NAPTIP Receives 231 Nigerians, Including Suspected Traffickers, Repatriated from Ghana

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) on Thursday evening welcomed 231 Nigerians repatriated from Ghana, including 27 individuals identified as suspected traffickers.

The returnees, handed over to NAPTIP and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) by the Government of Ghana through the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO), arrived in Nigeria following a significant crackdown on a human trafficking and cybercrime syndicate operating from a gated estate in Ghana.

Among the returnees, four women were believed to be victims of trafficking, while the remaining individuals were young Nigerian men, some of whom had reportedly spent years in captivity, allegedly used for cyber fraud by the syndicate.

At the handover ceremony at NAPTIP’s office in Ikeja, EOCO official Dominic Mensah explained that the operation, dubbed “Operation Rescue Shield,” was launched after a tip-off regarding illegal activities in 26 houses within a single estate in Ghana.

According to EOCO’s staff of the Anti-Human Trafficking Unit, Staff Officer Dominic Meza, “We received a complaint on March 28th from an informant alleging that a group of Nigerians were using young people for cybercrime. Surveillance was carried out, and we launched the operation at 3:30 a.m. one week ago with support from national security and police services. A total of 233 persons were initially arrested.”

Meza added that the victims had been lured to Ghana under the pretext of getting jobs but ended up being trapped and forced into cybercrime. Many had spent between a few weeks and several years in the facility.

The Coroner, Magistrate Adedayo Shotobi, sitting at the Magistrates’ Court, Ikorodu, said the date to deliver the final decision will be communicated to all parties concerned.

This is as the coroner also heard more evidence from the last witness, a forensic pathologist, Dr. Uwom Eze, who conducted the second autopsy and medical review on Mohbad on Friday.

During the cross-examination of the witness conducted by a counsel representing one of the interested parties in the inquest, the African Women Lawyers Association, Abiodun Kolawole, Eze said the deceased was found during the medical examination not to be indulging in hard drugs or drug abuse, as alleged.

The witness said he discovered Mohbad was given “regulated” doses of antihistamine, a drug given to treat an allergy, and analgesics, or a painkiller, which clearly showed he was in pain at the time of death.

But, he said he couldn’t determine the manner an injection was administered to him, because the information wasn’t available.Eze also stressed that he explored the injury on the back of Mohbad’s right arm for a possible deeper penetration, which could have led to his death, and found out that it was superficial.H said, “Even a newborn baby won’t die from that injury. At the time I conducted the autopsy, it wasn’t even there, maybe because of the post-mortem changes on the body. I couldn’t tell how the injection was given, because I had already lost (his) fluids.”At the last sitting, the witness said the cause of death couldn’t be determined due to the advanced stage of decomposition of the corpse. But, he wouldn’t rule out a severe reaction.
He said, “Considering all the postmortem findings, including ancillary tests and available information, a major disruption of vital organ systems of the body with resultant fatality due to a severe and rapid hypersensitivity reaction to a substance administered by parenteral route is plausible.”

The 26-year-old was said to have died on September 12, 2023, after sustaining an injury on the back of his right arm. He was treated and given an injection at his Lekki home by a nurse, and died shortly after he developed a sudden convulsion. He was buried the following day.

Following a massive public outcry, the body was exhumed on September 21, 2023, for an autopsy on the orders of the Lagos State Government. The findings in that autopsy concluded on April 29, 2024, showed that the cause of death couldn’t be ascertained as the internal organs were already “in a state of moderate to severe decomposition”.

The second autopsy was ordered by the Coroner in June 2024, after the deceased’s family made an application for an independent review.

Eze also said during his examination by Mohbad’s family counsel, Wahab Shittu (SAN), that the handling of the musician by the supposed nurse looked like a “medical misadventure.”

Some policemen stationed at checkpoints leading into Minna, the Niger State capital, have been accused of extorting travelers and forcibly cutting their dreadlocks, despite Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago’s earlier clarification that such directives were not meant for visitors or legitimate business people.

