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The United States has intensified its trade conflict with China, announcing a steep 104% tariff on Chinese imports after Beijing failed to meet a Tuesday deadline to lift its retaliatory tariffs.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, confirmed the new tariffs during a press briefing on Tuesday, stating they would take effect at midnight on April 9.
Leavitt reiterated Trump’s belief that China made a strategic error by retaliating against earlier U.S. tariffs.
“The president, when America is punched, he punches back harder, that’s why there will be 104% tariffs going into effect on China tonight at midnight.”
Leavitt also noted that Trump would be “gracious” if Chinese President Xi Jinping sought to negotiate a deal, signalling a potential opening for dialogue despite the escalating tensions.
The move followed Trump’s assertion that China is eager to “make a deal badly.”
The additional 104% tariff builds on Trump’s reciprocal tariffs plan, which already included significant levies on Chinese goods.
LEADERSHIP recalls that China responded to Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariff with a 34% reciprocal tariff on U.S. imports, vowing to “fight to the end” and accusing the U.S. of “blackmail.”
The Trump administration has justified its aggressive trade measures by accusing China of employing non-market policies that grant it “global dominance in key manufacturing industries” and “decimating U.S. industry.”
During a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, Trump emphasised the importance of tariffs to his economic agenda.
He stated, “We’re not looking at that,” in response to calls for tariff relief, while leaving the door open for “fair deals and good deals with every country.”
[Leadership]
A 12-month grace period for subscribers to reclaim unused airtime on deactivated lines has been proposed by the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC.
During a virtual stakeholder engagement forum held in Abuja on Tuesday, the proposal was made by the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the NCC, Aminu Maida, who was represented by the Executive Commissioner for Stakeholder Management, Rimini Makama.
Maida explained that the initiative is part of efforts to balance consumer rights with operational realities in the telecommunications sector.
He stated that the telecommunications industry has played a significant role in driving economic growth, financial inclusion, and digital transformation in Nigeria, stressing that the prevalence of mobile services and the flexibility offered by prepaid plans have benefitted millions of Nigerians.
According to him, with the evolving landscape, it has become necessary to address emerging challenges that could undermine consumer rights, saying that the proposed framework seeks to address the issue of unclaimed recharges when accounts become inactive.
Maida noted, “The Quality-of-Service Business Rules 2024 stipulate that a prepaid line without a revenue-generating event for six months must be deactivated. If the inactivity continues for another six months, the line may be recycled.”
Maida explained that under the new framework, subscribers whose lines have been churned would have a one-year window to claim their unused airtime, provided they can verify ownership, adding that the initiative is geared towards balancing consumer protection with the practicalities of maintaining an efficient telecommunications industry.
He said that the debate remains whether operators should be required to refund unused airtime or whether the principle of ‘use it or lose it’ should prevail, pointing out that the goal is to establish a framework that protects consumers while ensuring the continued efficiency and competitiveness of the industry.
The Head of Legal and Regulatory Services at the NCC, Mrs. Chizua Whyte, while speaking, said the Draft Guidance on Unutilised and Unclaimed Subscribers’ Recharges is a critical step in fulfilling the commission’s mandate to develop regulatory instruments that foster a vibrant communications market.
[DailyPost]
The Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC) has directed its members to mobilise ahead of taking over offices of the Labour Party(LP) nationwide following the Supreme Court ruling that sacked Julius Abure as National Chairman of the party.
In a statement by its President, Joe Ajaero, the NLC directed the LP National Executive Committee (NEC) to appoint an interim leadership which will conduct an inclusive Special National Convention for the party in line with the provisions of the LP Constitution and the consent judgement.
“To resolve the leadership vacuum in the Labour Party, the surviving institutional members of the LP National Executive Committee (NEC) are expected to appoint an interim leadership which will conduct an inclusive Special National Convention for the party in line with the provisions of the LP Constitution and the consent judgement. Any step outside these constitutional procedures will be an affront to the rule of law and would be tantamount to an unmitigable assault on constitutional rule. Such mischief will be stoutly resisted by Nigerian workers and people,” the statement partly reads.
It added: “We use this medium to put every Nigerian worker, labour party members and patriotic citizens on alert. We will no longer condone the antics of inconsequential characters like Mr. Julius Abure whose only relevance is their availability for mischief and inanity at the behest of silhouettes in the corridors of power.
“The Supreme Court is one of the most enduring institutions and beacons of not only the rule of law but our sovereignty as a country. Nigerian workers and people, especially genuine members of the Labour Party will not sit back and watch unscrupulous elements desecrate Nigeria’s laws and the well-founded judgement of the Supreme Court.
