Month: October 2025

EFCC arraigns former NSITF chair, Ngozi Olejeme, over alleged ₦1bn fraud

October 10, 2025 (updated October 10, 2025) Published by

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, arraigned Ngozi Olejeme, a former board chairman of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja.

Olejeme was docked on eight counts bordering on money laundering, conversion, transfer, and possession of proceeds of unlawful activities totaling ₦1 billion.

One of the charges alleges that, while serving as NSITF board chairman in February 2012, she indirectly converted ₦321.6 million paid into the account of Adin Miles International Ltd, knowing it was part of proceeds from unlawful activity—an offence contrary to Section 15(2)(b) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended).

Another count accuses her of procuring one Chuka C. Eze to convert $2 million into naira for payment to the same company, also alleged to be proceeds of crime.

Olejeme pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Following her plea, prosecution counsel Emenike Mgbemele requested a trial date to enable the EFCC call its 14 witnesses.

Her counsel, Emeka Ogboguo (SAN), urged the court to grant her bail pending trial.

Justice Nwite released the defendant to her counsel and adjourned the case to November 17, 2025, for hearing on the bail application.

The Robbery Suspect Confesses the death of the Arise TV anchor

October 10, 2025 (updated October 10, 2025) Published by

One of the suspects involved in the armed robbery attack at Unique Apartments, a 16-flat, four-storey building in the Katampe area of Abuja, Sani Sirajo, has confessed that he tried to stop Somtochukwu Maduagwu, the late Arise Television news anchor and producer, from jumping off the building during the incident.

According to him, he attempted to hold Somtochukwu—fondly known as Sommie—from falling off the building but was unable to sustain her weight.

The report claims that each of the armed robbers involved in the tragic operation was paid a large sum after the act that led to the death of the journalist and another individual

According to Arise TV, the arrested suspects confessed to the crime, and a white Honda CR-V belonging to one of the victims was recovered.

The suspects also confessed to stealing and driving away a white Honda CR-V belonging to one of the victims and shared ₦200,000 each from the proceeds of the crime.”

Details of the report also revealed that the suspects stole a car belonging to one of the victims.

Sirajo’s confession came after personnel of the Nigeria Police Force obtained statements from members of the robbery gang following their arrest.

Man caught Stealing N290,000 from foreign passengers Luggage On ibom Air Flight

October 9, 2025 (updated October 9, 2025) Published by

A dramatic scene unfolded on an Ibom Air flight yesterday when a male passenger was caught stealing N290,000 from the luggage of a foreign national, sparking outrage among other travellers.

According to eyewitnesses, the suspect had boarded the flight like every other passenger, but soon after settling in, he opened the overhead bin and moved the bag belonging to the foreigner. Moments later, the foreign passenger noticed his luggage was missing and raised an alarm.

A female passenger who witnessed the incident immediately identified the suspect, saying she saw him tampering with the foreigner’s bag. A quick search was conducted, and the missing cash of N290,000 was found hidden under the suspect’s seat.

Passengers were shocked further when the suspect’s own carry-on bag was opened, revealing just a single shirt inside.

Airport security was promptly alerted, and the suspect was escorted off the aircraft by officials. A video circulating online shows the moment he was led away in disgrace.

Tainted Glass Permit: NBA Meets Police IG

October 9, 2025 (updated October 9, 2025) Published by

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has received a delegation of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) led by its President, Afam Josiah Osigwe (SAN), at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

According to a statement to Naija News on Thursday, Force Spokesperson David Hundeyin said the visit, which centred on issues surrounding the enforcement of the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 1991, by the Force, provided an opportunity for robust deliberations on issues of mutual concern, particularly the need for synergy between the Police and the Bar in upholding the rule of law and promoting public confidence.

The Nigeria Police Force, while noting that there is no clear court order stopping the enforcement of the Motor Vehicles (Prohibition of Tinted Glass) Act, 1991, has, out of consideration for the interest of Nigerians, and regard for the Nigerian Bar Association, temporarily suspended the enforcement of the Act, pending the outcome of the hearing of the Motion on Notice slated for 16th October 2025, at the Federal High Court, Warri, Delta State.

He said to further strengthen the relationship between the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Bar Association, a Police-NBA committee has been inaugurated to enhance collaboration between the police and the bar.

