Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to the immediate past governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano. The court has stipulated that Obiano is to be confined within the court jurisdiction during this period. Furthermore, Justice Ekwo has mandated the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to deposit Obiano’s travel documents with the court registrar. The registrar, in turn, is instructed to notify the Nigerian Immigration Service about this restriction. The prosecution counsel, Slyvanus Tahir, SAN, had urged the court to remand the former governor; however, the court opted for bail. The case has…
Author: Omolemi Eboisetale
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has pledged $45 million during his visit to Ivory Coast, reinforcing the United States’ commitment to combating terrorism in coastal West Africa. This financial commitment is part of Blinken’s broader four-nation tour, focusing on enhancing U.S.-African partnerships. The funding injection follows ongoing security challenges in the region, intensified by the coup in Niger last year. President Mohamed Bazoum’s removal, a key U.S. ally, has underscored the need for concerted efforts to maintain regional stability. Blinken emphasized the comprehensive nature of U.S.-African relations, addressing not only security concerns but also engaging in discussions covering trade,…
The President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Bello Bodejo, has been apprehended by the Department of State Services (DSS) for his involvement in the creation of a vigilante group in Nasarawa State. The arrest took place at the Miyetti Allah’s Head Office, raising concerns about potential nationwide violence stemming from the unregistered Nomad’s Vigilante Group. The DSS, accompanied by Nigerian Army soldiers, executed the arrest at the Miyetti Allah’s Head Office, citing fears that the vigilante group’s existence could pose a threat to national security. A DSS source highlighted that the group lacked recognition from government security agencies, emphasizing…
The Child and Youth Protection Foundation (CYPF) has issued a compelling appeal to the Federal Government, urging the inclusion of peace education in the country’s school curricula. The call comes just ahead of the International Day of Education on January 24. Kolawole Olatosimi, the National Coordinator of CYPF, emphasized the paramount role of education in advancing peace and development. He stressed the critical need for peace education to be an integral part of the educational framework to foster a more cohesive and understanding society. Olatosimi emphaised the importance of collaborative efforts among all stakeholders to create an environment where…
The Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), has been directed by a Federal High Court in Lagos to pay N300,000 in exemplary and aggravated damages to Ms. Blessing Oladunjoye, the Publisher of BONews. The court found YABATECH guilty of a flagrant and unlawful violation of Oladunjoye’s right to information under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act. Justice Daniel Emeka Osiagor delivered the judgment in response to a suit filed by Oladunjoye against YABATECH and its rector. The court not only awarded damages but also mandated the institution to provide Oladunjoye with all the information she had requested. The legal battle, initiated…
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has raised alarm over a surge in fraudulent employment schemes falsely linking the Commission to purported “ongoing recruitments.” In an official statement, Dele Oyewale, the Head of Media and Publicity for the EFCC, emphatically stated that the Commission is currently not engaged in any recruitment activities. The public is urged to disregard any online advertisements promoting EFCC recruitment that has not been officially announced. Oyewale warned, “Operatives are on the trail of fraudsters offering misleading information in this regard, and they will be brought to book.” Job seekers are…
In preparation for the upcoming re-run elections in Sokoto State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Sokoto State office stated its commitment to orchestrating a smooth and conflict-free voting process across 46 polling units. This strategic initiative comes in the wake of the recent annulment of certain state elections by the appeal court, prompting INEC to designate February 3rd as the pivotal date for these recalibrated polls in alignment with national judicial directives. In an official statement shared on Tuesday by Muhammad Hassan Ka’oje, the Public Affairs Officer of INEC Sokoto, it was explicitly outlined that the mandated…
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has disclosed that over 51,000 members of the Boko Haram terrorist group, along with their family members, have surrendered as part of the non-kinetic approach implemented by the country’s armed forces. This was disclosed during a national security course on “Psychological Operations and Strategic Communication” organized by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA). The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, emphasized the effectiveness of non-kinetic operations, citing that the approach had led to the surrender of over 51,000 terrorists and their family members from July 2021 to May 4, 2022. This approach, under Operation…
President Bola Tinubu has addressed the concerns about reducing his cabinet, emphasizing the importance of efficiency in government. During a meeting with a delegation from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Tinubu expressed doubts that downsizing would automatically enhance performance. The President, facing criticism over the 47-member cabinet, asserted that the number reflects the diverse roles necessary for effective governance. He defended his decision, stating, “If you want efficient, mobile, and resourceful people, we have to give them a load they can carry.” Tinubu debunked the notion of combining ministries to save money, highlighting the potential consequences of such a…
In a move to tackle the rampant cases of taxi-related crimes, famously known as ‘One Chance,’ the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has declared its intention to initiate a comprehensive recertification process for all taxis operating within the capital city, including ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt. The announcement came from the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, during a media interface in Abuja. Wike highlighted the persistent issue of criminals disguising themselves as taxi operators to carry out abductions, robberies, and, at times, even fatalities. The criminals often hold victims captive for extended periods, demanding ransoms from…
Cameroon has become the first African country to embark on a routine malaria vaccination program for children, marking a significant milestone in the global battle against this mosquito-borne disease. With approximately 250 million cases of malaria reported annually in Africa, resulting in 600,000 deaths—predominantly among young children—this vaccination campaign is a crucial step towards curbing the devastating impact of malaria on the continent. The campaign, set to commence on Monday, aims to vaccinate around 250,000 children in Cameroon this year and the next. Spearheaded by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the program is anticipated to provide substantial relief to families…
Experts are predicting a surge in diamond prices, with potential growth of up to 10% in the coming year. After a challenging period marked by pandemic-related disruptions, the market is poised for a revival fueled by a combination of factors. Industry analysts, including Paul Zimnisky and Cormac Kinney, point to a tightening supply of diamonds as a key driver behind the impending price increase. Contrary to 2023, when overproduction led to a 30% drop in prices, efforts are now underway to address the supply-demand imbalance. Major players, such as the Russian mining giant Alrosa, have even halted mining activities…