” If we fail to take action, it means that we have accepted the complete deconstruction of the institutions of state and the desecration of the shared values that bind all of us as one people under constitutional rule.
“As authentic Labour Party leaders known to all Nigerians continue to take steps to recover and reposition the party as the vehicle for the emancipation of the Nigerian masses, we wish to warn that characters like Julius Abure should advise themselves to recuse themselves from the path of complete self-destruction they have embarked upon through their headless and heedless affront to the judgment of the Supreme Court that has swept their existence into oblivion. Just as we warned him about a year ago that Nigerian workers and genuine members of the Labour Party will always collect what belongs to them no matter how long a mischief lasts.
“By this communication, we urge every worker in Nigeria, all genuine members of the Labour Party and all lovers of democracy to be on standby to once again peacefully repossess all offices of the Labour Party nationwide. The leadership of the NLC Political Commission and other concerned Labour Party stakeholders will issue necessary directives to this effect.”
The congress put the security agencies, especially the Nigeria Police Force and the State Security Service on notice, saying that they have a constitutional duty to enable and enforce the judgement of the Supreme Court.
It also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to remove every insignia of Abure and his National Working Committee from its portals.
“We are also putting all the security agencies, especially the Nigeria Police Force and the State Security Service on notice that they have a constitutional duty to enable and enforce the judgement of the Supreme Court. We expect their cooperation as we pursue the rule of law. Any action to the contrary, will present our dear country as a banana republic.
“Finally, we call on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) which had always pleaded alignment with the pronouncement of the court of law in the leadership issues in the Labour Party to give full effect to the conclusive judgment of the Supreme Court by removing every insignia of Mr. Julius Abure and his National Working Committee from its portals.”
Responding to the threat by the NLC to take over its offices, National Publicity Secretary of the LP, Obiora Ifoh said the NLC has no right to attack any of its offices because there is no trade dispute.
The party said the latest threat by the NLC is “pure blackmail on INEC and security agencies to do the wrong thing.”
Ifoh, in a statement on Wednesday morning in Abuja, said the party would take every legal means to “deal with Ajero and his gangsters should they attempt to resort to self help.”
The statement reads: “The attention of the Labour Party leadership has been drawn to a statement issued by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero threatening to attack the offices of the Labour Party across the nation. Ordinarily, we would have ignored that threat but there is need to assure our teeming members of our commitment to keep the fate and resist all forms of rascality and intimidation from persons who think themselves to be above the laws of the land
“We therefore see NLC’s latest threat as pure blackmail on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC and security agencies to do the wrong thing.
“The Supreme Court is clear about party leadership in which the courts have no business. The Supreme Court stated that courts can not interfere in the internal affairs of a political party. The Courts didn’t sack the NWC nor held the tenure to have lapsed. We advise Joe Ajaero and his ilks to seek legal advice if they can not comprehend a simple court pronouncement.
“Nigerians will recall that the Labour Party executive that was elected in 2019 whose tenure was to expire in June 2023, was extended in Asaba for one year by the National Executive Committee of which NLC attended and played a key role. The tenure was to end in June 2024, however, before the end of that duration, the National Convention was conducted in March 2024 in line with our party constitution and the 2022 Electoral Act as amended which ushered in the present leadership. There has never been any vacuum in the leadership of the Labour Party.
“We must note that we didn’t go to court with Nenadi Usman or any other person on account of leadership because leadership was not in dispute. We only went to court to compel INEC to give us uploading code for Ondo state governorship election. This was the case when Nenadi Usman and Mr Nwokocha came to join.
“We had warned them against the illegality of convening an unauthorised NEC meeting in Umuahia. Every outcome of that meeting is inconsequential, null and void, and of no value. They are again aggregating in Abuja this Wednesday in furtherance of their illegality.
“Threats to attack offices and organizations have become the hallmark of the NLC under Ajaero. Recall that in 2024, NLC forcefully broke into our national headquarters carting away valuables. That matter was reported to the police. The recent threat to invade our office was leaked to us by some members of the NLC, hence we alerted the nation.
“Ajaero should by now learn that attacking law-abiding citizens, hooliganism and rascality is not a trait of a good unionist. He should be concerned more about workers welfare. He has since politicised the Labour Union in Nigeria and he is no longer fit to occupy that exalted office. We have once advised him to quit unionism and join politics but he will not listen.
