A Wuse Zone 6 Magistrates’ Court Abuja has affirmed Julius Bobi as the National President of motorcycle operators union of Nigeria.

The Chief Magistrate, Emmanuel Iyanna, in a ruling, issued an order compelling the motorcycle operators to recognise Mr Bobi as the authentic national president of the association.

In the Certified True Copy of the ruling, the magistrate said:”it is only expedient in the interest of justice to so grant this application and this I do hold , the application is hero granted as prayed in the interim.’’

He held that Mr Bobi remained the national president of the union and to the exclusion of any other person, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice already filed in the court with suit no CV/85/2024.

The union and nine others had sought the order of the court due to a leadership crisis ongoing in the union.

Counsel to the union, Femi Ekundayo, had sought for an order of the court stopping the defendant, Sotayo Olusola, from parading himself as the union president, as servant or private agent to Mr Bobi.

He prayed the court to stop the defendant from printing illegal tickets and to remit all revenue already generated from sales of tickets paid into his personal account to be moved into the union corporate account.

He sought an order of the court that revenues should be remitted to the union’s Eco Bank account prohibiting the use of personal account for remittance of any revenue generated by the union.

The court however, considered the prayers of the counsel to the union and ordered the parties maintain status quo pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice already filed in the suit.

The police have said three people were killed and two others injured in an explosion accident on a motorway near Pakistan’s Islamabad.

The accident happened on Wednesday night near a toll plaza on the M1 motorway where an explosion occurred in a passenger van, motorway police said in a statement.

The statement indicated, “Preliminary reports suggest the accident occurred due to a cylinder burst.’’

It also noted that the deceased and injured people had been shifted to a nearby hospital.

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, on Thursday, expressed his condolences to the victims of Wednesday’s tanker fire incident in Ibafo, which resulted in significant loss and devastation.

The tragic event led to the destruction of properties, including vehicles and buildings

Abiodun described the inferno as unfortunate, even as he commiserated with the affected.

He said, “My heart goes out to those impacted by the inferno. We stand with you in this difficult time. Unfortunately, property worth millions of naira was destroyed, but we take solace in the fact that no lives were lost.”

The governor urged tanker drivers to adhere to safety regulations related to fuel transport and storage to prevent similar tragedies from occurring.

The fire began when the tanker, loaded with petrol, overturned in front of a commercial bank along the Ibafo section of the expressway.

Eyewitnesses disclosed that the driver of the tanker was suspected to have fallen asleep at the wheel, causing him to lose control, which led to the tanker’s fall and eventual explosion

The impact of the fire was reported to be evident, with some buildings suffering shattered windows, damaged roofs, and cracked walls while vehicles worth millions of naira were equally burnt.

Giving updates on the incident on Thursday, the Spokesperson of the Ogun State Sector of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Florence Okpe said “We carried out this rescue operation, and three people were involved and rescued to the hospital immediately. No life was lost. The affected vehicles were the ones packed along the road”.

Nigeria is set to receive its first consignment of the highly anticipated malaria vaccines on Thursday, marking a significant step in the country’s fight against one of its deadliest diseases.

The National Primary Health Care Development Agency announced that the vaccines would be received in Abuja by health minister Muhammad Ali Pate.

The arrival of the vaccines is an initiative by the World Health Organisation to distribute the vaccines to high-burden countries across Africa, including Nigeria.

The NPHCDA said the country would officially unveil the malaria vaccines on Thursday to help protect children from life-threatening diseases.

The introduction of the malaria vaccine is expected to significantly reduce malaria cases and deaths, especially in vulnerable populations.

The government has developed a strategic distribution plan to prioritise regions most affected by malaria, particularly in rural areas with limited access to healthcare.

The rollout will begin in these high-burden regions before expanding nationwide.

The expected vaccines, known as RTS,S/AS01 (Mosquirix), have been proven to reduce malaria cases and mortality among young children in large clinical trials across Africa.

Nigeria will be the third African country to introduce the vaccine, following Ghana and Kenya, which began using the vaccine in 2023.

