Tension as Tenants Accuse Greenbirch Limited of Harassment and Disturbance of Public Peace

Residents of 16 units of three-bedroom apartments located at 96B, Ladipo Omotesho Cole Street, Lekki Phase 1, previously rented to Greenbirch Limited, have accused the company of unlawful entry, theft, intimidation, harassment, threats to life, and breach of public peace, among other offenses.

The sub-tenants allege that it was shocking to discover that the apartments actually belong to RAO Investment Property Company Limited owned by the Okoya’s, which is currently in a legal tussle to recover the property from Greenbirch Limited. They claim that the company led by Mr. Lawrence Uwaoma Onwukwem, his partner Mr. Davies Isaiah Ijele, and staff members Mr. Sodiq Tayo Kazeem and Ms. Peace Chidinma Igbo has made life unbearable for them through acts of aggression and persistent harassment.
According to Mr. Odera Emeka Eke, who rented two units in August 2021, he carried out extensive renovations on the apartments, including replacing all sanitary wares, light fittings, kitchen cabinets, and ceilings with POP. These works were conducted in the presence of Greenbirch officials, who took custody of the old materials removed from the apartments.
Eke further explained that, being a new company at the time, Greenbirch lacked the expertise to manage the facility and often relied on tenants for operational guidance. “Certain agreements were reached regarding the power distribution and billing system. We purchased new electricity meters on the condition that Greenbirch would reimburse us, but that refund is still outstanding to date,” he said.

The sub-tenants also alleged that Greenbirch informed them of an outstanding electricity bill of over ₦20 million owed to EKEDC, purportedly arising from high power consumption from the water treatment plant. However, they later discovered that all were lies and that the bill stemmed from an illegal power bypass allegedly perpetrated by Greenbirch, which attracted a heavy penalty and arrears of EKEDC bill which Green Birch refused to remit though they had been collecting same from the sub-tenant. The sub-tenants had to contribute funds to offset the debt, while Greenbirch only paid ₦2 million, yet they were still required to sign an undertaking to EKEDC before reconnection was granted.
Following a court judgment in favour of RAO Investment Property Company Limited, owned by renowned industrialist Chief Razak Okoya CON, terminating Greenbirch’s tenancy and right of occupation, the sub-tenants believed their ordeal had ended. However, according to them, Greenbirch retaliated by disconnecting power and water supply, and deploying armed men to intimidate workers and residents within the facility.

“These actions forced us to petition the AIG, Zone 2 Police Command, over the illegal activities and harassment by Greenbirch’s armed agents,” Eke explained. “Rather than stop, the harassment intensified. They repeatedly disconnected our essential services, prevented reconnection, and recently, policemen from Area J have begun summoning tenants to the station under false pretenses. We have also been reliably informed that Greenbirch plans to remove the generator and decommission the water treatment plant in furtherance of their intimidation campaign. Our petition on this matter remains pending at the AIG’s office, Zone 2.”
Another set of sub-tenants, Mr. and Mrs. Olusola and Olufunmilola Alabi, who rented Block A, Flat 3 from Greenbirch in May 2021 for use as a short-let (Airbnb) business, narrated a similar experience. The couple alleged gross breach of tenancy agreement, stating that despite seeking redress in court, Greenbirch broke into their apartment, carted away properties valued at over ₦23 million, and re-let the apartment to another person.

“In a bid to cover up this illegality,” Mr. Alabi said, “Greenbirch petitioned the AIG, FCID Annex, Alagbon, falsely accusing my wife and I of fabricated crimes. Upon investigation by the Police X-Squad, it was established that it was in fact the tenant (Green Birch) and his associates who committed the offense of breaking and entry. Consequently, we filed our own petition dated November 12, 2024, to the AIG FCID Annex, formally reporting a case of breaking and entry/stealing against Green Birch and his partners.”

According to the couple, Greenbirch then escalated the matter to the DIG, FID Abuja, with another petition containing the same false allegations. However, the “Team J” Police Unit at FID Abuja dismissed the claims after investigation, reaffirming that the case against Greenbirch and its associates was criminal in nature. The Abuja investigation report was later forwarded to the Lagos Annex for prosecution, but the Alabis allege that some officers “stylishly shelved the report” and advised them to await the outcome of the civil case despite several confirmations that the matter was indeed criminal.

Upon receiving a new police invitation at Alagbon, Greenbirch and its associates filed a Fundamental Rights Enforcement Suit at the Lagos High Court, joining the Alabis, the Inspector General of Police, AIG Alagbon, AIG Zone 2, and several police officers, seeking an order to restrain their arrest and investigation.