The statement added: “All vehicle owners and motorists are urged to take advantage of this window to regularise their documentation and ensure full compliance with all relevant laws regulating the use of motor vehicles with shaded or tinted glasses in Nigeria.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Egbetokun, reiterates the resolve of the Force to enforce all extant laws with fairness, transparency, and respect for the rights of all citizens while maintaining effective collaboration with critical stakeholders in the administration of justice.”

EPL: They’ll beat them – Paul Scholes predicts winner of Liverpool vs Man Utd

October 8, 2025 (updated October 8, 2025) Published by

Manchester United legend, Paul Scholes has predicted the Premier League tie between the Red Devils and Liverpool.

However, Scholes believes Arne Slot’s side will beat Man United, insisting that the encounter is ‘predictable’.

Liverpool will welcome Ruben Amorim’s side at Anfield after the international break following their 2-1 defeat to Chelsea.

Speaking on The Overlap Fan Debate, Scholes said, “Amorim needs to try and get something from Liverpool at Anfield.

I can’t remember the last time Manchester United won a big game.

This group of [Manchester United] players are in such a bad rut that you have no confidence in them that they are going to get out of it.

It is almost predictable that they [Manchester United] will go to Anfield and get beat [by Liverpool].”

BREAKING: President Tinubu Seeks Senate Approval for Fresh $2.3bn Loan

October 8, 2025 (updated October 8, 2025) Published by

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has asked the Senate to approve a new external borrowing plan totalling $2.3 billion.

The fresh loan is aimed at supporting the implementation of the 2025 budget, refinancing maturing Eurobonds, and diversifying Nigeria’s debt portfolio.

The president’s request was contained in a letter read on the floor of the Senate during Wednesday’s plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Tinubu explained that the new borrowing forms part of the $9.27 billion anticipated in the 2025 fiscal framework to finance the budget deficit, with $1.84 billion expected to come from external sources at an assumed exchange rate of ₦1,500 to the dollar.

According to the letter, the loan will be sourced through a mix of Eurobonds, syndicated loans, bridge financing, or direct credit from multilateral lenders — a strategy the president said was designed to optimise borrowing costs and manage risks effectively.

A major component of the plan is the refinancing of a $1.118 billion Eurobond issued in 2018 at a coupon rate of 7.625 per cent, which matures in November 2025. Tinubu described the move as “a standard practice in debt capital markets,” adding that refinancing through Eurobonds or syndicated loans would “guarantee debt sustainability and boost investor confidence.”

He stressed that refinancing maturing obligations was a routine part of debt management and vital to preserving Nigeria’s fiscal credibility. The president also noted that the request complied with Sections 21(1) and 27(1) of the Debt Management Office Act and had already received Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval.

The letter further detailed the breakdown of the borrowing request: “To raise external capital in the sum of USD2,347,465,000.00 comprised of New External Borrowing in the 2025 Appropriation Act (USD1,229,113,000.00) and refinancing of maturing Eurobonds (USD1,118,352,000.00), through any of the following option(s): issuance of Eurobonds, bridge finance facility from bookrunners, loan syndication and direct borrowing from international financial institutions.”

Following the reading of the correspondence, Akpabio referred the request to the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debt for further legislative scrutiny and directed the panel to submit its report within one week.

The latest borrowing proposal comes barely four months after Tinubu sought legislative approval for $21.5 million and ¥15 billion in loans, alongside a €65 million grant, as part of the government’s 2025–2026 external borrowing plan.

Update On Nnamdi Kanu’s Health Status Emerges In Court

October 8, 2025 (updated October 8, 2025) Published by

The health status of the embattled leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, is still under investigation by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).

This is as it was revealed in court on Wednesday that the NMA panel set up to assess the health status of the detained IPOB leader is yet to conclude its assignment.

Obasemprire calls that Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja had on September 26 ordered the NMA President to set up a team of medical experts to examine Kanu and determine whether he is still fit to undergo his ongoing terrorism trial.

However, when the case came up on Wednesday, the lawyer for the prosecution, Suraj Sa’ada (SAN), told the court that he was informed that the medical panel had yet to conclude its assignment.

Sa’ada urged the court to give the panel more time to conduct a thorough investigation and submit a report.

