The wife of the Abia State Governor, Priscilla Otti, on Tuesday, vowed to get justice for a female worker, Miss Gold James, from Okwu Olokoro in Umuahia South Local Government Area, who was allegedly maltreated by her employer.
Otti, who sent the Abia State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Maureen Ahukwa, to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, said she would also take steps to improve James’ life.
Speaking at the palace of the traditional ruler of Okwu Autonomous Community, Eze B.I. Izuogu, through the Commissioner, the governor’s wife expressed sadness over the woman’s ordeal and said she was keen on learning more about the incident.
Earlier in his speech, Eze Izuogu acknowledged awareness of the case and thanked Otti for her concern for women, children, and other vulnerable persons in society.
He also appreciated the state governor, Alex Otti, for promoting action-based governance in the state.
He testified that the victim, Miss Gold James, who is in her mid-40s, had no record of theft or criminal behaviour in the community and earned a living through menial jobs.
He expressed surprise that the employer, who was arrested by the police over the alleged assault, was later released, even though the victim sustained serious injuries on her back, shoulder, buttocks, and private parts.
Eze Izuogu further disclosed that after his release from the Ubakala Divisional Police Station, the man went on to sue some members of the community at the High Court in Umuahia, claiming his human rights were violated.
James, who recounted her ordeal, thanked Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti for her intervention.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority, Dr Adedeji Ashiru, on Wednesday, begged Nigerians to shun indiscriminate waste disposal.
Ashiru described indiscriminate waste disposal as a factor fuelling the flooding challenge in the country.
Ashiru, represented by the Executive Director, Finance and Administration of the Authority, Ayobami Oyalowo, made this call while declaring open a capacity building for flood sensitisation and awareness training in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital.
The training was themed “Alleviating the Impact of Flood Through Proper Waste Disposal and Adequate Drainage System”.
The MD/CEO said that while some flooding challenges may be beyond what human beings can prevent, some are caused as a result of human activities, such as the dumping of refuse into waterways, building on water paths, among others.
Ashiru explained, “Floods are not merely natural disasters – they are often man-made crises amplified by poor waste management and inadequate drainage.
“We all have to desist from throwing refuse into waterways, the challenge of building on water paths is also there. All of these wrong behaviours are contributing to the challenge of flooding because water will have to find its way.
“Adequate management of waste is in our hands, it doesn’t matter who we are, knowing fully that there are consequences for all our actions. So, as Nigerians, we must all desist from this unhealthy and condemnable practice; there is a need for attitudinal change to defeat this unhealthy practice.”
Ashiru said that while the agency is embarking on a lot of activities revolving around flood and erosion control, it has also organised the training to lead the vanguard of awareness against indiscriminate waste disposal and help to curb the flooding challenge in the country.
The Ogun State Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, also identified indiscriminate waste disposal as a major challenge towards curbing flooding in the country.
Oresanya said, “This is why I am also suggesting that we can begin to have our drainage channels covered up so as to restrict access and reduce the temptation of people dumping refuse into these waterways because they are left open.
“It is a policy that we can make to be part of our urban planning, we have to look at its dynamics, the cost-benefits and even how we can cover the existing ones, it should be part of our reviews and resilience plans for our cities.”
Oresanya said the state government will continue to partner with relevant government agencies and all other stakeholders to ensure that the challenge of flooding is reduced to the barest minimum in the country.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, represented by Babatunde Akinwumi, hailed O-ORBDA for organising the sensitisation training, saying that the goals of the Authority is in line with what the state is also doing to combat flooding.
Wahab said that the members of the public can not leave the challenge of flood prevention to the government alone, saying that there is a need for every individual to take responsibility and be on the same page with the government by doing away with the dumping of refuse into waterways.
Elder statesman and former Commonwealth Secretary General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, has renewed his urgent appeal for Nigeria to adopt true federalism, warning that the country risks disintegration if it continues under its current centralised structure.
Speaking at the 14th Chief Emeka Anyaoku Lecture Series on Good Governance in Enugu on Tuesday, Anyaoku stated that only a new democratic constitution that reflects Nigeria’s diversity can save it from the fate of other multi-ethnic states that have collapsed under similar strain.
“This country was more peaceful and developing faster in the first six years of our independence because it had a genuine federal constitution,” he said. “Each of the four regions had autonomy over their development, social services, and internal security.”
Anyaoku, 92, stressed that Nigeria’s unitary constitution has hindered good governance and national development, reiterating that without a structural overhaul, the nation remains at risk.