“We must state categorically that the NLC has no right to attack any Labour Party office because there is no trade dispute. Based on the trade dispute Act, you can not picket or declare a strike without a trade dispute. In any case, we do not have any staff of the NLC in our employment. There is no Union in our offices. their action is purely an illegality.
“Let it be known that we will take every legal means to deal with Ajaero and his gangsters should they attempt to resort to self help. We will not hesitate to write to the Registrar of Trade Union to discipline them if they resort to taking laws into their own hands.
“Finally, we will seek the protection of the security agencies but where they defy the security agencies, we will have no option but to mobilise our members across the nation to resist them.”
[TheNation]
A total of 11 governors of the Peoples Democratic Party have approached the Supreme Court challenging what powers President Bola Tinubu has to suspend a democratically elected structure of a state.
The suit filed by the governors also challenges the declaration of a state of emergency rule in Rivers State.
While the media previously reported that the suit had been filed before the Supreme Court, the governors suit was actually only filed before the apex court on Tuesday.
This was exclusively confirmed to The PUNCH by the Director of Information and Public Relations of the Supreme Court, Dr Festus Akande.
President Bola Tinubu had on March 18 declared a state of emergency in Rivers State and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the state deputy governor, Mrs Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the Rivers State House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
Following the suspension, President Tinubu appointed Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas (retd.) as the sole administrator to oversee the affairs of Rivers State pending the period of the suspension.
Meanwhile, the legislature at the National Assembly, on their part supported the President’s decision to implement the suspension.
Aggrieved by the suspension meted out to one of its fellow party governors, 11 PDP state governors approached the Supreme Court to challenge the suspension, the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers state and the appointment of the sole administrator before the apex court in the country.
The governors, in the suit marked: SC/CV/329/2025, predicated the summon on eight grounds.
The plaintiffs in the suit are – Adamawa, Enugu, Osun, Oyo, Bauchi, Akwa Ibom, Plateau, Delta, Taraba, Zamfara, and Bayelsa states.
The plaintiffs urged the Supreme Court to determine if the President had the powers to suspend a democratically elected structure of a state.
They also asked the apex court to determine if the way and manner the President pronounced the state of emergency declaration in Rivers State was not in contravention of the 1999 Constitution.
Amongst others, all 11 governors in the suit, filed through their state Attorney Generals, prayed the court to determine the following, “Whether upon a proper construction and interpretation of the provisions of Sections 1(2), 5(2), 176, 180, 188 and 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria can lawfully suspend or in any manner whatsoever interfere with the offices of a Governor and the Deputy Governor of any of the component 36 States of the Federation of Nigeria and replace same with his own unelected nominee as a Sole Administrator, under the guise of, or pursuant to, a Proclamation of a State of Emergency in any of the State of the Federation, particularly in any of the Plaintiffs States?
“Whether upon a proper construction and interpretation of the provisions of Sections 1(2), 4(6), 11(4) & (5), 90, 105 and 305 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria can lawfully suspend the House of Assembly of any of the component 36 States of the Federation of Nigeria, under the guise of, or pursuant to, a Proclamation of a State of Emergency in any of such States, particularly in any of the Plaintiffs States?
“Whether the consequent threat by the first Defendant acting on behalf of the President to the States of the Federation, including the Plaintiffs’ States, to the effect that the offices of the Governor and Deputy Governor of the States can be suspended by the President by virtue of a Proclamation of a State of Emergency, is not in contravention of the provisions of Sections 1(2), 4(6), 5(2), 11(2) and (3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 and inconsistent with the principles of constitutional federalism?
Meanwhile, the respondents in the suit are to within 14 days after the service of the summons on them, inclusive of the day of such service, cause an appearance to be entered for them.
The suit filed by the opposition governors ends weeks of speculation of what action they would take following reports that they had earlier approached the apex court to challenge the President’s action.
Before Tuesday, seven PDP governors, specifically from Bauchi, Adamawa, Bayelsa, Enugu, Osun, Plateau and Zamfara states reportedly decided to challenge the President’s action by filing a suit before the Supreme Court.
However, multiple Supreme Court and Ministry of Justice sources told The PUNCH that they were yet to be served with the court papers, following findings by our correspondent.
When our correspondent asked a state counsel at the Ministry of Justice, Abuja last month if the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), had been served with the PDP Governors suit challenging Fubara’s suspension, he replied, “We haven’t seen it.”
The PUNCH on March 31, a week after the suit was reportedly filed at the Supreme Court, was also told by another state counsel in the Federal Ministry of Justice that the suit had yet to be served on the Federal Government.
The official, who works with the Attorney General of the Federation, spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak to the media.