A victim, Wisdom Jonathan, a photographer, narrated his ordeal to journalists, stating that he and two of his workers were stopped at the Pogo checkpoint while entering the state.

According to him, the officers cut off the hair of his colleagues and imposed a N2,000 fine on them.

Jonathan further alleged that he was assaulted with a fan belt by the officers after he protested the treatment meted out to his team.

Governor Bago had previously explained that the hair-cutting directive was targeted at specific groups known for criminal activity and not intended for innocent visitors.

However, the latest incident has sparked concern over abuse of the directive and potential human rights violations.

“When we were coming into Minna, we were stopped at the police checkpoint around Pogo and they told the other two men i was with to open their cap, they did. One has punk and the other one had dreadlocks. They said they will have to cut their hair as it was now the law. I went to them and told them that we are coming to work in Minna and we are not living in Minnrefused, they brought out fan belt and started hitting me with it that i am trying to stop them from doing their job. I was trying to be careful to ensure that the men I brought with me for the work return back safely. have to pay fine of N2,000. They gave them their Opay account and one of the men transferred N2,000 to the officer and the other man gave N2,000 cash.”

When contacted, the Niger state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun said the command will investigate the issue, “We will verify, investigate and ascertain the personnel involved for further necessary action”, he said in a message to the reporter.

In an apparent response to the incident and others, the Niger state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Honorable Binta Mamman reiterated that the government’s position towards the dreadlocks was to clamp down on nefarious youths groups with distinct hairstyles causing mayhem in parts of Minna, the state capital.

She explained that those who would be affected are those who wear dreadlocks in front while the back of their heads is shaved.

According to Mamman, “This is not a blanket criminalization of hairstyles, but a preventive measure informed by intelligence and ongoing trends. The aim is to dismantle the formation and spread of these emerging groups before they become deeply rooted in the state.

“The government has observed a disturbing trend among some youth groups where a distinct hairstyle that appears to be evolving into a form of group identity or cultism. The defaulters that will be arrested are those who wear certain dreadlocks in front while the back of their heads are shaved. The security agencies know them because they walk in droves.

“With intelligence reports, this particular dreadlocks style has increasingly become associated with members of these groups.”

In her statement, there was no mention of fines being imposed on offenders as alledged to have been colllected by some security personnel who are at various roadblocks.

Former US president, Joe Biden and former first lady Jill Biden will attend the funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday to pay a tribute to their close relationship.

According to the office of the former president, the couple will travel independently, and not on Air Force One with President Donald Trump, who will also be attending the funeral.

The Vatican has said, so far, some 50 heads of state and ten reigning monarchs have confirmed their attendance.

Biden, a devout Catholic, has often expressed affection and admiration for Pope Francis.

The duo had several official and private meetings and Biden reportedly kept a photo of Francis in the Oval Office during his term.

The Democrat had planned to visit the Vatican at the very end of his term in January to personally present the head of the Catholic Church with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America’s highest civilian honour.

However, Biden had to cancel the trip due to violent fires in Los Angeles.

It will be recalled that an ex-US president, George W. Bush in 2005, brought two of his predecessors, Bill Clinton and his father, George Bush Senior, with him to attend the funeral of Pope John Paul II.Former US president, Joe Biden and former first lady Jill Biden will attend the funeral of Pope Francis on Saturday to pay a tribute to their close relationship.

In a statement on Friday, Olubodunde Oni, acting assistant director of army public relations, said the troops have continued to record tremendous operational successes in recent days.

“The gallant troops carried out a series of coordinated operations across various local government areas (LGAs), resulting in the arrest of a wanted bandit.

“One of the feats is the apprehension of a notorious military imposter and the recovery of a significant cache of arms and ammunition. On April 16, following a distress call from a local hunter, troops swiftly mobilised to a suspected bandit’s camp at Dutsen Kachalla in Lainde, Lau LGA.