Meanwhile, malaria remains a serious public health issue in Nigeria, affecting 97 per cent of the population.

Nigeria accounts for 27 per cent of global malaria cases and 31 per cent of global malaria deaths, making it the country with the highest malaria burden in the world.

The prevalence of malaria among children under five years dropped from 42 per cent in 2010 to 23 per cent in 2018.

Significant disparities exist between rural (31 per cent) and urban (13 per cent) populations, as well as socioeconomic groups.

The National Malaria Elimination Programme launched the High Burden High Impact (HBHI) approach in response to the ongoing malaria crisis. The goal is to reduce malaria prevalence to below 10 per cent and malaria-related deaths to fewer than 50 per 1,000 people by 2025.

Efforts have included switching to injectable artesunate for severe malaria treatment and increasing coverage of preventive malaria treatments for pregnant women.

The percentage of pregnant women receiving at least three doses of intermittent preventive treatment with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine increased from 16.6 per cent in 2018 to 31 per cent in 2021.

Death toll has risen to 153 with 100 people hospitalized in a tanker explosion in Majia local Government area of Jigawa State.

It was earlier reported that the death toll rose to 105, while 70 others sustained various degrees of injuries.

In a fresh statement, the police spokesman, DSP. Lawan Shiisu Adam confirmed the increase in the number of victims.

He said those that have lost their lives have been buried in a mass grave, while those injured were currently receiving medication at Aminu Kano, Jahun, Nguru, Hadejia, and Gumel hospitals.

Meanwhile, Governor Mallam Umar Namadi has expressed his deep sorrow over the tragic incident.

Governor Namadi, who swiftly visited the place of the accident and joined in performing the funeral prayer and mass burial of the deceased.

According to him, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims during this painful time.

“We stand in solidarity with those who have lost loved ones and those injured in this tragic incident.”

Governor Namadi also said the state government will cater to the treatment of all those injured in the inferno who are now receiving treatment in various hospitals across the state and beyond.

He said the State Government will ensure that “the affected families receive the needed assistance as we continue to work on preventing such tragedies in the future.”

According to the latest figures by the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), 107 people have so far died in the accident, while 57 have been hospitalised with various degrees of burn.

Governor Namadi urged the public to always prioritize safety during such emergencies and avoid gathering at accident sites to prevent further tragedies.

Worried by the casualties of the tanker explosion in Jigawa State, President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday dispatched the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, to lead a Federal Government delegation to the state.

Nigerians have been grieving since news filtered in on Tuesday night, following an inferno in Majia town, Jigawa State, which has claimed over 90 lives.

Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said in a statement that the government delegation will comprise the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar; Minister of Transportation, Senator Saidu Alkali; Corps Marshall of the Federal Roads Safety Commission, Mr Shehu Mohammed; and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North West), Abdullahi Tanko Yakasai.

He confirmed that while in Jigawa, the delegation will visit the scene of the incident to assess the situation and visit injured persons in the hospital.

“The President further directs that emergency aid, including medical supplies, food, and shelter, be extended to the 50 victims receiving treatment and others affected by the fire.

“The President, with a heavy heart, joins the Vice President in extending his deepest condolences to the families of the victims of this devastating incident.

“He expresses his heartfelt prayers and support to the government and people of Jigawa during this time of tragic loss and grief,” the statement added.

According to Onanuga, President Tinubu prayed for divine comfort for the bereaved families and the peaceful repose for the souls of the departed.

He reassured the nation that the Federal Government, in collaboration with states, is committed to the swift and comprehensive review of fuel transportation safety protocols across the country.

He restated his directive to the Federal Roads Safety Corps to strengthen nighttime travel measures, such as increased patrols, stricter enforcement of safety regulations, and other highway safety mechanisms.

He said those found responsible for breaches of safety standards will be held accountable, reaffirming the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring such incidents do not recur.

The Nigerian government has denied a report claiming that it apologized to Libya, over their maltreatment of the Super Eagles, when they arrived in the North African country for a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

This follows a story published by The Libya Observer on Tuesday, which claimed their country has received an apology.

But Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has dismissed such claims.

In a statement released on Wednesday by Tuggar’s Special Assistant on Media and Communication Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir, the minister described the report as a deliberate attempt to gain political leverage and mislead football administrators and fans across Africa.

According to him, the publication distorted the details of a phone conversation between him and Libya’s Eastern-based Foreign Minister, Abdelhadi Lahweej.

“The fact of the matter was that the CDA of the Government of National Unity was summoned to the Ministry to seek an immediate end to the unfortunate incident.

“However, not much diplomatic headway was made during the meeting with the Acting Charge of Affairs, Imad Mohammed Matooq Aboud, as they insisted that it was not under the jurisdiction of Tripoli, which they represented but that of the Eastern Government in Benghazi.

“This prompted the Minister to take immediate action by contacting the Foreign Minister of the Eastern Government, Abdelhadi Lahweej, to intervene and ensure that the detention ended,” the statement read.

Tuggar further debunked false allegations made by Lahweej concerning the mistreatment of Libyan players in Nigeria, correcting the record but refusing to apologise for any actions, as the claims were inaccurate.

He claimed that while Lahweej suggested issuing a joint statement, Nigeria rejected the idea because it misrepresented the facts of the incident.

The Nigerian delegation had flown into Libya ahead of the second leg of their AFCON qualifier against the Mediterranean Knights, only to be subjected to inhumane treatment upon arrival.

They were locked in at the airport for over 20 hours without food, water or Internet.

The Confederation of African Football, CAF, has opened an investigation into the matter.

The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has secured the conviction and sentence of 15 internet fraudsters before Justice A. N. Erhabor of Edo State High Court, sitting in Benin City.

The convicts include Nosa Gift, Igbinosa Eghosa, Nosazee Nosakhare, Imumonlen Jude, Promise Ogheneghere, Osadiaye Osasenaga Perfect, Ugiagbe Miracle, David Julius, Nosakhare Godswill and Ajayi Precious.

Others are Idowu Olumayokun Omotoyo, Amina Kabiru, Martins Onos Iboyirode, Benson Amengbeivie Blessing and Alabi Etinosa.

They were prosecuted by the anti-graft agency on separate one-count charges bordering on obtaining by false pretence, retention of proceeds of crime, impersonation and possession of fraudulent documents

Justice Erhabor convicted and sentenced Omotoyo, Kabiru, Iboyirode, Blessing, Etinosa, Gift, Eghosa, Nosakhare, Jude, Ogheneghere, Perfect, Julius, Godswill and Precious to two years imprisonment respectively or to pay a fine of N200,000.00 each, while Miracle bagged three years imprisonment or to pay a fine of N200,000.00.

All the convicts forfeited their phones, laptops, and money traced to their bank accounts to the federal government.

The House of Representatives has waded into the increase in the pump price of petroleum products, demanding an urgent reversal of the hike in the price of the fuel and cooking gas.

In a motion moved by the Deputy Minority Leader, Aliyu Madaki, and sponsored by 111 members of the house, the House called for the immediate reversal of the price increase in petrol and cooking gas.

According to the lawmakers, the hike has caused severe hardship on Nigerians and is threatening job security in the country.

The Green Chamber also asked the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, and the Ministry of Petroleum Resources to increase local refining capacity.

The lawmakers also called on the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to implement monetary policies that would mitigate the adverse effect of fuel price hikes on inflation.

This is as the World Bank has warned that a further increase in the prices of petrol may reverse the already dwindling effects of subsidy removal in Nigeria.

The warning is contained in the October edition of its Africa’s Pulse report.

The report said: “While the inflationary effects of a weakened naira in the first months of this year and the removal of the gasoline subsidy in the second half of 2023 appeared to be gradually subsiding, a further increase in gasoline prices by 40-45 percent in September may reverse the disinflationary trend.”

Recall that President Bola Tinubu on May 2023, officially pronounced an end to petrol subsidies in Nigeria, jerking PMS prices from N175 per litre to over N1000 across the country.

A recent market survey put the price of 1 kg cooking gas at N1500.