He said, “Here at the Ministry of Justice, we have yet to be served with the governors’ suit that they said they filed before the Supreme Court to challenge Fubara’s suspension. Immediately after we heard about the suit, we prepared our response.
“We have our response ready because for three days we started reading books to prepare but we have yet to be served. We are still waiting.”
Last month, while speaking on the Rivers State situation, Bayelsa State Governor, Duoye Diri, who is the Chairman of the South-South Governors’ Forum, was also silent on the filing of a suit.
Rather, he harped on the call for the Federal Government to urgently reverse the Rivers emergency rule, reinstate Governor Fubara and set up a panel to reconcile Fubara and the state lawmakers.
[Punch]
Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has dismissed the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as lacking any real political structure, describing it as a “one-man show”.
The elder statesman made the statement on Wednesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Morning Brief while addressing the possibility of a third political force, such as the Social Democratic Party (SDP), emerging ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“The APC has no structure; it’s just a one-man show,” he said.
He emphasised that any meaningful political alternative must prioritise the people and not personal ambitions. “What should come first is the people. Then, our attitude to manage the resources of this country for the benefit of the people. Individualism can never solve this. Personal ambition is a very dangerous, stupid approach to problem-solving.
“You must give in to something and must allow the freshness in the minds of the people of this country. Governance is about them; power should be from them.”
PDP will resolve its crisis at next NEC meeting
Speaking earlier in the interview, George also addressed the internal crisis within the PDP. He expressed optimism that the party’s issues would be resolved at its next National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
His words: “This thing started like a little sore; now it’s almost like a cancer that spreads. It began with the inordinate ambition of individuals; it didn’t just start yesterday.”
He continued, “The PDP has a system by which we will resolve our problem. The day we have the next NEC meeting, we’ll resolve our problem. So many people have been interpreting the position, laws, [and] constitution of the party to soothe themselves.”
According to him, the meeting will provide an avenue for honest deliberation. “I believe that when we meet, we will fight, discuss and debate. In the long run, we will come to a unanimous decision because we will now put at the centre of discussion the process established by the founding fathers of the party. Those who don’t like it can take a walk and join another party.”
He added that the party is aware of those stirring trouble and must act decisively. He warned, however, that if the PDP fails to resolve its issues at the next NEC meeting, “that’s the end.
[Vanguard]
Nigeria’s trade relations with the United States hit a combined value of N31.05 trillion between 2015 and 2024, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
TheCableIndex analysis shows that within the 10-year period, Nigeria imported American goods worth N14.71 trillion, while exports to the US stood at N16.34 trillion.
The report said the African giant recorded a trade surplus of N1.63 trillion (meaning that Nigeria exported more to the US than it imported), even though yearly fluctuations show that the country ran deficits in some years, particularly in 2015 and 2020.
In 2024 alone, Nigeria’s exports to the US climbed to an all-time high of N5.52 trillion — up from N2.61 trillion in 2023 and N334.55 billion in 2015.
On April 2, President Donald Trump announced sweeping global tariffs on all imports into the country, including a 14 percent levy on Nigerian goods.
Announcing the tariffs during the ‘Make America Wealthy Again’ event at the White House, Trump said the policy would “supercharge” domestic manufacturing and revive American jobs.
“Jobs and factories will come roaring back into our country… This will be, indeed, the golden age of Americans coming back,” he declared.
Trump’s action has ignited concerns from global leaders and Nigeria’s government.
Jumoke Oduwole, minister of industry, trade, and investment, warned that the newly introduced 10 percent tariff on key export categories could weaken Nigeria’s competitiveness in the U.S. market and threaten non-oil exports that have benefited from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) exemptions.
“A new 10% tariff on key categories may impact the competitiveness of Nigerian goods in the U.S.,” Oduwole said in a statement.
“For businesses in the non-oil sector, these measures present destabilising challenges to price competitiveness and market access, especially in emerging and value-added sectors vital to our diversification agenda.
“SMEs building their business models around AGOA exemptions will face the pressures of rising costs and uncertain buyer commitments.”
The minister said over the past two years, Nigeria’s annual exports to the US have steadily remained between $5 billion and $6 billion.
She noted that “crude petroleum, mineral fuels, oils, and gas-related products” make up more than 90 percent of the exports.
Further analysis of the NBS data shows that Nigeria’s imports from the US surged in 2024, hitting N4.07 trillion — almost seven times higher than the N581.99 billion recorded in 2015.
Over the past decade, it was observed that Nigeria maintained a trade surplus with the US in six out of the 10 years examined, with the highest surplus posted in 2024 at N1.45 trillion.