“Upon sighting the approaching troops, the criminals fled into the mountainous terrain. The troops pursued and successfully recovered one AK-47 magazine, one AK-47 rifle butt, one piece of military headgear and a national identification card belonging to one Adamu Umaru Jauro,” the statement said.

It added that on April 19, troops apprehended one Yusuf Hammadu, also known as Dogo in Lau LGA, who had been on the watchlist of security agencies for his involvement in several criminal activities.

It said that during preliminary interrogation, Mr Hammadu confessed to being a member of a syndicate responsible for multiple kidnappings and ransom collections in Jalingo, Ardo-Kola, Lau, and Yorro LGAs.

“In another operation on April 22, troops arrested one Richard Ongu, who had been parading himself as a serving major in the Nigerian Army.

“The suspect falsely claimed to be posted to 20 Model Battalion, Gashaka. During the preliminary investigation, Ongu claimed he was a discharged Flight Sergeant of the Nigerian Air Force, separated from service since November 22, 2019,” the statement continued.

The statement noted that Mr Ongu had reportedly swindled several individuals by impersonating military personnel.

“He fraudulently exchanged his Nissan Jeep for a Toyota Corolla worth N5.2 million from a car stand owned by Alhaji Ishaka Donga, promising to pay the balance, which he failed to do.

“He also collected ₦1.6 million as a deposit for supplying 350 bags of Beniseed and extorted money from locals in Bali and Gassol LGAs under the guise of recruiting their children into the Nigerian Army.

“He even claimed to be the Officer Commanding the Forward Operating Base, Bali, and attempted to illegally procure firearms for community leaders. The suspect will be handed over to appropriate authorities upon the conclusion of military investigations for proper prosecution,” the statement added.

The statement further noted that on April 24, the 6 Brigade troops and the DIA operatives conducted a successful operation at Jatau-Nyimu village in Donga LGA.

The operation led to the recovery of 86 rounds of 5.6mm ammunition, one Tarvor magazine, four cartridges, a Beofeng handheld radio, three single-barrel guns and two military camouflage uniforms.

The statement said Brig. Gen. Kingsley Uwa, the commander of 6 Brigade, Jalingo, commended the troops for their professionalism and resilience.

The commander reiterated the Nigerian Army’s commitment to ensuring lasting peace and security in Taraba and called on the public to continue to provide timely and credible information to assist ongoing operations.

(NAN)

IMF managing director, Kristalina Georgieva, stated this at a news conference in Washington, D.C., on the sidelines of the 2025 IMF Spring Meeting.

In achieving this, Ms Georgieva said Nigeria, like other African nations, should deploy technology and reduce tax evasion.

According to her, the falling oil prices have created additional pressure on the budgets of oil producers like Nigeria.

Regarding monetary policy, the IMF boss tasked African countries with tackling corruption, promoting transparency, and doing the right things that work for their respective economies.

“We are no more in a place where you can look at the book of the central bank of the neighbouring country and say, ‘Oh, they are doing this; I will do the same’.

“You have to really assess domestic resource mobilisation and your inflationary pressures and do the right thing for your country,” she said.

Ms Georgieva, however, advised the continent to deepen regional trade and remove obstacles to regional trading.

Ms Georgieva urged the African continent to take a cue from the Association of South-East Asian Nations in deepening interregional trade and cooperation.

“Sometimes there are infrastructure obstacles; the World Bank is working on reducing that infrastructure obstacle to growth and trade,” she said.

Ms Georgieva added that Africa has much to offer the world, including minerals, natural resources, and the young population.

She recommended that African countries, particularly Nigeria, Egypt, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire, continue on the path of strengthening their country’s buffer levels.

“I think a more unified, more collaborative continent can go a long way to becoming an economic powerhouse,” Ms Georgieva said.

The IMF boss also spoke about the direct and indirect impacts of tariffs on most countries on the continent, especially with slow global growth.

According to her, tariffs might not directly impact the countries on the continent, but indirectly, they are quite significant.

