The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has issued a temporary suspension on the enforcement granted to Messers NAEBI Dynamic Concept Ltd, by the Federal Government as consultants to collect landing fees from helicopters. This is coming after a meeting with the Executives of Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) on the issue bordering on helicopter landing levies collection at aerodromes, helipads, and air strips, among others.

A statement signed by the Head of Press, Odutayo Oluseyi, on Friday, May 31, in Abuja, stated the suspension is with effect from May 30, 2024. This, the minister said, is a result of clamor for review by some stakeholders in the industry. Accordingly, Keyamo has constituted a committee with members drawn up from the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and its relevant agencies, Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), International Oil Companies (IOCs), and Messers NAEBI Dynamic Concept Ltd, who are charged to look into the issues raised by concerned stakeholders and submit a report on or before end of June,2024.

“Messers NAEBI Dynamic Concept Ltd was granted the exclusive right by the Federal Government as consultants to collect such levies, which stakeholders have expressed their reservations on the appropriateness of the levies. “The recommendation(s) of the Committee would proffer a way forward,” the statement partly read.
 

South-East governors have been asked to declare May 30 as a public holiday to mark the Bafra Day. Ifeanyi Ejiofor, Counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB made the call on Thursday. Ejiofor made this call in on Thursday while reacting to the May 30 sit-at-home declared by IPOB. IPOB had declared the sit-at-home in the entire Southeast region to mark the May 30 Biafra Day.
 
May 30 is set aside by pro-Biafra groups and activists as a special day to remember those who were killed during the Civil War, which lasted from July 6, 1967, to January 15, 1970. Ejiofor said, “It is a time of introspection, a moment to consider the position of Biafrans in modern-day Nigeria and their relevance in the broader national context. Unfortunately, the issues that ultimately led to the Biafran war are still present within the policies and decisions of the government.

“Further, we must remember the massacre of over 6,000 men, mainly residents of Asaba, who were gruesomely killed at Obosowe Asaba in present-day Delta State between October 4 and 7, 1967. Nigeria is under a moral obligation to acknowledge this tragedy, as it was not the making of Asaba. “It is important to note that no matter how long history is hidden, it will always reveal itself on true platforms. Unfortunately, the story of post-war reconstruction, reintegration, and reconciliation has remained a ruse. These three Rs must go hand in hand for a full healing process, but the reverse has been the case.

“I use this moment of sober reflection to call on all South East governors to dedicate May 30 as a public holiday, as a mark of respect and honour for Biafran fallen heroes. It is not asking too much to remember and commemorate Biafran heroes and heroines by declaring this date a public holiday across Biafraland. “It is worth noting that long before 2019, the entire South West states had set aside June 12 as a public holiday to commemorate the anniversary of the annulled 1993 Presidential election, adjudged to have been won by the late MKO Abiola.

“Heaven did not fall when the South West governors made this declaration in unison. Rather, the Federal Government was later compelled by the strong resolve of these leaders to consequently declare June 12, a national public holiday starting from 2019 to date. “Only the truth can set us free from the bondage of war and propaganda. I also wish to use this solemn opportunity to call on the government, particularly the Federal Government, to unconditionally release genuine Biafran agitators who are being held in various detention facilities.”

He further stated that having May 30 as a public holiday in Igboland would go a long way to assuage the feeling of marginalization among the people of the region. “As we continue to pray for the repose of our fallen heroes and heroines massacred during the civil war and subsequently, may we remember the cause for which they died. “They did not die for the cause of relentless perpetration of heinous crimes, not for the cause of kidnapping, not for the cause of rampant rape of their descendants, not for the cause of killing our innocent brothers and sisters by those who have sold their souls to evil,” he added.

Balogun Afolabi Oluwaloseyi, the popular Nigerian singer, who is also known as Seyi Vibez, has opened up about his humble beginnings. The ‘Different Pattern’ hitmaker recalled that his family urged him to leave home to hustle to cater for himself and the entire family at 15. He disclosed this in a recent interview with Cool FM, Lagos.