AFRICA STILL MATTERS — BUT LAGS IN IMPORTS
While Africa plays a key role in Nigeria’s export economy, the data indicates that it is lagging as a source of imports for the continent’s giant.
The NBS said between 2015 and 2024, Nigeria imported goods of N7.45 trillion from African countries — about half of the N14.71 trillion spent on imports from the US within the same period.
More so, imports from America outpaced those from Africa every year in the period reviewed, with the highest value recorded in 2024, when Nigeria bought N4.07 trillion worth of goods from America, compared to N2.16 trillion from African nations.
The data highlights a significant pattern of imbalance, suggesting that African countries buy more from Nigeria than they sell to it.
For instance, the continent is a major destination for Nigerian crude oil, refined products, and agricultural exports — totalling N30.42 trillion in the decade — nearly double the N16.34 trillion exported to the US.
Oduwole said Trump’s tariff on Nigeria was a strong signal for Africa to start trading more within its continent through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.
The AfCFTA is a trade pact brokered by the African Union (AU) to boost intra-African trade.
“Reinforcing the case for Nigeria’s accelerated implementation of the AfCFTA, deepening regional integration, and leveraging frameworks like the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) to lower trade costs and promote intra-African trade,” she said.
‘RETALIATING WITH HIGHER TARIFFS WOULD HURT NIGERIA MORE’
Muhammad Bello, an economist, stressed the importance of strategic responses to the new levy, advising against Nigeria retaliating with higher tariffs, as that could exacerbate inflation.
“Reciprocating with higher tariffs against the U.S. would not be a wise move and could harm Nigeria more than it would impact the US,” he told TheCable.
“Most of our imports from the US are cars, refined crude oil, spare parts and other machinery parts, equipment and other instruments which are very important for our domestic production and meet our domestic demand.
“The implication of retaliating here is that these imports would now become more expensive. This would jack up costs for businesses and consumers, worsening inflation, which is already one of our major concerns.
“Instead of a tit-for-tat, the best thing for us to do is to respond strategically through negotiating and even exploring alternative markets such that we no longer border (sic) what they do.”
Bello also advocated for a stronger focus on Africa, especially in light of the AfCFTA, which promises to open up vast economic opportunities for Nigeria.
He said while the shift towards Africa cannot completely replace oil exports to the US, non-oil exports like agriculture and fertilisers will benefit from greater regional integration.
‘NIGERIA POSITIONED TO WITHSTAND US TARIFF SHOCK’
Wale Edun, minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, says Nigeria is positioned to withstand global trade disruptions, including the new US tariffs.
Speaking at the corporate governance forum organised by the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) in Abuja, Edun said while oil and minerals are exempted from the tariffs, the broader economic impact could be felt through declining oil prices.
He stressed that Nigeria remains relatively insulated due to early reforms and a shift in economic strategy.
“Nigeria-US trade has been in surplus in the last three years (2022-2024),” Edun said.
“Consequently, the tariff effect on exports is negligible if we sustain our oil and minerals export volume.
“The adverse effect on Nigeria will be through the oil price plunge, and we are intensifying efforts to ramp up crude oil production to curtail any price effect.”
The minister said Nigeria is also focusing on non-oil revenue mobilisation, with “budget adjustment and prioritisation where possible, and also innovative non-debt financing strategies”.
[TheCable]
Veteran Nollywood actor, Anayo Onyekwere popularly known as Kanayo O. Kanayo, has taken to social media to celebrate his daughter, Valerie, as she marks her 25th birthday.
The actor while celebrating his daughter’s birthday stated that before his daughter gets to age 27, he is expecting her to either get married, complete her PhD or leave his house as an adult.
Taking to his Instagram page on Tuesday, the actor showered his daughter with blessings, and admiration, while also clearly stating that he expects her to either get married, complete her PhD or leave his house as an adult.
He wrote, “My dear daughter, Uloaku( Bank/house of wealth) Congratulations on your 25th birthday.
“From little Valerie to a prospective Madam Uloaku. As I told you this morning while praying for you, it should be a day of sober reflections, things to copy, things to paste, and things to delete. What realities there are and the facade of things thereof.”
Kanayo reminisced about how she would often challenge him for being away on movie sets, missing out on time at home. He explained that constant travel is part of the job for successful actors and expressed gratitude for remaining active and in demand in the industry.
“Your issue with me has always been” you are always travelling, hardly at home”. Uloaku, Good actors travel, always on the move because they are always HIRED. Thank God I am still very active and relevant. Try and tolerate me.”