“Other multi-ethnic countries that failed to address their pluralism through federalism have since disintegrated. Nigeria must not continue along this path,” he warned.
The event, with the theme “The Imperative of Good Governance: Nigeria in a Global Comparative Perspective”, also featured other prominent voices calling for constitutional restructuring.
A former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maj. Gen. Ike Nwachukwu (retd.), who chaired the occasion, echoed Anyaoku’s concerns, asserting that Nigeria’s centralised system is fundamentally flawed.
“This is why I have long been advocating the restructuring of Nigeria into a proper federation,” he said. “State autonomy is critical—it brings governance closer to the people and enables them to harness their local resources for development.”
Nwachukwu also championed reforms in security and education, stating, “I stand for the creation of state police and community-based policing. Our school system must also be reformed to produce relevant human capital for development.”
In his keynote address, Nigeria’s former Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, called for a radical rethinking of governance, starting with structural changes.
“There is an urgent need to significantly devolve power to the people through restructuring,” Gambari said. “We must also rejig the leadership recruitment process, retool the state to serve as a guarantor of security and unity, and foster a new elite consensus.”
Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, who welcomed participants, emphasised that practical leadership must replace political rhetoric.
“Good governance—or the lack of it—is often the fine margin between a rising state and one in decline,” Mbah said. “Good intentions do not equate to good leadership. The people must be at the centre of policies and projects if we are to truly develop.”
The well-attended lecture series, hosted by the Youth Affairs International Foundation, reignited a national conversation on Nigeria’s constitutional future, with a resounding consensus that only true federalism can preserve its unity and ensur
The Ogun State Government has called on residents to sustain healthy communication practices in their environment without contributing to noise pollution, as part of the 2025 International Noise Awareness Day celebration.
In a statement released to mark the occasion, the Commissioner for Environment, Ola Oresanya, emphasised the importance of responsible communication.
He made the call under this year’s theme, “Protect Your Hearing, Protect Your Health.”
Oresanya noted that while communication is vital, noise pollution remains not just an environmental issue but also a major public concern.
He described it as a nuisance that has serious implications for public health and overall quality of life.
The Commissioner urged citizens to be more conscious of the noise they generate and to take deliberate steps toward creating quieter, healthier surroundings.
“It is realisation of this the Ministry of Environment is using the celebration to remind residents of the maximum permissible noise level for residential places, places of worship, places of Entertainment and Commercial areas.
“For residential areas, the permissible level is 50 decibels during daytime and 35 decibels during night time.
“For places of worship, the permissible level for daytime is 60 decibels and 40 decibels during night time , while that of places of Entertainment and Commercial Centres are equally pegged at 60 decibels and 40 decibel for day and night times”, he said.
Oresanya called on households, community leaders, and operators of entertainment and commercial centres to strictly adhere to the standard decibel limits applicable to them, warning that violators would face sanctions.
According to him, the state government sanctioned 175 noise polluters in 2024, including religious centres, entertainment venues, and commercial outlets. Out of this number, 45 were shut down completely for failing to comply with regulations.
The commissioner also urged Community Development Associations across the state to establish and enforce permissible noise levels within their neighbourhoods.
He stressed that such limits must be collectively agreed upon and respected by all residents.
Oresanya further pledged the state government’s continued commitment to public awareness campaigns, stakeholder engagements, and the use of moral persuasion as strategies to encourage voluntary compliance with noise regulations.
The Nigeria Police Force has released a comprehensive nine-step guide to help motorists seamlessly register and apply for a tinted glass permit through its official portal.
According to the instructions, applicants are required to visit the Police Specialised Services Automation Project portal at www.possap.gov.ng and sign up using their National Identification Number, Bank Verification Number (BVN), or Tax Identification Number.
After filling out the registration form with accurate personal information, users must create an account and verify it using a code sent to their email.
Once verified, they can log in using their email and password to proceed with the application.
Applicants must then select the “Tinted Glass Permit” service, input their vehicle details, and upload all necessary supporting documents.
After confirming the correctness of all submitted information, they are expected to make the required payment.
The final stage of the process involves scheduling a vehicle inspection and biometric capture at a selected Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Department location to complete the application.
This streamlined digital approach is part of the police’s commitment to enhancing transparency, efficiency, and ease of access to its services for the public.
PUNCH Online reports that following a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the Nigeria Police Force resumed the issuance of tinted glass permits across the country.
The development was announced in a statement released on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
According to the Force spokesperson, the move comes in response to rising concerns and complaints from the public over the harassment of vehicle owners by law enforcement agents for using factory-fitted tinted windows.
