Author: Yusuf Lawal

The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, has turned down ex-Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello’s request to transfer his N80.2bn fraud trial from Abuja to Kogi State. In a letter dated July 2, the CJ agreed with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that the trial should proceed in Abuja, citing the commission’s argument that the alleged fraud was partly committed in both Abuja and Lokoja. Bello’s lawyer, Adeola Adedipe (SAN), had applied for the transfer on June 10, but the CJ rejected the application, stating that the case should be tried in Abuja, where…

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has given the federal government a two-week ultimatum to meet its demands, failing which the union may embark on strike. ASUU President, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen on Monday. According to Osodeke, the union had agreed with the Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, to meet again in two weeks to assess the progress made on their demands. “We will meet to see the progress the government has made and determine our next line of action if they fail to implement the agreements reached,” he said. The demands include…

Lagos State is at the epicenter of a significant cholera outbreak in Nigeria, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC). The state recorded 104 new cases out of 113 reported cases nationwide in the last week, with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 6.1%. The NCDC data revealed that Lagos State alone reported 533 suspected cholera cases in the last month, contributing significantly to the country’s total of 576 cases. Other affected states include Ogun, Rivers, Katsina, Oyo, Abia, Bayelsa, and Sokoto. The outbreak has resulted in 32 deaths across the country, with a CFR of…

Nigerian football fans can breathe a sigh of relief as Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa, has debunked rumors of his retirement from international football. Musa, who did not feature in any of Nigeria’s matches at the recent Africa Cup of Nations, clarified that he has only taken a break from the national team. “I only took a little break from the national team. But I didn’t exit the team,” Musa explained in a chat with reporters after a friendly match he organized. The winger, who last started a game for the national team in 2021, has been without a club…

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on hunger, starvation, and poverty in the country. Oyintiloye, a former lawmaker and member of the defunct APC Presidential Campaign Council, spoke with newsmen in Osogbo, Osun State capital, on Sunday, expressing concern over the prevailing harsh economy and its impact on Nigerians. He noted that many households were struggling to have three square meals due to the high cost of living, and urged the President to tackle the issue urgently to save the masses and provide them…

Afrobeats sensation Burna Boy has stirred up controversy with his remarks on Davido’s marriage. When a fan suggested he follow Davido’s lead and get married, Burna Boy responded, “Baba make I just dey as I dey abeg, u nor see wetin him dey face like dis?” (Let me just be as I am, you don’t see what he’s facing). He further questioned whether Davido’s marriage was a good example, asking, “Shey

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) took a significant step towards launching a single regional currency, the ECO, as Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors gathered in Abuja on Friday. The meeting, endorsed by Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, focused on detailed preparations for the currency’s introduction. The ECO is expected to play a pivotal role in fostering economic development within the community, according to Edun. “Nigeria is fully committed to the ECO and its potential to improve economic growth and development in the region,” he stated. The meeting aimed to lay a robust groundwork for a…

In a move to revamp its operations and boost market share, 9mobile has announced the appointment of Obafemi Banigbe as its new Chief Executive Officer. This development is part of the company’s strategic plan to transform its business and reclaim its position in the Nigerian telecom market. Banigbe, a seasoned telecom expert with extensive experience in the African business landscape, succeeds Juergen Peschel, who will continue to support the company as a consultant. The new CEO’s appointment is expected to bring a fresh perspective and innovative ideas to the company, which has struggled to regain its footing since its acquisition…

In a historic moment, Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, has been officially appointed Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. Following an audience with King Charles at Buckingham Palace, Starmer’s appointment was confirmed, marking a new chapter in UK politics. Arriving at the palace alongside his wife, Lady Victoria Starmer, the Labour leader was greeted by the King and Queen’s principal private secretary, Sir Clive Alderton. After the meeting, Starmer emerged as the UK’s new Prime Minister, succeeding Rishi Sunak who tendered his resignation earlier. Buckingham Palace released a statement, saying, “The King received in Audience The Right…

The Federal Government has sounded a warning to states and local government areas to prepare for imminent flooding as the rainy season reaches its peak. Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, issued the alert at a press conference in Abuja, urging precautionary measures to mitigate potential disasters. According to the 2024 Annual Flood Outlook by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), 148 local government areas across 31 states face significant flood risks. The outlook predicts heightened flood risks from April to November, with the most severe flooding expected between July and September. Utsev emphasized the need for…