Year: 2025

A middle-aged man, popularly known as Uncle Light, and his son, Miracle, have allegedly died from suspected food poisoning at Ebebe Junction in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital.

 

PUNCH Online gathered that the victims were living with a woman who reportedly moved in with the man after divorcing her husband earlier this year. The woman is suspected of having poisoned the food they ate.

 

When our correspondent visited the scene of the incident on Wednesday, he found the father and son lying lifeless in separate parts of the compound.

 

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the woman left the house early that morning with her baby and had not returned since the incident.

 

He said, “Since the incident happened on Wednesday, we haven’t seen the woman. She left early in the morning with her baby while abandoning the man and his son here. We don’t know what they ate that made them start vomiting.

 

“The man is lying inside naked; while you can see the son lying down at the gate. We need help for them to be evacuated to the hospital before they start smelling.”

 

When contacted, Police Public Relations, Joshua Ukandu, said he was yet to receive the official report on the matter and promised to mobilise his men to the area to ascertain what happened.

Less than an hour later, police operatives arrived at the compound with a man who identified himself as the brother of the woman in question.

 

He told police that his sister was ill and currently in custody.

 

Another resident, who also pleaded anonymity because he was not authorised to talk, said, “I heard a loud voice in the middle of the night and I told my wife that something was happening in our neighbourhood.

 

“At a point, we thought it was noise from church people doing their programme. It was early in the morning that we saw the son struggling and writhing in pain and came outside the gate.

 

“He was crying for water. A friend provided him with water before he suddenly died. We are suspecting diarrhoea, but it’s for an autopsy to confirm what killed him.”

 

As of the time of filing this report, the two bodies have been evacuated by the police.

The President and Chief Executive of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has expressed gratitude over his appointment to the World Bank’s Private Sector Investment Lab, a body tasked with boosting investment and job creation in emerging economies.

 

In a statement confirming his acceptance, Dangote reaffirmed his commitment to fostering sustainable economic growth through private sector-led investment, noting the transformative potential of such initiatives in developing markets.

 

“I am both honoured and excited to accept my appointment to the World Bank’s Private Sector Investment Lab, dedicated to advancing investment and employment in emerging economies,” he said.

 

Dangote added, “This opportunity aligns with my long-standing commitment to sustainable development and unlocking the potential of developing economies. Drawing inspiration from the remarkable successes of the Asian Tigers, which have demonstrated the power of strategic investment and focused economic policy, I am eager to collaborate with fellow leaders to replicate such outcomes across other regions.”

 

In 2023, the Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney, co-chaired the Private Sector Investment Lab, which focused on attracting £1tn in sustainable investment to support the energy transition in emerging markets.

 

The World Bank announced Dangote’s appointment on Wednesday as part of a broader expansion of its Private Sector Investment Lab, which now enters a new phase aimed at scaling up solutions to attract private capital and create jobs in the developing world.

 

Joining Dangote in the elite group are the CEO of Bayer AG, Bill Anderson; the Chair of Bharti Enterprises, Sunil Bharti Mittal; and the President and CEO of Hyatt Hotels Corporation, Mark Hoplamazian.

 

The World Bank said the expanded membership brings together business leaders with proven track records in generating employment in developing economies, supporting the Bank’s sharpened focus on job creation as a central pillar of global development.

“With the expanded membership, we are mainstreaming this work across our operations and tying it directly to the jobs agenda that is driving our strategy.

 

“This isn’t about altruism—it’s about helping the private sector see a path to investments that will deliver returns, and lift people and economies alike. It’s central to our mandate,” said World Bank Group President Ajay Banga.

 

The global bank said over the last 18 months, the Lab brought together leaders from global financial institutions to identify the most pressing barriers to private sector investment in developing countries and to test actionable solutions.

 

The statement said that the work had now been consolidated into five priority focus areas that were being integrated across the bank operations, including regulatory and policy certainty.

 

The statement made available to our correspondent stated that the Dangote Group, founded by Aliko, is the largest conglomerate in West Africa and one of the largest on the African continent.