The court of appeal Abuja division has ordered the central bank of Nigeria to pay all outstanding monies it owes to a company, Adani Megasystems, after the CBN terminated the agreement they had over the pre-shipment of imports and exports in the nation’s ports.

In a unanimous decision, the three man panel led by Justice Okon Abang in annulling the purported contract termination held that Adani Kegasystems had shown evidence of satisfactorily executing the contract, and that CBN had even received over 100 billion naira as its one percent commission.

The court observed the importance of the cargo pre-shipment inspection and e-ticket initiative to the federal government, and ordered the CBN to meet its contractual agreements on the matter.

Atiku is one of the politicians that I know that is satisfied with whatever he has. Most other politicians, like his critics, are gluttons. It is unfortunate that the unrelenting opposition that Atiku has is still in the PDP, his party, not even outside the PDP,” Mr Adewale said on Friday.

Mr Adewale, a former PDP chair in Lagos, said on Friday that no one should write off Mr Abubakar politically or tell him to leave the PDP.

Some critics of Mr Abubakar’s presidential ambition, including Messrs George and Fayose, had advised the former vice-president not to run for president in 2027.

While Mr George told Mr Abubakar to resign from the PDP over alleged anti-party activities immediately, Mr Fayose said he would work against his presidential ambition if he decided to contest in 2027.

However, Mr Adewale, “He (Mr Abubakar) has been tested and tried as part of the few politicians with contentment, and he has never given up. He had been in power. He understands Nigerian politics.

“He knows our challenges compared to other politicians that just want to grab power to get wealth.”

He added, “Anyone within the PDP saying Atiku should not contest in 2027 is working for the opposition and not for the party or the country.

“They are working for their personal pocket. Therefore, they should not be listened to. We must discard their opinions. All dissenting voices in our party are working for their stomach, not for Nigeria.”

He maintained that none of the opposition parties could defeat the ruling party single-handedly, not even the Labour Party.

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has signed into law four landmark bills that establish new agencies designed to strengthen institutional frameworks and accelerate sustainable development across the state.

The announcement was made in a statement issued on Thursday by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

The newly signed laws provide for the establishment of the following agencies:

1.Kano State Protection Agency (KASPA)

2.Kano State Signage and
Advertisement Agency (KASIAA)3.Kano State Information and Communication Technologies Development Agency (KASITDA)

4.Kano State Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (KASMEDA)

These laws, which are now part of the Kano State legal framework, are expected to stimulate innovation, support small businesses, regulate signage and advertising, and enhance public protection and service delivery.
Governor Yusuf described the signing as a significant step toward realizing his administration’s vision of a modern, inclusive, and economically vibrant Kano.

He emphasized that the new agencies will play a crucial role in job creation, investment attraction, and the efficient implementation of government initiatives.

“Our mission is to lay a solid foundation for a greater Kano. These laws go beyond policy — they are key instruments of transformation that will help drive our development agenda,” the Governor stated.He also issued a strong warning that violations of the provisions of these laws will be met with strict penalties, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring compliance.

The establishment of these agencies reflects Governor Yusuf’s continued efforts to reform public institutions, improve governance, and position Kano as a leading center for innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable growth.

Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa
Director General,
Media and Publicity
Government House, Kano

T-Mobile, a multinational telecom company, reported a 24 per cent increase in its first-quarter profit, reaching $3 billion on Thursday, driven by strong demand for its postpaid services and growth in its subscriber base.

Service revenues for the quarter ending March 31 2025 rose five per cent year-over-year to $16.9bn, the US operator said. Postpaid service revenues, a key measure of customer retention and growth, climbed 8 per cent to $13.6bn.

Part of the report read, “T-Mobile reported a strong financial performance for Q1 2025, with several key metrics reaching record levels: Service Revenues—$16.9bn, a five per cent increase year-over-year. Postpaid Service Revenues—$13.6b, an eight per cent increase year-over-year. Net Income—$3.0bn, a 24 per cent increase year-over-year.”

