The University of Lincoln, United Kingdom, has banned the former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, from any of the institution’s activities.
Recall that Ekweremadu and his wife were arrested on Thursday by the UK Metropolitan Police and charged with bringing a child to the country for organ harvesting.
In a statement, the police confirmed that the pair conspired to facilitate the travel of a child to the country in order to harvest the minor’s organ.
The police added that an investigation was launched after detectives were alerted to potential offences under modern slavery legislation in May 2022.
According to the police, the child is in protective custody, while its operatives work closely with partners on continued support.
The couple, who later was arraigned before the Uxbridge Magistrates Court, was denied bail and remanded till July 17.
However, the couple faces life imprisonment if found guilty and convicted under the United Kingdom’s Modern Slavery Act 2015 (MSA 2015).
In a statement on Friday, the University’s spokesperson stated that Ekweremadu, who was recently appointed a visiting Professor of Corporate and International Linkages, has been suspended from the school pending the outcome of the police investigation.
The spokesman stated that the management of the institution are deeply concerned about the nature of these allegations and would not comment on the matter for now.
The statement reads: “Visiting professors are often, as is in this case, non-resident at the university, unpaid and advisory.
“We are deeply concerned about the nature of these allegations, but as this is an active police investigation, we cannot comment further at this stage.
“Whilst this matter is subject to investigation, this person will not be undertaking any duties as visiting professor at Lincoln.”
Recall that Ekweremadu was appointed as a visiting Professor of Corporate and International Linkages two weeks ago.
In a tweet via his Twitter handle, he wrote: “It was a pleasure and an honour to receive a letter of appointment by the University of Lincoln, UK, as Visiting Professor of Corporate and International Linkages.
“I also got a highly treasured gift – a copy of the Magna Carta. It was created in 1215, about 807 years ago.”
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Kabir Masari, has disclosed that he receives over 500 text messages daily since he was picked as the running mate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) flagbearer, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
He made this known in an interview with the Voice of America (VOA) Hausa service on Thursday.
Revealing how he was picked, he said someone called him around 3 am on that fateful day and informed him that he will be the running mate of the APC presidential candidate.
“I was told that I will fill a form and return immediately. The form was brought to me and I filled and returned as directed,” he said.
On whether he’s the party’s placeholder, Masari maintained that I don’t know what you mean by that.
‘I am a realist and someone who believes in destiny. In the first place, this opportunity, to me, came as a surprise. I never envisaged in my wildest dream that I will be picked. But when it happened, it was God’s wonders. So nothing is impossible.”
He continued, “I feel honoured for this great opportunity. So, if at the end of the day it became otherwise. I will accept it as a will of God. More than anything, God has uplifted me.
“Do you know that since I was picked as his (Tinubu’s) running mate, I have been inundated with phone calls from every part of the country wishing me luck. To say the least, I receive nothing less than 500 text messages. Over 200 on WhatsApp and 300 on SMS. That’s a rare privilege. It is only God that uplifts His servant.”
On the Muslim /Muslim ticket, Masari noted there’s nothing wrong with that, saying Nigerians should be concerned about development instead of tying down “our day-to-day activities with religious issues.”
Citing the example of the insecurity bedevilling the country, the vice-presidential candidate remarked that it has nothing to do with religion since both Muslims and Christians were victims of the attacks.
Journalism professor Farooq Kperogi has stated that David Ukpo, an alleged 15-year-old boy, may have lied against former Senate President Ike Ekweremadu to seek asylum in the United Kingdom.
Ekweremadu and his wife, Beatrice, are currently in jail in the UK for allegedly bringing David into the country with the intent of harvesting his organ.
However, images purportedly to be the passport of David have been making rounds on social media, indicating that the young man is not a 15-year-old.
Reacting in a post on his Twitter page on Friday, Kperogi wrote: “Ekweremadu: Ukpo is Lying About Being 15 years old.
“David Ukpo, who initially agreed to donate his kidney to give Ike Ekweremadu’s sick daughter, Sonia, a chance to live, isn’t the 15-year-old kid he told British authorities he is. He was born on Oct. 12, 2000.
“That means he’ll be 22 years old in October this year, as his passport and BVN data show. (The passport & BVN data have been doing the social media rounds, but I’ve decided to conceal the numbers to protect his privacy).
“He was also not smuggled into London, as Ekweremadu’s December 28, 2021 visa
application support letter to the British High Commission shows. I dislike Ekweremadu, the politician but empathize with Ekweremadu, the father.