He wrapped up his message by stating that by 2027, he expects her to either walk down the aisle, pursue a PhD, or move out and live independently.
“In all these, please ensure that before 2027, you are either walking down the aisle, going for your PhD, or walking out of my house. Simpliciter. Ka Chukwu Okike Abiama gozierem Uloaku.
Rivers Sole Administrator, Ibas Shuns Court Order, Appoints Administrators For 23 Rivers LGs
AFOLABI
Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) has approved the appointment of administrators for the 23 Local Government Areas of the state.
This development is coming less than 24 hours after a Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt reportedly restrained him from appointing administrators to oversea the affairs of the local government councils.
The order was issued by Justice Adam Muhammed on Tuesday in suit no. FHC/PH/CS/46/2025 in the case filed by PILEX Centre for Civic Education Initiative led by Courage Msirimovu against the Sole Administrator in his official capacity.
Despite the court order, Ibas also approved the constitution of some boards of agencies, commissions and parastatals which he had earlier suspended
The approval was contained in a Special Government Announcement issued on Wednesday morning by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Worika.
Though the names of the new appointees were not listed, the statement said the appointments takes immediate effect.
It reads, “His Excellency The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas CFR, has approved the appointments of administrators for the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State.
“He has also approved the reconstitution of some boards of agencies, commissions, and parastatals, earlier suspended.
“All appointments take effect from Monday, the 7th of April 2025.”
Last week, the sole administrator had suspended all heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the state with immediate effect
In a separate development, Ibas also cancelled all pending procurement and tender processes carried out by Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the state.
He said the cancellation became necessary following the Supreme Court judgment and the absence of an appropriation law within the period.
Caleb Mutfwang, governor of Plateau, says bandits have taken over 64 communities in his state.
He added that the latest killings in Bokkos LGA are “sponsored and genocidal”.
The Bokkos Cultural Development Council (BCDC) reported on April 4 that suspected bandits killed over 10 people, with the death toll later rising to 52.
The attack came seven days after some gunmen attacked the Ruwi community in Bokkos LGA as mourners gathered in the home of a deceased.
Speaking on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’ on Tuesday, Mutfwangblamed unnamed terrorist groups for the carnage, alleging that the attacks were sponsored by yet-to-be-identified individuals.
“I can tell you in all honesty that I cannot find any explanation other than genocide sponsored by terrorists,” the governor said.
“The question is, who are the persons behind the organisers of this terrorism? This is what the security agencies must help us to unravel.
“We must come to the point where we know the sponsors because it is not just the work of ordinary people. This is being sponsored from somewhere.
“I am sure that in the coming days, the security agencies will work together, not at cross purposes but in unison, to be able to bring out the requisite intelligence that will help us to put this matter behind us.”
‘BANDITS HAVE TAKEN OVER 64 COMMUNITIES’
The Plateau governor, who decried the incessant attacks, said bandits have taken over 64 communities across Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, and Riyom LGAs, displacing villagers in the state.
“If these attacks have been going on for close to 10 years, it tells you that there is a deliberate, conscious attempt to clean out populations and to reopen,” he added.
“As I am talking to you, there are not less than 64 communities that have been taken over by bandits on the Plateau between Bokkos, Barkin Ladi and Riyom local government areas.
“They have been taken over, renamed, and people are living there conveniently on lands they pushed people away to occupy.”
The attacks are the latest in a series of assaults on Plateau, which has, in the past, recorded similar incidents.
On the eve of Christmas in 2023, over 115 persons were confirmed deadfollowing attacks by gunmen on communities in Bokkos and Barkin Ladi LGAs of the state.
On April 18, 2024, gunmen killed at least 12 people in Tilengpat community of Pushit district in Mangu LGA of Plateau.
Days before, gunmen killed at least 10 residents of Mandar Shar and Kopnanle villages under Mangu and Bokkos LGAs.
Several villagers were injured, with the attackers destroying a slew of properties.
‘N3bn fraud’: EFCC witness narrates how Kogi LG funds were laundered through private accounts
AFOLABI
A witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has recounted to a federal high court in Abuja how funds belonging to various LGAs in Kogi state were allegedly diverted and laundered through private accounts.
Remigius Egu, the witness, gave the account on Tuesday while testifying in the case against Ali Bello, chief of staff to Usman Ododo, Kogi state governor.
The EFCC is prosecuting Bello alongside Yakubu Adabenege, Abba Adaudu and Iyada Sadat on an 18-count charge, bordering on money laundering and misappropriation of public funds to the tune of over N3 billion.