T-Mobile attributed the results to robust customer additions and investments in network quality and customer experience, particularly its 5G networkThis includes our best-ever Q1 total postpaid customer gross and net additions—proof that our consistent customer-first focus has put us in the best position to succeed in this dynamic environment.”Diluted earnings per share increased 29 per cent to $2.58, while core adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization grew 8 per cent to $8.3bn.

The company, one of the largest wireless carriers in the United States, said the results reflect its competitive strength in a market where it competes with AT&T and Verizon.

The Chief Executive Officer of T-Mobile, Mike Sievert, commented on the results: “T-Mobile delivered big yet again with outstanding Q1 results across wireless and broadband.

The Sole Administrator of Rivers, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has requested more time from the House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee on Rivers to properly brief the committee on the developments in the state.

He requested on Friday at a meeting with the committee in Abuja after failing to appear before the committee on Thursday, April 17 and 24.

Ibas, who expressed regret for his inability to attend earlier engagements explains that the absence was not out of disregard, but rather due to the weighty and urgent demands of stabilising governance in Rivers.

“I have always held the National Assembly in the highest regard. I recognise the importance of your oversight responsibilities and your interest in the progress being made in River, which is presently relatively calm, but still fragile.It is important that any engagement with this committee is done with the depth, accuracy, and clarity it rightfully deserves.

“I remain fully committed to cooperating with the committee and to ensuring that all relevant information is made available in due course to support your important work,” he said.

“I only request the understanding and the indulgence of this committee to grant me additional time to adequately prepare and present a comprehensive and constructive briefing, given the complexities and sensitivities surrounding the current transitional period in RiversIt is important that any engagement with this committee is done with the depth, accuracy, and clarity it rightfully deserves.

“I remain fully committed to cooperating with the committee and to ensuring that all relevant information is made available in due course to support your important work,” he said.

Enugu State Government, led by Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has presented a certificate of recognition to the traditional ruler-elect of Ogugu Ntu-Egbenese Ancient Kingdom in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State, Igwe Aloysius Chigozie Ogbonna.

The State Government made the presentation on Thursday at the Enugu State Ministry of Rural Development, Local Government Matters and Chieftaincy Affairs’ office located in Enugu State Secretariat, GRA, Enugu.

The event, which was a memorable and hilarious one for the community that has not had an Igwe or a traditional ruler for over 25 years, followed the death of their former Igwe, Late Godwin Ochi, in 1999.

Presenting the Certificate of Recognition to the royal father on behalf of the State Government, the Commissioner for Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, Deacon Okey Ogbodo, expressed joy that Ogugu had thus gotten a traditional ruler after many years, adding that peace would now reign in the community.

Ogbodo, who said that the Staff of Office would be presented to the monarch on Friday at the community, urged Igwe Ogbonna to be of good character and always respect the laws of the land, else his Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office could be withdrawn by the government should he do otherwise.

According to him, “I am glad to have you here on behalf of His Excellency, Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, on this historic occasion. For the past 25 years, Ogugu community had no leadership.”

“We have the honour to inform you that having considered your selection by your community and your subsequent presentation in accordance with the Enugu State Traditional Rulers Law Cap 1(51) Laws of Enugu State enacted in 2004, His Excellency, the Governor, has approved your recognition as the traditional ruler of Ogugu Ntu-Egbenese Ancient Kingdom. And this approval took effect from the 26th of March, 2025.

“So, on behalf of His Excellency and, of course, the management and staff of the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Affairs, we congratulate you on your well-deserved selection and subsequent recognition,” Ogbodo declared.

He warned the Igwe to be of good behavior, conform and comply with the Customary Code of Conduct of the community, as failure could attract the ire of the government.

Receiving the certificate, the traditional ruler of Ogugu Ntu-Egbenese Ancient Kingdom, Igwe Aloysius Chidozie Ogbonna Jnr., expressed his happiness over the epoch-making event.

