The federal government has officially gazetted and transmitted the ECOWAS schedule of tariff offers for trade in goods under the African Continental Free Trade Area to its secretariat.

This was disclosed in a statement by Jumoke Oduwole, the minister of industry, trade and investment, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Ms Oduwole said that the move was ahead of the 16th meeting of the AfCFTA Council of Ministers responsible for trade, holding in Kinshasa, DRC, on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone in regional trade integration.

According to her, this agreement establishes zero duties on 90 per cent of tariff lines for trade in goods, enhancing Nigeria’s market competitiveness and expanding trade opportunities across Africa.

“Nigerian goods are now competitively positioned in the African market, ensuring greater business access and profitability. President Bola Tinubu signed the ECOWAS Schedule of Tariff Offers, which reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to regional trade expansion.

“This step under the AfCFTA framework strengthens Nigeria’s role in shaping the future of intra-African trade and boosting export competitiveness.

“Furthermore, it enables the seamless shipment of goods to and from Nigeria, unlocking new opportunities for businesses, manufacturers, and exporters. Implications of Nigeria’s ECOWAS Tariff offer the gazetting of the schedule of tariff concessions is expected to yield significant benefits,” she said.

The minister said the benefits included boosting economic growth and job creation by reducing trade barriers and strengthening regional integration and trade relations through enhanced economic ties.
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She added that it would support Nigerian small and medium enterprises by lowering costs and encouraging market expansion.

“Furthermore, Nigeria’s commitment to AfCFTA implementation makes it an attractive destination for foreign and intra-African investment, reinforcing its role as a trade hub in West Africa.

“However, stronger engagement is required from African Trade Minsters to address other types of barriers, including non-tariff barriers that could hinder market access. Additionally, improving productive capacity and ensuring compliance with international standards remain imperative to maximise the benefits of the AfCFTA.

“Nigeria is open for business. The gazetting and transmission of the ECOWAS schedule of tariffs to the AfCFTA Secretariat signals Nigeria’s readiness for trade under the agreement,” the minister explained.

Ms Oduwole said the milestone would enable Nigerian exporters to leverage preferential tariff access across African markets, positioning Nigeria as a key player in regional and global trade.

She added that the development would also underscore Nigeria’s dedication to leveraging Africa’s single market for economic transformation.

After initiating its first shipment under AfCFTA in July 2024, Nigeria “has solidified its leadership” in regional trade and integration with the formal gazetting of the schedule of tariffs for trade in goods, according to the minister.

A Jos magistrates’ court on Tuesday sentenced a 30-year-old mechanic, Richard Ukoka, to one year in prison for assaulting a man and causing hurt.

Magistrate Shawomi Bokkos summarily tried and sentenced the convict after he pleaded guilty to the charge.

However, the magistrate gave the convict an option of a fine of N20,000 or six months in prison. The magistrate also ordered him to pay a compensation of N135,000 or another six months in default.

The prosecutor, Ibrahim Gokwat, told the court that the case was reported at the ‘A’ Division Police Station on February 28 by Jessy Ayuba, the complainant.

Mr Gokwat said the convict saw the man and started beating him with a stick, then picked up a stone and hit him on the leg.

During a police investigation, the convict said he acted under the influence of alcohol.

An attempt by a suspected cable thief at a critical power facility in one of the Lagos Housing schemes has ended in tragedy, as the suspect was shocked by the electricity facility.

The suspect, Sadiq Danjuma, who said he lives in Igando, came with an accomplice named Yahoo to steal cable at the Lateef Kayode Jakande (LKJ) Gardens, Igando.

The duo scaled the estate’s fence beside the LASU-Iba Expressway into the compound around 2am. After cutting some underground cables, Danjuma went inside the Injection Sub-Station (ISS) to steal some electrical equipment.

There, he met his nemesis as he got injured in the process around 2:30am. His body was riddled with electrical burns.

Sensing danger, Danjuma’s friend, Yahoo, ran away.

Begging for an urgent treatment, Danjuma promised the security officials comprised Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officers and Mountain Troops personnel, to confess after his treatment.

