‘One Chance’: FCTA Moves To Ban Unpainted Taxis, Buses

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration will soon bar unpainted taxis and buses from plying FCT roads.

The Minister of the FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike, made this known while addressing newsmen in Abuja on Monday.

Wike explained that the move was to address the incidence of ‘one chance’ in the city.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ‘once chance’ involves criminals posing as taxi drivers who rob, assault, and sometimes murder their unsuspecting passengers.

The minister, who said that the menace of ‘one chance’ had been brought down, added stricter measures were necessary to end the trend in the FCT.

“We are not going to allow vehicles that are not painted with FCT colour and registered by the FCTA to ply commercial in the territory.

“That way, you know the driver is certified by the FCT and the buses and the taxes were also approved by the FCT.

“When this is done, you as the passenger will not take the risk of going to enter any vehicle that you don’t even know,” he said.

Wike added that Uber operators would also need to register to operate in Abuja, so that the government would know who the divers were.

He also said that the drivers need to be certified and profiled by the security agencies,” this is a city, if you don’t have rules, there will be problems.”

The minister expressed concern that the capital territory does not have an official terminal where residents can go and board a bus to a specific destination.

“That way, you know the drivers and the vehicle that you are entering.

“But currently, everybody is just on the road. You are going to Nyanya, a car is on the road, you enter; you are going to Wuye, a car is on the road you enter.

“What we are trying to do in the 2024 fiscal year is to at least build three terminals for a start, so that we will know the buses and taxes that will carry people from such terminals.

“When this is done nobody will take the risk of going on the road to wait for a taxi. That way, you will be able to reduce crime,” he said. 

‘I No Dey Marry Again’ — Says Harrysong’s Wife Amid Marital Crisis

 

Wife of Nigerian singer Harrysong, Alexer Perez Gopa, has hinted that she “is done with her marriage”.

Alexer took to Instagram to ask God for help, claiming that she was “officially done”.

“I’m done officially. God help me,” she said in a now-deleted post.

Alexer’s statement came a few days after her husband revealed that they were going through a marital problem and asked the public to respect his family’s privacy.

The growing feud between the couple became public after a purported WhatsApp conversation between Harrysong and his wife was leaked.

The musician requested that his wife abort their pregnancy in the chat.

While in another conversation, Alexer accused the singer of having multiple side chicks, which he admitted and claimed that they were better than her.

The alleged conversation between the two drew a number of reactions on social media, as well as a statement from Harrysong.

“After much reflection and discussion with my family, I have decided to put out this to my fans and well wishers,” he wrote.

“While this is obviously a difficult time for my family due to stories circulating on social media about the marital issues my wife and I are experiencing, I am appealing to members of the public to respect my family’s privacy during this time and to politely seek your utmost understanding. Thank you for your love and support.”

Harrysong married his wife in March 2021 at Warri. Their union is blessed with two children.

Management Of Late Singer, MohBad Slams N200million Defamation Suit On Musician’s Father

The management of the late Nigerian misician, Ilerioluwa Promise Aloba popularly known as Mohbad, has slammed his father, Mr Joseph Aloba,with a N200million defamation suit.

Mohbad’s father had in a recent interview revealed that his 26-year-old son left behind a thumbprint-only will that was not signed.

But Mohbad’s management in a statement rebuffed the allegation, describing the alleged will as unprecedented and unreal.

The matter has escalated as Mohbad’s father faces legal action from the management team.

In the letter, the management demanded that Mohbad’s father retract what they called “slanderous"remarks and provide a public apology.

Furthermore, the management is requesting N200 million in damages.

“You are to publish same unqualified apology…within 14 days of this letter with payment of N200,000,000 (Two hundred Million Naira) through this honourable chambers (Bankole Falade & Co) within the set period,” the notice read in part.

Stop Paying Ransom To Kidnappers It Will Only Worsen The Spate Of Abductions — Minister Of Defence Tells Nigerians

The Federal Government has warned against public crowdfunding to pay ransoms for kidnapped victims, saying it will only worsen the spate of abductions.

Minister of Defence, Muhammad Abubakar Badaru, disclosed this to State House correspondents on Wednesday after the Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa.

The warning comes amidst reports that Nigerians have raised over N50 million through crowdfunding to pay the ransom for the release of the remaining five daughters of Mansoor Al-Kadriya. It would be recalled that six siblings were abducted from their father’s house in Bwari Council, Abuja, on December 26, 2023, alongside their father.