In a move aimed at creating a coherent national framework for Nigeria’s renewable energy sector, the House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy has announced plans to host a first-of-its-kind legislative conference focused on green energy policies and regulations.
The two-day event, scheduled for May 5 and 6, 2025, will be held in Lagos and is organised in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme.
Speaking during a press briefing at the National Assembly in Abuja on Wednesday, the Committee Chairman and member representing Ogbaru Federal Constituency of Anambra State, Afam Ogene, said the conference would bring together lawmakers, regulators, international partners, and private sector leaders to align on the country’s legislative direction in the energy transition.
“This conference aims at bringing together key stakeholders and industry players to discuss renewable energy legislations, energy transition, renewable energy financing, investment opportunities and related matters, towards developing a national legislative framework on renewable energy,” Ogene said.
He noted that recent changes in Nigeria’s constitutional and legal frameworks have created momentum that now requires legislative harmonisation across federal and state levels.
“Recent legislative reforms around the energy sector in Nigeria highlight this growing momentum, thus necessitating the convocation of the 1st Edition of the Legislative Conference on Renewable Energy in Nigeria,” he said.
Key among these reforms is the Fifth Alteration Bill 2022 (No.33), which has become law and now empowers states to legislate on electricity generation, transmission, and distribution within areas covered by the national grid—an authority that was previously restricted to off-grid systems.
Ogene also pointed to the Electricity Act 2023, signed into law in February 2024, as a transformative piece of legislation. “The Act permits states to issue licenses for all electricity activities (generation, transmission and distribution), encompassing lawmaking, regulation, and policy development across the entire power sector value chain,” he explained.
He added that the upcoming National Integrated Electricity Policy, 2025, provides states with a clearer path to develop their local electricity markets, with renewables—particularly solar-powered off-grid systems—playing a major role in reaching underserved populations.
The objectives of the conference include fostering dialogue among federal and state lawmakers, experts, and stakeholders; removing regulatory bottlenecks; and producing an actionable legislative roadmap with targeted reforms and investment incentives.
“The promotion of dialogue among legislators, experts, and stakeholders on critical legislative priorities, regulatory frameworks, and global best practices to accelerate renewable energy adoption in Nigeria,” he said, is a major priority of the gathering.
Other goals include “a coordinated platform for federal and state lawmakers to harmonise policies, address regulatory bottlenecks, and align efforts in advancing Nigeria’s renewable energy transition,” and “an action-oriented roadmap, by producing a clear, time-bound legislative action plan with prioritised reforms, investment incentives, and accountability mechanisms to drive renewable energy growth and grid modernisation.”
The conference will also have a global outlook, with representatives from the International Parliamentary Union and lawmakers from South Africa, Ghana, and Gambia scheduled to participate.
“We also confirmed participation from three African parliaments—South Africa, Ghana, and Gambia—showcasing the House Committee on Renewable Energy’s impact,” Ogene added.
Expected outcomes from the conference include a slate of policy and legislative reform proposals, increased clarity around investment guidelines for private and public actors, and enhanced collaboration between federal and state energy lawmakers.
Meanwhile, Ogene confirmed that the committee’s probe into past renewable energy investments, which was launched weeks ago, would resume when the National Assembly reconvenes next week.
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to within 24hrs release socialite and business woman, Aisha Achimugu.
Justice Inyang Ekwo in a short ruling also added that parties in the suit especially the EFCC are to report to the court to give report on compliance to the order of court on May 2, 2025.
Recall that Justice Ekwo had on Monday, ordered Achimugu to submit herself to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in connection with an on going investigation bordering on Money laundering and other offences.
Justice Ekwo, also held that following her appearance at the EFCC office, the antigraft agency is to return with her and make an appearance before the court on Wednesday April 30, for report.
Meanwhile, the EFCC arrested Achimugu at about 5am on Tuesday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
The EFCC is investigating Achimugu on a case involving conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, money laundering, corruption, and possession of properties reasonably suspected to have been unlawfully obtained.
While she was previously arrested and questioned by the EFCC, she was released on administrative bail by the commission.
However, EFCC alleged that she jumped bail and declared Achimugu wanted.
The EFCC in a press statement urged the public to provide information about Achimugu’s whereabouts, “The public is hereby notified that AISHA SULAIMAN ACHIMUGU is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in an alleged case of criminal conspiracy and money laundering,” the statement read.
The EFCC in its affidavit to show cause, averred that on February 12, 2024, when Achimugu was previously arrested, in their office with her lawyer, Darlington Ozurumba, she wrote a statement.
The commission said in the statement, that she explained some of the huge funds which passed through her corporate bank accounts.