One of the company’s staff members, Ms. Peace Chidinma Igbo, was eventually arrested and charged to court for failing to produce Mr. Sodiq Kazeem, another staff member for whom she had stood surety. She was remanded in Kirikiri Correctional Facility for several days before meeting her bail conditions. The matter is currently before the Oyingbo Magistrate Court, Lagos, under Charge No: BG/K/23/25/2025 Commissioner of Police v. Peace Chidinma Igbo. Meanwhile, Mr. Lawrence Onwukwem, Mr. Davies Ijele, and Mr. Sodiq Kazeem are said to have gone into hiding and have repeatedly failed to honour police invitations.

It should be recalled that Chief Razak CON and Chief Mrs. Shade Okoya MON recently debunked stories circulating in the media that Senator Domingo Obende sought to take over the said property as collateral for a $250,000 loan, describing such claims as fictitious, baseless, and maliciously intended to create confusion.

They also stated that Greenbirch sublet the apartments to 16 sub-tenants during its lease period but has since resorted to blackmail, harassment, and the deployment of fake armed policemen to the premises to intimidate lawful occupants, despite a subsisting court judgment against it. Mr Lawrence and his agents are attempting to coerce tenants into paying advance rents running into millions of naira for several years before RAO Investment Property Company Limited reclaims its property. A payment they have no legal right to collect, yet they are still owing the Okoyas the outstanding rent.

The Okoya family in their statement therefore warned members of the public not to lease or transact any property dealings with the aforementioned individuals, describing them as persons with no fixed address and no lawful authority over the property.

Access Bank and Mastercard: Enabling Seamless Africa-Global Payments

L-R: Folashade Femi-Lawal, Country Manager, West Africa, Mastercard; Roosevelt Ogbonna, Group MD, Access Bank; Mark Elliot, Division President, Africa, Mastercard; and Chizoma Okoli, Deputy MD, Access Bank at the Access – Mastercard Event.

In today’s interconnected world, seamless cross-border payments are vital for economic growth, business expansion, and personal empowerment. For decades, millions of Africans faced steep barriers in sending or receiving money internationally: high fees, opaque exchange rates, and long delays that made transactions uncertain and costly. Whether they are students paying tuition abroad or traders settling import bills and families depending on remittances, these challenges have touched every layer of society.

Africa’s fragmented payments landscape, marked by multiple currencies, varying regulations, and limited banking infrastructure, has long slowed financial inclusion. In this system, a trader in Lagos might wait weeks for funds from Nairobi, while a Ghanaian student in the United States could lose a significant portion of tuition to

intermediary charges. For many, especially in rural or informal sectors, formal banking channels were out of reach, forcing reliance on informal and risky alternatives.

Recognising the need for change, Access Bank, one of Africa’s largest and most innovative financial institutions, has partnered MasterCard, a global payments leader, to reimagine how money moves across borders. The collaboration aims to make cross-border payments faster, cheaper, and more transparent, empowering individuals and businesses to participate more fully in the global economy.

“By combining our strengths, we can unlock new opportunities, bridge the financial divide, and create a more inclusive and prosperous future for all Africans,” says Robert Giles, Senior Advisory, Retail Banking at Access Bank.

The partnership leverages Access Bank’s extensive African footprint and its Access Africa platform alongside MasterCard’s global network, treasury infrastructure, and advanced technology, particularly through the Mastercard Move system. Together, they have built an ecosystem that finally delivers on the promise of speed, convenience, and reliability.

The solution is designed to be inclusive and versatile, allowing users to send and receive money via multiple channels: bank accounts, cards, mobile wallets, and even cash. Whether a student in Ghana paying tuition in Europe, a trader in Lagos importing goods from China, or a family in Kenya receiving remittances, cross-border transactions are now simpler and safer.

For MasterCard, the goal extends beyond expanding services; it is about deepening financial inclusion. “This partnership transforms payment experiences, extending MasterCard’s digital ecosystem to ensure millions from underserved communities can participate in the evolving digital economy,” says Mark Elliott, Mastercard’s Division President for Africa.

The alliance builds on mutual strengths, Access Bank’s deep local knowledge and MasterCard’s global reach, to create a seamless payments corridor connecting Africa to the world.

A critical element of this innovation is the technical integration led by Fable Fintech, a MasterCard Express Partner under the Move Programme. Integrating Access Bank’s operations across multiple African markets was a massive undertaking, given diverse currencies and regulatory frameworks. The result is a unified cross-border payment experience, reducing complexity and delays.