The Ebonyi State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has seized 115.226 kilogrammes of various illicit substances and arrested 149 suspects in the third quarter of the year.

The State Commander of NDLEA, Mr Peter Ogar, made this known on Wednesday in Abakaliki, saying the arrests and seizures were made in different locations in the state between July and September 2024.

Ogar said, “The Agency in Ebonyi had also within the period counselled 82 suspects, comprising 64 and 18 females.

“In total, we arrested 149 suspects, comprising 112 males and 37 females between the age brackets of 26 and 72 years.

“The figure represents both drug dealers, drug users and traffickers.”

He listed the seized substances to include: crack cocaine, 0.0023kg, Cannabis Sativa, 55.492kg, codeine syrup, 0.393kg, Tramadol tablets, 0.004kg, tramadol capsule, 0.437kg, diazepam 917 tablets, 0.964 and 47 amps, 0.226kg.

Others are methamphetamine, 0.0054kg, bromazepam, 75 tablets, 0.034kg, lorazepam 476 tablets, 0.100kg, monkey tail, 56 litres, 42.2kg, raphynol 24 tablets, 0.009kg and other psychotropic substances grossly weighing 115.226 kgs in all.

He added that during the period under review, one person was convicted, reiterating the officers’ readiness to combat illicit drug trafficking not only in Ebonyi but Nigeria at large.

“We were also able to carry out a sensitisation campaign of citizens in the state like the youth group and community heads on the need to end drug abuse and trafficking,” he explained”.

“We carried out a series of sensitisation in primary and secondary schools in some local government areas of the state.

“I thank God for the harmonious and cordial relationship that exists between the Command and other security agencies,” Ogar added.

Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described the death of a Plus TV cameraman attached to his office, Samson Obafisoye, as a great loss, not only to his family but to the broadcast industry.

Mr Sanwo-Olu, in a statement on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, said that the late Obafisoye was a thoroughbred professional.

He said that the deceased discharged his duties diligently and contributed his quota to the broadcast media industry in Nigeria.

Mr Sanwo-Olu also commiserated with the family, friends and colleagues of the late Obafisoye, especially the management and staff members of the Plus TV and the Lagos State Governor’s Office Correspondents over his death.

He said, “Mr Samson Obafisoye’s death was a great loss, not only to his family but to the media industry, particularly the management and staff of Plus TV and executives and members of LAGOCO. He was a diligent and thoroughbred professional. His death was a great shock, but we take solace in the Almighty God that he lived a fulfilled life.

“Obafisoye will be greatly missed. On behalf of my family and the state government, I sympathise with the deceased family, friends, associates, and colleagues. I pray that God will grant him eternal rest and grant his immediate family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.’’

No fewer than 90 people were confirmed dead after a petrol tanker explosion in Majiya, Taura LGA in Jigawa on Tuesday.

Police spokesman in Jigawa, Shi’isu Adam, confirmed this in an interview with on Wednesday.

He also said 50 other people had been hospitalised for various degrees of injuries due to the explosion.

”At about 11:30 p.m. on Tuesday in Majiya town, Taura local government area of Jigawa, the tanker driver lost control near Khadija University and exploded.

“The driver left Kano and was heading to Nguru in Yobe. whe the accident happened,” Mr Adam said.

He added, “We are worried that in spite of police warning for people to stay clear from scenes of accidents involving fuel tankers, they still engage in such acts. People gathered around the accident scene that is the reason for the mass casuality.”

The spokesperson said a mass burial of the victims will hold by 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday.

He added that the injured are receiving medical attention at the Ringim General hospital.

Ninety-two people remain missing in North Carolina weeks after Hurricane Helene devastated the western part of the state, Governor Roy Cooper confirmed on Tuesday.

In a news conference, Cooper cautioned that the number could change as the state’s task force continues its search and rescue operations.

“I want to caution that this is not a definitive count, because the task force is continuing its work,” Cooper said.

The hurricane has claimed the lives of 95 people in North Carolina alone, with over 220 fatalities reported in total, including those in Florida, where Helene initially made landfall.

