Baptist High School who were kidnapped on July 5, 2021, are still in the den of their captors, three weeks after. It is tragic to note that while the government swung into action to rescue the Emir of Kajuru in less than 24 hours after his abduction, the government has refused to do anything to rescue these students that are still languishing in captivity, among hundreds of others.

“If they could trace Nnamdi Kanu to Kenya and blindfold him to Nigeria in June 2021; if they could trace Sunday Igboho to Cotonou and arrest him just a few days ago, and if they could smoke out the commander of Eastern Security Network, Ikonso, and later killed him in April 2021, then, it clearly shows that the government has enough capacity to deal with the situation.

“It is clear from the foregoing that the Nigerian government is only interested in combating activists or perceived criminals who hail from Southern and Middle Belt regions, while pampering terrorists in the North who have killed, maimed, looted large territories and destroyed more than any known group in the history of Nigeria.

“While we have seen leaders of these Fulani bandits and kidnappers armed to the teeth and kitted in full military gears and taking photos during negotiations with governors, notable Islamic cleric Sheikh Gumi and high profile government officials, the government has refused to bring them to justice.

“We find it strange to explain how the government is unwilling to tackle banditry and kidnappings in the North, but at the same time hasty in deploying full intelligence and military force against Southern and Middle Belt activists that are engaged in one form of agitation, criminality or otherwise.”

State Government Must Know Before Any Covert Operation In Our Domain – Seyi Makinde Tells Customs And Others

 

Oyo state Governor, Seyi Makinde said this while reacting to the recent crisis at Igangan and its environs in the Ibarapa Local Government Area of the state during a meeting with some Muslims serving in his administration as part of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration on Tuesday.

 Noting that recent data showed an improved security situation in Oyo State, the governor revealed that part of the measures taken in the state is for local council chairpersons to involve traditional rulers and others in the policing of their areas.

He said each local government area is to spend N10 million monthly on the new security arrangement.

Makinde explained that the initiative amounts to spending N330 million in the 33 local government areas of the state, alongside other efforts the state government had put in place to tighten security.

“On security, most of the data in the past months shows that things are now improving. The Igangan incident, some days ago, was only falsified by some people who were saying that Fulani herdsmen had invaded Igangan again. The truth is actually about the NCS (Nigeria Customs Service) and smugglers. They know each other.

“Customs officials were accused of entering Igangan, which is not a border town. But we are working with federal authorities and they have arrested most of them,” he said.

Makinde also threatened to withhold the weapon seized from the operatives who invaded the community until he gets the attention of the Federal Government.

“The gun that was collected is still with us. I said I won’t release it until I get the attention of the Federal authorities.

“In the Constitution of Nigeria, Oyo State is a federating unit. We are not saying Federal agencies should not carry out their operations here. But they must tell us; they must inform us. They may not disclose the details of the operation to us, but we must know about it.

“If we had known about the operation, we would have pre-informed the security detail in the town and those who died could have been alive. The Amotekun Coordinator that died in Igboora would have still been alive today.

“How can you go operating in an unidentified vehicle in a town where the security tactics have been heightened? As they wanted to enter the town, they were confronted because we have heightened security in all of those places.

“So, we will keep appealing to them and to our people that false information won’t help anybody. Nobody will profit politically from the security issues we are faced with. It is our collective responsibility. The people will play their part and the government will play its own part.

“We said each local government should set up a security committee, which should include traditional rulers and voluntary people willing to police their areas. I encouraged them to budget N10 million to service the committee every month. For the entire state, that’s N330 million per month by all local governments, excluding what we are doing generally at the state level.”

Recently, the Coordinator of Amotekun in Ibarapa Central Zone, and two others lost their lives when some operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) went to the area to arrest some suspected smugglers.

The killings followed a face-off between the NCS operatives and the residents who mistook the operatives for Fulani herdsmen and resisted the arrest.

 

AGF, Malami Accuses Kanu Of Killing Fulani Herders, Bars IPOB Members, Branded T-shirts From Court Sittings

The Nigerian government under the legal guidance of the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has adjusted the number of charges filed against Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the secessionist group, Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.

The Department of State Services, DSS, had on November 23, 2015, filed cases of intimidation, criminal conspiracy, unlawful possession of firearms and membership of an illegal organisation, saying it breaches penal code of Section 97, 97B and 397.

The Attorney General in a statement on Wednesday, accused Kanu of committing heinous crimes including the alleged killing of Fulani cattle rearers, Force personnel, amongst others.