Vibez said, “I left home when I was 15. Things were difficult in the ghetto, so I had to make way for myself. Even my own family freed me. They said, ‘Go, don’t die here. It’s better you go away and hustle for yourself’.” Seyi Vibez gained popularity following the release of his breakthrough single ‘Chance (Na Ham)’ in 2022. He won the Best Street-Hop Artiste with the song at the 16 Headies Awards in 2023.

Charles Oputa, the veteran Nigerian singer, who is popularly known as Charly Boy, has reminisced on the painful memories of the Nigerian civil war. Taking to his X handle Thursday to commemorate Biafran Day and honour the fallen heroes, who died fighting for the actualization of Biafran State, the maverick singer noted that the war scandalized his youth. He added that “luck” kept him alive.

He recalled the traumatic experience of seeing lifeless bodies around him, mostly deaths from starvation. Charly Boy disclosed that he ate lizards for protein. The veteran singer lamented the harsh reality of the post-war era for the Easterners while praising the resilient spirit of the Igbos that saw them bounce back after the war.

He wrote, “30th May. Biafran Day
“The Nigerian Civil War (67-70) scandalized my Youth. As a teenager, it was mother luck that kept some of us alive. I saw far too many dead bodies everywhere, mostly from starvation. “Everyday was like one’s last. Even with some food relief from The Red Cross, some of us ate Lizards as our protein. It was hell. I will Never forget. “By the time the war was over, our eastern Igbo brothers were all given £20 to rebuild their lives regardless of how many Billions they had before the war.

“Lessons Learnt:Life is about navigating through hardships, bouncing back from setbacks, and maintaining a positive outlook no matter the circumstances. Resilience refers to the ability to use personal, dogged qualities to withstand pressure. That our Igbo brothers have in abundance.

“Hail Biafra.”

Rihanna, the billionaire songstress, is convinced that Nigerian singer Ayra Starr possesses the potential to conquer both the male and female domains of the music industry. According to Rihanna, Ayra’s deep voice appeals to both boys and girls. The Barbadian superstar stated that she has no doubt that Ayra Starr would dominate the global music scene with her unique voice.

Ayra Starr disclosed her chat with Rihanna when they met at the Authentic Woman event in the UK in a recent interview with Billboard. The ‘Rush’ crooner said: ” We [Rihanna and I] got to hang out after the event. Just spending time with my idol, the person that inspired me to do all of this, was the most amazing thing. She gave me so many pointers and advice.

“I love my voice, but I know I have a very deep voice like, ‘Is that a man?! Is that a boy?!’ Rihanna was like, ‘You have the type of voice that can take over the males and take over the girls. You are here to take over both sides of the industry.’ ‘And I was like, ‘You think so?’ She’s like, ‘Yes! Yes!’ I was like, ‘Thank you so much!’ She was like, ‘That’s your superpower.’ I was like, ‘I never thought of it like that. Thank you.’ She just put everything into perspective for me.’

The Kano State Police Command is advising residents to disregard misleading information circulating on social media, which claims that Alhaji Aminu Bayero, the 15th Emir, will lead the Friday prayers at the Central Mosque. The Commissioner of Police, Usaini Gumel told the News Agency of Nigeria in a telephone interview on Friday that Bayero will observe his Friday prayers in the mosque within the Nasarawa Palace, where he currently resides.

The commissioner said the police and other state security agencies will provide robust security at the Emir’s Palace, where Emir Muhammad Sanusi II is expected to lead the Jummah prayers. ”The police urges the general public to disregard the false reports and misinformation circulating on social media and go about their activities without fear of molestation or intimidation. ”The police will continue to provide necessary security to ensure that will enable residents observe their Friday congressional prayers peacefully without threats to their lives and property,” he said. He urged the people to volunteer credible information on the movement of dubious characters for prompt security action in the state.

The hearing for the plea bargain application by notorious kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike (also known as Evans), was stalled on Thursday due to the absence of legal advise. Evans and his co-defendant, Joseph Emeka, had filed the application at a Lagos High Court located in Tafawa Balewa Square. The duo are currently facing trial on charges of conspiracy, kidnapping, and attempted murder as brought against them by the Lagos Government.