It said that Achimugu admitted the sum of N8, 710, 000, 000.00. (eight billion, seven hundred and ten million naira) was paid by her partners as an investment fund into the purchase and payment of a signature bonus for the acquisition of oil bloc on Nov. 8, 2022.
It said further investigation however revealed that Achimugu, through her company, Ocean Gate Engineering Oli and Gas Limited, acquired two oil blocs, namely Shallow Water -PPL 3007 and Deep Offshore-PPL 302-DO for the total sum of $25, 300, 000 (twenty-five million, three hundred thousand dollars) through majorly cash payments made to the Bureau De Change (BDC) operators who in turn made payments to Federal Government via corporate accounts.
The commission alleged that the ultimate sources of the said sum of $25,300,000 used in the acquisition of the oil blocs were not linked to her lawful earnings or income or any business partner.
“That the acquisition of the Oil Blocks was marred by corrupt practices, as bribes were paid to the officials of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission in the process.
“That none of the Oil Blocks assigned/allocated to Ocean Gate Engineering Oil and Gas Limited by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Commission has commenced exploration/production from inception to date,” the EFCC said.
The anti-graft agency averred that following the decision of the court in suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/451/2024, which dismissed Achimugu’s suit, the commission, in continuation of its investigation, sent letters to some agencies of government, including FIRS, CBN, etc.
It said further investigation revealed that Achimugu operates a total of 136 bank accounts across ten different banks, both in her personal and corporate names.
Displeased with the wanted declaration, Achimugu filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit against the EFCC, the Nigeria Police Force, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, State Security Service, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Nigerian Immigration Service to stop her planned arrest.
Achimugu in an exparte motion marked FHC/ABJ/CS/626/2025, among others, sought an order of interim injunction restraining the respondents from threatening or harassing her with arrest, detention and invasion of her “properties or threatening to impede her fundamental right to freedom of movement, liberty, privacy and properties”.
Giving ten grounds why her application should be granted, Achimugu said on March 28, the EFCC declared her wanted.
She said that her declaration as ‘wanted’ was unwarranted, unjustifiable, devoid of probable cause, and calculated to discredit, humiliate, and subject her to public opprobrium, thereby causing irreparable harm to her reputation, personal dignity, and professional standing.
While Achimugu’s rights enforcement suit was scheduled to be heard on April 11, her lawyer Kehinde Ogunwumiju informed the court that the respondents had failed to respond or appear, despite being served with the court’s order.
Justice Inyang Ekwo expressed a desire to hear from the respondents and adjourned the matter to Alril 28, 2025, directing that a hearing notice be served on the respondents.
The judge emphasised that the respondents are given one final opportunity to appear and show cause why Achimugu’s reliefs should not be granted.
At the resumed sitting on Wednesday, Ogunwujimi, informed Justice Ekwo that his client (Achimugu), filed an affidavit of facts before the court in the morning.
In a short ruling Justice Ekwo held saying, “The third respondent (EFCC), has granted the applicant bail. Now the court being faced with that will now allow the third respondent to conclude the issue of granting the applicant bail. I am reminded to make this order.
“The Third respondent is hereby ordered to foster the release of the applicant with 24hrs of this order.
“I also make an order that parties especially the third respondent (EFCC) responds back to this court in compliance of the order on 2nd may 2025”.
The matter was also adjourned to same day for hearing of the processes filed.
Popular Nigerian TikTok star, Habeeb Hamzat Adelaja, also known as Peller, has shared how the burden of being his family’s breadwinner at just 19 is affecting his mental health.
In a live session with actress Sandra Benede, the young star opened up about his struggles, saying he is tired of the pressure and doesn’t enjoy going home anymore. Peller said that even though he is not yet 20, he already has big responsibilities that make him feel like he’s the parent in the family, even though he has an older brother.
“If not that they would start looking for me, I would have just gone to America to stay there and go offline. I’ve been wanting to do it for a while now,” he said during the emotional live session.
A 36-year-old Nigerian national, Okezie Ogbata, has been sentenced to 97 months jail term in the United States for his role in a $6 million transnational inheritance fraud scheme.
The United States Department of Justice disclosed this in a statement released on Monday.
Ogbata was found to be a member of a group of fraudsters that sent personalised letters to elderly people across the United States for several years.
The scheme defrauded over 400 individuals, mostly elderly or vulnerable, resulting in losses of more than $6 million.
The letters falsely claimed that the sender was a representative of a bank in Spain and that the recipient was entitled to receive a multimillion-dollar inheritance left for the recipient by a family member who had died overseas years before.