He described the Fulani herdsmen as innocent and only catering for their cattle, ScanNews reports.

He also warned members of IPOB to stay away from the next court sitting in Abuja, but added that Kanu’s lawyers will be permitted around the court premises on the trial day.

Also, no branded IPOB T-shirt or caps will be allowed within the court area.

Sunday Igboho Extradition: Benin Republic Shuns Buhari’s Request – Bail Request may Be Granted Today

 

According to report, self styled ‘Yoruba war-lord’ Sunday Igboho May be granted bail today by the Benin republic Government.

Report says efforts by President Muhammadu Buhari government to extradite Yoruba nation activist, Sunday Igboho, to Nigeria from Benin Republic have hit the rocks.

Authorities in the neighboring West African nation have insisted on a fair trial for Igboho before yielding to the demand.

The Beninoise government said it won’t handle a request for extradition without first trying him for the local offense he was arrested for.

He is expected to be arraigned for immigration-related offenses in Benin Republic later today after a spirited move by the Buhari government to bring him back to Nigeria.

It was also gathered that the Yoruba nation activist had hired a Beninois defense attorney, Rafael Huvehnou. Huvehnou is currently an attorney to the President of the Benin Republic.

Igboho may be granted bail today.

“We went to court at Cotonou today but they didn’t bring Igboho to court, so we called his lawyer. He was in safe hands at Cotonou Criminal Brigade where he was detained. They will take him to court today.

“Igboho has given a statement to the police. He was traveling with a Beninoise passport adjudged to be fake,”

The Nigerian government, through its Ambassador to Benin Republic, Tukur Buratai, is bent on extraditing Igboho to Nigeria.

It was learned that the former Chief of Army Staff wrote two letters to the government of the West African country and insisted on the arrest and extradition of Igboho.

Buratai had in the letters described the activist as a terrorist and murderer.

“Nigeria had written two letters to the West African state, describing Igboho as a terrorist and murderer. The first letter was written on July 7th. A second letter describing his bodily features was passed on to the Benin Republic yesterday,” a security source said.

The Department of State Services (DSS) had on July 1 raided the residence of Igboho in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Igboho had planned a ”Yoruba nation Rally” in Lagos two days before the raid.

The DSS raided the residence, killed two people, and arrested 12 aides but Igboho escaped.

The agency alleged that Igboho was stockpiling weapons, and subsequently declared him wanted. The agitator has been on the run since the raid.

 

Protesters Plead With Ooni, Gani Adams, Oba's To Help Secure Sunday Igboho's Release

 The Yoruba Nation agitators have stormed the residence of Yoruba agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, aka Sunday Igboho to begin a protest demanding his release, following his arrest by security operatives in Benin Republic.

The protesters called on all the Yoruba monarchs and leaders to show total support for Igboho and ensure that he was not extradited to Nigeria.

According to them, the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Aare Ona Kakanfo, Gani Adams, must help to secure Igboho’s release as his extradition would cause trouble for Yoruba people in Nigeria.

One of the protesters said, “Igboho is not a criminal, why have they declared him wanted? No one can point to a situation where Igboho stole, raped or killed anyone.

“As at yesterday, Sheikh Gumi shared a video of him offering the Muslim prayer. The government knows where he is; yet he has not been arrested. Why have they now declared Igboho wanted? Release him now.”

Another protester said, “Let the government not think that now that Igboho has been arrested, the agitations will stop. No, he is not the only one. We, the agitators are many. Igboho is not alone.

”Gani Adams, let your position be meaningful. Don’t let us be put to shame as you are the Aare Ona Kankafo. You cannot say you are not aware that Igboho is trying to save the Yoruba.

“Ooni, help us save Igboho. All our kings, help us, support us. We are suffering, we cannot sleep; we find it difficult to feed.

”Igboho is rich and he has helped people; why have they declared him wanted? Since we started the protest, there has never been a time we killed anyone. Igboho has never killed anyone since the protest. He has always asked us to free anyone we capture. Benin Republic, do not extradite Igboho to Nigeria.”

A female protester said the arrest of Igboho was simply a call to war, as she warned that the activist be released from detention immediately. She expressed fear that his extradition to Nigeria would lead to Igboho’s death.

The agitators had also last week protested against the raid of Igboho’s residence by operatives of the Department of State Services and demanded release of the 12 aides arrested in Igboho’s house.