Writhing in pains, Danjuma said he and Yahoo, conspired to steal and sell the cables to a local scrap dealer named Seriki.

He said: “I came from Igando and Yahoo came from Oko Filling. Our boss gave me N5,000 for the operation and promised to pay the balance of N5,000 after the work.”

He further admitted that the team had previously targeted the same facility, stealing cables which they sold to another buyer known as Akanji at N10,000 per kilogramme.

Meanwhile, residents of LKJ Gardens, yesterday chided the poor handling of the matter by the NSCDC Lagos State Command.

The residents accused the command of shirking its responsibility.

According to the Chairman of Estate, Olajide Andu, NSCDC Lagos State Command insisted that the suspects be treated before handing him over to them.

Andu said: “After treating him, we took him from Igando to corps State Command at Alausa, but we were surprised by their action. We were told to take him to hospital to get a medical report. This infuriated many residents, who lamented that it should be the duty of the NSCDC. We have arrested a cable thief and treated him as demanded. We were surprised the State Command of the NSCDC is asking us to take back to hospital again for a medical report around 5pm. Our men moved from there to a clinic inside the Alausa secretariat, but we were referred to General Hospital, Igando and Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja. As of 8pm, we are still with the suspect driving back to Igando from Alausa. What if his gang members had regrouped and attack us on the way? We are highly disappointed in the manner the NSCDC went about their duty. Their action didn’t encourage victims of these evil guys to want to hand over whoever arrested to them. It seems they are encouraging jungle justice with their behaviour.”

The LKJ residents called on the national body of the NSCDC to probe the actions of the Lagos State Command.

They equally urged the Federal Government to look into the actions of the NSCDC.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) says it has rescued two persons from a building under construction that collapsed in Agarawu Street, Aroloya Central Mosque in Idumota, Lagos Island.

The agency’s permanent secretary, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, said the incident happened on Monday at about 2:00 p.m.

Mr Oke-Osanyintolu said the agency received a distress call through its 767 and 112 Emergency Toll-Free lines at 2:16 p.m., and its response team from the Lekki Base rushed to the scene.

“On arrival at the scene, it was discovered that a storey building under construction self-collapsed at the aforementioned location.

“So far, two adult males, rescued from the rubble of the building, had been given first aid treatment by the LRU Pre-Hospital Care Unit,” he said.

According to him, no other casualties has been recorded as of the time of filing this report.

He said law enforcement agencies had cordoned off the scene.

Mr Oke-Osanyintolu also said the immediate cause of the incident was yet to be ascertained, adding that further investigations would be conducted.

He added that the agency’s search and rescue operations had been concluded.

President Bola Tinubu declared a national emergency on food security on Monday, urging expanded irrigation infrastructure and participatory water resource management nationwide.

Mr Tinubu made the declaration while opening the 6th African Regional Conference on Irrigation and Drainage in Abuja. The secretary to the government of the federation, George Akume, represented him.

He urged African nations to adopt innovative strategies to address the continent’s irrigation and water management challenges.

The president described the conference theme, “Tackling Irrigation Development and Water Management Crisis in Africa”, as a clarion call to action for sustainable agriculture and economic resilience.

“Africa continues to face major challenges in unlocking its irrigation potential due to inadequate infrastructure, financial constraints, climate change, and governance issues.

“This conference offers a vital platform for us to collectively chart a path forward,” he said.

Mr Tinubu stated that the country had more than 3.1 million hectares of irrigable land located around key river basins such as the Niger and Benue.

In his remarks, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev, said the government had completed several landmark initiatives under the Transforming Irrigation Management in Nigeria (TRIMING) project.

He announced that its successor, the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) project, would address outstanding gaps while optimising the economic value of water resources to support food security.

“With the TRIMING project winding down, Nigeria is poised to begin the implementation of the SPIN project in partnership with the World Bank.

“This initiative will consolidate the successes of TRIMING and expand our irrigation potential,” Mr Utsev said.