The storm unleashed catastrophic rainfall, destroying towns and washing away homes and bridges in North Carolina’s mountainous regions.

Governor Cooper also addressed the spread of misinformation surrounding the disaster, which has hindered recovery efforts.

He warned that false rumors “breed confusion and demoralize storm survivors and response workers alike,” urging the public to stop spreading such misinformation.

“If you’re participating in spreading this stuff, stop it,” Cooper said, stating the damage these conspiracy theories are causing to relief efforts in the state.

Misinformation about land confiscation, aid distribution, and weather manipulation has proliferated online, leading to distrust of relief workers.

The US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has had to adapt its operations in North Carolina, even temporarily withdrawing from one county due to threats spurred by these rumors.

Last Saturday, a man in Rutherford County was arrested after allegedly threatening relief workers and being found with firearms.

Rescue operations have been particularly difficult due to the rugged terrain of western North Carolina, with the popular tourist city of Asheville temporarily cut off by flooding.

TikTok has announced the removal of over 2.1 million videos in Nigeria for violating its community guidelines during the second quarter of 2024.

This action is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to enhance content moderation and create a safer platform for users.

According to the Community Guidelines Enforcement Report shared on Tuesday, the removed videos represent less than 1 per cent of the total uploads in Nigeria during the reporting period.

“Key findings show that 99.1 per cent of these videos were proactively removed before users reported them, with 90.7 per cent taken down within 24 hours. These figures highlight TikTok’s commitment to staying ahead of harmful content, ensuring a safer platform for Nigerian users,” the report noted.

The Chinese-owned video platform assured that it would continue to invest in technologies aimed at improving content moderation and understanding potential risks, reinforcing its dedication to transparency and platform safety for its diverse user base in Nigeria and worldwide.

Globally, TikTok said it removed over 178 million videos in June 2024, with 144 million of those removals facilitated through automated systems.
“With a proactive detection rate now at 98.2 per cent globally, TikTok is more efficient than ever at addressing harmful content before users encounter it,” the short-form mobile video platform stated.

TikTok is owned by ByteDance, a private global company founded by Chinese entrepreneurs. ByteDance’s ownership is divided among global institutional investors (60 per cent), its founders (20 per cent), and employees (20 per cent), according to TikTok.

Founder of Living Faith Church, Bishop David Oyedepo, has challenged those criticizing the church’s decision over change of leadership to mind their business.

Bishop Oyedepo said critics should refrain from questioning the decision to retire some of his assistant pastors.

Nigerians have been criticizing Oyedepo over the retirement of his two Vice Presidents, Bishops Thomas Aremu and David Abioye.

Both clergymen would be retiring after serving three and four decades in the ministry.

Their retirement was said to be in line with the operational guidelines of the church.

However, Oyedepo faulted the criticism that greeted the church’s decision.

Delivering a sermon at the valedictory service for Bishop Aremu at Winners Chapel, Orita Bashorun, on Tuesday, Oyedepo revealed that the church’s Administrative Policy of 1998 was reviewed in 2001, while The Mandate of 2012 was revised in 2024, stressing that the ministry operates by divine order.

He said, “My advice to commentators is to study to be quiet and mind your business. It is wisdom to learn what is working and find out what makes it work. Everything works here.”

Quoting the Bible in Genesis 49:26, Bishop Oyedepo stated that no one has an inheritance in a teacher or pastor.

He encouraged him to maintain a mindset focused on growth, saying, “There’s no such thing as the best today or tomorrow; what matters is your pursuit of God.”

Oyedepo urged Aremu to remain connected for the continued flow of grace, advising him not to be distracted by baseless criticism.

Gunmen have again launched a fresh attack on some rural communities in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing no fewer than five people.

This is contained in a statement on Tuesday by the Chairman of Bokkos Cultural Development Council, Farmasum Fuddang and the Secretary, Duwam Bosco.

The duo said the attack occurred on Monday, October 14, decrying previous attacks that have led to the death of several people in the past.