Although their father was later released to go and raise the ransom, the kidnappers killed one of his daughters, Nabeeha, last Friday for failing to raise the said ransom, leaving five alive. However, Badaru said, while the government is deeply concerned about the kidnappings, paying ransoms through public donations will exacerbate the problem.

“We all know there’s an existing law against the payment of ransom. So, it is very sad for people to go over the internet, radio asking for donations to pay ransom. This will only worsen the situation; it will not help,” Badaru said.

Badaru urged Nigerians to refrain from responding to ransom demands publicly, noting that the government’s position is to starve kidnappers of the profits that drive abductions. “If we stop, over time the kidnapping will not be profitable, and they will stop. It is not easy, though, but that is the law,” he said.

According to the minister, the recent kidnappings in the suburbs of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are being perpetrated by bandits fleeing military operations in the North West and North Central zones.

Update: Ibadan Explosion: Seyi Makinde Visits Scene

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state has visited the scene of the Tuesday evening ghastly explosion in Bodija, Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital.

According to the governor, the explosion was caused by dynamite, an explosive material used by illegal miners, store in one of the houses in the resident area.

Makinde gave details of the incident on his verified X account in the early hour of Wednesday.

He said, “We visited the scene of the explosion which occurred at about 7.44 pm yesterday, 16 January 2024 in Bodija, Ibadan. This unfortunate incident resulted in death and injury to residents in the vicinity and also affected properties. We have already deployed first responders and all relevant agencies within Oyo State to carry out comprehensive search and rescue operations. These operations will continue throughout the night.

“Earth moving equipment, ambulances, emergency lights, and security were deployed to the scene of the incident. The wounded and injured are being treated and moved to public and private hospitals within Ibadan. Medical personnel are on standby at these hospitals to provide all needed assistance to the injured. We have visited UCH to see some of those injured during the incident.

“In total, we have 77 injured victims so far, most of whom were treated and discharged and 2 fatalities. May their souls rest in peace and may God give their loved ones the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

“I have directed that the medical bills of all victims be covered by the government. We will also be providing temporary accommodation for those whose houses were affected and ensuring that they are supported to rebuild their lives.

“Preliminary investigations by the security agencies revealed that illegal miners occupying one of the houses in Bodija had stored explosive devices there which caused the blast. The investigations are ongoing. All those found culpable for this will be brought to book.

“I urge all residents to please call 615 for any emergencies they may be experiencing at this time and to remain calm and stay away from the immediate scene of the incident to allow rescue operations to be carried out without interference.

“We are grateful to the first responders, security personnel and all those who are at the scene to assist with the rescue operations as well as the medical personnel taking care of the injured.

“Please say a prayer for those who have been affected by this disaster as we continue with the rescue operations”, he added.

Hoodlums Attack Nigerian University, UNILAG Bus, Steal Graduation Gowns For Ongoing Convocation

A bus conveying the University of Lagos (UNILAG) post-graduate academic gowns have been vandalised.

The gowns were said to be paid for and scheduled for distribution to the graduating students.

The institution holds its 54^th convocation ceremony this week with a total of 340 graduands to be awarded first-class degree certificates.

Confirming the development, an X user shared a screenshot of a message he received from management of the institution after paying N15,000 for the gown.

In the terse message, the user was told that the distribution of the convocation gowns had been suspended as the gowns had been stolen and their bus vandalized.

“Dear graduate, we regret to inform you that the distribution of SPGS academic gowns is now suspended. Sadly, the remaining gowns were stolen, and our bus vandalised this afternoon,” the message read.

The X user captioned the screenshot:

I paid 15k for convocation gown yesterday and this is what UNILAG just sent me. This country is not a real place.”

The school authorities are yet to react to the issue which is generating a storm online.

Fish Out killers Of 17 Youths In Kaduna, Fulani Leaders Tell Chief Of Defence Staff

The leaders of the Fulani community in the Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State and the Northern Consensus Movement have called on the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, to probe the alleged arrest and killing of 17 youths at Ladduga in Kachia by soldiers.

The said the victims were reportedly arrested by soldiers between December 30th, 2023, and January 6, 2024, at the Ladduga grazing reserve after which their bodies were discovered inside the bush in Kachia LGA some days after.

While addressing a news conference in Kaduna on Tuesday to register their displeasure over the killing, the National President of Gan Allah Fulani Development Association, Ibrahim Abdullahi, accused the Nigerian Army for acting unprofessionally in the arrest and killing of youths without following all the laid down legal procedures.

He claimed that the decomposing bodies of the victims were deliberately dumped at a nearby community to create friction between the Fulani community and their neighbours, adding that more youths of the community are still missing after the military invasion.