Led in evidence by Rotimi Oyedepo, prosecution counsel, the witness, a compliance officer with Zenith Bank, identified documents containing transactions that he said belonged to the second defendant, Adabenege.
According to a statement by the EFCC, “the witness told the court that multiple inflows of large sums of money from several Kogi State LGAs were traced to the account of Korforte Concept Limited on October 4, 2023”.
“These, he said, were as follows: Ogori Magongo LGA: N14,844,640.57; Ibeji LGA: N18,629,944.51; Adavi LGA: N20,887,557.54; Kogi LGA: N17,929.59; Kabba/Bunu LGA: N18,460,569.12; Ajaokuta LGA: N22,764,334.70; Okene LGA: 20,758,710.37; Yagba West LGA: N18,234,063.61; Ofu LGA: N21,368,633.69,” the statement reads.
The witness told the court that all inflows were received on October 4, 2023.
Before the inflows, the witness told the court that the balance in the Korforte Concept Limited account was N7,370 and that on the same day, a transaction of N110 million was made from the account to Adaudu, one of the defendants.
“He further revealed that on October 5, 2018, more funds were funnelled into the same account from additional LGAs that included Igalamela/Odolu LGA: N19,480,651.20; Olamaboro LGA: N19,089,517.01; Dekina LGA: N23,373,201.67; Ibaji LGA: N15,653,631.39; Omala LGA: N16,876,252.03; and Lokoja LGA: N20,591,073.74. He also disclosed that a transfer of N21.9 million to one Musa Omuya was made from the account that same day,” the EFCC statement added.
“Further in his testimony, the witness disclosed that there were more inflows into the account on October 8, 2018, being N17,369,243.52 from Ijumu LGA and N17,471,549.57 from Bassa LGA.
“On October 10, 2018, he said that transactions from the account showed N10 million wired to Musa Omuya and N5.1 million and N5 million, respectively, wired to Adaudu.”
Earlier in the proceedings, the fifth prosecution witness, Oyinkosola Akerele, the managing director of Forza Oil and Gas Limited, testified that the company—which also deals in foreign exchange transactions—received a payment from a customer, Abdul Bashir, for the purchase of US dollars.
Akerele further stated that the procured dollars were transferred to four beneficiaries. Three of them—Fatima Bello, Na’ima Bello, and Zara Bello (all children of Yahaya Bello, former governor of Kogi)—received the funds as payment for their school fees at the American International School (AIS), amounting to $139,000.
Obiora Egwuatu, presiding judge, adjourned the matter till May 5, 19, 20, and 21 for the continuation of the trial.
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A 30-year-old Nigerian woman, Cynthia Oguzie, was reportedly killed after an overhead water tank crashed on her when the ceiling of her room caved in.
A short video seen by PUNCH Metro showed the victim lying on her bed motionless though a woman could be heard saying the victim was still alive at the time.
Another clip captured the fallen water tank alongside the wreckage of the structure, while additional photos showed Oguzie’s lifeless body in what appeared to be a hospital.
Oguzie had reportedly moved into the Lekki, Lagos apartment just two months before the incident.
A Facebook user who identified himself as her brother, Chukwuebuka Nathaniel, shared the incident on his page.
He blamed the tragedy on poor construction, alleging the water stand was substandard.
“Beware of Lekki buildings and their water stands. This is how they sent my sister to her early grave. Thank you, so-called Lekki landlord, and your engineer for doing this type of water stand,” he wrote.
Nathaniel added, “The landlord said he is not in Nigeria, that it’s the engineer who built all the houses and sent him pictures and videos. This is how the story ended.”
Though the Lagos State Police Command has yet to officially confirm the incident, photos and videos of the tragic scene went viral on social media.
A flier outlining the burial arrangements showed that Oguzie’s funeral service will hold on Friday, April 25.
When contacted by PUNCH Metro on Tuesday, the command’s spokesperson, Chief Superintendent of Police Benjamin Hundeyin, said the incident might have not been brought to the command’s attention.
The incident triggered widespread outrage and grief online, with many Nigerians calling out the developers for alleged negligence and cost-cutting measures at the expense of safety.
“Those engineers who don’t want to go through the mandatory training—most of them are not COREN certified,” commented Facebook user Felix Amehnawon.
“Chai! What a pathetic way to die. May she RIP,” wrote Amaka Duru.
Another user, Benedict Chinonso, stated, “There are specific pipes you should use for areas like this because of the salty water that rusts pipes over time.
“These people cut corners with cheaper materials just to make more profit. I hope someone pays for this so others will learn. This is sad.”