Juju Failed You In Yorubaland And South-East Too – Sanwo-olu Aide, Joe Igbokwe Mocks Sunday Igboho And Nnamdi Kanu

 

Joe Igbokwe, special adviser on Drainage and Water Resources For Lagos State has mocked embattled Yoruba War-lord Sunday Igboho and leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu over their arrest

Achieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress, Joe Igbokwe has mocked Oduduwa agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Igboho, over his arrest.

Igbokwe, who is also an APC chieftain said Igboho’s arrest was an indication that “Juju” (charms) does not work.

He shared a photograph of Igboho wearing charms on his Facebook wall, noting that, “Juju” failed in the South-East and has also failed in the South-West.

His post read: “Juju no de work again ooo. It failed in Igbo land and it failed too in Yoruba land.”

Igboho had been at the forefront agitating for the Oduduwa Republic.

His agitation for a Yoruba nation had led him to some states in the Southwest.

A few weeks ago, operatives of the Department of State Services invaded Igboho’s residence in Ibadan, Oyo State but he escaped.

Some of his associates were arrested and others were killed by the secret police during the invasion.

Update: Government Couldn’t Have Arrest Sunday Igboho, He Surrendered Himself – Lawyer Reveals

 

Nuella News earlier reported that Yoruba War-lord, Sunday Igboho was arrested in Cotonou on Monday night while trying to for to Germany, However, one of his counsels Pelumi Olajengbesi, has state that the activist surrendered himself and was not captured by the security operatives.

While confirming his arrest, Pelumi said “Truly he was arrested and I have confirmed that. We are making efforts to ensure that he is fine. You know the Department of State Services declared him wanted. We just believe that Sunday Igboho is not the problem. He is someone who believed that the Yoruba people and Nigerians generally should live in peace wherever they are.

“As a matter of fact, let me tell you now. That Sunday Igboho was arrested simply because he wanted to make himself available to the government. If not, Sunday Igboho is not someone who can be arrested that way. But because he believes that the journey to justice for the Yoruba people and for the Nigerian state to be able to live in peace may be needed for him to be available, that was why.”

A source privy to the incident had said, “Sunday Igboho has been arrested in Cotonou. He was arrested about an hour ago.

“He was supposed to travel to Germany through Cotonou this night. He wanted to leave Africa through Cotonou. He was arrested by security operatives in Cotonou.

“They are planning to bring him back to Nigeria.”

Recall that the Department of State Services had declared Igboho wanted after its operatives carried out a bloody midnight raid on his residence in the Soka area of Ibadan, Oyo State.

The DSS Public Relations Officer, Peter Afunnaya, had advised Igboho to turn himself in to the nearest security.

“Those cheering and eulogising him may appeal to or advise him to do the needful,” Afunnaya said. “He should surrender himself to the appropriate authorities. He or anyone can never be above the law.”

No Crime In Self-Determination – Deji Adeyanju Condemns Igboho’s Arrest

Humanright activist, Deji Adeyanju, has criticised President Muhammadu Buhari for arresting the pro-Oduduwa nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, otherwise known as Sunday Igboho.

Adeyanju chided Buhari for apprehending Igboho but failed to nab terrorists killing innocent Nigerians in the North.

He also affirmed that agitating for self-determination is not a criminal activity while urging Igboho’s followers to give support to their arrested leader.

Igboho was reportedly arrested at an airport in Cotonou on Monday night while attempting to travel to Germany.

Condemning the incident, Adeyanju, who is the convener of Concerned Nigerians, made this disclosure on his Twitter.

“But they can’t arrest terrorists who kill people weekly and even shoot down our fighter jets.

“I urge you to stand with your own who has not committed any crime. Self determination is not a crime. They are still standing with killer herdsmen who have killed over 20,000 Nigerians under Buhari and even asking that everyone should give them land and we budget billions for them,” Adeyanju said. 

Sunday Igboho Finally Arrested In Coutonou

Yoruba War-lord, Sunday Igboho, has been arrested in Cotonou, Benin Republic

He was arrested at the Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport on Monday night, a top source familiar with the matter disclosed

Igboho was arrested by the security forces in Benin Republic about three weeks after the Department of State Services declared him wanted for allegedly stockpiling arms, an allegation he has since denied.

Police Arrest A Woman For Dumping Her Newborn Baby In 80-Foot Pit Latrine (Photos)

Police in Kerugoya, Kirinyaga county, Kenya have arrested a 23-year-old woman after her five-day-old baby was found dumped in an 80-foot pit latrine.