According to the minister, the TRIMING project, which spanned more than seven years, delivered notable achievements, including the completion of the Dadin-Kowa and Bakolori irrigation schemes and 90 per cent completion of the Middle Rima Valley irrigation project.

It also supported ongoing interventions in Ondo, Kwara, Benue, Kebbi, Edo, Adamawa, and Oyo States.

He also noted that the project established Water Users Associations (WUAs) and farmer management centres and supported market linkages for key value chains such as rice and tomato.

The minister revealed that River Basin Development Authorities (RBDAs) had developed more than 153,000 hectares of irrigable land and were being partially commercialised to attract private sector investment.

He also referenced the 2025 Flood Outlook and Risk Management Strategy, aimed at minimising flood-related impacts on agriculture.

The head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Wilson-Jack, called for renewed commitment across all tiers of government to ensure national food security.

Former permanent secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, Godknows Igali, underscored the urgency of strategic planning, particularly in the face of Nigeria’s growing population.

He stressed the importance of professional staffing and proper management of river basins, adding that sub-national governments must play an active role in water governance and food systems.

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno raised concerns over the shrinking farming seasons caused by climate change, warning that unpredictable rainfall patterns were creating uncertainty among farmers.

“Our fertile lands are turning to dust. Irrigation is now a necessity, not a luxury.

“Innovation must not be seen as a privilege of the few; we must empower women and youth who are at the frontline of agriculture,” Mr Zulum said.

President of the International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage (ICID), Marco Arcieri, described the conference as both timely and essential.

“We remain committed to supporting Africa as it faces population growth and climate stress,” Mr Arcieri stated.

Ibrahim Musa, who leads the African Regional Working Group, expressed optimism that the conference would lead to innovative approaches and actionable outcomes in addressing Africa’s unique irrigation development needs.

The conference continues in Abuja until April 17, with technical sessions, policy dialogues, and field visits to irrigation sites across Nigeria.

The Nigeria Customs Service ( NCS), Ondo/ Ekiti Command, has handed over 140 sacks of substances suspected to be cannabis sativa weighing 1,400 kilogrammes to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The substance, estimated to have a market value of N112 million, was handed over to the NDLEA on Monday in Akure.

The NCS comptroller in charge of the command, Morenikeji Bewaji, said the substance was intercepted while being conveyed by two suspects in Ado Ekiti before being clamped down by the NSC patrol team on December 7, 2024.

Ms Bewaji explained that the suspects absconded after being granted bail by the command on health grounds.

According to her, the surety for the two suspects, Ale Victor Ayodeji, has been arrested and handed over to the NDLEA for prosecution.

She berated the rapid increase in the trade of illicit drugs, particularly cannabis sativa, which she said posed a grave threat to society.

Ms Bewaji added that drug abuse had fuelled criminal activities and insecurity and undermined the socio-economic stability of the nation.

”In our fight against this threat of illicit drugs in our country, inter-agency collaboration remains a cornerstone for success.

”The partnership between the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the NDLEA is a shining example of effective synergy.

”Together, the two agencies have achieved significant milestones, and we are committed to further strengthening this collaboration to reduce if not totally eliminate, illicit drugs,” Ms Bewaji said.

Ms Bewaji urged members of the public to join hands with the NSC by providing timely and credible information, saying that the battle against drug trafficking and other forms of criminality required a collective effort.

The NCS comptroller commended the NDLEA for its outstanding dedication and contributions to the fight against drug abuse and trafficking.

Responding, the state commander of NDLEA, Nanzing Sallah, applauded the NSC for the seizure of the drug substance.

Mr Sallah, represented by Adaramola Olumuyiwa, the deputy commander of narcotics in the state, said the synergy would continue in the fight against criminalities.

Two persons, Emmanuel Jedege, 26, and Folajomi Ibrahim, 28, were on Monday brought before the Ota Magistrates Court in Ogun for allegedly breaking into a shop to steal 25 pieces of iPhones and other items worth N7.7 million.

The defendants, whose addresses were not provided, are facing a three-count charge of stealing, burglary and conspiracy.