 

“With interests spanning cement, fertiliser, salt, sugar, and oil, the Group employs over 30,000 people and is the largest taxpayer in Nigeria, contributing more in taxes than all of Nigeria’s banks combined. It is also the country’s largest employer after the government.

“The $20bn Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals, the Group’s flagship project, stands as the largest single private investment in Africa.

 

“In addition to his business interests, Dangote leads the Aliko Dangote Foundation, the largest private foundation in sub-Saharan Africa, with the largest endowment by a single African donor. The Foundation primarily focuses on child nutrition, while also supporting interventions in health, education, empowerment, and disaster relief,” it was stated.

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, on Friday assured corps members posted to the state of their safety despite the growing insecurity affecting the state and the Northern region.

 

Represented by the state Commissioner for Youth, Sports Development and Creativity, Hon. Terkimbi Ikyange, the governor emphasised that his administration, in collaboration with security agencies, has implemented measures to ensure the safety of corps members throughout their

service.

 

He said, “Sadly, our nation is currently bedevilled with security challenges, and Benue State is not exempt. However, let me quickly allay your fears and assure you that, as a government, we are committed to ensuring that your safety is guaranteed throughout your stay in the state.

 

“For the avoidance of doubt, our administration, in conjunction with all security agencies, has put in place comprehensive protective measures to safeguard all areas and residences occupied by corps members in the state.”

 

The governor also urged the new corps members to prioritise the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme, describing it as a gateway to great opportunities.

He further encouraged them to use their God-given talents, which had brought them this far, to shape the future of the country.

 

In her address, the State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps, Mrs Veronica Garba, expressed appreciation to the governor and people of the state for their support of the organisation so far.

 

Garba charged the new corps members to embrace the four cardinal programmes of the orientation course, which include physical training, intellectual/motivational lectures, sporting activities, and SAED.

 

A total of 1,600 new corps members were inducted into the orientation course on Friday by Justice Peter Ukande, who represented the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Maurice Ikpambeae.

The Kogi State Utility Infrastructure Management and Compliance Agency has explained the reasons behind MTN’s disruption of service in the state.

 

The telecom service has been experiencing a disruption in the last two weeks and has witnessed a total shutdown in the last week.

 

The Director General of KUIMCA, Dr Taofeeq Isah, while speaking with journalists on Friday in Lokoja, attributed the shutdown to the failure of the Telecom company to comply fully with the rules of operation as stipulated in the official gazette guiding their operation in the state.

 

“In my assumption of office last August, I went through their files and discovered that they have not fully complied with the rules guiding their operations in the state. I called them for a discussion where they complained of being overbilled concerning the area of the state covered by their optic fibre. I went with them for a verification exercise to assess their claim, which took about 4 days, and we found out they were even covering more areas than they claimed.

 

We asked them to go and make the necessary payment, but MTN refused. That is why we sealed off their facilities after obtaining a court order to do so”.

The DG called on the citizens of the state to be patient with them since their interests were being protected.

 

He said that since MTN is not the only network operating in the state, citizens as well as the security agencies to consider switching to other networks, considering their importance in securing the lives and property of Citizen,s which should not be compromised under any circumstances.

 

Also speaking at the press conference, the Executive Chairman of the Kogi Inland Revenue Service, Salihu Enehe, said that MTN has arrogated to itself so much power that they have been refusing to respond to so many entities, asking for compliance on various terms of operation in the state.

 

The Chairman, who was represented by the Director, MDA, Hasana Salawu, said that MTN has been indulging in violation of various rules, not only the optic fibre right of way across the state, but also has violated every rule guiding their operations in the state.

 

MTN claims to have 48 optic fibres when the audit revealed they have 199 fibres laid under the ground in the state. We have called for reconciliation meetings severally but they claimed to be ready up till now.

Lead pastor of Celebration Church International, Pastor Emmanuel Iren, has addressed the troubling issue of sexual assault allegations within his ministry, emphasising the serious consequences of false accusations and the critical need for understanding the concept of consent.