Even If He Was Drugged, I Don’t Think Chidinma Alone Killed Him, His Hands Were Badly Tied That The Rope Entered His Skin – Super TV Boss Cousin Says

More shocking and controversial revelation has continued to trail the death of Mr Michael Ataga, late Super TV Boss who was killed by a Unilag undergraduate Chidinma Ojukwu

President Buhari Mourn Late Song Writer, Sound Sultan

 

The singer had on Sunday died after a hard-fought battle with Angioimmunoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma. He was 44-year-old.

Buhari Is The Most Honest And Transparent President Who Sleeps With The Interest Of Nigeria At Heart – Jigawa State Governor, Badara Tells

 Jigawa state governor, Muhammadu Badaru, has described Buhari as the most transparent, honest president in Nigeria who sleeps with the interest of Nigerians at heart.

The governor disclosed this to Nigerians while speaking at a grand reception held in Yola, Adamawa state on Saturday, July 10 to celebrate the recent decamping of Senator Grace Bent from PDP to APC.

The governor said the Buhari-led administration had made giant strides towards improving road, rail, aviation and power infrastructure, as well as various interventions designed to address social, economic and security challenges in the country.

“Buhari is honest, transparent and sleep with Nigerians at heart.

Nigerians begin to see the effort of Buhari in all sectors and people are now joining the APC in thousands,” he said.

Fear As Suspected Cases Of Cholera Overshadows Abuja

Spokesman For the FCT Ministers, Mohammad Bello, said this in a statement obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria

First Time Baptist School Pupils Are Abducted In 166 Years – Nigerian Baptist Slams Buhari Government

 The Nigerian Baptist Convention has slammed President Muhammadu Buhari’s government, saying this is the first time in 166 years of establishment that a Baptist school would be attacked by bandits and students abducted.

Sheila O Premieres Season 3 of “Howfar with Sheila O”

The enigmatic on air personality Sheila Okonji-Ashinze popularly known as Sheila O has taken her television program ‘Howfar with Sheila O’ on the reflective surface of entertainment by featuring influential personalities of various career fields alongside afrobeat artistes, across Africa.

Looking back at 2020 when “Howfar with Sheila O” was initialized to its new season that started 2nd of July 2021, it is an understatement to say that its growth has been tremendous—from the restricted zoom interviews to having real-life conversations with her guests at several beautiful locations. 

According to the content producer of the show Mrs. Adeseun Oyeneye, the new season promises to be exciting and rewarding for fans of Sheila O. Trivia have been added to appreciate viewers for their engagements.

Sheila O’s echelon as an international star broadcaster has given her a vantage to contact and interview several international acts, ranging from Sean Paul, Mega thee Stallion to the South African Busiswa and our very own Wizkid. She spoke to Vanguard about her life as a media girl and what it takes to host these top celebrities on her show. Sheila has been a booking agent all her life from Star Mega Jamz to most of the shows that include inviting foreign artistes to Nigeria.

The veracity of the whole thing has always been her business profile and relationship with most of these guests as their booking agent, “it has been a smooth development and it gets really easy to contact and connect with them towards being live on “Howfar with Sheila O,” she said, “No stress, no wahala; we all in the same industry, and I am glad that these artistes as well understand that it is for their best interest and afrobeats. With shows like ‘Howfar with Sheila O’ our creativity goes out there for the world at large to appreciate.”

The motivation behind ‘Howfar with Sheila O’ she said sprouted because of the good number of friends she has in the media industry, “so it was a no-brainer for me, the hardest part of what I do is getting the guests on-board,” she said. Since they were already her friends and people she toured with to perform in concerts she organized, it was more like having a conversation on TV than an official interview vibe, “The thing I do is to make sure I use my platform to interview all the major stars kicking it in their own field; be it acting, music, business, technology. As long as you are trending Sheila O is catching up with you.”

During the premiere event, Sheila O and her team were able to show us the millions of impressions gotten across digital platforms for the previous seasons of “Howfar with Sheila O”. And how they were able to stay trending for hours via the organic engagements gotten from her viewers.

The season 3 of “Howfar with Sheila O” is bloated with interesting episodes, one she mentioned was the session with Femi Kuti and their discussion on Fela Kuti and Tina Tunner’s contending positions for number one on the “2021 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame”.

Sheila O wants her fans and viewers to feed on the beauty of Africa in this new season, “I don’t want to celebrate only West African celebrities,” she said, “I want us to celebrate icons and celebrities from other cardinals of the African continent. I had to make sure my team and I went out to find these individuals and interview them; for each episode that gets on TV, there will always be something new to learn.