On his part, the President of the Northern Consensus Movement, Auwal Aliyu called for the immediate probe and arrest of the soldiers who carried out the extra-judicial killings.

He stated that the move would douse the already-built tension in the Ladduga community. 

Fitch Blacklists Union Bank Over CBN Intervention

Fitch Ratings has placed Union Bank of Nigeria Plc’s (UBN) Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs), Viability Rating (VR) and National Ratings on Rating Watch Negative (RWN).

The RWN follows the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) announcement on 10 January that it had dissolved the board and management of three Nigerian banks, including CBN, as a result of regulatory non-compliance, corporate governance failure, disregarding the conditions under which banking licenses were granted and involvement in activities that pose a threat to financial stability, among other infractions.

The CBN has since appointed new executives, including chief executive officers, to oversee the affairs of the banks.

The RWN reflects the uncertainty surrounding the background to the CBN’s intervention, the potential for further regulatory actions and the negative implications for UBN’s standalone credit profile, particularly relating to corporate governance risks and liquidity pressures arising from potential funding instability.

Fitch expects to resolve the RWN within six months once there is more certainty regarding the CBN’s intervention and the implications for UBN’s standalone credit profile.

A downgrade (and potential resolution of the RWN) could result from further regulatory intervention, e.g. imposition of restrictive measures on UBN’s activities, fines or other regulatory findings (such as weaker asset quality than initially reported by UBN), that would lead to large losses and erosion of the bank’s capital.

The downgrade could also result from UBN’s funding instability, i.e. due to a deposit run or where additional liquidity sources become unavailable to the bank.

The ratings could be affirmed and removed from RWN if UBN continues to operate as normal under the new management in the medium term and there are no additional regulatory interventions or financial profile implications from the management replacement.

Super Eagles Seek 4th Title As 34th AFCON Begins

The attention of the sporting world will shift to Africa as the continent’s flagship football competition, the 34^th edition of Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will kick-off today in Cote d’Ivoire.

Beginning from today till February 11, 2024, 24 teams including Nigeria’s Super Eagles will battle to outdo one another for Africa’s most coveted continental football trophy.

The Super Eagles are In Group A alongside the hosts Cote d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau and will play their first match tomorrow against Equatorial Guinea. They will also face Cote d’Ivoire four days later, before their final Group A fixture against Guinea-Bissau on January 22.

Prior to the much awaited kickoff, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) had increased the AFCON Prize money by almost 40 percent, meaning that the eventual winner would take home $7 million. The runners-up will also receive $4 million. The quarter-finalist will win $1.3 million, while the two semi-finalists will each receive $2.5 million.

The increase in prize money is expected to increase rivalry and competition among the participating teams with the Super Eagles expected to share in the largesse.

Dr Patrice Motsepe, President of CAF had earlier revealed that in the last two years, CAF had increased the prize money for its key competitions, including the AFCON while hoping that the prize money will help football in Africa grow.

With the ambition of the CAF president to see African football grow, Nigerians are expecting the Super Eagles to step up and make up for their past failures following their disappointing showing in the 33^rd AFCON in Cameroon and their absence at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

This edition is the 20^th time Nigeria will be participating in the biennial football competition and the Eagles are the most decorated in terms of overall medals won.

The Eagles of Nigeria have won it three times in 1980, 1994 and 2013 while coming second four times in 1984, 1988, 1999 and 2000 and had third eight times in 1976, 1978, 1992, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010 and 2019.

1992, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010 and 2019.

Records have it that in all the 20 appearances, Nigeria have scored a total of 137 goals with the late striker, Rashidi Yekini leading Nigeria’s goal chart with 13 goals at the AFCON.

Super Falcons AFCON group has the peculiarity of having a total of five AFCON titles, combining the three won by Nigeria and the two by Ivory Coast.

Guinea-Bissau has never advanced past the group stage in any of the editions it has participated in and has only managed to draw matches, with no victories in AFCON history while Equatorial Guinea have participated in three AFCON editions.

Nigeria’s most formidable opponent, Ivory Coast have participated in 25 editions and have been crowned champions twice (1992 and 2015).

With Nigeria chasing an almost elusive fourth title, Africa’s best player, Victor Osimhen said he is ready to break the ‘jinx’ in Ivory Coast.

“The most important thing for us now is to go to Ivory Coast and win the tournament,” Osimhen stated during the national team camp in the UAE.

“I believe in this group, we have a bunch of talented players to execute the job, fingers crossed and we are going to do so well,” he added.