The prosecutor, Insp. E.O Adaraloye told the court that the defendants, and others still at large, committed the offences on February 18, at about 12:00 a.m. at Iyana-Iyesi, Ota.

He alleged that the defendants and their accomplices conspired to break into a shop and stole 25 pieces of iPhones, five laptops and other items worth N7.7 million belonging to the complainant, Idris Fatogun.

The prosecutor said the offences contravened sections 390, 414 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ogun, 2006.

They, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The magistrate, O.O Fadairo, granted each defendant N700,000 with one surety in like sum.

Mr Fadairo said the surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and be gainfully employed with evidence of tax payment to the Ogun Government.

The case was adjourned until April 28 for a further hearing.

No fewer than 235 soldiers have been lost in the past day by the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Kursk direction, says the Russian Defence Ministry.

The ministry said in a statement on Monday that, in total, Ukraine had lost more than 74,245 service people and 406 tanks during the offensive in the Kursk direction.

According to the ministry, in the past 24 hours, the Ukrainian armed forces have lost up to 235 service people, an armoured personnel carrier, three combat armoured vehicles, 14 cars, and four field artillery weapons.

”Others include four mortars and a BM-21 Grad multiple launch rocket system,” it said.

Italy has accepted a request to host the second round of the U.S.-Iranian talks in Rome, Italian Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani said.

Earlier in the day, Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp said the second round of the talks between Washington and Tehran would take place in the Italian capital.

“We have received a request from interested parties from Oman, which acts as a mediator, and we have given a positive answer.

“We are ready, as always, to welcome meetings that can bear positive results in this case, in the nuclear issue,’’ Mr Tajani said, as quoted by the askanews news agency.

The Omani capital of Muscat hosted the first round of indirect talks between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and U.S. special presidential envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff on Saturday.

Mr Witkoff described the talks as positive and constructive, while Mr Araghchi said the atmosphere was constructive and calm.

The White House said the second round of talks would be held on April 19.

Hundreds of women from Rivers State on Monday stormed the streets of Port Harcourt, especially the ever busy Aba Road to support the declaration of emergency rule in the state.

The women, who were dressed in white symbolising peace, started their procession from Garrison Bus Stop at about 8am.

The women carried various placards, which contained messages supporting the Sole Administrator, Vice-Admiral Ibok Ibas (retd) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s intervention, which they said ended executive rascality in the state.

Two people, including a nine-month-old baby girl, have died, while many others were injured in a fatal road accident that occurred on Sunday at Uduma Junction in the Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

Eyewitnesses said the accident involved a bus conveying about 25 passengers, including children, which lost control while navigating a sharp bend at high speed and collided with another vehicle.

The impact caused the bus to somersault three times, leaving several occupants severely injured.

The victims, all natives of Ebonyi State but residents of Imo State, were returning to their base after attending a burial ceremony at Okporike, Abakaliki, when the tragedy struck.

Spokesperson of the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital (DUFUTH), Uburu, Agwu Nwogo, confirmed the incident, noting that the hospital promptly activated its emergency response system to treat the victims.

Nwogo disclosed that two passengers—a baby girl and an adult woman—were confirmed dead on arrival, while 23 others sustained varying degrees of injuries, including crushed hands, fractures, deep cuts, and traumatic brain injuries.

“As of today, 18 patients, including the driver, are receiving treatment at DUFUTH’s Accident and Emergency department, Surgery Ward, and Intensive Care Unit.

“Four patients with minor injuries were stabilised and discharged after receiving treatment”, he said

Nwogo, however, said an 11-month-old child who sustained severe traumatic brain injury remains in critical condition.

He said the child is currently admitted to the Intensive Care Unit, where an artificial respirator is supporting her due to failing respiration.

“The hospital management has expressed sadness over the incident and assured the public that everything possible is being done to ensure the injured receive the best medical care”, he added

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has paid a condolence visit to victims of the Bokkos community killing in Plateau state.

In a statement shared via X on Monday, Obi announced that he had journeyed from Abuja to Jos, the Plateau State capital.

Obi noted that from Jos, he journeyed to Bokkos where he met with victims of the attacks, including displaced children and other affected persons.