During Thursday’s hearing, the prosecution counsel, Mr. M. O. Olateju, informed the court that they were awaiting advice from the plea bargain committee. As a result, he requested a new date for the hearing to ensure that the advice would be available. “We shall be asking for a further date for hearing of the plea bargain by the first and second defendants,” he said. Recall that Evans and Emeka had opted for a plea bargain on the charge against them. However, Mrs A. C Enueshike, the third defendant’s counsel, had told the court that her client was ready to proceed to trial.

“We have heard the submission of the prosecution and we are ready to proceed for trial,” she had said.Justice Sherifat Sonaike then scheduled the next hearing for October 17. It could be recalled that Justice Akintoye presided over the trial at the Igbosere section of the High Court before it was destroyed during the October 2020 #Endsars protests. The prosecution stated that the defendants committed the crimes on September 7, 2015, at 7th Avenue, Festac Town, Lagos. Evans and his co-defendants were accused of kidnapping James Uduji and demanding a ransom of 1.2 million US Dollars. It was alleged that the defendants tried to kill another victim, Mr. Donatus Nwoye, by shooting him in the hand. The prosecution mentioned that the crimes violated Sections 230, 271(3), and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos, 2015.
 

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has ordered the interim forfeiture of the sum of $1,426,175.14 million ($1.4 million) linked to the embattled former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Godwin Emefiele. Justice Ayokunle Faji gave the order on Wednesday sequel to a suit marked FHC/L/CS/232/2024 filed and argued by the counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Bilkisu Buhari-Bala.

The judge also ordered the EFCC to publish the interim forfeiture order in a national newspaper for anyone interested in the money sought to be forfeited to appear before the Court and show cause within 14 days, why the final order of forfeiture of the said sum should not be made in favour of the Federal Government of Nigeria. The money forfeited in the interim is said to be in Donatone Limited's account number: 2000000500 domiciled in Titan Bank Limited.

Buhari told the court that the orders sought are pursuant to Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud-related Offences Act No. 14, 2006, and Section 44 (2)(B) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. "That this honourable court has the statutory powers under the provisions of section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006 to grant the reliefs being sought.  "That the funds sought to be forfeited are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities," the lawyer said.

 In the affidavit, the deponent stated that his commission received credible and directed intelligence which led to the tracing of funds reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities warehoused in the Donatone Limited (DL) Titan Trust Bank account, which funds are reasonably suspected to be part of proceeds of unlawful activities.  In an affidavit deposed to by David Jayeoba, an operative with the EFCC, the deponent stated that the EFCC, whilst investigating the monumental fraud carried out by Emefiele and his cronies, discovered a huge amount of money warehoused and concealed in the account of Donatone Limited, domiciled in Titan Trust Bank.

He stated that investigation revealed that some of the brains behind the fraudulent concealment of funds reasonably suspected to have been proceeds of unlawful activities of Emefiele are the natural persons behind Donatone Limited, Uzeobo Anthony and Adebanjo Olurotimi, who are directors of Donatone Limited. The deponent further stated the following: "Between 2021 and 2022, when accessibility to Forex in Nigeria was difficult, several international entities operating in Nigeria had to resort to different means to source Forex.

 "That Uzeobo Anthony and Adebanjo Olurotimi used the firm, to collect bribes and gratification on behalf of Godwin Emefiele, to get approval for accessing forex. And that one of the entities (NP) paid a total sum of $26,552 million USD into the account of a firm domiciled in Titan Trust account number 2000000500.  "That the said credits came into the account of the firm on November 9, 2021: $6,450,000; November 5, 2021: $6,050,000.00;  December 16, 2021: $5,400,000.00; December 23, 2021: $652,000; January 31 2022; $3,000,000.00 and September 21, 2022: $5,000,000.00.  "The investigation traced the funds to having been fixed into interest-yielding accounts, dissipated and laundered through a foreign account in Mauritius, and transported back to Nigeria under disguise.