The 25-year-old forward made his Africa Cup of Nations debut in the 2019 edition held in Egypt, featuring in a third-place playoff match against Tunisia.

However, he missed the last edition in Cameroon due to injury. In Osimhen’s absence, Nigeria returned empty-handed from Cameroon, suffering a shocking 1-0 loss to Tunisia in the round of 16 after impressing fans with remarkable performances in the group stage.

Having recently been crowned African Footballer of the Year, the prolific Napoli striker showcased his goal-scoring prowess during the qualifiers, netting ten goals to become the top scorer in consecutive qualifiers.

Similarly, Head Coach, Jose Peseiro is upbeat his team can emerge the best team on the continent again.

“My experience with the Nigerian national team is very good. Being part of African and Nigerian football is an interesting thing, and I cannot deny that.

“I told everyone that I wanted to win the Africa Cup of Nations from the first moment I signed the contract with the Nigerian national team, and we study our opponents well in order to win, and this is what we seek to achieve,” he said.

In a bid to bring home the trophy, President Bola Tinubu boosted the morale of the team and their handlers by approving $1.3million to offset the outstanding salary of Peseiro and all pending bonuses and allowances for the team’s 26 matches.

Similarly, the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, while speaking at the dinner he hosted for the team at the Lagos House, Marina, after they returned from their training camp in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), urged the Super Eagles to give their best to win the AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire.

He tasked the Super Eagles who were in high spirits to aim for glory in Cote d’Ivoire and give their best to bring the trophy home.

“You (Super Eagles players) are the country unifiers; there is an excitement in the heart of over 220 million Nigerians. We believe we have men that can do it for us. Believe in yourself, and don’t give up in Côte d’Ivoire.

“We can’t say we want to do it again by mouth; you must give your best, work as a team. It is not an individual sport; it is a team sport. Personally, I have committed myself that I will be in Abidjan for the games on Sunday and support the team.

“I want to assure you that our best wish is to do it for our country. We pray that God will give you the strength to do it. Winning the AFCON will be the best New Year present that you can give to us. It will be the best palliative that you can give to us. It will be the best of everything. We have to do it again. It has been 10 years; it is such a long time ago but we want it back into our country again,” he said.

With all the necessary support given, the Super Eagles of Nigeria, despite injuries suffered by key players like Wilfred Ndidi, Victor Boniface and Taiwo Awoniyi, are condemned to return home with the trophy next month.

Why I Don’t Want Youths To Lead Nigeria – Daddy Freeze

Controversial Media Personality, Ifedayo Olarinde, popularly known as Daddy Freeze, has opined that 'old thieving 'politicians should remain in power instead of handling  over leadership to youths

The OAP stated this while reacting to the suspension of the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet over alleged fraud.

Speaking in an Instagram live session with fans,  Freeze said inexperience was why Betta Edu was caught in corruption allegations barely five months in office.

Daddy Freeze noted that old politicians understand the systems, unlike the youths, whom he claimed would “steal the system senselessly”.

He said, “I don’t want youths to lead Nigeria. I would rather have an old thief that understands the system than a young thief that would just steal the system senselessly. You never do minister work how many months dem Don catch you already.

“At least, other person wey dem dey catch, e dey reach like three years later. Someone who isn’t 40 yet, I’m 10 years older than her [Betta Edu]. She is a proper youth.

“Those you saying you don’t want old people, for me, all this old people whether it’s Tinubu, Atiku or Obi, I prefer them to youths. Nigerian youths? Some of them were born deficient of a conscience.”

EFCC Grills CEOs of Providus Bank And Jaiz Bank Over Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, summoned the chief executives of Providus and Jaiz banks on Tuesday for questioning over alleged fraud allegations rocking the Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation Ministry under suspended Minister Betta Edu and ex-minister Sadiya Umar-Farouq.

The bank executives invited are, Walter Akpani (Providus Bank) and Haruna Musa (Jaiz Bank).

“Yes, chief executive officers of Zenith, Providus and Jaiz Banks have been invited to the headquarters of the Commission on Tuesday for questioning in connection with the probe of Betta Edu and Sadiya Umar-Farouq,” a reliable source at EFCC 

The development comes barely 24 hours after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu suspended Edu amid uproar regarding a memo suggesting she approved the disbursement of N585,198,500 meant for vulnerable groups to a personal account.

Consequently, President Tinubu ordered a comprehensive probe of the ministry’s activities.