 

Speaking during a recent sermon, Pastor Iren shared how he initially reacted with anger to reports of sexual assault involving members of his church. However, upon deeper investigation, he discovered that the majority of the cases lacked credibility.

 

In the sermon which started trending on Friday, Pastor Iren recounted how his initial response to the first few allegations was one of outrage. He described confronting the accused with the intent to take legal action until further investigation revealed that many of the claims lacked substantial evidence.

 

“In this ministry, nine out of 10 cases where the women came and said they were sexually assaulted ended up false. The first few cases, I was angry. I called the guy and swore I would jail him until he sent evidence. The girl who claimed she was assaulted said ‘It was a nice time’ in the chat,” he revealed.

 

He voiced deep concern over how sexual assault accusations are sometimes used manipulatively, particularly after relationships end. “Ending a relationship should not be a ground for sexual assault allegations,” he said.

 

Pastor Iren also took a moment to advise the young men in his congregation, calling them to a standard of integrity, self-control, and wisdom.

On the topic of consent, he offered a sobering reminder stating, “Initial consent isn’t total consent. Run for your life if consent is withdrawn 10 seconds after granting it. I don’t know who raised some men!”

 

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The All Progressives Congress in Plateau State has criticised the state’s Peoples Democratic Party chairman, Chris Hassan, over his recent praise for Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s administration.

 

Hassan, during a press conference on Thursday, commended Mutfwang for his leadership, development efforts, and the administration’s focus on equity and justice, highlighting the governor’s achievements in less than two years in office.

 

He also urged PDP members to stay calm amid defections to the APC.

 

He noted that Mutfwang’s achievements in less than two years are remarkable and a testament to the solid trust and satisfaction in the leadership and direction of the party.

 

“We are deeply grateful for the support of our party faithful and the good people of Plateau State who have reposed confidence in us. We are aware of a lot of threats of defection across some states. We have noted some isolated cases of defections by a few party members to our political parties.

 

“Let me therefore urge all party members to remain calm and resolute. Defections are not new in political party processes of this nature. However, we are confident that the strength and credibility of the PDP are founded on the struggles of our Plateau people.

 

“We assure the leadership of our party to consolidate on our gains. We will continue to provide the needed platform for the aspirations of our people. Everything is under control and better days still lie ahead for us.”

 

However, the APC hit back in a statement on Friday, calling Hassan’s comments “funny” and “coerced,” questioning the chairman’s relevance and understanding of the state’s issues.

 

The State Publicity Secretary of the APC, Shittu Bamaiyi, who signed the statement, pointed out that the PDP administration has failed to account for the huge funds accruing to the state, including federal allocations and internally generated revenue.

 

He described it as “foolhardy” for the PDP to claim a vote of confidence from the people of Plateau State, given the party’s poor stewardship.

He said, “The beleaguered chairman could be excused because, since the Mutfwang administration came on board, he was not only rendered irrelevant but thrown in the catacomb of frustration, and so, could hardly talk with verifiable data as well as empirically consolidate on the gains of the PDP-led administration in the state.

 

“If he was serious and well-informed, the Chairman could have pointedly mentioned the area where the Mutfwang administration outshone the past APC administration.

 

“It is a notorious fact that the issue of the PDP administration’s non-performance is as sickening as painful to the people of the state when viewed as the backdrop of the three times federation allocation currently being enjoyed as against what was given to the last government.

 

“What is more painful and shameful is the fact that the PDP-led administration has remained mum and also failed to account for the humongous money accruing to it, in the form of federal allocation, internally generated revenue, and other intervention funds.

“Therefore, it is foolhardy, unthinkable and unbelievable for the same people of Plateau State to pass a vote of confidence when the PDP-led administration’s stewardship is in question.

 

“This also brings to question, Chris’s frantic efforts in appealing to his demoralised members to remain calm in the face of desertion from the PDP, which in itself, is a vote of no confidence on the Party and its leadership at all levels,” he stated.

 

The APC Publicity Secretary expressed delight over the serial defections to the party, citing it as a testament to the APC’s growing popularity.