"That of the total sum of $26, 555, 000.00 USD received by the firm, the balance standing in the said account as of today is the sum of $1, 426, 175.14 million USD. "That it is the balance in the account that the applicant seeks to forfeit to the Federal Government of Nigeria, which has been traced to be the proceeds of unlawful activities of (GE) and his cronies. And that investigation further revealed that the international entities sourcing for forex were pressured into parting with huge funds to access forex during the period.

 "That the signatories to the account warehousing the sum of $1, 426, 175.14 million USD, sought to be forfeited are at large and are making frantic efforts to dissipate the funds electronically. And that based on our investigation findings, the funds sought to be forfeited are proceeds of unlawful activities of (GE) and his cronies. And that it is in the interest of justice to grant this application."

Justice Faji granted the orders and adjourned the case to June 25 for a hearing of the final forfeiture of the money. Similarly, SaharaReporters reported on Friday, May 24, 2024 that Justice Yelim Bogoro on May 25, 2024, had ordered interim forfeiture of $4.7m, N830m, and some assets linked to Emefiele. The monies forfeited to the Federal Government in the interim were said to be warehoused in First Bank; Titan Bank and Zenith Bank, being operated by Omoile Anita Joy, Deep Blue Energy Service Limited, Exactquote Bureau De Change Ltd; Lipam Investment Services Limited, Tatler Services Limited, Rosajul Global Resources Ltd and TIL Communication Nigeria Ltd.

 While the properties forfeited in the interim are: His properties forfeited to the Federal Government include 94 Units of an 11-floor building under Construction at 2, Otunba Elegushi 2nd Avenue (Formerly Club) Road, iKoyi, Lagos; AM Plaza, 11-floor office space, situate on 1E, Otunba Adedoyin Crescent, Lekki Peninsula Scheme 1, Lagos; Imore Industrial Park 1, Esa Street, Imoore Land purchased with (Deep Bive Industrial Town, Oriade LCDA, Amuwo Odofin LGA, Lagos, Mitrewood and Tatler Warehouse (Furniture Plant at Bogije) near Elemoro Lagos, Owolomi Village, ibeju-Lekki LGA, Lagos and two properties purchased from Chevron Nigeria, Closed PFA Fund, Block B. Lot twin completed property in Lakes Estate, Lekki, Lagos. His properties forfeited to the federal government include 94 units of an 11-floor building under construction at 2, Otunba Elegushi 2nd Avenue (Formerly Club) Road, Ikoyi, Lagos; AM Plaza, 11-floor office space on 1E, Otunba Adedoyin Crescent, Lekki Peninsula Scheme 1, Lagos; Imore Industrial Park 1, Esa Street, Imoore Land purchased with (Deep Bive Industrial Town, Oriade LCDA, Amuwo Odofin LGA, Lagos; Mitrewood and Tatler Warehouse (Furniture Plant at Bogije) near Elemoro Lagos, Owolomi Village, Ibeju-Lekki LGA, Lagos and two properties purchased from Chevron Nigeria, Closed PFA Fund, Block B. Lot twin completed property in Lakes Estate, Lekki, Lagos.

 Others include one plot measuring 1,038.069 sqm, at Lekki Foreshore Estate Scheme, Block A, Plot 4, Foreshore Estate, Eti-Osa, LGA; estate located at 100, Cottonwood Coppel Texas Drive, Coppel, Texas, owned by Lipam Investment Services; a land at 1, Bunmi Owulude Street, (Maruwa), Lekki Phase 1, Lagos and a Property Situate on 8, Bayo Kuku Road, lkoyi, Lagos. The EFCC had approached the court for an interim forfeiture of the monies and properties, under Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offence Act. 14 2006, Section 44(2)(b) of the Constitution and under the inherent jurisdiction of the court. Specifically, the anti-graft asked the court for the following: "An Interim Order forfeiting to the Federal Government of Nigeria the funds warehoused in the accounts particularized in Schedule ‘A’ which funds are reasonably suspected to be proceeds of unlawful

The old anthem, ‘Nigeria, We Hail Thee’ composed when Nigeria gained independence on October 1, 1960, was replaced with the ‘Arise O’ Compatriots’ version in 1978. The bill sponsored by the Leader of the Senate, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, (Ekiti Central), enjoyed overwhelming support from the lawmakers. In supporting the bill, the lawmakers argued that it would promote a better symbol for unity, peace, and prosperity, compared to the current one.