He voiced deep sorrow over what he called “senseless killings,” emphasising that such acts of violence have no place in a nation that is not at war.

He also highlighted previous assistance provided by his political movement and revealed that an additional N7.5 million had been donated to support displaced children, ensure continuity in their education, and address their ongoing needs.

Obi’s statement reads: “Yesterday, I travelled from Abuja to Jos, Plateau State, to condole with and show solidarity with Governor Caleb Mutfwang and the people of Plateau State over the recent senseless killings in the Bokkos area of the State.

“From the state capital, I traveled to Bokkos and spent time with the victims, the displaced children and others.

“What has happened in these communities is very saddening and utterly unacceptable.

“Nigerians should not be killed or forced to flee their homes when we are not at war. Every life is precious, and no Nigerian, regardless of where they live should have to live in fear or uncertainty.

“My deepest condolences go to the families and communities who have suffered tragic losses. No words can truly capture the pain and devastation that such senseless violence brings.

“My heart is with the people of Bokkos, the displaced children, women, and entire communities, during this difficult time.

“Earlier, the Obidient Movement had built a borehole to provide clean water for the IDP camp and the community, and we continued the support yesterday with the sum of 7.5 million naira to help in providing facilities for the displaced children, provide continuous education and on going needs of those affected.

“Now, more than ever, leadership and compassion are essential. I stand in solidarity with Plateau State and remain committed to supporting all efforts toward peace, justice, and healing.

“May the souls of the departed rest in perfect peace, and may the people find strength, comfort, and unity as they rebuild their lives.”

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has arrested a 41-year-old ex-convict and Malaysian returnee, Ndubuisi Udatu (aka Richard) with 2700kg methamphetamine.

Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters Abuja, Femi Babafemi, who disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, said Ndubuisi was arrested inside a commercial transport bus at an NDLEA check point at Namtari along Ngurore -Yola road, Adamawa on Monday 7th April 2025.

Babafemi said said the drugs were in four parcels concealed in two giant music speakers for distribution in Yola and Mubi, Adamawa State, and across the border into Cameroon.

According to the statement, he was found with two new music speakers used to conceal four packages of methamphetamine and monetary exhibit of N22,300.

Babafemi said in his statement, the suspect claimed he returned to Nigeria to continue his illicit drug trade after serving out his jail term in Malaysia where he had been arrested, convicted and sent to prison for drug trafficking offences.

The police in Ogun State have detained a man believed to be mentally unstable for allegedly vandalising the Agemo statue at the Itoro Roundabout in Ijebu Ode on Saturday.

The command’s public relations officer(PRO), CSP Omolola Odutola, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Abeokuta.

Agemo is regarded as a supreme deity and high god (Orisa) in Ijebu land.

According to Ms Odutola, the suspect desecrated the revered Agemo shrine by severing the crown from the statue.

She noted that the severed crown had since been recovered and was currently in safe custody at the Obalende Police Station in Ijebu Ode.

The PRO further explained that the swift intervention of police officers at the scene helped to de-escalate tension and prevent possible unrest among traditional worshippers.

“The suspect is presently undergoing psychological evaluation, as initial observations suggest signs of mental instability.

“Ijebu Ode remains calm. members of the public are assured of their safety as investigations into the incident continue,” she added.

The police command in Oyo State has arrested three suspects allegedly linked to the hijacking of a DAF truck loaded with 45,000 liters of petrol belonging to NIPCO Limited.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, made this known in a statemen on Sunday in Ibadan.

Mr Osifeso said that the command’s monitoring unit on April 5, at about 1.00 a.m, received a report of a hijacking incident of the truck with registration number Adamawa YLA 575 ZY on the Ijebu-Ode-Ibadan Road.

He said that preliminary investigations indicated the involvement of an armed group equipped with sophisticated firearms, adding that specialised operatives were immediately deployed to investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice.

“Their efforts led to the discovery of the hijacked truck at Lincoln Filling Station, Odo-Ona Kekere, Ibadan, where the suspects were in the process of siphoning the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). Upon arrival, police operatives apprehended two suspects at the scene.

