The chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has appointed Michael Nzekwe as his chief of staff.
As part of a restructuring drive, Olukoyede upgraded all the zonal commands of the EFCC to departments and appointed 14 new directors.
A statement by Dele Oyewale, EFCC spokesperson, said the security unit of the agency has been upgraded to a department with a chief security officer at the helm.
“To this effect, 14 new directors have been appointed to head each of the zonal commands,” Oyewale said.
“Additionally, to bolster and fortify the security architecture of the commission, the security unit of the EFCC has been upgraded to a department with a seasoned officer appointed as director, security and chief security officer.
“A new department has also been created in the executive chairman’s office and it is headed by former Makurdi zonal commander of the EFCC, Mr. Friday Ebelo who also doubles as director and coordinator, special duties at the corporate headquarters of the commission.”
Nzekwe was the commander of the Ilorin zonal command and a course one officer.
Nzekwe, a lawyer and an investigator, has served in various departments in the anti-graft agency — including legal and prosecution, operations (now department of investigations), internal affairs (now department of ethics and integrity), Servicom, and asset forfeiture.
The new chief of staff has attended trainings and courses at home and abroad, including the Advance Defence Intelligence Officers Course organised by Defence Intel Agency (DIA).
The Nigerian government has stated that the N50,000 Conditional Grant Scheme for Nigerians is still ongoing, with disbursements made to 150,000 out of the targeted one million citizens.
The Minister of Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite, disclosed this in a recent statement through her official X handle.
“Grant disbursements are ongoing; 150,000 of the 1 million targeted payments have been issued as of this week.
“If you’re verified and awaiting funds, we appreciate your patience. For full transparency, a list of all beneficiaries will be released upon completion,” she said.
The grant disbursement, which commenced last week, is part of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration’s effort to cushion the impact of fuel subsidy removal.
The Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme announced a portal for registering interested beneficiaries in December last year.
A gas tanker explosion has occured at Ita-Oshin area of Abeokuta, Ogun State. A vehicle heading towards Abeokuta main city from the Obada-Oko axis appeared to have lost control, forcing the driver to hit the median before the explosion which caused panic for people in the area.
Although no official statements as regards casualties but unconfirmed reports claimed that one person is said to have died in the inferno.
Emergency response teams, including personnel from the Federal Road Safety Corps, Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Control Agency and the police, swiftly mobilized to the scene to rescue victims and contain the inferno.
Some commercial cars were affected and shops and containers erected by the roadside at Ita Oshin were seriously affected.
While security and safety officials were present at the scene are yet to provide a comprehensive statement regarding the incident.
The Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) of the Nigeria Police Force has reportedly arrested Adejare Adegbenro, the Director-General of the National Commission against the Proliferation of Arms, Light Weapons, and Pipeline Vandalism (NATCOM), for alleged fraudulent activities, according to SaharaReporters.
Top sources informed this newspaper that Adegbenro was arrested and detained in Abuja on Friday night, saying his arrest was sequel to a result of an "extensive investigation into the alleged illegal fraudulent activities, impersonation of government officials and involvement in gun-running."
Sources close to the investigation said that Adegbenro and his associates had allegedly been running a "sophisticated scam operation, preying on unsuspecting individuals by offering them fake employment opportunities within NATCOM."
The NATCOM, which is said to have claimed to be the government agency responsible for controlling the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, has allegedly been selling bogus appointment letters and extorting money from victims.
SaharaReporters gathered that investigations also uncovered evidence suggesting Adegbenro's alleged involvement in gun-running.
It was gathered that his arrest had shed light on the extent of NATCOM's alleged criminal activities, which have been ongoing for several years.
Victims are said to have come forward with disturbing accounts of being deceived by NATCOM team, which promised them lucrative positions and job security within the organisation.
"Also, many have lost significant sums of money in the process, with some even quitting their existing jobs to join the fake agency," another source said.
"As the investigation progresses, questions have continued to be raised about how Adegbenro managed to operate without facing any consequences," another source said.
The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), which is said to be the only recognised government institution tasked with controlling the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons in Nigeria, said that it has repeatedly warned about the dangers posed by NATCOM.
The NCCSALW in a statement issued on Saturday said that it has been working to raise awareness about these fraudulent groups and their potential to undermine national security.