He stated that helping to bring development to his community has always been his intention and that this opportunity will help in attracting more to the community, adding that he has come to serve his people and to bring in investors to develop his Ogugu Ntu-Egbenese Ancient Kingdom.

Igwe Ogbonna also thanked Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for making the electoral process that made him emerge a reference point for democratic leadership, while also assuring that the community will do her best to support the administration of Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah of Enugu.

He also thanked the State Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Chieftaincy Matters, led by Deacon Okey Ogbodo, for their steadfastness in bridging the gap between the rural dwellers and both the State and Federal Governments.

He promised to use the opportunity presented by his people to work for more developments.

“I am happy, not just for me but the entire Ogugu. On behalf of Ogugu people, I thank Gov. Mbah that after 25 years, we now have a king to rule Ogugu. I have a dream to see that Ogugu will know that they have an Igwe. I’ll attract investors that will invest in Ogugu and give jobs to our youths by building industries.

“I have come to serve my people. I am a sportsman and I’ll reach out to the person that contested with me. I am going to reach out to everyone. I want peace to reign in Ogugu.”

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre’s (KSrelief) volunteer medical team performed 28 cochlear implant surgeries on children in Kenya on Saturday, all of which were successful.

Speech and language rehabilitation services were provided to 28 children, and 28 educational sessions for the children’s families were organized, benefiting 50 individuals.This assistance is part of the Saudi Sama’a Volunteer Program for cochlear implantation and auditory rehabilitation for Kenyan and Somali children in Kenya, with the participation of 20 volunteers from various medical specialties.

Victims Forced into Cybercrime, Minister Warns Youth Against Fraudulent Job OffersNo fewer than 231 Nigerians are expected to arrive in Lagos on Friday following the rescue of 219 young nationals trafficked to Ghana and coerced into cybercrime activities.In a statement released Thursday by the Special Assistant on Communication and New Media to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Magnus Eze, Minister Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed deep gratitude to Ghana’s Economic and Organised Crimes Office (EOCO) for its professionalism and humane treatment of the victims.

She praised Ghanaian authorities for the successful operation, describing it as a shining example of international cooperation in tackling organized crime.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also encouraged the returnees to take advantage of government intervention programs aimed at rehabilitation and skill acquisition.

“East or West, home is best. Give your government a chance to equip you with valuable skills when you return,” she advised.

EOCO Executive Director, Mr. Bashiru Dapilah, said the operation was based on intelligence and commended law-abiding Nigerians in Ghana for their role in combating the crime.

“This is not just a Nigerian crime—Ghanaians were complicit too. We arrested the owner of the estate where the victims were held, and he will be prosecuted,” Dapilah stated.

He stressed the need for stronger collaboration between Ghana and Nigeria to combat transnational crimes.

“We have a large Nigerian population here, many of whom are contributing positively—running spare parts businesses and restaurants. It’s important not to stereotype.”

Chargé d’Affaires at the Nigerian High Commission in Ghana, Ambassador Dayo Adeoye, noted that over three million Nigerians reside in Ghana. He emphasized the need for increased awareness campaigns to prevent human trafficking.

Italian and Vatican authorities have placed the area around St Peter’s under tight security with drones blocked, snipers on roofs and fighter jets on standby.Further check-points will be activated on Friday night, police said.

Vast crowds of people on Friday morning packed Via della Conciliazione, the wide avenue leading to the Vatican, for the third and final day of the pope’s lying-in-state.

Over 128,000 people have already queued to pay their last respects to Francis, whose coffin will be closed at 8:00 pm (1800 GMT) in a ceremony attended by senior cardinals.For a second night in a row, the Vatican kept St Peter’s open past the scheduled hours to accomodate the queues, only closing the doors between 2:30am (0030 GMT) and 5:40am Friday.

“Night is the most intimate moment, the Lord always manifests himself at night,” said Nicoletta Tomassetti, 60, who visited the Basilica in the very early hours of Friday morning.