“During preliminary investigations, the suspects disclosed that the hijacked truck was transferred to them by a third individual known as Femi, who allegedly masterminded the hijacking alongside his accomplices,” Mr Osifeso said.

He said that further revelation led to the identification and subsequent arrest of another 30-year-old suspect, who was a key figure in the operation.

Mr Osifeso said that the suspect confessed to his role in orchestrating the hijacking and provided details on how the truck was diverted after the crime.

The command’s spokesman assured the public of the command’s continued diligent investigations aimed at dismantling the criminal network and holding individuals involved accountable for their actions.

He urged members of the public to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities to the police, emphasising that active participation was vital to the command’s collective efforts in the fight against crime.

The Anambra Police Command has confirmed that a gunshot incident in the Ukwulu community, Dunukofia Local Government Area, on Saturday stemmed from a longstanding dispute between two siblings.

The command’s public relations officer (PRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Awka, the state capital.

Mr Ikenga said the siblings had been involved in a prolonged and serious misunderstanding, which eventually escalated into a physical altercation that led to one of them sustaining a gunshot injury.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the victim and the armed suspect, who enlisted the help of another individual, are brothers who have had ongoing issues,” the statement read.

According to the PRO, on the evening of Saturday, operatives of the Special Anti-Cultism Squad, Enugu-Ukwu, swiftly responded to a distress call and arrived at the scene of the shooting.

“Their prompt intervention prevented the situation from escalating further.

“During the operation, police officers rescued the injured victim and recovered one AK-47 rifle, one pistol, and six rounds of live ammunition. Two suspects were arrested at the scene,” the police spokesperson.

Mr Ikenga said the suspects were currently undergoing interrogation, while the injured victim had been taken to a hospital for medical treatment.

He added that the case had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.

Georgia-based Nigerian conman Badetito Obafemi has been sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for his involvement in a years-long romance scam that netted him more than $300,000 in illicit money.

U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips sentenced Mr Obafemi to two years’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release following incarceration and ordered him to pay restitution of $311,520 to his victims.

Mr Obafemi’s sentencing came almost a year after the 42-year-old pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering following his involvement in fake online relationships targeting vulnerable individuals across many cities in the United States in April 2024.

According to court documents seen by Peoples Gazette, Mr Obafemi admitted to participating in a romance scam by luring his victims into fraudulent relationships before asking for money from them for a variety of reasons, including business, medical and travel expenses and food.

Mr Obafemi acknowledged conspiring with other perpetrators to receive wire transfers from the victims, coordinating the necessary bank account information, the timing of transfers, and the transfer of funds across multiple accounts. Authorities said the crime spree occurred between June 2016 and at least March 2018.

Court documents showed Mr Obafemi received an estimated $311,520 in funds into his accounts and those of two businesses, EasyTickets, LLC, and Goeasy Logistics, LLC, including a lump sum of $27,460 stolen by the convict from a victim based Taney County in New Jersey.

Mr Obafemi reportedly used one of his fake social media profiles, Kevin Condon, to trick the Taney County victim into sending the money to an account he controlled following a false romantic relationship in May 2016.

He also attempted to convince the the victim to deposit another $40,000, purportedly to pay a court in South Africa for his release from jail, but was unsuccessful.

Justice A.N. Erhabor of the Edo State High Court, sitting in Benin City, has sentenced nine internet fraudsters to jail, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) disclosed in a statement on Friday.

The anti-graft agency’s Benin zonal directorate secured the conviction of Desmond Aghanenu, Okolie Bright, Emeka Matthew, Anikwushe Calin, Precious Onyeka Okonkwo, Ojie Victor Emeka, Safety Tamarakuro Austin, Promise Osas Lucky, and Ebi Ferguson between March 27 and April 11, 2025.

According to the agency, the convicts—who were arrested in a sting operation following intelligence linking them to fraudulent internet activities—were prosecuted on separate one-count charges bordering on obtaining by false pretence, retention of proceeds of crime, and possession of fraudulent documents.