The organisation further urged the public to exercise caution and verify the legitimacy of any organisation claiming to be involved in arms control before engaging with them.
“The arrest of Adegbenro marks a significant step forward in the fight against illegal arms proliferation, gun-running, and the criminal activities of fraudulent outfits.
“As the investigation continues, more details are expected to emerge about the extent of NATCOM's operations and the individuals involved in perpetrating these crimes.
“The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activities or organisations claiming to be involved in arms control to the relevant authorities. By working together, we can combat the menace of illegal arms proliferation and create a safer society for all,” the NCCSALW said.
The winner of the 2018 Big Brother Naija ‘Double Wahala’ show, Miracle Igbokwe, has graduated with distinction from the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Florida, USA.
The reality TV star disclosed this on his Instagram story on Friday, sharing a video of the moment he climbed the stage to receive his certificate.
GISTMANIA reported In July 2018 that Ikechukwu obtained his Private Pilot License and Flight Dispatcher License.
In June 2019, he further disclosed that he obtained his certification as an “Instrument Rated” pilot.
He was also reported to have celebrated passing his Flight Instructor exam in 2023, as he completed his aviation training and earned pilot certification from US aviation authorities in 2024.
Miracle was in aviation school before the BBNaija show and returned to complete his training immediately after clinching the grand prize.
Watch video:
VIDEO: BBNaija Star, Miracle Igbokwe Graduates With Distinction From US Aeronautical Varsity
The winner of the 2018 Big Brother Naija ‘Double Wahala’ show, Miracle Igbokwe, has graduated with distinction from the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Florida, USA.
Nollywood actress, Angel Okorie has continued to drag her male counterpart Zubby Micheal over manner by which the later had mourned their late colleague, Junior Pope, who passed on by drowning while returning from movie location.
Recall that Angela had called out Zubby on several occasions for not mourning Junior Pope whom Angela revealed was Zubby's best friend, she further made it known why Zubby can never mourn his late friend.
Zubby recently took to his Instagram page to Mourn Junior Pope after much pressures, this obviously didnt sit well with Angela as she came out openly to chide the Actor.
A video of a woman showing off her incredibly lengthy tongue has surfaced online, eliciting responses from netizens.
While some people have small, medium, or huge tongues, the lady’s viral video has gained popularity online.
In the popular video, the middle-aged woman was seen showcasing her unusually long tongue while making various movement signals.
The lady in the popular video expanded and contrasted her extremely lengthy tongue.
The huge tongue glides sideways from left to right, top (nose level), and bottom in a continuous motion, causing numerous jaws to drop.
See reactions and the video below;
Quote
_annie___grace_’: The Kind Of Woman Every Man Wants.
only1mreez: Imagine k!ssing her and she stretches her tongue down your throat. Youll probably be the first man to die of a choking tongue from kissing.
fiftyshades_of_oyin: Imagine if she’s into girls!!! And guyssss! Enjoyment wan kee me inside imagination! FFM.
glammedbysuccess’: You made a video of yourself doing this and posted it? Why pls ?.
cutesythecutie: Na man suppose get this kind tongue naw…
A video of an emerging musician known as Chadreek criticizing controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, also known as Portable Zazu, is trending online.
The budding musician spoke about how he got N1.5 million in donations to pay Portable to feature in his song video.
He alleged, however, that only hours after paying the money, the Zeh Nation head, who just hauled Zinoleesky, stated that his charge had raised to N3.5 million as he requested an extract of N2 million.
Dissatisfied with Portable’s actions, Chadreek sought a refund, claiming he was told that any money that entered his (Portable) account was nonrefundable.
The upcoming singer further claimed Portable has been threatening his life. “Nigerians please come and help me I Gathered My Entire Ajo Contribution Money and Paid Portable N1.5Million to appear in My Music Video, Just few hours after Portable Collected the Money he said his Ad Rate has Gone Up that he now Chargers N3.5Million that I should send extra N2Million, I told him to refund my money and he said that any money that enters his Account can’t be refunded, before I knew what was happening Portable carried Axe and started chasing me” Upcoming Artiste Chadreek said in the video
Watch video, including Chadreek’s chat with Portable, below:
Nollywood actress Bisola Aiyeola took to Instagram to share a how excited she was about meeting Hollywood actor Idris Elba.