“As the father of 3 girls, I’ll do anything I can to save my daughters from death. That’s all this is about. Nothing more. So far, the evidence seems to be pointing in the direction of the possibility that 21-year-old Ukpo, upon arriving in the UK after agreeing to donate his kidney to Sonia, changed his mind & decided to seek asylum by claiming to be a 15-year-old child who’s trafficked to London for organ harvesting.
“If that turns out to be true, that would be a horrible way to escape Buhari’s Nigeria. Cashing in on other people’s personal tragedy–and destroying them in the process–just to pursue your dream to leave Nigeria is singularly evil.”
The Product Odyssey: Oluwafunke Akingboye’s Leadership in Tech
Oluwafunke Kofoworade is a dynamic and passionate Product Manager with five years of experience in driving product innovation and delivering human-centered solutions. She is currently the Lead Product Manager at Regaleon, a Lagos-based technology and creative powerhouse revolutionizing how digital services are built and experienced in Africa. At Regaleon, Oluwafunke plays a central role in aligning digital product strategy with user needs, leading cross-functional teams, and crafting delightful user experiences across web, mobile, and enterprise platforms.
What inspired you to pursue a career in Product Management, and what keeps you passionate about it?
I’ve always been fascinated by how people interact with digital products. Initially, it started with analyzing mobile apps—figuring out what made some intuitive while others felt clunky. That curiosity evolved into a mission: to create experiences that solve real-world problems. As a Product Manager, I find immense joy in the impact we create. At Regaleon, we build products that help businesses operate more effectively while leaving a human touch—something we call “putting a smile” on the user’s face.
What challenges have you faced as a Gen Z building your Product career in Africa, and how did you overcome them?
One major challenge was access to mentorship and structured learning opportunities early in my career. I turned to online resources, communities, and side projects to gain experience. It also wasn’t easy to be taken seriously in executive conversations, but I learned how to lead with value, present data, and always let the product speak for itself. With time and consistent delivery, I earned the trust of stakeholders.
What makes a great Product Manager, and what advice do you have for aspiring young professionals?
A great Product Manager is empathetic, data-informed, and outcome-driven. Empathy lets you connect with your users, data helps you validate decisions, and a focus on outcomes keeps you aligned with business value. My advice? Start small—build things, break them, learn fast. Join communities, seek feedback, and never stop being curious. Your soft skills matter just as much as your technical abilities.At Regaleon, you work in a very dynamic and multi-disciplinary environment.
How do you align product strategies with such diverse verticals?
Regaleon is truly unique. Our entrepreneurial culture means we’re constantly innovating across IT, engineering, and digital media. It requires staying agile and deeply listening—to users, clients, and the market. I begin every product with discovery sessions that cut across departments and industries. The goal is always the same: identify pain points and solve them in a way that feels intuitive and impactful. Whether we’re designing an app interface or launching a video ad tech product, we ensure the solution creates a moment of delight—a smile.
What tools or trends have significantly influenced your product practice?
Tools like Jira, Figma, and Notion have become staples—they make collaboration seamless. I also stay tuned to trends like no-code/low-code platforms, AI-assisted product development, and accessibility-first design. These have enabled me to deliver faster and more inclusive solutions, particularly useful in an emerging market context.
How do you balance creativity and functionality in your role?
Balancing both starts with understanding the user’s core need. At Regaleon, we never create for the sake of aesthetics alone. My approach is “function-first, delight-second.” Once the backbone is solid, I work with our designers to inject beauty into usability. For example, in one recent logistics solution, we simplified the UI while retaining backend power—resulting in 40% faster onboarding for SMEs.Collaboration is crucial in product development.
How do you work with engineers, marketers, and designers?
Collaboration is where the magic happens. I make it a point to involve all stakeholders early. Engineers help validate technical feasibility, designers bring in empathy and creativity, while marketers ensure messaging is aligned. At Regaleon, we function more like a startup incubator—agile, quick to pivot, and driven by feedback loops. I facilitate cross-functional meetings, retrospectives, and design sprints that promote transparency and collective ownership.
What’s your next goal as a Product Manager?
My next goal is to lead Regaleon’s expansion into AI-driven digital products. I’m also passionate about mentoring the next generation of product leaders in Africa. There’s so much raw talent on the continent, and I want to help create the platforms and resources that empower them to thrive.
What’s your vision for the future of product leadership in Africa?