Earlier, Sadiya Umar-Farouq was quizzed by the anti-graft agency over alleged N37 billion fraud during her time as the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs.

Visa Scam: Travel Agent Defrauds 166 People Of N700m

 An Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court Ibadan, on Thursday granted an Ibadan based travel agent, Christon Wilson, 65, bail for N10 million, over alleged visa for alleged N700 million visa scam.

The case is in connection with procurement of Australian Visa.

Counsel to the defendant, Mr O. Abdulsalam, asked for his client’s bail on the most liberal term but the Chief Magistrate, Mrs O. O. Ogunkanmi, granted the bail in the amount, with two sureties.

Ogunkanmi said the sureties must be people with landed property with Certificates of Occupancy within the court jurisdictions.

She, thereafter, adjourned the matter till April 23, for mention.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Wilson, of Kristi Manpower, at Damin Plaza, 42, M.K.O. Abiola Way, Ring Road, Ibadan, was charged with 332-count charges bordering on obtaining under false pretence and stealing.

The Prosecution Counsel, Insp Sikiru Opaleye, told the court that the defendant, between October 2022 and November 2023, allegedly obtained N6.7 million from one Adekemi Oni.

Opaleye said “the defendant allegedly collected the money from her under the pretence of procuring Australian Visa for her and her family which he knew to be false and allegedly stole from her.

“Dr Wilson allegedly collected N10.8 million from Olayemi Olamona under the pretence of procuring Australian Visa for him too.

“Defendant allegedly collected different amount of money from 166 persons to the tune of N700 million under the pretence of procuring Australian Visa for them,” he said.

Opaleye said the offence contravened the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State 2000.

Governor Aiyedatiwa Suspends Local Govt Caretaker Committee Chairmen In Ondo

The Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has suspended the local government caretaker committees and their chairmen in the state.

The directive was contained in a letter dated January 2, 2024, from the State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

The letter, which was signed by Alonge Adewale  on behalf of the Permanent Secretary, directed the Heads of Local Government Administrations (HOLGAs) in all the LGAs/LCDAs to immediately assume responsibility in acting capacity pending the resolution of legal matters relating to the issue.

The letter expressed displeasure that despite the suspension of all recently appointed caretaker committee members by a court of competent jurisdiction, some individuals in these former positions are still parading themselves in the posts.

The directive therefore instructed the HOLGAs to retrieve all assets and properties of the LGAs/LCDAs with the former caretaker chairmen, vice chairmen and other members for safekeeping.

A controversy has emerged within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) regarding the suspension of its Ondo State Chairman, Fatai Adams.

According to report the State Working Committee announced Adams’ suspension for alleged anti-party activities.

How I Survived A Fatal Accident Few Hours To 2024 – Nigerian Actress Mary Njoku Explains

Popular Nollywood actress and filmmaker Mary Remmy Njoku has narrowly escaped a potentially fatal accident just hours before the dawn of 2024. The news, which has sent ripples of relief among her fans and followers, came to light through a heartfelt post on her Instagram page.

Mary, who is also known as the wife of Iroko TV mogul Jason Njoku, shared her harrowing experience and the profound impact it had on her outlook towards life. 

“Few hours to 2024. I almost didn’t make it. What could have been a major accident averted? Still don’t know how I escaped it. But I did. It wasn’t my time,” she expressed in a reflective tone.

In her candid revelation, Mary, a mother of three, confessed her astonishment at surviving the ordeal and attributed her escape to divine timing. Her brush with mortality has prompted a significant shift in her approach to life. Embracing a new perspective, she resolved to cherish each day as if it were her last, acknowledging the fleeting nature of existence.

Mary’s message of gratitude and her newfound commitment to living life to the fullest have resonated with her audience, offering a poignant reminder of life’s unpredictability and the importance of embracing joy. Her experience, coming at the brink of a new year, stands as a testament to resilience and the power of positive thinking in the face of adversity.

France Closes Niger Embassy Until Further Notice

The French Embassy in Niger Republic was closed on Tuesday untill further notice, French Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

For five months, our embassy has been severely hampered, making it impossible to carry out its missions,” a spokeswoman for the French foreign ministry said in a statement obtained by Reuters.

The embassy will continue its activities from Paris, the statement said.

Relations between the two countries had broken down following last year’s military coup in the African country.

The country’s democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, was ousted in the coup and detained.

France had insisted that Bazoum should be reinstated.

The French embassy in Niger was attacked by demonstrators on July 30, 2023.

The military rulers in the country also asked French forces to leave the country and declared France’s ambassador to Niger persona non grata in the West African country.