According to Bisola’s post, Idris Elba had directed a movie, in which she was featured. The Hollywood actor has been involved in a lot of African movie projects for a while now, and being of African descent, it isn’t surprising that he’s actively involved.
In her post, Bisola Aiyeola wrote;
“La familiaaaaaaa Dreams do come True. If you know you know I met @idriselba at @ogidistudios and also got an opportunity to be Directed by him. Thank you Aunty Mo @moabudu for making it possible And even when I was a little under the weather, He kept asking if I was okay . Should I drop a little story time of when I met him and how I kept Kool, Kalm and Kollected”
One of such movie projects is Beasts of no Nation, in which he played a tyrannical gang leader.
Apart from acting, Idris Elba has also displayed musical prowess, by featuring in a good number of songs.
While the title of the movie he’s directing hasn’t been revealed yet, it has created a buzz on social media.
In her post, Bisola Aiyeola showed appreciation to Mo Abudu for giving her for giving her the opportunity to work with Idris Elba.
Mo Abudu is the name behind many top Nollywood movies. She has drawn in acting talents like Sharon Ooja, Nancy Isime, Toke Makinwa, and a host of other actors that frontline most of her movies.
Apart from being one of the biggest names in Nollywood, Mo Abudu has also extended her talons to Hollywood, with more than a few collaborations. All her movies are under Ebony Life, which she owns.
She has influenced the modern day movie industry with revolutionary movies that have elevated the importance of Nigerian movies worldwide.
The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) has sealed at least five churches and 19 hotels over noise pollution between March 23 and April 26.
Also, no fewer than four markets and shopping complexes have been temporarily closed.
The churches include St Monica’s Hall of Our Lady of Lord’s Catholic Church, Christ Rock of Fire Ministry, Wonderful Bible Prayer Ministries, God’s Porch Ministries, and an unnamed Catholic Church
Some of the hotels affected are School2bar, Blue Seasons Hotel and Suites, Sulerious Lakeside Hotel, Monero Hotel and Suites, and Lekki Hotel and Suites.
A post shared by the state Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, on his X account on Friday, said various establishments, including churches, bars, and hotels, in areas like Ifako-Ijaiye, Abule-Egba, Alagbado, Command, Abesan Estate, and Dopemu, were also sealed due to noise pollution.
The statement read, “In a significant effort to address noise pollution and other environmental breaches, LASEPA conducted a comprehensive enforcement operation today in strategic areas of lfako-ljaiye, Abule-Egba, Alagbado, Command, Abesan Estate, and Dopemu within Lagos State.
“Among the affected establishments are the Catholic Church, Seventh Heaven Bar and Lounge, 1602 Hotel, Lourita Hotel and Suites, Wonderful Bible Prayer Ministries, God’s Porch Ministries, White Pavilion Hotel, Quest Hotel and Suites, Honey Comb Confectioners Limited, and Excel Hotel and Suite.
“These establishments have been temporarily closed to compel compliance with environmental regulations. LASEPA emphasised the vital importance of businesses adhering to environmental standards.”
Nollywood actress, Wunmi Ajiboye has reunited with her estranged husband and father of her kids, Segun Ogungbe.
The former couple put up a tough front on the set of a movie project, Iyunade produced by their colleague, Zainab Bakare.
In a video captured online, the estranged couple be seen in the space although they kept a distance, but this is the first time they would be spotted together, days after Wunmi mercilessly dragged him online.
The video has won them praise from many over their maturity.
Funeral arrangements for the burial of the late Nollywood actor John Paul Odonwodo have been released by his family.
Junior Pope and four other actors drowned after their boat capsized in the Anam River in Anambra State on April 10 while returning from a movie shoot.
Of the 12 individuals who boarded the ill-fated boat, only seven were rescued alive, while five died, including Junior Pope.
The details of funeral arrangements for the late actor, signed by Divine Odonwodo on behalf of the family, indicated that besides the April 23 requiem mass at Saint John-Mary Vianney Parish in Asaba, Delta State, another requiem mass is scheduled to be held at Christ the King Catholic Parish, G.R.A., Enugu, on May 13.
On May 14, an evening of tributes and candlelight will follow at Amadeo Event Centre in Enugu at 5 pm. A wake will follow on May 16 at his country home in Uwala Abaka, Ukehe, a community in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of the state.