Catch up with this season on HipTV, the urban music, and lifestyle cable channel. The show will be aired every Friday at 10:30pm-11:00pm (GMT+1) and Monday 10:30pm-11:00pm (GMT+1).

Sheila O is the host of the only Afrobeat show in the US called “Afrozons with Sheila O”. She is the Founder and CEO of Zons Holdings, a booking agency for A-List artists and celebrity speakers such as Chris Brown, Jay Z, Beyoncé, Kanye West, J Cole, Nas, Mariah Carey, Ciara, New Edition, Busta Rhymes and Nelly just to mention a few.

Delta Confirmed First Case Of Deadly Variant Of COVID19

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has detected a confirmed case with the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant, also known as lineage B.1.617.2.

Popular Blogger, Mimi Atedze of Fabmimiblog Elected Vice President, Guild of Professional Bloggers of Nigeria, (GPBN)

Popular Blogger and CEO Of Fabmimiblog, Mrs Juliet Mimi Atedze has emerged the new president of Guild of Professional Blogger of Nigeria, (GPBN)

Mimi as she's foundly called is not just a logger, but also a versatile media guru, social media influencer and a human right worker.

The Fabmimi Blog has grown from being a news blog to a brand, and has numerous media consultancy deals with local and international organisations. Through these avenues, she plays a crucial role as an unheard voice in the land who does little things to make positive impact on lives.

Mimi started her career in Journalism after obtaining an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) in Mass Communication from Benue State University, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria.  After her graduation she worked with Pavilion Newspaper, and was posted to Government House, Makurdi, as a correspondent. When democracy returned to Nigeria in 1999, she was appointed the Personal Assistant on Media and Protocol to the first female Speaker in Benue State. After this assignment, Mimi continued with the Benue State Civil Service as an Information Officer. Her bold and brave stand against corruption through her Blog and Social Media activities caused her to lose her job with the civil service.

This media entrepreneur presently works with National Human Rights Commission as Public Affairs and Media Officer, AS we all as a TV Host and Events Presenter with Murhi International  Television (MiTV), Lagos, Nigeria.

She is a member of Nigerian Union of Journalist (NUJ), the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and the Association of Nigerian Bloggers. She has received several awards in blogging. Some of her awards include being named among the 60 Women on Fire, Benue Blogger of the Year, Profile Award, and Nigerian Blogger of the Year Award, amongst others.

She also featured in 2 different movies by Pistos Production, and is an Alumnus of Lagos State University. She is a humble, friendly and opened minded person who coaches, mentors and empowers lots of youths around her. She is also a courageous and effective activist who fights for the rights of others.

Mrs Atedze is happily married with children.

Governor El- Rufai Finally Reveals Why He Withdrew His Son From Public School

Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-rufai, has explained that he withdrew his son from public school to protect other children from possible attacks by kidnappers.

Lagos State Police Discharge Teargas, Arrest Few Protesters – Yoruba Nation Rally

 

Security agents deployed to Ojota, venue of the Yoruba Nation rally in Lagos state have dispersed the protesters with teargas and arrested a few of them.

The protesters gathered at the venue despite the directive of the state police command against their planned protest.

Security operatives including men of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and their vans were deployed to the venue of the protest in the early hours of today to prevent them from protesting. However, they defied the directive and converged. 

Those arrested were held in a waiting Black Maria. The police also cordoned off the strategic points where the protesters had gathered.

The state Commissioner of police, Hakeem Odumosu, who addressed journalists during the week, said the state cannot afford to experience the violence that occurred when the October 2020 #EndSARS protest was hijacked by some hoodlums.

Meanwhile, normalcy has been restored to the venue of the protest.

See photo.

Bandits Demand N25m Ransom After Kidnapping Women, Children Along Birnin Gwari Road

Bandits have kidnapped about seven women and four children along the dreaded Birnin Gwari Road in Kaduna State.

The bandits have demanded a ransom of N25 million ransom from the relations of the abductees.

A community leader, Alhaji Umaru Udawa, told journalists that the victims were travelling to a ceremony before they were abducted between Manini and Udawa village in Chikun Local Government Area of the state.

According to him, the bandits have called the victims' families, demanding N15 million ransom for the women and N10 million ransom for the children.

He said, "The relatives have told the village head and we are appealing to the bandits to release them unhurt while negotiations are ongoing. We hope they will graciously reduce the ransom to a reasonable amount.