“We were fortunate to be the fulcrum of the seamless multi-country integration of one of Africa’s largest banks using MasterCard’s cross-border assets,” a Fable Fintech representative noted. The platform now supports real-time or near-real-time transactions, offering resilience, scalability, and strong fraud protection.

Apart from technology, this partnership signals a paradigm shift, from dependency to empowerment, from financial fragmentation to unity. By democratising access to affordable and transparent payments, Access Bank and MasterCard are enabling millions of Africans to engage in international trade, education, and family support. The impact is tangible: faster transactions, lower costs, and increased financial inclusion.

Already, the ripple effects are visible. Informal traders in Kigali now use formal financial channels instead of risky agents. SMEs in Nairobi can settle invoices with international clients more predictably. Families in Accra receive remittances with less worry about lost payments, while students overseas manage tuition with ease. Each transaction strengthens Africa’s participation in global commerce.

The partnership also prioritises financial literacy and empowerment. Recognising that technology alone is not enough, Access Bank and MasterCard are educating users on digital payments, security, and the benefits of financial inclusion, particularly in underserved communities where awareness gaps remain.

The collaboration aligns with broader socio-economic goals such as job creation, poverty reduction, and gender inclusion. By expanding access to finance, it empowers women entrepreneurs, youth, and small businesses to thrive. A woman running a rural enterprise can now receive payments from clients abroad and reinvest in her community; a young professional can more easily fund studies or start a venture. The result is a more inclusive and resilient African economy.

This initiative also complements Access Bank’s wider sustainability agenda, seen in projects like the Access Clean Water Initiative, which integrates financial inclusion with social impact. The Bank’s approach underscores that responsible banking and profitability can go hand in hand.

Access Bank and MasterCard are looking at scaling their innovation, embrace emerging technologies, and deepen collaborations with governments and development partners to expand access even further. As Africa’s economies evolve, agile and secure payment systems will be essential to sustaining growth.

The partnership stands as example of what is possible when business, technology, and purpose converge. By harnessing shared vision and innovation, Access Bank and MasterCard are redefining Africa’s role in the global payments ecosystem, breaking down financial barriers and enabling millions to connect, trade, and thrive across borders.

UBA Business Series: Digital Entrepreneurs Highlight Authenticity, Consistency, Passion as Real Game-Changer

Directorate Head, Group Resources, United Bank for Africa(UBA), Tomiwa Sotiloye; Group Head, Remittances, United Bank for Africa, Uzomaka Oyeka; Nigerian Content Creator, Nasiru Lawal (Nasboi); Kenyan Actress and Media Entrepreneur, Catherine Kamau; Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo; Managing Director/CEO at Nitro 121, Dr. Lampe Omoyele; Nigerian Digital Influencer, Enioluwa Adeoluwa and Digital Creator & Actor, Elozonam Ogbolu; at the UBA Business Series , themed , “Content that Converts: Building Influence and Driving Growth Through Strategic Marketing,” held at the UBA House in Lagos on Thursday

Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, hosted another enlightening edition of the UBA Business Series, bringing together some of Africa’s most dynamic digital entrepreneurs and influencers to discuss the secrets behind building impactful online communities.

This edition of the Business Series, which had the theme, “Content that Converts: Building Influence and Driving Growth Through Strategic Marketing,” was held at the Tony Elumelu Amphitheatre in UBA Head Office, Marina, Lagos on Thursday.

The very engaging session, shed light on how authenticity, consistency, and passion remain true cornerstones of success in the ever-evolving digital landscape, while the content creators shared first-hand experiences from their journeys across diverse industries and markets.

UBA’s Group Head, Digital Banking, Kayode Olubiyi, who welcomed participants and the panellists to the session, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs across Africa through knowledge-sharing and capacity-building initiatives such as the Business Series.

He emphasised that the quarterly event continues to serve as vital avenues for supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, equipping individuals with practical insights to grow their brands and businesses in a competitive digital economy.

In his keynote address, the Managing Director/CEO at Nitro 121, Dr. Lampe Omoyele, who said that “You can create something out of what appears to be nothing,” gave insight on key trends to develop content that creates Impact.

He noted that content creation should go beyond aesthetics or trends to focus on value, purpose, and agility as he pointed out that creators who aim to make a difference must develop a clear personal brand identity and remain consistent in delivering messages that resonate with their audience.

The panel session featured an impressive line-up of digital entrepreneurs and content creators, including Digital Creator and Actor, Elozonam Ogbolu; Digital Health Educator, Chinonso Egemba (Aproko Doctor); Kenyan Actress and Media Entrepreneur, Catherine Kamau; Content Creator, Nasiru Lawal (Nasboi) and Digital Influencer, Enioluwa Adeoluwa, who was also the moderator of the event.