He suggested that the panel be given another week to enable it to conclude its task.

Defence lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), did not object to the one-week adjournment sought by the lawyer for the prosecution.

Based on the submissions, Justice Omotosho adjourned the matter till October 16.

Video: Tacha Breaks Down In Tears During Visit To Former One-room Apartment

October 7, 2025 (updated October 7, 2025) Published by

Former Big Brother Naija ‘PepperDem’ housemate, Natasha Akide, popularly known as Tacha, got emotional during a visit to her former one-room apartment in Nkpor, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Tacha revealed that before her journey to fame, her life began in a crowded compound with multiple occupants.

ObasEmpire report that in the now-viral video online, Tacha was captured walking through the familiar streets of the bustling neighbourhood, where fans warmly greeted her.

During the visit, Tacha also reconnected with her former hairstylist from her early days, who introduced her to her now-grown daughter.

Meanwhile, Tacha has asked Nigerians to stop directing all their anger at President Bola Tinubu while overlooking the roles of other leaders across the country.

ObasEmpire reports thatTacha made this known in a viral video released on Monday, where she pointed to the recent disbursement of ₦2.2 trillion by the Federation Account Allocation Committee to the federal, state, and local governments.

She stated that funds are available but often wasted by those entrusted with them.

She said that while many Nigerians are quick to attack the president, governors, senators, and local government chairmen escape such public pressure, even though they control large sums of money meant for development.

Tacha expressed concern that many citizens cannot even identify their local government chairman, yet they expect only the president to fix every problem.

The reality star stressed that if Nigerians start demanding accountability from governors, lawmakers, and council chairmen, the country would see real changes in governance.

BREAKING: Tinubu’s Minister, Uche Nnaji, Resigns Amid Certificate Forgery Scandal

October 7, 2025 (updated October 7, 2025) Published by

The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has resigned from office.

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga confirmed Nnaji’s resignation in a statement released late Tuesday.

Nnaji’s resignation comes amid growing controversy over his academic qualifications.An investigation which revealed that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) disowned the Bachelor of Science degree certificate in Nnaji’s possession, stating that he did not complete his studies at the institution and was never issued a certificate.

According to UNN Vice-Chancellor Simon U. Ortuanya, Nnaji was admitted to the university in 1981 but failed to complete his academic programme and was therefore not awarded any degree.

Reports further revealed that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) also denied issuing the certificate of national service being presented by Nnaji, describing it as inauthentic.

Full List: 16 States To Experience Five-day Flooding

October 5, 2025 (updated October 5, 2025) Published by

The Federal Ministry of Environment has issued a warning that several locations across 16 states may experience heavy rainfall, likely to result in flooding, between October 4 and October 8, 2025.

ObasEmpire reports that the National Flood Early Warning Centre made this known on Saturday, in a flood alert signed by the Director of the Erosion, Flood and Coastal Zone Management Department at the Federal Ministry of Environment, Usman Bokani.

The centre predicted that the flooding might affect 39 locations across the 16 states.

The ministry urged relevant stakeholders and state governments to take precautionary measures to mitigate the potential impacts of the predicted flooding.

The states and locations likely to experience flooding are Delta State (Asaba), Yobe State (Damaturu), Sokoto State (Isa), Zamfara State (Anka, Bungudu, Gusau, Kaura-Namoda, Maradun, Shinkafi), Katsina State (Jibia), Oyo State (Kisi, Oyo), Kebbi State (Ribah, Sakaba, Yelwa), Kano State (Gwarzo, Sumaila, Karaye) and Niger State (Kontagora, Mashegu, Mokwa, New-Bussa, Rijau, Wushishi).

Others are Kwara State (Kosubosu), Benue State (Agaku, Buruku, Gboko, Katsina-Ala, Ugba), Borno State (Briyel), Bayelsa State (Brass, Ikpidiama, Odoni), Cross River State (Edor, Ikom), Rivers State (Itu, Ahoada), and Enugu State (Nsukka).

According to the National Emergency Management Agency, as of September 20, at least 232 persons had lost their lives, while 121,224 others had been displaced following floods that swept through parts of the country

The 2025 flood dashboard shows that at least 339,658 people have been affected so far, with 681 sustaining various degrees of injuries.

Recent Posts

Recent Comments

Archives

Categories