The charge against Desmond Aghanenu read: “That you Desmond Aghanenu (m) on or about the 14th of March, 2025 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did have in your possession, documents which you knew or ought to have known contained false pretence, thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 6 and 8 (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.”

EFCC said all the defendants pleaded guilty to the charges read to them, prompting the prosecution counsel—F.A. Jirbo, I.M. Elodi, Isa K. Agwai, and Bala-Ribah—to pray the court to sentence them. However, counsel to the defendants pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy, stating that they had become remorseful for their actions.

“Justice Erhabor convicted and sentenced Desmond Aghanenu, Okolie Bright, Emeka Matthew, Anikwushe Calin, Precious Onyeka Okonkwo, Ojie Victor Emeka, Safety Tamarakuro Austin, [and] Promise Osas Lucky to two years imprisonment each or pay a fine of N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) respectively, while Ebi Ferguson bagged three years imprisonment or pay a fine of N200,000 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira),” the sentence read.

The judge also ordered that all the convicts forfeit their phones, computers, and money found in their respective bank accounts to the federal government of Nigeria, and write an undertaking to be of good behaviour henceforth.

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) will commence training exercises for 10,000 new police recruits nationwide Saturday.

NPF said the intensive training program, designed to equip the new recruits with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively serve and protect their communities, will begin at various police colleges and training schools across the nation.

A statement issued on Friday by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said: “In preparation for the resumption, the Force Headquarters held an orientation ceremony for the Commandants and Directing Staff of the Training Institutions today April 11th 2025. The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., represented virtually by the DIG in charge of the Department of Training and Development (DTD), DIG Frank Mba, mni., charged the Commandants of the Training Colleges and Schools to embrace the ongoing police reforms, uphold the highest ethical standards, and demonstrate firm professional conduct throughout the course of the training.

“The IGP also expressed his administration’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare of recruits on training, in areas of feeding and accommodation, and also ensuring they have a stable and conducive environment throughout their training period. He charged the incoming recruits to be of good conduct, maintain policing ethics and positive character in the course of their training and career.

“The IGP expressed his appreciation to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR for his dedication and commitment towards improving the operational strength and capability of the Nigeria Police Force, noting that this significant influx of new officers would mark a substantial investment in bolstering law enforcement capabilities and enhancing public safety nationwide.”

Michelle Obama has denied rumours of impending divorce with former US President Barack Obama, calling them baseless.

In a recent episode of Sophia Bush’s podcast “Work in Progress“, Michelle set the record straight, explaining that her decision to skip high-profile events like President Jimmy Carter’s funeral and President Donald Trump’s inauguration were simply personal choices.

She expressed frustration that people couldn’t fathom a grown woman making decisions for herself without it being attributed to marital issues.

“That’s the thing that we as women, I think we struggle with: disappointing people. I mean, so much so that this year people were, you know, they couldn’t even fathom that I was making a choice for myself that they had to assume that my husband and I are divorcing.

“That this couldn’t be a grown woman just making a set of decisions for herself, right?’ she continued.

Obama added: ‘That’s what society does to us.’

Michelle emphasised the importance of independence and self-empowerment, revealing that she’s now making choices solely for herself, a departure from her earlier life as First Lady and wife.

She’s prioritising personal growth, self-discovery and her personal desires.

The former First Lady also touched on societal expectations and how they impact women’s decisions.

She believed that society often labels women’s independence as “negative and horrible” when it doesn’t fit traditional stereotypes.

“We start actually, finally going, “What am I doing? Who am I doing this for?” And if it doesn’t fit into the sort of stereotype of what people think we should do, then it gets labeled as something negative and horrible.’

‘So you know, now is the time for me to start asking myself these hard questions of who do I truly want to be every day,’ she said.

Michelle said that looks ‘like whatever I want it to look like.’

“And I still find time to, you know, give speeches, to be out there in the world, to work on projects. I still care about girls’ education.

“We, you know, the library is opening a year from now.”

“But the interesting thing is that when I say no, for the most part, people are like, I get it, and I’m OK, right?” she added.