Ogbata pleaded guilty to the charges and admitted to defrauding over $6m from more than 400 victims.
According to court documents, Ogbata and his co-conspirators deceived victims by insisting that, before receiving their supposed inheritance, they were required to pay various fees, such as delivery charges, taxes, and other costs, to avoid government scrutiny.
“Ogbata and his co-conspirators collected money sent in response to the fraudulent letters through a complex web of U.S.-based former victims, whom the defendants convinced to receive and forward funds to them or their associates.
“Victims who sent money never received any purported inheritance funds,” the statement read.
The statement quoted acting Assistant Attorney General Yaakov Roth of the Justice Department’s Civil Division, as describing the case as a testament to the critical role of international collaboration in tackling transnational crime.
“I want to thank our U.S. law enforcement partners, as well as those who assisted across the globe, including the Portuguese Judicial Police and Public Prosecution Service of Portugal, for their outstanding contributions to this case,” Roth said.
Also, the U.S. Attorney Hayden Byrne for the Southern District of Florida emphasised the determination of American authorities to pursue fraudsters globally.
“The long arm of the American justice system has no limits when it comes to reaching fraudsters who prey on our nation’s most vulnerable populations, including the elderly.
“We will not allow transnational criminals to steal money from the public we serve,” Byrne said.
Acting Postal Inspector in Charge Steven Hodges of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service Miami Division echoed the sentiment, “The USPIS has a long history of protecting American citizens from these types of schemes and bringing those responsible to justice.
“Today’s sentencing is a testament to the dedicated partnership between the Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Branch, HSI, and USPIS.”
Special Agent in Charge Francisco Burrola of Homeland Security Investigations Arizona condemned the exploitation of the elderly.
“It’s inconceivable to imagine any human being robbing from those who’ve spent a lifetime working and building a life and then are duped out of it all,” he said. “Together with our law enforcement partners, we will not tolerate this kind of behaviour; we will bring justice to those who have wronged and stolen from so many people.”
Ogbata’s sentencing comes just days after the Federal Bureau of Investigation announced the arrest of 22 Nigerian nationals in connection with a series of sextortion schemes, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat cyber-enabled fraud targeting U.S. citizens.
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested eight individuals in connection with a series of cult-related killings within the Yaba College of Technology and its surrounding areas.
The arrests were made on April 29, 2025, following an intelligence-led operation.
According to a statement released by the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, the tactical operatives involved in the operation successfully apprehended the suspects, who are believed to be linked to violent cult activities in the area.
The statement partly read, “Tactical operatives of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested eight suspects involved in several cult-related killings within Yaba College of Technology and its environs in an intelligence-led operation, which took place on April 29, 2025.
The Beretta pistol, four 9mm ammunition, one cartridge, two battle axes, and two cutlasses recovered.
The Beretta pistol, four 9mm ammunition, one cartridge, two battle axes, and two cutlasses recovered.
“The arrested suspects are: Adeyemo Abdulsamad ‘m’ aged 24, aka Cloud, Afeez Enitan ‘m’ aged 28, Ayomide Daniel ‘m’ aged 30, Olamilekan Adeagbo ‘m’ aged 26 aka Skinny, Mayor Samson ‘m’ aged 28, Basit Ishola ‘m’ aged 20, Quadri Sikiru ‘m’ aged 26, and Mariam Salihu ‘F’ aged 23.”
During the operation, police recovered several weapons from the suspects, including one Beretta pistol, four 9mm ammunition, one cartridge, two battle axes, and two cutlasses.
Hundeyin revealed that an investigation is ongoing to uncover the full extent of their involvement in cult activities and related crimes.
“During the operation, the following exhibits were recovered from the suspects: one Beretta pistol, four 9mm ammunition, one cartridge, two battle axes, and two cutlasses. Investigation is still in progress to unravel the full extent of the suspects’ involvement in cult-related activities.”
However, the command has assured the public that the arrested suspects will face the full consequences of the law.
“Members of the public are assured that the suspects will be made to face the full wrath of the law,” the statement added.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, praised the swift response and excellent execution of the operation by the Command’s tactical teams and Eko Strike Force.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police to ensure prompt action.
The statement added, “The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, while commending the swift response and excellent work of the Command’s tactical teams and Eko Strike Force, who carried out the operation, urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police for appropriate action.”
Jimoh further reiterated the commitment of the Lagos Police Command to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and visitors in the state.
“He equally assures the public that the Command will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of all residents and visitors to Lagos State,” the statement concluded.