Growth is very important, says Nasiru Lawal. “For the younger creators here, my best advice is this: please prioritise your growth. As a creator, the moment you become famous, you no longer move at your own pace; you move at the people’s pace. It is therefore important to ensure you grow consistently and then overtime, the recognition and the money begins to roll in.”

Elozonam Ogbolu who agreed with Lawal, had this to say: “Content creators have to engage their audience with proper storytelling, because brands are always out to carefully choose their creators. For the brands, you must pick your influencer or ambassador very deliberately and work together over time to grow. That is when you will see a proper return on investment.

In his submission, Chinonso Egemba, said, “If you’re building a business or doing content creation, treat content creation as a business. When you treat it as a business, it needs proper structure. Otherwise, it won’t last. If you don’t put structure in place, you’ll end up responsible for everything, and that leads to burnout. You have to build structure, because if you want longevity, structure is very essential.

For Catherine Kamau, it is important for content creators to find a balance and stay close to their community. “What I realized is I have a community that keeps me grounded, and that’s family. When you get famous, you tend to forget where you come from, you know, social media is an illusion and you start assuming that it is your real family until bad things happen to you. So please remember the real people in your life, because fame can get to your head, but those are not the people who are going to have your back when things go south.”

The creators while sharing their diverse experiences, they collectively emphasized that building a personal brand should take precedence over chasing financial gain. They also underscored the importance of originality, urging young creators to find their unique niche rather than replicating what others have done.

UBA’s Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, who commended panellists for taking time to share their useful insights at the event, took time to celebrate the UBA Management for organising conversations like this which according to her, ‘remain impactful and will impact not just the individual customers, but also the economies at large.”

United Bank for Africa is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group wide and serving over 45 million customers globally. Operating in twenty African countries and the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting edge technology.

FirstHoldCo sustains growth momentum as gross earnings rise 17% to N2.6trn By Chima Nwokoji

FirstHoldCo sustains growth momentum as gross earnings rise 17% to N2.6trn

By Chima Nwokoji

FirstHoldCo Plc has sustained its growth momentum across core business segments, reporting a 17.1 percent year-on-year increase in gross earnings to ₦2.64 trillion for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, compared to ₦2.25 trillion in the corresponding period of 2024.

According to the unaudited results released by the Group, interest income rose sharply by 40.4 per cent to ₦2.29 trillion from ₦1.63 trillion in September 2024, reflecting improved asset yields and loan book expansion. Net interest income also climbed 71.7 per cent year-on-year to ₦1.5 trillion, buoyed by stronger core banking operations.

However, non-interest income declined 49.2 percent to ₦296.9 billion, while impairment charges for credit losses surged 68.6 percent to ₦288.9 billion, reflecting prudent risk provisioning in a volatile operating environment.

Operating income rose 23.2 percent to ₦1.80 trillion, though profit before tax slipped 7.3 percent to ₦566.5 billion, down from ₦610.9 billion a year earlier. Profit after tax also fell by 15.5 percent to ₦450.9 billion, largely due to reduced fair value gains and higher operating costs, which jumped 39.3 percent to ₦942.7 billion.

Despite the profit decline, the Group maintained balance sheet stability, with total assets at ₦26.4 trillion, marginally lower than ₦26.5 trillion as of December 2024. Customer deposits rose 4.2 percent year-to-date to ₦17.9 trillion, while net loans and advances increased by 9 percent to ₦9.6 trillion.

Key performance ratios show that FirstHoldCo maintained a post-tax return on average equity of 19.9 per cent and a post-tax return on assets of 2.3 percent. The Group’s cost-to-income ratio stood at 52.4 per cent, compared with 46.4 percent a year earlier, while the non-performing loan (NPL) ratio improved to 8.5 per cent from 10.2 percent in December 2024.

Group Managing Director, Adebowale (Wale) Oyedeji, described the results as a reflection of the Group’s underlying resilience and commitment to sustainable growth.

“FirstHoldCo has once again demonstrated solid earnings capability,” Oyedeji said. “Our interest and operating income grew strongly by 40.4 percent and 23.2 percent, respectively, supported by a 26.9 percent rise in fees and commission income. The decline in profit before tax was due to the normalisation of fair value gains and balance sheet strengthening initiatives.”

He noted that the Group’s strategic risk management measures were already yielding results, as seen in the improved asset quality.

On the recapitalisation of FirstBank, Oyedeji disclosed that the first phase of its private placement capital raise had been successfully executed and is awaiting final regulatory approvals.

