Economy – Obasempire entertainment

Nigerian govt aware of policies fueling Christian persecution, chooses media manipulation – Ted Cruz

November 15, 2025 (updated November 15, 2025) Published by viviaopar

United States Senator, Ted Cruz has claimed that the Nigerian government is aware of policies fueling alleged Christian persecution in Nigeria, but chooses media manipulation over accountability.

In a statement he posted on his X account on Friday, Cruz also warned about a PR campaign being waged by the Nigerian government to fight the accusations.

Nigerian officials know their policies have created an environment in which Christians are being persecuted and slaughtered, including their enforcement of sharia law and their tolerance of Islamist violence,” Cruz said (via Fox News Digital).

“Instead of reversing these policies, they are waging a media campaign to escape exposure and accountability. I intend to prevent them from doing so.”

This is coming after the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, Yusuf Tuggar, recently spoke on the alleged Christian genocide in Nigeria on Piers Morgan Uncensored.

United States President Donald Trump had designated Nigeria as a country of particular concern a few weeks ago.

Trump cited what he described as ongoing violence against Christians and the failure of the Nigerian government to protect religious minorities.

The US leader also said he had asked the Department of Defense to prepare for possible military action in Nigeria if the Nigerian government “continues to allow the killing of Christians.”

But the Nigerian government has strongly denied the persecution of any religious groups in the country.

EPL table: Man City now second behind Arsenal after 3-1 win over Bournemouth

November 3, 2025 (updated November 3, 2025) Published by viviaopar

Erling Haaland scored a quick-fire brace as Manchester City defeated Bournemouth 3–1 in the Premier League on Sunday.

Pep Guardiola’s men came into the game knowing that their title rivals had all won their matches 24 hours earlier.

Although they survived an early onslaught from the visitors, Haaland broke free to put City in front.

Bournemouth equalised after Tyler Adams bundled the ball home in the 25th minute.

But Haaland found the back of the net again as the former champions went into the break ahead.

Nico O’Reilly then drilled in the third goal for the hosts.

The result takes City up to second with 19 points, six behind leaders Arsenal.

Niger tanker explosion: Death toll rises to 57

October 25, 2025 (updated October 25, 2025) Published by viviaopar

The death toll from the tanker explosion in Essa community, Katcha Local Government Area of Niger State, has risen to 57.

The tragic incident occurred on October 21, 2025, when a petrol tanker overturned and spilled its contents. Residents reportedly attempted to scoop the fuel, triggering a massive explosion.

At the time, the disaster was said to have claimed over 35 lives and left many others with varying degrees of injuries.

Confirming the latest development to ObasEmpire, the Director of Information and Linkages of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, NSEMA, Dr Ibrahim Hussaini, stated that the death toll has now increased to 57, while 52 victims are currently receiving treatment in different hospitals.

He explained that those who died were among the 14 critically injured victims of the explosion.

Hussaini Isah, Head of the Minna Operations Office of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), had in a statement on October 24, 2025, confirmed that 46 people had lost their lives as one more person succumbed to injuries, while about 63 others were still undergoing treatment in various hospitals.

He had explained that the 45 fatalities comprised 12 males, 27 females, and 6 children, while the 63 injured victims included 24 males, 32 females, and 7 children.

Isah had stated: “All the deaths and injured persons were as result of scooping attitudes. Some of the victims were initially evacuated to Essa Primary Health Care, Idris Private Hospital, but were later moved to Umaru Sanda General Hospital Bida and Bida Federal Medical Centre. But 14 critically injured were referred to Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital for further treatment.”

Mikel Obi shines as Chelsea lose to Liverpool in legends clash

October 11, 2025 (updated October 11, 2025) Published by viviaopar

Super Eagles icons Mikel Obi and Celestine Babayaro both featured for Chelsea in a 1-0 loss at Stamford Bridge to Liverpool in a legends clash.

Chelsea fans welcomed Nigerian superstars Mikel Obi, Celestine Babayaro and numerous other favorites back to Stamford Bridge.

The Super Eagles icons were in action as Chelsea suffered a 0-1 loss to Liverpool in a Legends clash.

John Terry and Gary Cahill, with William Gallas on the right and Florent Malouda at left-back, shielded Petr Cech in goal for Chelsea

Makelele, joined John Mikel Obi and Ramires in the middle of the park to control the game.

Eden Hazard was on the left, Salomon Kalou on the right, and Diego Costa led the front of the line.

Before the game started, both teams paid tribute to Matt Beard, Joey Jones, Diogo Jota, and his brother Andre Silva, who all died earlier this year.

The game has a scuffle as Martin Skrtel had a contentious moment involving Diego Costa.

During the break, Joe Cole, Jody Morris, Katie Chapman, and Celestine Babayaro were introduced into the game.

With three minutes left, Ryan Babel cut inside on his right foot and struck the bottom corner of Carlo Cudicini’s goal to seal the game.

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

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

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 viviaopar

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 viviaopar

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 viviaopar

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.”

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

Tag: Economy