The lawmakers noted that the current national anthem was a product of the military junta, decreed by the military, and should, therefore, give way to the independence anthem, which captures national values, ethics, and norms. Lillian Jean Williams, a British citizen living in Nigeria before independence, wrote the lyrics for “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” while Frances Berda composed the music. The anthem significantly shaped Nigeria’s national identity and unity during the 1960s and late 1970s.

Here is the anthem below:
Nigeria we hail thee,

Our own dear native land,

Though tribe and tongue may differ,

In brotherhood, we stand,

Nigerians all, and proud to serve

Our sovereign Motherland.

Our flag shall be a symbol

That truth and justice reign,

In peace or battle honour’d,

And this we count as gain,

To hand on to our children

A banner without stain.

O God of all creation,

Grant this our one request,

Help us to build a nation

Where no man is oppressed,

And so with peace and plenty

Nigeria may be blessed.

A devastating fire swept through Tejuosho Market in the Yaba area of Lagos State on Wednesday afternoon, destroying properties worth millions of naira. Fortunately, no lives were lost, and no injuries were reported. The blaze began at approximately 12:30 pm in the market, which comprises both shops and residences along Tejuosho Canal.

It started in a room where a community member had left food unattended on a gas cooker and quickly spread to multiple wooden structures along the canal, causing widespread panic as residents fled for safety.

Emergency responders, including LASEMA, Lagos Fire Service, Nigeria Police, Lagos Neighbourhood Security Watch, and others, swiftly responded to the scene to combat the fire. Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, Permanent Secretary of LASEMA, and Mrs. Margaret Adeseye, Director of Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, reported that the fire was eventually brought under control, and rescue operations were ongoing.

North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un has dropped at least 260 white balloons filled with 'filthy waste and trash' onto South Korea in retaliation for leaflets scattered over North Korea amid an ongoing propaganda war between the two nations. The balloons appeared to have been carrying various items of rubbish, including plastic bottles, batteries, toilet paper, and what is believed to be manure, an official of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said.

Authorities have urged South Korean residents to stay indoors as a result after the balloons began to fall from the sky late on Tuesday. This comes just days after Kim Kang-il, a North Korean defence vice-minister, warned that the regime would retaliate in response to anti-North Korean leaflets flown across the border by South Korean activists.  'Mounds of wastepaper and filth will soon be scattered over the border areas and the interior of the ROK and it will directly experience how much effort is required to remove them,' Kang Il said in a statement to state media on Sunday.

 Seoul's JCS added that the North's actions 'clearly violate international laws and seriously threaten the safety of our people.' We sternly warn the North to immediately stop its inhumane and low-class actions'.

President Tinubu and members of the National Assembly sang the new National anthem today May 29. This was after it was announced that the President had signed the bill to revert to the old national anthem was announced. The President is currently at the National Assembly to address a joint session of the lawmakers.

VIDEO

Female corper posted to a marketing company recounts how she was reportedly given a N350M monthly target. The corper known as Valerie took to her Tiktok page @Vally_eke to reveal that NYSC had posted her to a marketing company. When she got to her PPA, she was shocked to be told that she would allegedly have to be meeting a monthly target of N350M.

Valerie the corper revealed that she immediately asked for her to be given a rejection letter so she can take her leave. Sharing a video of herself in her NYSC khaki, she wrote …

“Me peacefully walking out with my rejection letter because life did not end when my ppa said I would have to reach a target of N350 million a month in the marketing sector. Where I wan see N350 million on top N33k government is paying me.”