“We expect to conclude this phase in November 2025, ensuring FirstBank’s full compliance with the new minimum capital requirements by year-end,” he said. “Subsequent capital raising rounds will further enhance our financial solutions and support value-accretive initiatives.”

Oyedeji reaffirmed the Group’s commitment to achieving its 2029 financial targets, noting that FirstHoldCo remains well-positioned to deliver stronger shareholder value through operational scalability and prudent capital management.

China warns against interference in Nigeria’s affairs after US threat of military action

BREAKING‼️

China warns against interference in Nigeria’s affairs after US threat of military action

The Chinese government says it firmly supports the President Bola Tinubu administration as it “leads its people on the development path suited to its national conditions”.

Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, Mao Ning, spokesperson of China’s foreign ministry, said “as Nigeria’s comprehensive strategic partner, China firmly opposes any country using religion and human rights as an excuse to interfere in other countries’ internal affairs, and threatening other countries with sanctions and force”.

Ning was answering a question on US President Donald Trump’s threat of military action in Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians.

Board warns Nigerians against fake paramilitary recruitment messages

The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board has warned Nigerians to beware of fraudulent recruitment messages circulating online, as the 2025 paramilitary recruitment exercise enters a crucial phase.

In a statement posted on its official X handle late Wednesday, the board clarified that it will not contact applicants through email or SMS, stressing that all legitimate updates are available only on its portal.

It urged applicants to visit the site to update their profiles and print examination slips, as part of the ongoing shortlisting process.

“CDCFIB will not send emails or SMS to applicants. Visit our portal, and once shortlisted, update your profile to print your examination slip.

“Follow the instructions carefully. Beware of scammers,” the Board said.

The CDCFIB’s warning follows the release of names of candidates shortlisted for the paramilitary agencies’ computer-based test.

In a statement on Wednesday, the secretary to the board, retired Maj.-Gen. Abdulmalik Jubril, urged candidates who applied for recruitment into any of the four paramilitary agencies to visit its official recruitment portal at https://recruitment.cdcfib.gov.ng from Thursday to check if they had been shortlisted.

“From Thursday, October 30, 2025, candidates are to check if they have been shortlisted for the next stage of the exercise, as well as centres for the Computer-Based Test (CBT).

“Shortlisted candidates are further requested to take note of the venue, date, as well as time scheduled for the CBT,” he said.

The statement enjoined applicants to take note of the correct portal address highlighted to avoid being scammed.

PUNCH Online reports that the agencies are the Nigerian Correctional Service, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Federal Fire Service, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

EXPLAINER: How new tax laws affect Nigerians abroad

The Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee has released detailed clarifications addressing concerns by Nigerians in the diaspora about the new tax reforms taking effect in 2026.

This was disclosed in a material obtained by PUNCH Online on Thursday from the Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele.

According to the document, “genuine personal transfers such as family remittances, gifts, refunds (e.g., flight tickets), or community savings contributions are not treated as taxable income.”

It explained that “only income earned or deemed to be income (e.g., wages, business profits, investment returns) is subject to tax,” adding that “every individual is required to self-report their income and pay tax where applicable.”

On double taxation, the committee clarified that “income earned abroad and brought into Nigeria by a non-resident individual is now specifically exempted from tax in Nigeria regardless of whether tax was paid abroad or not.”

It added that “Nigeria has Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs) with several countries, and the new tax laws provide for a unilateral relief where a DTA does not exist to ensure that the same income is not taxed twice.”

Explaining how residency is determined, the statement said, “Residency is based on the 183-day rule (cumulative days of physical presence in Nigeria within a 12-month period). Non-residents are taxed only on income derived from Nigeria (e.g., rental income, dividends, business profits).”

The committee clarified that “diaspora Nigerians living abroad who are not tax resident in Nigeria are not taxed on their foreign employment or business income,” and that “dual citizenship has no impact on the tax status of an individual whether resident or non-resident in Nigeria.”

On investments, it noted that “income from investments in Nigeria are either exempt, subject to capital gains tax (CGT) or withholding tax as a final tax,” adding that “government bonds, including Sukuk are tax exempt.”

It further stated, “CGT applies to the sale of real estate other than sale of owner-occupied buildings. Shares are exempt up to proceeds not exceeding ₦150 million and ₦10 million gains in a year.

“Dividends, non-government bond interest and rental income are subject to withholding tax at 10% as final tax which may be reduced to 7.5% for recipients in certain countries such as the UK, South Africa and China.”