They said despite credible warnings, terrorists, identified as members of the Fulani tribe, launched a brutal attack on the village of Rafut in the Kwatas district shortly after 7 pm on October 14th.

They added that the unprovoked assault occurred even after a security meeting with the police and the military authorities in Bokkos was held on October 13.

This happened following a week marked by bloody attacks, during which over 10 members of the community were brutally murdered.

“Four young men, who were out guarding their family’s home, were tragically ambushed as they stood watch; the attackers thereafter stormed the compound, killing an elderly man, bringing the total fatalities to five.

“Five in Wumat on October 7th , four in Kuba on October 10th, one in Maikatako on October 11th, and another on October 12th,” the statement read.

The senator representing the Edo North senatorial district, Senator Adams Oshiomhole has kicked against the establishment of the Nigerian Coast Guard.

The proposed guard is aimed at protecting Nigeria’s maritime areas across the nation.

Speaking at a plenary on Tuesday, Oshiomhole argued that the Nigerian Navy is already fulfilling this role meant for the Nigerian Coast Guard.

The lawmaker cited the previous establishment of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC and the National Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, which according to him were not necessary.

He said: “This is how we created the National Road Safety Commission with a huge overhead. When I was growing up that job was being done by the traffic division of the Nigeria Police and they were more efficient than it is today.

“Those of you who travel on the road, I don’t know if you see the Road Safety Commission helpful but they were created.

“That is how we created the Nigeria Civil Defence to protect the pipelines and government properties. Right now, I don’t know whether the properties are safer or not.

“Issues like this should be referred to the National Security Adviser, the executives. They alone can tell us whether or not another institution is needed but for now, I think our mandate should be trying to strengthen the Navy.”

President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep condolences to former Oyo State Governor, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, following the passing of his wife, Alhaja Mutiat Ladoja.

In a heartfelt message, Tinubu described the loss as a “profound sorrow,” offering prayers for strength and comfort to the Ladoja family during this difficult time.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, conveyed Tinubu’s commiseration on Tuesday.

“President Bola Tinubu commiserates with the former Governor of Oyo State and Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Ladoja, over the demise of his wife, Tinuade,” the statement read.

The President extended his condolences to the Ladoja family, associates of the deceased, and the Celestial Church of Christ, where she served as a member of the Pastor-in-Council.

Tinubu noted the significant contributions of the late matriarch to humanity, praising her “strength in charitable works, wise counsel, and advocacy for the welfare and education of women and children.”

“She lived a selfless life, always thinking of the good of others and expanding the gospel,” the President remarked, commending her role in the highest decision-making body of the Celestial Church of Christ and the Women in Council, where she served for many years.

The President prayed for the repose of her soul, asking God to “comfort and strengthen” the family as they navigate this trying period.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested a radio host, Favour Ekoh, in connection with an alleged N700 million Ponzi scheme.

Ekoh, who anchors the “Prime Time” program on Urban Radio 94.5FM Enugu, is accused of luring unsuspecting investors into a fraudulent investment scheme, promising exorbitant returns.

This was contained in a statement issued by the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, on Tuesday.

According to the statement, “On Monday, October 14, 2024, a team of operatives from the Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, visited Urban Radio Enugu to invite Favour Ekoh for questioning regarding her involvement in an alleged N700 million Ponzi scheme fraud, which has affected about fifty victims.”

Oyewale explained that Ekoh allegedly lured her victims into investing in a scheme called Life Trading under Leverage Index Limited, where she promised a 10 per cent return on investment.

“The victims claimed that after investing their money in the company located at No. 1 Colliery Street, Okpara Avenue, Enugu, the company shut down operations without returning their principal or profits,” he added.

The EFCC statement revealed that Ekoh was the primary link to the victims, many of whom were left stranded after the company’s sudden disappearance.

“Ekoh’s role as the host of Prime Time made her a trusted figure, which she allegedly exploited to promote the fraudulent scheme,” the EFCC stated.

The statement further detailed the arrest operation. “When our operatives arrived at the radio station, holding a warrant for Ekoh’s arrest, they identified themselves to the station’s Managing Director, Bamikole Owoyomi, and explained their mission.