I envision Africa not just as a consumer of tech but as a creator of world-class digital solutions. The challenges we face here are unique, and solving them requires localized thinking and bold innovation. I see product leadership evolving into a strategic function, with PMs driving change not just in startups, but in government, education, and infrastructure too.
Lastly, any advice for young Nigerians looking to get into Product Management?
Learn by doing. Start with side projects, internships, or volunteering. Study products you love—reverse-engineer them. Build your communication and stakeholder management skills. And most importantly, believe that your ideas matter. Africa needs builders, and the time to start is now.
The Police escorts attached to Nigerian Grammy award-winning singer Damini Ogulu popularly called Burna Boy have broken silence over firing shots at fun-seekers at the Cubana Club in victoria Island, Lagos.
This comes barely a week after the married woman involved in the shooting incident gave her own version of the details of what transpired at the club in a series of social media posts.
Speaking with Vanguard, the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi said the arrested police escorts, during interrogation, denied firing shots at the party and insisted that the bullet fired was not from their rifles.
The policemen were said to have argued that there were other uniformed policemen within the premises of the club when the incident happened.
The Police Public Relations Officer added that they have resorted to carrying out a ballistic investigation on the escorts’ riffles to know if they fired any shots or not.
Muyiwa Adejobi said: “Policemen attached to Burna Boy are under investigation because of the shooting at the club. Detectives have not been able to get the person who pulled the trigger because the policemen denied doing so.
“We have resorted to carrying out ballistic investigation on their rifles, to know if they fired any shot or not. They said they did not fire a shot but we just can’t believe the claim. We need an expert opinion to determine that. The outcome of the result will determine either to exonerate them or to nail them.”
MY attention has been drawn to a recent publication on webpage of sahara reporters titled “EXCLUSIVE: Anti-graft Agency, ICPC Uncovers Billions In Cash Meant For Arms, Ammunition To Fight Boko Haram In Abuja Home Of Ex-Chief Of Army Staff, Buratai”which was published on23/06/2022.
I have gone through the said Publication and have interfaced with Ambassador T.Y.Buratai and can authoritatively say the content of the publication is false, concocted and malicious.
It is on record that on or about 5th April 2018 President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the purchase of equipment worth $1bn for the military through the Ministry of Defence.It is a fact that first batch of Six Super Tucano fighter jets arrived Nigeria July 22, 2021 while final batch of the 12 A-29 Super Tucano fighter jets arrived October 18, 2021. No Arms fund is ever missing contrary to some previous mischievous publications.
For the records no such amount (#850M or any similar sum) was found with Ambassador Buratai nor does he have any Aide bearing such name. Ambasador Buratai has no office or house in Wuse Abuja(address not supplied by SR) nor does he have any bulletproof cars, BMW, G-Wagon (Particulars of vehicle not also supplied by SR) worth N450m and neither is ICPC investigating any such.
We view this as an orchestrated act aimed at tarnishing the image of LT General T.Y Buratai and we shall take all legal steps to hold the publishers accountable for such grievious character assassination on the image of LT.T.Y Buratai(RTD).
Operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have reportedly raided the home of a former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai.
According to the report, the ICPC operative recovered over a billion naira from Buratai, who is now Nigeria’s Ambassador to Benin Republic.
The anti-graft agency was said to have also recovered over 50 luxury watches, including at least two Rolex varieties, from the former army boss.
According to sources, the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) had alerted the ICPC when it commenced a probe of an alleged military contractor named Salisu.
An ICPC source said: “NFIU discovered that N500 million was paid into Salisu’s account at once and quickly flagged it.
“When Salisu was queried he said he was a military contractor, but he was unable to show any evidence of carrying out any contract for the military.”
The NFIU later transferred the case to the ICPC who proceeded to carry out more investigation and the raid, which occurred last week.
Sahara Reporters had first reported the raid on Thursday night, which put the recovered funds at about N1.85 billion.
The ICPC had conducted a raid on Salisu’s home, recovering “hundreds of millions of naira, all in new notes,” a source told Peoples Gazette.
One of the source said: “We discovered that the place is owned by Buratai and he has been working with the man to loot military funds for many years.
“It is unfortunate that Nigerian soldiers are suffering at the war front due to lack of equipment.”
Speaking to the publication, Buratai said no warrant was obtained to search his house.
“Nobody obtained any warrants to search my place,” he said.