Addressing questions on pensions and remote work, the material noted that “only income that arises in Nigeria is taxable for non-residents. Pensions and stipends from abroad are not taxed in Nigeria unless received for work done in Nigeria.”

It added, “Remote workers are taxed based on the rules in the country where they are resident or earn such income, not merely where payment is made.”

On tax identification requirements, the committee explained that “a TIN is not required and there is no requirement to file tax returns unless you earn employment or business income from Nigeria.”

It continued, “Non-residents without Nigerian-source income are not obliged to file annual returns. Those with taxable employment or business income in Nigeria are required to file returns. Simplified channels (e.g., TaxProMax, online TIN applications) are available to ease compliance.”

“For individuals, a TIN can be obtained from the Joint Tax Board via https://tin.jtb.gov.ng. For companies, TIN is now automatically assigned at the point of registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission,” the committee said.

Regarding NGOs and diaspora-owned businesses, it stated that “NGOs are tax-exempt if they are registered and operate strictly for charitable purposes, and comply with reporting and filing requirements.”

“Diaspora-owned SMEs in Nigeria are treated like local businesses, taxed on profits but eligible for incentives and reliefs available to small enterprises,” the material added.

The document also noted that the reforms mandate transparency measures, including public reporting, governance structure and independent oversight for tax revenues.

“Other fiscal measures are being strengthened to link tax revenues to visible infrastructure and service delivery with safeguards against corruption and framework to prevent and punish misuse of taxpayer data,” it said.

On incentives, the committee explained that “incentives under the new laws apply generally to certain investments including diaspora-led investments in key sectors (e.g., priority sector incentives in agriculture, creative sector, manufacturing, etc.), SME corporate tax exemption threshold, exemption of VAT on real estate, etc.”

According to the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, reforms make the tax system in Nigeria fairer and more friendly to Nigerians in the diaspora, address incidence of double taxation, align Nigeria with global best practice, simplify and provide clarity where tax is payable or filing obligation is applicable.

Maresca slams Delap’s ‘foolish’ red card in Chelsea EFL Cup win

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, labelled Liam Delap’s red card as “very stupid” after the striker’s late dismissal overshadowed the Blues’ dramatic 4–3 Carabao Cup victory over Wolves.

Delap, making his return from a 10-week hamstring lay-off, was sent off just 26 minutes after coming on as a second-half substitute.

According to BBC Sports on Thursday, the 22-year-old picked up two yellow cards in quick succession, first for pushing Yerson Mosquera, then for barging into Emmanuel Agbadou, and will now miss Saturday’s London derby against Tottenham, with João Pedro already a fitness doubt.

When asked whether Delap deserved to be sent off, Maresca said, “Absolutely, yes. Stupid foul. We can avoid that.”

The dismissal came as part of a wider Chelsea collapse.

They built a 3-0 lead at the interval, but after the break Wolves scored three times, with Jamie Gittens’ sensational late strike enough to scrape the Blues into the quarter-finals to face Cardiff City.

Maresca added, “The three goals we conceded, I think all of them we can avoid. Certainly, we also received a very unnecessary red card today.

“After the first yellow card, I told him [Delap] four or five times to keep calm. But Liam is a player who, when he’s on the pitch, is probably playing the game for himself and struggles to realise and listen to those around him.”

It was Chelsea’s sixth red card in nine games, including Maresca’s own dismissal for celebrating a last-minute winner against Liverpool before the international break.

The Italian was asked to clarify whether he had wider concerns about indiscipline, with Chelsea also having received the highest number of yellow cards in the Premier League over the past three seasons.

He continued, “I completely understand when there are red cards like against Brighton [Trevoh Chalobah red] or Manchester United [Robert Sanchez red], that’s difficult, but the red cards against Nottingham Forest and today, both we can and have to avoid.

“It’s embarrassing when it’s a red card like today because it’s two yellow cards in five or 10 minutes. Both, I think, we can avoid. So it’s not good.”

Coup controversy: Military tracks N45bn in NDDC

Military investigation into the alleged coup plot has reportedly uncovered a trail of N45 billion disbursed from the bank accounts of the Niger Delta Development Commission to some politically exposed persons and the soldiers detained in connection with the rumoured conspiracy to topple President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

Earlier this month, Sahara Reporters reported that 16 Nigerian Army officers were detained for allegedly planning a coup d’etat to overthrow President Bola Tinubu.

The online newspaper had linked the alleged coup to the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day by the Federal Government.

However, the military, in a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, denied the report linking the detention of the16 military officers to a failed coup.

Multiple reports on Tuesday stated that some Nigerian Army personnel raided the Abuja residence of ex-governor Timipre Sylva, also a former Minister of State for Petroleum, in connection with the alleged coup plot currently under investigation by the Defence Intelligence Agency.