“It was very emotional, in prayer, I asked the pope for some things and I know he will give them to me,” she told AFP.

The Catholic Church’s first Latin American pope died on Monday aged 88, less than a month after spending weeks in hospital with severe pneumonia.

The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas has again failed to appear before the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Rivers State Oversight, despite being invited for an interactive sessionThe committee, constituted by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and inaugurated on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, had scheduled the meeting for Thursday, April 17, 2025 which was rescheduled.

The session was intended to facilitate discussions on developments in Rivers State since Ibas assumed office.

However, despite being in Abuja for the National Economic Council meeting at the Presidential Villa, Vice Admiral Ibas did not attend the scheduled session.

Recall that the committee, chaired by Rep. Julius Ihonvbere, had rescheduled the meeting for Thursday, April 24, 2025, following an earlier postponement at Ibas’s request. Yet again, the Rivers State administrator failed to show up and the Commitee did not communicate any reason for his absence.It remains unclear whether a formal invitation letter was sent or acknowledged, as the committee has not provided details on the matter.

Following the absence of Ibas, Rep. Ihonvbere and other lawmakers were seen exiting Committee Room 301 of the House of Representatives Complex without addressing the press. When approached by journalists, Rep. Ihonvbere simply responded, “NoHe expressed trust that the new leadership will chart a bold path to support the Bago-led administration.

Also, the Co-Chairman Abdullahi Sabi Aliyu, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, noted that the forum has a promising future, especially with the New Niger mantra, and promised to contribute to its success.

Earlier, Outgoing Chairman, Ambassador Zubairu Dada handed over leadership with confidence, noting that the new chairman is a founding member who had contributed significantly to the forum’s establishment.Also, the Co-Chairman Abdullahi Sabi Aliyu, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, noted that the forum has a promising future, especially with the New Niger mantra, and promised to contribute to its success.

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago has inaugurated new leaders of Niger State Development Forum, NSDF, tasking them to make efforts to ensure that the state is adequately compensated for its contributions to the creation of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja.

Bago also charged the Forum to facilitate good placing for Nigerlites working in federal establishments in the FCT.

Speaking shortly after the inauguration of the Forum at the state liaison office, Abuja, the Governor who described setting up the Forum as a great idea, pledged his total support, especially to its secretariat for effective service delivery for the development of the state.He emphasized that the forum is non-political and impartial, aiming to develop the state regardless of differences as Its priorities include enhancing policy advisory capacity, expanding membership, and collaborations.

Malagi commended the former leadership for their selflessness and dedication, calling for sustained commitment from members to achieve greater results.Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago has inaugurated new leaders of Niger State Development Forum, NSDF, tasking them to make efforts to ensure that the state is adequately compensated for its contributions to the creation of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja.He expressed trust that the new leadership will chart a bold path to support the Bago-led administration.

Also, the Co-Chairman Abdullahi Sabi Aliyu, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, noted that the forum has a promising future, especially with the New Niger mantra, and promised to contribute to its success.

Earlier, Outgoing Chairman, Ambassador Zubairu Dada handed over leadership with confidence, noting that the new chairman is a founding member who had contributed significantly to the forum’s establishment.

Nine people were said to have been killed and over 70 injured in an overnight Russian drone and missile attack on Kyiv, said the State Emergency Service of Ukraine on Thursday.

The assault caused extensive damage to residential buildings and ignited fires in garages, non-residential structures and administrative buildings.

Rescue operations are still underway in the western Sviatoshynskyi district, where a missile strike partially destroyed an apartment building.

In total, emergency teams have responded to 13 locations across Kyiv to address the damage.

In addition to Kyiv, the attack also targeted eight other regions across Ukraine.

Two people were reported injured in the eastern Kharkiv region, while one person was wounded in the northern Zhytomyr region.

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, gave the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission the go-ahead to arrest and detain six promoters of Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX) over alleged investment fraud to the tune of over one billion dollars.