Netizens’ reactions …

A Nigerian man, Alfred Kings, has captured the attention of many online as he made a triumphant return back home after nine years abroad. The man’s return was nothing short of spectacular, leaving his family and community awestruck by his grand entrance. The man was seen accompanied by an escort and personal security detail as he made his grand entrance during a wedding ceremony, capturing the attention and admiration of all present.

As his vehicle pulled up, his security team quickly opened the door, setting the stage for a heartwarming reunion. In the video, the man’s family members erupted with joy upon seeing him step out of the vehicle. Their elation was palpable as they rushed to embrace him.

VIDEO

Netizens Reactions…

An X user has said the only way a woman can avoid being complete miserable in marriage is if she marries a man with money. She explained that money solves most of the issues that couples complain and fight about.

 She wrote: "It’s unfortunate but marrying a man with money is often the only way to not be completely miserable as a wife/mom. "He doesn’t pick up after himself? You can afford a a house cleaner. He doesn’t help you with the kids? You can afford a nanny. His presence is stressful? You can afford therapy, a masseuse, and proper nutrition. He offers you no emotional support? You don’t have to work full time while also raising your kids by yourself so you now have time for friends who can be there for you. "Since men don’t offer much inside the home or heart, he needs to at least be able to pay to outsource help for the basic tasks of running a home and save you time/energy to get your emotional needs met elsewhere. Having a man is an expense on a woman unless he is paying to make up for all that he costs you."

The Cross River State Government has replaced the historic Monolith sculpture with a statue of Jesus, sparking mixed reactions in Calabar. The Monoliths sculpture at Zone 6 roundabout in Calabar, which symbolized the state’s cosmopolitan identity and rich heritage, was demolished and substituted with a statue of Jesus as a shepherd leading sheep. The sculpture honored the world-famous Monoliths found in Alok and other northern regions, showcasing Africa’s ancient civilization and cultural legacy. It was crafted by the late Pastor Anthony Akinbola, a renowned Nigerian artist with numerous works across Nigeria and even exhibitions in the United States.

While some residents expressed sadness about the change, many welcomed it, claiming that the monolith statues were associated with witchcraft and juju activities. A government representative clarified that the structures were not actual monoliths but symbolic representations of the scattered monoliths in the state. The government preserved this representation at the Calabar Museum, Old Residency, with accompanying guides for those unfamiliar with the stones’ significance.

According to the Government, the statue of Jesus as a shepherd symbolizes the current administration’s commitment to safeguarding every individual in the state, reflecting the government’s responsibility to protect lives and properties. The shepherd represents dedicated leadership focused on the people, as depicted by carrying both the state and national flags, serving as a visual representation of this leadership approach.

VIDEO

Nigerian author and life coach, Solomon Buchi has opined that any woman that expects a man to pay her because she is good looking is a pr*stitude. In a post shared on his X handle, Solomon opined that there’s an unbearable promotion of relationship pr*stitution where jobless and asinine women hop on innocent men with such disgusting entitlement to cater for them just because they are pretty. He said these class of women have no grace, real beauty or dignity and parade themselves in costly materials like wigs, makeup and clothes just to cover up their lack of virtue.

This is coming after influencer, Saidaboj stated on the Honest Bunch Podcast, that a man has to give her money because she is beautiful. This led to backlash from social media users who went as far as reporting her TikTok account till it was banned.

He wrote;

‘’Call it cruise or clout chasing, but there’s an unbearable promotion of relationship pr*stitution, where jobless and asinine women hop on innocent men with such disgusting entitlement. They have no grace, real beauty or dignity. They parade themselves in costly materials like wigs, makeup and clothes—all to cover up their lack of virtue. Beautiful masquerades!

What shocks me more is their brazen lack of shame to jump on podcasts to advertise their abysmal brain cells to the world. For a woman to think this way, imagine how she was raised and what she must have done to get all that she has. As I call it, it is pr*stitution.  It is pr*stitution to expect a man to pay you because you look beautiful. Convince me otherwise that it’s okay for a woman to take care of herself because men must appreciate her for looking after her body.