Sequel to the discovery, the Defence Intelligence Agency investigators grilled some top NDDC officials about the sources of the fund, beneficiaries and how it was utilised.

The development has set off panic alarms at the NDDC headquarters over alleged links to the financing of subversive activities.

The Federal Government had also denied the coup plot against Tinubu’s administration. The Defence Headquarters described reports of a coup attempt as “false, misleading, and malicious” and stated that 16 military officers in custody are being investigated for professional misconduct, not a coup plot.

While details of the interrogation of the NDDC officials remain unclear, investigators are said to be scrutinising a series of high-value transactions carried out in recent months allegedly linked to politically-exposed persons.

They include a shoreline project awarded to a former governor in the South-South to the tune of N45bn, some of which allegedly found its way to the account of some of the detained officers.

Security sources with knowledge of the ongoing probe confirmed that the interrogation of the NDDC top shots was “part of a broader intelligence-based inquiry into the movement of public funds.”

Sources in the NDDC disclosed to The PUNCH that many top officials are apprehensive that the development may trigger a broader probe into the commission’s financial dealings.

They affirmed that the invitation of the top NDDC executives had triggered widespread anxiety among senior officials.

According to one insider, who spoke on condition of anonymity, “Since the news broke about the interrogation of the top shots, the atmosphere here has been uneasy. Many directors are being cautious about their movements and communications.”

Some executive directors who maintain close administrative ties with the embattled NDDC top shots are said to be worried about the development.

The development has sparked intense speculation within the commission, with staff expressing concern that the investigation could widen and implicate other senior officials.

The NDDC spokesperson, Seledi Thompson-Wakama, declined comments when asked about the quizzing of the commission’s officials.

Meanwhile, Sylva has denied alleged involvement in the coup plot.

His Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs, Chief Julius Bokoru, said the rumour in some quarters is the handiwork of ‘’desperate and self-seeking politicians trying to actualise their ambitions in 2027.’’

On Wednesday, The PUNCH reported how Sylva’s Abuja home was raided by Defence Intelligence Agency operatives probing the controversial plot to forcefully change the government.

During the raid, which took place on Saturday, the operatives arrested Sylva’s younger brother, Paga, who is his Special Assistant on Domestic Affairs and also took his driver into custody.

The former Bayelsa governor and All Progressives Congress chieftain was outside the country during the operation.

The media aide disclosed that the operatives did not remove anything from Sylva’s Abuja residence during the operation, noting that the two men that were arrested have yet to be released from custody.

Bokoru explained that no reason was provided for the raid. He further clarified that the former governor’s Yenagoa residence was not raided by the operatives.

He confirmed that Sylva and his wife, Alanyingi, were out of the country at the time.

Explaining their absence, Bokoru said Sylva was in the United Kingdom for routine medical checks and would soon be on his way to Malaysia to attend “a professional conference.”

He said, “It’s not true. It is the handiwork of people in the state APC who are concerned about their governorship ambition in 2027,” he stated.

“Those doing this are in the state APC. It is about the 2027 governorship ambition. They are appointees of the Federal Government and instead of focusing on their work, they are playing local toxic politics.

‘’Such wicked politicians took their desperation to a nauseating level following Sylva’s intimidating political presence and credibility that had continued to expose their self-serving ambitions and evil agenda.”

Bokoru also said Sylva’s driver, as well as his younger brother, Paga, who were whisked away by the operatives on Saturday, were yet to be released from custody.

He disclosed that the operatives of the Defence Headquarters did not remove anything from Sylva’s Abuja residence when they raided it last Saturday.

However, a close associate of Sylva told The PUNCH that several parts of the house were damaged following Saturday’s raid.

He said, “Expensive doors were destroyed while a number of other household appliances were ransacked and scattered during the raid but nothing incriminating was found.”

He dismissed allegations linking the Managing Director of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, to Sylva as part of the coup plot.

Ogbuku was the Chief of Staff to Sylva while he was Bayelsa governor.

When contacted, Ogbuku denied he was arrested. In a short message to our correspondent, he said, “I’m not aware of such. Just the way you are seeing it is the same way I’m seeing it too on social media.”

Earlier, in a statement on Wednesday, titled, ‘Setting the record straight on recent false reports about Sylva,’ Bokoru denied Sylva’s reported involvement in the alleged coup plot.

He insisted that his principal was not involved in the planning or logistics of any coup.