Pope will be buried on Friday, May 17, at his country home after a burial mass at Saint Peter’s Catholic Church, Ukehe. Interment will follow immediately after the burial of the actor.
The burial arrangements will be wrapped up with a thanksgiving mass at Saint Peter’s Catholic Church, Ukehe, on May 20.
Emeka Rollas, President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria has said that the mother of late actor, Junior Pope, believes her son was murdered.
Emeka Rollas in a recent interview, talked about Junior Pope’s Cameroonian mother’s surprise that her son drowned. The AGN President further revealed that CPR was conducted on Junior Pope after he was brought out of the water after four hours, but he didn't make it.
He said;
“I was with his mother yesterday, and all the rumours online are making her feel that her son was killed. I had to let her know that I was also supposed to be in the boat.
“Anybody that said they didn’t perform CPR on Jnr Pope is a liar. He was brought out dead after spending over 4 hours under the water.”
The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has denied responsible for the jailbreak in Owerri, Imo State.
IPOB was reacting to claims by the Nigeria Army at Obinze, Owerri accusing IPOB members of being responsible for the attack at the Correctional facility that freed 1827 inmates.
Owerri Correctional Center in Obinze is situated in close proximity to many Nigeria Security Agencies like the Nigeria Police command headquarters, the State’s CID, over six Police Stations, the Government House DSS office, Naval Command and military base.
However, IPOB said eyewitness accounts including Imo State Police’s report had said the attack on Owerri Correctional Center lasted for almost four hours without resistance or casualty.
A statement by IPOB’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, wondered where the surrounding security agencies were when the incident occurred.
The statement reads partly: “The attention of the global family and movement of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) ably led by the indomitable leader, Mazi Nnamdi Okwu Kanu has been drawn to dubiosity of the Nigerian Army accusing IPOB of being responsible for attack at the Owerri Correctional Center in Imo State on April 5, 2021. To put the record straight, the attack at Owerri Correctional Center was masterminded by the Nigerian security.
“The question is where were all the surrounding Security Forces within Owerri when the attack was going on and numerous gunshots were heard? Who then ordered these Security Forces NOT to respond to the distressed calls during the attack which lasted nearly four(4) hours? What kind of jailbreak can last for four (4) hours without confrontation from any of the avalanche of Security Forces in and around Owerri municipal if not coordinated by the Government itself?
“Nigeria Army is just disgracing their military institution and displaying unprofessionalism by engaging in media blackmail and propaganda. Why did the Nigeria Army wait for 3 years to start yapping rubbish about the attack at Owerri Correctional Center?
“The State sponsored attack at the Owerri Correctional Center was organized by the Nigeria Government with her Security Agencies, especially the army to free criminals that they have been using in creating insecurity in the land of Biafra, particularly in Imo State just to blackmail IPOB.
“For over three (3) years the Nigerian Government refused to open an investigation on that attack. Thinking that Nigerians may have forgotten it, but, boom! they added the 2021 Owerri jailbreak to the list of their blackmailing strategies against IPOB in 2024. IPOB is not responsible for the Owerri jailbreak. Period.
“It was the Nigeria Government and her Security Agencies that masterminded the jailbreak in Owerri Correctional Center on April 5, 2021 and also at Kuje, Abuja jailbreak on July 5, 2022 to free criminals to be used for blackmailing IPOB and to release ISWAP terrorists in prison respectively.”
A newborn baby from Bristol has been flown to Italy for treatment after the Italian government stepped in.
The child, whose parents are of mixed Italian and Nigerian backgrounds, faced a severe heart condition. Doctors in Bristol couldn’t offer further help, so Italy sent a military plane with an ambulance to transport the baby to Rome.
The Italian government explained the infant’s condition as a “very serious cardiac malformation.” The decision came after talks between the hospital and the parents reached a critical point. Italian lawyer Simone Pillon praised the cooperation, setting a positive precedent for international pediatric care.
Italian doctors began operating on the baby upon arrival in Rome. The child’s welfare remains the top priority in this unique medical journey.
Apostle Chibuzor brings a little boy to the police station after his mother abandons him on his doorstep, expecting the man of God to be responsible for his welfare.
The preacher who currently leads the Omega Power Ministry used his Instagram account to direct the mother on where to pick up her child.