“However, a staff member called the Chairman of the station, who ordered that the building’s gates be locked, effectively holding our officers hostage.”

The EFCC added that the situation necessitated a rescue operation. “In response to the unlawful detention of our officers, a rescue team was deployed, leading to the arrest of Owoyomi, Ekoh, and two security guards involved in the obstruction. The operatives acted within the law, and no equipment at the radio station was tampered with.”

Oyewale clarified that Ekoh was not arrested while on air, stressing that “the nature of the fraudulent dealings required a sting operation to ensure her apprehension.”

After being allowed to make a statement at the EFCC Enugu office, Ekoh, along with Owoyomi and the security guards, was released.

“Owoyomi and the guards were arrested for obstructing justice but have since been released after making their statements,” the EFCC added.

The EFCC reiterated its respect for the media as the fourth estate of the realm and a critical stakeholder in the fight against corruption.

However, the commission condemned the actions of the radio station’s staff, stating, “The precipitate and unlawful obstruction of EFCC officers from carrying out their duties is unacceptable.”

The statement concluded by questioning the professional credentials of Ekoh, describing her involvement in the N700 million Ponzi scheme as a grave breach of public trust.

“We call on the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the International Press Institute (IPI) to investigate the conduct of both Ekoh and Urban Radio Enugu in this matter, as it touches on the integrity and ethical practices of the media.”

Meanwhile, the board and management of Urban Radio 94.5FM Enugu have condemned the EFCC’s raid on their office, describing it as a “halt and disruption of our programme.”

In a statement released on Tuesday, the management of the broadcast media also apologised to their listeners for the sudden interruption of its programme.

The statement read, “Once again, we apologise for the unethical break-in of our live studio and the disruption of your favourite programmes. We hope the matter will be resolved as soon as possible, for whatever reasons it occurred.

“The Board and Management of Urban Radio 94.5FM Enugu regret the abrupt halt and disruption of our programme at about 6:35 p.m. this Monday.

“Armed men, identifying themselves as EFCC officers, barged into the studio, interrupted the live programme ‘Prime-Time,’ forcibly abducted our presenters, and confiscated our communication equipment, without disclosing any reasons.”

The Transmission Company of Nigeria has said 90 per cent of its substations have received bulk power supply following efforts to recover the grid which suffered another collapse on Tuesday.

It said the ongoing restoration of the national grid which collapsed for the sixth time this year is ongoing and almost completed.

The Public Affairs General Manager of TCN, Ndidi Mbah said in a press statement that it has restored supply to Abuja.

On Monday, the grid collapsed at about 6:18 p.m., plunging many into darkness.

Checks by our correspondent confirmed that power generation dropped from 3.87 gigawatts at 5 p.m. to 3.56GW at 6 pm., and then to 0.00GW by 7 pm and 8 pm.

Reacting, electricity consumers in the Federal Capital Territory decried the incessant grid collapses, describing them as an embarrassment to the country.

But the transmission company in a reassuring message said the problem would be resolved soon.

The statement read, “The Transmission Company of Nigeria hereby states that the national grid experienced a partial disturbance, on Monday, 14th October 2024 at about 6:48 pm and notes that efforts to fully recover the grid are still ongoing.

“Although the recovery of the grid commenced immediately, with Azura power station providing the blackstart, grid recovery reached advanced stages at about 10.24 am, today when it encountered a challenge that caused a slight setback in the recovery process.

“The slight setback notwithstanding, TCN continued with the grid recovery process, which has reached an advanced stage, ensuring bulk power availability to about 90 per cent of its substations nationwide.

The statement added that supply has been restored to the Abuja axis and other major distribution load centres nationwide.

“Supply has been restored to the Abuja axis and other major distribution load centers nationwide.

“The partial disturbance did not affect the Ibom Gas generating station which was islanded from the grid yesterday and continued to supply areas in the South Southern part of the country such as Eket, Ekim, Uyo, and Itu 132kV transmission Substations during the period.

“Investigation into the cause of the incident will be carried out as soon as the grid is fully restored.”