Justice Emeka Nwite, who gave the order after the EFCC’s lawyer, Fadila Yusuf, moved an ex-parte motion to the effect, said the detention would be pending the conclusion of investigation of the alleged offences and possible prosecution.

The judge said, “I have listened to the submission of the learner counsel for the applicant I have also gone through the affidavit evidence with exhibits thereto along with the written address. I am of the view, and I so hold that the application is meritorious. Consequently, the application is granted as prayed.’’

The six suspects include Adefowora Abiodun Olanipekun, Adefowora Oluwanisola, Emmanuel Uko, and Seyi Oloyede. Others are Avwerosuo Otorudo and Chukwuebuka Ehirim as 1st to 6th defendants respectively.

In the motion ex-parte dated and filed April 23 by Yusuf, the anti-graft agency sought two prayers. The commission sought an order of the honourable court for the issuance of a warrant of arrest of the defendants.

It also prayed the court for “an order remanding the defendants in the custody of the complainant/applicant pending the conclusion of investigation of the alleged offences and possible prosecution.”

Giving four grounds, the lawyer said the EFCC has a statutory duty of prevention and detection of financial crimes through investigation.

She said there was an intel to the office of the commission’s chairman against the defendant bordering on various criminal offences.

According to her, the applicant has a constitutional duty to investigate the crimes and enforce law and order.

Ms Yusuf said, “The defendants are at large, and a warrant of arrest is required to arrest the defendants for proper investigation and prosecution of this case.”

In the affidavit in support of the motion, the EFCC said sometime in April 2025, it received an intel bordering on an alleged investment scheme fraud against the defendants.

It alleged that the defendants and their company, ST Technologies International Limited, using another company, Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX) perpetrated the alleged fraud, and the case was received and assigned to its cybercrimes section for investigation.

The agency said the preliminary investigation into the intel revealed the following: “That Messrs Adefowora Abiodun Olanipekun, Adefowora Oluwanisola, Emmanuel Uko and Seyi Oloyede, using their company ST Technologies International Limited, promoted another company Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX) by making advert and lured unsuspecting members of public to invest crypto currencies on CBEX investment platform.”

The EFCC noted that the defendants promised unrealistic return on investment of up to 100%.

It stated, “That the victims were made to convert their digital assets into a stable coin of USDT for onward deposit into the suspects crypto wallet. That the victims were initially given full access to the platform to monitor their investment. That following deposits valued at over one billion dollars by the victims, the CBEX investment platform became inaccessible to them, and they could no longer withdraw from the investment made. That the victims later discovered that the said scheme is a scam. That during the course of investigation, it was discovered that the said ST Technologies International Limited, though registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), was not registered with the security and Exchange Commission (SEC) for investment purposes. That it was also discovered during investigation that the defendants had moved out of their last known address in Lagos and Ogun states.”

The anti-graft agency said that a warrant of arrest was required to place the defendants on red watch list so that they could be traced and arrested to answer to the case against them.

According to the commission, investigation into the allegation against the defendants revealed a prima facie case of investment scam.

It said it would be in the interest of justice to grant the application.

U.S. President Donald Trump has plans to spare carmakers from some tariffs, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday.

It noted that as part of a tariff “destacking” plan, car parts would be relieved of some of the duties imposed by Mr Trump.

The exemptions, FT said, would, however, leave in place a 25 per cent tariff imposed by Mr Trump on all imports of foreign-made cars.

It said a separate 25 per cent levy on parts would remain but would be put into effect by May 3.

“Although Washington had already shielded autos from the ‘reciprocal’ tariffs announced on major trading partners, U.S. auto companies have in recent weeks pushed for further exemptions.

“The concessions will mark an initial win for the auto sector and another retreat by Trump on his most aggressive tariffs amid concerns that they will push up U.S. car prices. It will also disrupt supply chains and cause job losses,” FT said.

Car executives have stepped up their criticism of the auto tariffs, with Stellantis chairman John Elkann warning that “American and European car industries are being put at risk.”