He posted a photo of the young man, groaning bitterly about the responsibilities that are already draining him.
Apparently, the little boy was abandoned by his mother with no prior communication or agreement from the apostle.
He admitted that things were already difficult for him, as he is currently feeding over 1000 people.
Apostle Chinyere urged the mother to pick up her child from the police station and take him to a motherless babies home.
“Please the mother of this boy should go to Abacha police station to go and claim her child. My house is already filled up. The mother came this evening and dump this beautiful child in front of my house and disappeared. Am sorry, on like me. I am not rejecting this child. I don’t reject children. lam only giving him to government, not rejection. I am currently feeding more than a thousand people daily and food stuffs is increasing everyday. So mama go to Abacha police station and collect your boy. And take him to motherless baby homes. Today is Thursday 25 April 2024 Thank you and GOD bless you.”
Omowunmi, the wife of the late singer, Mohbad has been finally served the court order for a DNA test.
The Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Ikorodu had granted the order that Omowunmi needed to be served a notice of the pending DNA test application.
The legal team told the court that the Sheriff of the court had attempted twice to serve Wunmi the court process but failed and the Chief Magistrate then ordered that Wunmi should be served by posting the court process on her last known address.
In an update to it, the court order has been finally delivered to her. The court order letter was pasted on the mother of one’s house gate.
Recall that following the singer’s death, many including Mohbad’s father have been clamoring for a DNA test to be done on Liam, his son to ascertain his paternity.
Omawunmi had made it known that she wouldn’t be doing a DNA test for her son. Giving reasons, Omowunmi made it known that no one has the right to tell her to do it.
Nollywood has been thrown into mourning again as they lose one of their veterans, Baba Ogunjimi.
The sad news was made known by his junior colleague, Kunle Afod via his Instagram page. He stated that they tried their best but God loves the actor more.
Praying for his soul to rest in peace, he bid him farewell.
“We tried our best but God loves you more May his soul rest in peace Baba Ogunjinmi RIP Sun re oooo”.
There are indications that PZ Cussons Plc may leave Africa after sales plunged in its Nigeria operation. PZ Cussons has put its Africa business under review, potentially pivoting away from the region in which it was founded to invest in its remaining business and pay down debt.
According to media platform, the British soap maker was set up in Sierra Leone 140 years ago and now gets almost 30 per cent of its sales from Africa, even after a 48 per cent decline over the past year. With annual sales of around £500 million ($622 million), it is spread across many geographies and product lines. It also operates in Europe, the Americas and the Asia-Pacific region.
Chief executive officer, Jonathan Myers, said: “We have to have an eye on the future as well as a respect for the past. There could be many permutations of the outcome, which could include a change in ownership. We are going to be objective and not emotional in how we make this decision.”
The company’s shares rose five per cent on April 24, 2024, but down 50 per cent over the past 12 months. PZ Cussons also plans to sell fake tan brand, St. Tropez. It said the label has grown significantly since the company bought it in 2010, adding that significant long-term growth potential remains in the US and new markets. It could be worth £100 million, Investec analyst Matthew Webb said in a note. Myers said that the company will focus on branded items for babies, as well as beauty and hygiene products, citing recent acquisition, Childs Farm, which makes toiletries for babies with sensitive skin as an example.
UK, Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia are Myers’ priority markets. Following a strategic review, the board has decided that on top of the difficulties in Nigeria, the company is too complicated for its size. In a financial update, it cited “financial and human resources spread too thinly to generate consistent returns.”
In Nigeria, the company sells a range of products including Morning Fresh dishwashing liquid, refrigerators and cooking oil. The devaluation of the naira means sales fell sharply in pound terms. It also stoked inflation which has hit consumers’ purchasing power. In March, regulators rejected PZ Cussons’s application to buy out the 27 per cent of its Nigerian arm that it does not own, in order to delist it. The regulator said the offer price of N23 per share was unfair.
The PZ Cussons Nigeria in a release by the company secretary, Olubukola Olonade-Agaga, said: “It notifies the Nigerian Exchange Limited and the investing public that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has declined the Company’s request for its No Objection to PZ Cussons (Holdings) Limited’s (the majority shareholder) intention to acquire the shares held by all the other shareholders of PZCN at an offer price of N23 per share.”
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