The statement read, “In the past 48 hours, I have been inundated with calls from members of the press, political associates, and concerned individuals regarding a circulating report alleging that His Excellency, Chief Timipre Sylva, has “fled” the country in connection with certain purported matters.

“For the avoidance of doubt, it is true that the residence of His Excellency, Chief Timipre Sylva, was recently subjected to a raid by individuals believed to be operatives of the Defence Headquarters. During the said operation, considerable damage was inflicted upon the property.

“Despite sustained efforts, I have been unable to ascertain the reasons or authorisation for this raid. To the best of my knowledge, the officers involved did not provide any categorical explanation for their actions, either at the time or subsequently.

“It is important to state unequivocally that His Excellency, Chief Timipre Sylva, CON, and his esteemed wife, Her Excellency, Alanyingi Sylva, were both outside the country at the time of the incident.

“As at my last communication with His Excellency, he was engaged in a routine medical check-up in the United Kingdom, after which he was scheduled to proceed to Malaysia to attend a professional conference.

“The next development I was made aware of, regrettably, were reports circulating across social media and other platforms concerning the raid on his residence.

“While the Defence Headquarters has already debunked the swirling rumours of a coup in Nigeria, it is important to state emphatically that Chief Timipre Sylva, CON, has no involvement whatsoever—either in planning or in logistics—with any such plot.

“Chief Sylva is a thoroughbred democrat, whose entire political journey has been defined by his faith in democratic processes and institutions. From the 1990s, when he was first elected into the Old Rivers State House of Assembly, to his tenure as Governor of Bayelsa State, Sylva has achieved every milestone through transparent, democratic engagement and the will of the people.’’

The statement further added, “His unwavering support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a matter of public record. It remains fresh in memory how he mobilized the entire Bayelsa APC structure to unanimously endorse President Tinubu at the APC Bayelsa Expanded Stakeholders’ Meeting.

“These rumours are nothing more than the handiwork of desperate and narcissistic politicians, already consumed by ambitions for 2027, who see Sylva as their last real obstacle—a man whose political presence and credibility continue to expose their dark, self-serving ambitions.”

Kwara gov receives 23 freed hostages, pledges to crush kidnappers

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, on Tuesday, received 23 abductees rescued by troops of the Nigerian Army, warning that kidnappers and other criminal elements “have no place in Kwara State.”

The victims were handed over to the Governor at the headquarters of the 22 Armoured Brigade, Sobi, Ilorin, following their release by the Army after weeks in captivity.

Speaking during the brief handover ceremony, AbdulRazaq expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Armed Forces and President Bola Tinubu for their support in the ongoing military operations to clear out bandits and kidnappers from forests across the state.

“We thank God that you were all freed following pressure from the security forces. We also thank the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Nigerian Army for this success,” the Governor said in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye.

“We are glad to see 23 victims freed today. The government will support your rehabilitation. The challenges we are facing are temporary. It is either these criminals leave Kwara or they die here. This is a state of harmony.”

AbdulRazaq commended the General Officer Commanding and the new Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Nicholas Nemetne Rume, for their renewed onslaught against criminal elements in the state, adding that their deployment has restored calm to previously troubled areas.

He disclosed that the state government would immediately deploy forest guards once the ongoing Army “clean-up operations” are concluded to maintain peace and enable displaced farmers to return to their farmlands.

“The GOC has been on the ground for two weeks, and since he came, we’ve seen a turnaround. Many criminals have been arrested or neutralised. Peace is being restored to Kwara,” the Governor added.

On his part, Brigadier General Rume praised the Governor for his support of the Army, vowing to sustain pressure on the kidnappers until they are completely flushed out of the state.

“Your Excellency, without the state government’s support, most of our operations would not have been possible,” Rume said.

“The GOC’s order is clear it is either the bandits leave Kwara State or they die here. That’s the only mandate I have, and we will continue to do our best to achieve it.”

One of the rescued victims, Pastor Obafemi, recounted his ordeal in captivity, describing the experience as “traumatic.”

“It was a very painful experience being held against our will,” he said. “I thank the Governor and the troops for rescuing us. God will continue to strengthen them to overcome the people tormenting us.”

Kwara, once regarded as one of the most peaceful states in North Central Nigeria, has in recent months witnessed a surge in kidnapping and banditry, particularly in parts of Ifelodun, Edu, and Patigi local government areas.

The Nigerian Army and other security agencies have since launched coordinated operations to dislodge the criminal networks believed to have infiltrated the state from neighbouring Niger and Kogi states.

AbdulRazaq has repeatedly assured residents that his administration will continue to support security agencies with logistics, intelligence, and welfare packages to ensure that the state remains safe for residents and investors.