 

He hinted at possible defections from the PDP’s top brass and the Chief Executive to the APC, saying the party will continue to live up to its billings.

 

“If anything, the unsavoury development speaks volumes about the PDP in all respects, hence the rumours making the rounds of the possible defection of the Party’s top brass and the Chief Executive to the APC in the State.

 

The beautiful bride that it is presently, the APC is encouraged and inspired by the serial defections to the Party, and as such, will continue to live up to its billings,” the statement added.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission permission to arrest and detain six alleged promoters of Crypto Bridge Exchange, recently involved in a massive cryptocurrency investment fraud worth over $1bn.

 

Justice Emeka Nwite gave the order on Thursday following an ex parte application filed by the EFCC and argued by its counsel, Fadila Yusuf.

 

The six individuals named in the motion are Adefowora Olanipekun, Adefowora Oluwanisola, Emmanuel Uko, Seyi Oloyede, Avwerosuo Otorudo, and Chukwuebuka Ehirim.

 

They are alleged to be behind a fraudulent investment scheme operated through a platform known as Crypto Bridge Exchange.

 

The EFCC’s application, dated and filed on April 23, sought two key reliefs: the issuance of arrest warrants against the defendants and an order to remand them in EFCC custody pending the conclusion of investigations and possible prosecution.

 

According to Yusuf, the EFCC received intelligence in April 2025 linking the suspects to a sophisticated investment fraud.

 

The suspects allegedly used a company, ST Technologies International Limited, to promote the CBEX platform, persuading members of the public to invest in cryptocurrency with promises of unrealistic returns—up to 100%.

 

“The defendants are at large, and a warrant of arrest is required to bring them in for proper investigation and prosecution,” Yusuf told the court.

In an affidavit supporting the application, the EFCC stated that investors were encouraged to convert their digital assets into the stablecoin USDT (Tether) and deposit them into cryptocurrency wallets linked to the defendants.

 

Initially, investors were granted access to monitor their investments on the CBEX platform.

 

However, once deposits surpassed the $1bn mark, the platform became inaccessible, withdrawals were blocked, and it became clear that the platform was a scam.

 

The EFCC’s investigation further revealed that while ST Technologies was duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, it lacked authorisation from the Securities and Exchange Commission to operate investment-related services.

 

Additionally, the suspects had reportedly vacated their known addresses in Lagos and Ogun States, prompting the EFCC to request that they be placed on a red watch list to aid in their arrest.

 

“The investigation has established a prima facie case of an investment scam. Granting this application is in the interest of justice,” the EFCC said.

Justice Nwite, in his ruling, stated: “I have listened to the submission of learned counsel for the applicant. I have also examined the affidavit evidence and the exhibits attached, along with the written address. I am of the view, and I so hold, that the application is meritorious. Consequently, the application is granted as prayed.”

 

The ruling now authorises the EFCC to move forward with arresting the defendants and detaining them as investigations continue.

Remo Stars Ladies have made history by qualifying for the NWFL Premiership super six for the first time ever after a 2–2 draw away to Abia Angels in a rescheduled match played on Thursday in Umuahia, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

 

The result was enough to send the Ikenne-based club into the playoffs with a match to spare in only their second season in the top flight.

 

Originally slated for Wednesday, the match was halted in the 23rd minute due to heavy rainfall.

 

Knowing that a single point would be enough, the Sky Blue Stars delivered under pressure.

 

Bolaji Olamide gave them the lead in the 35th minute with a superb long-range strike that flew past goalkeeper Christiana Obia.

 

But the advantage lasted only five minutes, as Mary Lucky equalised for the hosts just before the break.

 

The second half remained tense, with both sides creating chances. In the 92nd minute,

 

Olamide struck again to make it 2–1, her 12th goal of the season, but there was more drama to come.

 

Just a minute later, Mariam Abdulrasheed rose highest to head home from a corner, salvaging a point for Abia Angels.

The late equaliser ended Abia’s hopes of reaching the Super Six, while Remo Stars’ celebrations began.