I might sound hard and unfeeling, but I’m disgusted by this constant publicity of a dearth of shame and virtue. This isn’t okay and we should strongly condemn it. It’s destroying the fabric of romantic relationships because men begin to treat every woman as a commodity, because of charlatans like the one in this video.

Finally, men aren’t left out in this. Men enable these women; men patronize them. Men spoil them. Men, just because of bum(which is just a muscle) spend their hard-earned money and twist these women’s sense of value for money. You’re a simp and a weak man if you spend your hard-earned money on female masquerades like this.''

A video has captured a police officer struggling for the steering wheel of a Mercedez Benz with a driver who was in motion in Ughelli, Delta state. It appeared the officer had stopped the young man driving the car alongside his friends but he refused to oblige. The driver continued to move the vehicle with the officer hanging on the door while begging to be dropped. When the young man stopped for the officer to drop, he refused and still demanded that the driver hand him the car keys.

VIDEO

Kunle Afolayan, the famous, award-winning Nigerian filmmaker, has advised young talented actors about utilising and exploring futuristic options in the industry. He spoke about the exciting future of African films to take over streaming platforms in the next five years in an interview with the podcast, Limitless Africa. Afolayan made mention of the growing presence of streaming platforms in Nigeria and Africa, including Netflix and Prime Video.

He emphasised the continent’s unique storytelling methods and perspectives which have proven to be very attractive to Western investors. “Well, I think it’s going to get better. One, Netflix is not the only one operating in Nigeria. Now you have Amazon [Prime Video], and you have a lot of people trying to come in. Why are they coming? It’s because there’s something here. And it means it’s because there’s something in Africa. There’s something on the continent,” he said.

He also spoke about the importance of creative freedom for Nigerians as well as Africans as he highlights the past limitations faced by francophone African films, funded by European countries but rarely accessible to local audiences. “So again, if we have some of these guys who are investors, but at the same time, who allow you to stay creative and do your thing without necessarily controlling how you tell your narrative, then I think it’s a great thing for Nigeria and for Africa. Unlike before, when most of the Francophone films were funded by Europe, France, Germany, Belgium and all. And most of these films, yeah, great production value, but even the citizens and indigenes of all of those countries actually don’t get to see the films,” he said.

He advised filmmakers to push forward and use available resources to them, revealing how he once took a loan to make some of his films before getting a three-film deal with Netflix in 2021. “But then if you go all out, use your money. People don’t know. I used my money to make a film. I’ve taken a bank loan, which is actually against the ethics of film funding. But I’ve always looked for every possible way to fund film before this Netflix intervention and partnership came. So I think in the next five years, it will be safe to say that there will be more young filmmakers doing great things.” he stated.

Urging filmmakers on the importance of building a strong work ethic, Afolayan said: “You need a championing course, and this championing means that you need to convince people who listen to you and see sense and value in whatever it is you’re preaching, and once you’re able to do that, people will follow. You have to, of course, put in a lot yourself and that’s why I will say, start with the short film”.

On Wednesday, the Federal Government informed a Federal High Court in Abuja that it had withdrawn its intention to pursue the alleged terrorism charge against Alhaji Bello Bodejo, the President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Kore. Prosecuting lawyer, Mrs. Aderonke Imana, disclosed this at the resumed hearing in the case on Wednesday. In a oral application, Mrs. Imana  said she was applying pursuant to Section 108 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA),  2015.

She said the request was further predicated on the power of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) under Section 174 of the Constitution. Mrs. Imana said: “Consequently, the Honourable Attorney-General of the Federation has instructed me to withdraw this charge against the defendant in the interest of justice. “That is our humble application my lord. Defence lawyer,  Ahmed Raji, SAN, did not oppose the prosecution’s application.

Raji thanked the AGF for his “magnanimous gesture,” adding: “We urge your lordship to discharge the accused person under the sections refers to by the prosecutor.” Ruling, Justice Inyang Ekwo ordered the discharge of  Bodejo. Justice Ekwo said: “The court is hereby moved to consider the application for the discharge of the defendant. “Consequently, an order is hereby made discharging the defendant. That is the order of this court.”