Author: Opeyemi Ogabi

In a landmark judgment delivered on October 2, Justice Evelyn Maha of the Federal High Court in Abuja has barred the Directorate of Road Traffic Services (VIO) from stopping, impounding, or confiscating vehicles on the road. The court also prohibited the VIO from imposing fines on motorists. This ruling stems from a fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by human rights activist and public interest attorney, Abubakar Marshal. Justice Maha agreed with Marshal’s argument that the VIO lacks legal authority to impound vehicles or levy fines. *Key Points of the Judgment* – _No Legal Basis_: The VIO and its officials have…

Thousands of Peoples Democratic Party supporters in Rivers State defied the heavy downpour yesterday, protesting the planned local government elections scheduled for October 5. Led by state chairman Chukwuemeka Aaron, the protesters marched through Port Harcourt, voicing their displeasure over the upcoming poll. *Protest Details* – Gathered at the PDP secretariat along Aba Road as early as 7 am – Proceeded to the Department of State Services office to lodge complaints – Met with a DSS official – Marched to the State Police Command Headquarters, chanting slogans in support of Minister Nyesom Wike – “Under the rain, under the sun,…

Nigerian singer, Habeeb Okikiola, aka Portable, has accused music heavyweights Wizkid and Davido of using their public feud to stay relevant. Portable claimed the duo’s music has lost market appeal, prompting them to resort to manufactured beef for promotional purposes. In an Instagram post, Portable wrote: “Don’t use your brother to shine, shine yourself. Una songs no dey market again, na fight una dey use do promotion.” He emphasized his neutrality in the ongoing social media war, stating: “Me, I no dey for Davido. Me, I no dey for Wizkid. I dey for myself. That’s why I dey for those…

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has missed its deadline to commence fuel production at the Port Harcourt refinery in Rivers State for the sixth time as of August 2024. Despite assurances from the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources and NNPC, the project remains stalled. In December 2023, NNPC claimed mechanical completion of rehabilitation work and promised production resumption by January 2024. This date was later shifted to April, then July, and most recently, September 2024 ¹. The Chief Financial Officer, Umar Ajiya, had assured that petroleum products would be ready for testing and supply to the domestic market…

Nigeria’s petrol imports took a significant hit in 2023, dropping by 13.77% to 20.30 billion liters compared to the previous year’s 23.54 billion liters, according to the National Bureau of Statistics’ latest Petroleum Products Distribution Data. This decline was largely driven by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government introducing the fuel subsidy removal policy in May 2023. The data also revealed a 16.96% decrease in petrol distribution, from 24.35 billion liters in 2022 to 20.22 billion liters in 2023 ¹. On the other hand, Automotive Gas oil imports surged by 23.66%, reaching 4.94 billion liters in 2023. The fuel subsidy removal…

In his Independence Day address, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu acknowledged the struggles Nigerians face and assured citizens that his administration is committed to finding sustainable solutions. Fellow Nigerians, as I address you today, I am deeply aware of the struggles many of you face in these challenging times. Our administration knows that many of you struggle with rising living costs and the search for meaningful employment. I want to assure you that your voices are heard. As your President, I assure you that we are committed to finding sustainable solutions to alleviate the suffering of our citizens. Once again, I…

Antoine Griezmann, one of France’s most celebrated footballers, has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a glorious decade-long career with the French national team. The 33-year-old forward leaves behind a legacy of 137 caps, 44 goals, and 38 assists, cementing his place in the annals of French football history. Griezmann’s impact on the global stage has been nothing short of phenomenal. He played a pivotal role in France’s triumphs, including the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2021 UEFA Nations League ¹ ² ³. His impressive performance at the 2016 UEFA European Championship earned him the…

The House of Representatives’ investigation into bribery allegations against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) takes a new turn as social media influencer, Martins Vincent Otse (aka VeryDarkMan), appears before the lawmakers on Monday. VeryDarkMan had released an audio recording of crossdresser, Idris Okuneye (aka Bobrisky), claiming to have bribed EFCC officials with N15 million to drop a money laundering case. Bobrisky also alleged that he avoided serving his six-month jail term in Kirikiri prison due to his godfather’s arrangements. The House of Representatives has invited: – _VeryDarkMan_ – _Bobrisky_ – _EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede_ to provide clarity on…

The Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) national headquarters in Abuja has been served with a court order, temporarily halting the party’s congress at all levels in Nasarawa State. This development follows an ex parte motion filed by 16 party members, led by Senator Mohammed Ogoshi Onawo, representing Nasarawa South in the Nigerian Senate. Justice Abdullahi Hassan Shams Shama of the Nasarawa State High Court in Doma issued the order, which was delivered through substituted service. The court also granted the applicants’ request for substituted service and adjourned the case until October 3, 2024, for further hearing. *Key Parties Involved* – Senator…

Today, September 27, 2024, marks a significant milestone in the life of Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide and Presiding Bishop of Faith Tabernacle, as he turns 70. To commemorate this occasion, former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, has paid a heartfelt tribute to the renowned cleric. According to Obi, Oyedepo is “a remarkable figure in faith, a dedicated servant in God’s vineyard, and a leader who exemplifies the true purpose of God’s creation”. Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, acknowledged Oyedepo’s enduring legacy, compassionate outreach, and immense contribution to humanity. In…