 

Elsewhere, Nasarawa Amazons also earned their super six place with a narrow 1–0 win over Edo Queens in Lafia. Jenat Akekeromowei scored the only goal of the game in the 89th minute, ending the defending champions’ long unbeaten run.

 

In Yenagoa, Bayelsa Queens defeated Rivers Angels 1–0 in the South-South derby thanks to an early goal from Alaba Olabiyi.

 

The Prosperity Girls remain the only unbeaten team in the league and stay top of Group B with 33 points.

 

Naija Ratels kept their playoff hopes alive with an impressive 2–0 win away to Delta Queens in Asaba, with goals from Sofiat Bankole and Rita Tsebee. Ibom Angels stunned Robo Queens 1–0 in Uyo with Uwah Abasiofon scoring the winner, while Confluence Queens edged Ekiti Queens 1–0 in Anyigba through a second-half goal from Hannah Yusuf.

Dannaz Ladies picked up a much-needed 1–0 victory over Heartland Queens in Lagos, thanks to a late strike from Ulumma Korie. Benue Queens came from behind twice to draw 2–2 with Adamawa Queens in Lafia in one of the most entertaining games of the round.

 

With one round of matches left, five of the six playoff spots have now been taken as Bayelsa Queens, Rivers Angels, Edo Queens, Remo Stars Ladies and Nasarawa Amazons have all qualified.

 

The final ticket will be decided between Naija Ratels and FC Robo Queens on the last day. At the other end of the table, Confluence Queens, Benue Queens and Heartland Queens remain in the relegation zone.

A former presidential adviser and ex-member of the House of Representatives, Usman Bugaje, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of using financial inducements to orchestrate the defection of key figures from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party.

 

Bugaje made the statement during a televised interview on Arise TV on Thursday.

 

He expressed concern over what he described as the monetisation of politics and its implications for Nigeria’s democracy.

 

“For what I know—and I don’t claim to know everything—the APC is basically using money to buy off PDP,” he said.

 

He further noted that in some cases, individuals facing investigations might also be pressured through threats.

 

“Of course, if there are people with records in the EFCC, they might threaten them. They might do these kinds of things, and this has been the practice right from the time of President Obasanjo,” he added.

 

Bugaje stressed that the deeper issue lies in how money has become a central factor in political allegiance, warning that such trends could signal the demise of democracy.

 

“For as long as money is going to be the determining factor, then that’s the end of democracy and that’s the end of politics. We would be heading towards something completely different, maybe on the path of Peru and Fujimori,” he said.

 

Reacting to recent mass defections in Delta State, the PDP’s acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum, had said the party was not expecting the wave of departures but insisted that the next election would be a contest between Nigerians and the APC.

Bugaje, however, described the PDP’s response as weak. He argued that the PDP had already lost its ability to function as an opposition party, citing internal failures and a lack of resolve.

 

“There has not been opposition right from the time the Minister Wike did what he did. PDP has lost that opportunity to become an opposition party,” he stated.

 

He cited poor conduct by PDP members in national matters such as emergency rule debates and budget sessions, claiming that the party had failed to hold government to account.

 

Bugaje also pointed to structural flaws within Nigeria’s political parties, recalling his own experience during the merger that formed the APC. He said efforts to introduce merit-based criteria for party leadership were thwarted.

 

“We should develop a criteria for people who are going to hold responsibilities of the party. They all opposed it, except a few of us,” Bugaje said, adding that personal political interests had overshadowed institutional development.

He warned that the dominance of transactional relationships in party politics, where loyalty is exchanged for money or influence, has eroded the values of political engagement.

 

“People who don’t have the character to hold a party, people who don’t have sufficient education to understand the implication of some of the things they do—these are the people now in charge,” he said.

 

Bugaje concluded by affirming his long-standing opposition to these practices.

 

“I fought this as much as I could. I pulled back when I realised that, but I made my point. If you have people who are qualified, who have character, who have got the passion for the party, you can be sure one thing: that party is going to remain intact,” he said.