Buratai however disconnected the call when quizzed on whether or not he was confirming the raid and cash recovery from his property.
UK-based Actress, Juwon QUADRI to give marriage a second chance?
This might be the moment of joy for one of Nollywood favourite actors, Oluwajuwon Quadri as she is about to give marriage a second chance.
The mother of one who is based in UK, recently posted a picture ring on her micro-blogging page; Instagram with caption ‘marriage again..!’ but those who are close to her in the Queensland disclosed that actress who has been rumoured to have intimate relationship with ace actor Femi Adebayo is indeed giving marriage another shoot.
According a source in UK, juwon is in a serious relationship with a UK-based businessman and she flaunted it at her last movie premier; Jibola, which hosted numbers dignitaries here in London.
The actress fondly called Juwon is a producer with many film productions to her credit such as ‘Okan Mi’ ‘Fikemi,’ ‘Igboran,’ ‘Etan,’ ‘Adanwo nla,’ ‘Ewawumi,’ ‘Orun,’ ‘Odun marun,’ ‘Tianshi,’ ‘Secret of tomorrow,’ ‘Eku Imura.’
Oluwajuwon who is the CEO of TGL Logistics company based in London, gained prominence after the release of her debut film as a producer, ‘Okan mi,’ in 2014.
The Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola has slammed the governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic party Ademola Adeleke.
Speaking at his re-election campaign held at Ibokun and Oriade constituency on Wednesday, the All Progressives Congress candidate, said Ademola Adeleke lacks the capacity to govern the state.
While making a mockery of the senator, Oyetola said governance is a serious business for serious-minded people and not a dancing competition or child’s play.
The governor claims that, given the numerous difficulties the state is currently facing, it takes divine wisdom and a person with a solid understanding of the art of governance to govern the state.
Oyetola concluded that he is endowed with the quality and wisdom of how to govern Osun State.
Naija News earlier reported that Nigerian legendary singer 2face Idibia on Wednesday met with candidates of the three major political parties participating in the July 16th election.
2face during the meeting urged the candidates to advise their supporters on the need to shun violence during the election.
Idibia persuaded Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of the APC, Senator Ademola Adeleke of the PDP, and Akin Ogunbiyi of the Accord Party to sign a peace pact, pledging their commitment to a peaceful election, during separate meetings.
Online sports betting customers in Nigeria may henceforth have an additional hurdle to cross as the House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to ensure gamers link their accounts with their National Identity Numbers.
Naija News understands that the resolution was reached on Thursday, June 23 after the lower chamber of the National Assembly read and assented to a motion by the member representing Ifo/Ewekoro constituency in the 9th National Assembly, Ibrahim Isiaka.
The Ogun State lawmaker explained in the motion that the global gaming market is undoubtedly a huge one estimated to generate between $400 to $500 billion yearly and with the consistency of the current trends, by 2022.
He observed that the platform is set to be worth around $565 billion with increasing amounts of revenues coming from online gaming in its many forms.
Isiaka expressed concerns that the customers are mostly anonymous, noting that with the level of transactions, it is risky to have poor data.
“Mindful that with age-restricted businesses like casinos and online gaming platforms, the critical barrier to entry for customers is age and identity verification, therefore there is an increased need for such verifications in virtual situations in order to secure both the customers and the operators.
“Imperative for regulators to place a premium on data security of gamers and gaming operators and one readily available way to achieve this is to integrate the National identity Numbers (NIN) into the data collection of both new and existing customers,” the lawmaker was quoted as saying during a plenary.
Naija News understands that Isiaka’s motion was received by his colleagues without hesitation.
The House has since directed the National Lottery Regulatory Commission to ensure that all gaming operators in Nigeria integrate the National Identity (NIN) in their data collection.
The House also mandated the Committee on Governmental Affairs to ensure compliance.
Naija News recalls that the Federal Government had sometimes in May through the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), vowed to weed out some Sports betting companies in the country.
The decision was taken following the discovery of some sports betting companies operating in Lagos State with forged permits.
NLRC Director-General, Lanre Gbajabiamila, in a statement made available to newsmen through the commission’s spokesperson, Magnus Ekechukwu, said some officials of the defaulting companies have been arrested and would be made a scapegoat to their likes still ghosting around.
Gbajabiamila said that the Commission will deploy every available legal instrument to weed out all criminal elements operating within the Nigerian gaming industry.
He reiterated that the arrested criminals are being prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others who could be nursing similar ideas.