Charles Newton added, “The welder who fabricated that substandard tank stand needs to have been in jail by now.”
Ochuba Collins wrote, “This is why you should engage your engineer during the finishing of your building. Very painful. May she rest in peace.”
Chisom Nwankwo also shared his thoughts, saying, “Landlords sometimes pay for original materials, but the workers end up buying fake ones just to keep the extra money.”
As of Tuesday evening, the state government was yet to react to the incident.
A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja on Tuesday awarded the sum of N100m in general damages against Louisville Girls Secondary School, Gwagwalada, for negligence of duty of care which led to the death of a student.
Mr Ifeanyi Ikpeatusim had sued the school for negligence that resulted in the death of his 9-year-old daughter, Kamzie,
In the suit marked CV/1738/18, Ikpeatusim alleged that the school’s failure to provide adequate medical attention after Kamzie who fell ill shortly after her admission and resumption in the school led to her untimely death.
Kamzie, who was admitted as a boarding student in September 2017 became severely ill by October 2 and died a few days later.
Justice Sylvanus Oriji, while delivering judgment in the suit brought before the court after awarding the N100m cost, ordered a 10 per cent interest on the judgment sum from April 8 until full payment.
He also awarded an additional N300,000 as the cost of the suit.
Justice Oriji while pronouncing the decision of the court, held that the evidence presented showed the school and its agents acted negligently by failing to attend promptly and adequately to Kamzie’s medical needs.
“The claimant established his allegations of negligence against the school.
“There is no amount of money that can bring back the child to life,” he stated.
Justice Oriji however acknowledged the fact that one significant outcome of the case was the improvement of the school’s sickbay following the incident.
He noted that the presence of doctors attending to students twice daily was a commendable development.
While the claimant had asked the court to order the school to name one of its structures in Kamzie’s name in her honour, Justice Oriji noted that the improvement in the school’s sickbay was sufficient enough to know the school is making amends from its mistake.
“The court thinks that the improvement in the sickbay, ensuring doctors are available twice daily, is in honour of Kamzie, as part of reforms recommended by her family.
“The claimant should take solace in the fact that Kamzie has been honoured by the school through these improvements.”
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted three days of moderate to heavy rainfall across six states in the country.
Naija News reports that the affected states are Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Edo, Bayelsa, Delta, and Ogun, with rainfall expected between Wednesday, April 9, and Friday, April 11, 2025.
In its heavy rainfall forecast bulletin released on Tuesday, NiMet also predicted light to moderate rainfall in Ondo, Lagos, Delta, Imo, Abia, Ekiti, and a few other states. The agency noted that other parts of the country would experience either very light rain or no rain over the next three days.
NiMet also highlighted the possibility of flash floods due to the anticipated moderate to heavy rainfall. The agency further warned that strong winds could accompany the rains and advised the public to avoid driving through surface runoff waters, as they may have strong undercurrents.
Other potential hazards identified by the agency include slippery road surfaces, reduced visibility during rainfall, which could disrupt road traffic, and the threat of strong winds damaging weak structures, trees, and masts. The public was also advised to disconnect electrical appliances before the rains begin, not during.
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has issued a stern warning to Nigerians against paying ransom to kidnappers.
He gave the warning on Tuesday when he received over 60 victims recently rescued from captivity in Zangon Kataf, Southern Kaduna, following sustained military operations.
The victims, who had been held for over a month, include a Deputy Director in the civil service and a relative of Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah.
The group, comprising 35 males and 29 females and children, was formally handed over to the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, during a brief ceremony in Abuja.
Speaking during the event, Ribadu warned that paying ransom to criminals would end up fuelling the criminal enterprise.
“Let me urge families and communities to stop paying ransom to these criminals.
“We have never paid money to secure the release of any victim. Each payment only encourages them to keep going. The more you give, the more they demand,” Ribadu said.
The NSA attributed the successful rescue of the victims to the efforts and resilience of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies. “Let me specially commend our armed forces and security services. Their tireless pursuit of these criminals is the reason we are here today,” he noted.
Ribadu also acknowledged President Bola Tinubu for his consistent support of the nation’s security architecture. “Thanks to the commitment of Mr. President, we are making progress daily. However, the release of victims is not the end. We will continue to pursue these perpetrators and ensure they face justice.”
Abubakar echoed the NSA’s sentiments, praising the security forces and calling for increased public cooperation.
“The security agencies, under the coordination of the NSA, have been working round the clock. I thank Nigerians for their trust and for providing vital information that aids our efforts. We ask for continued support, especially through actionable intelligence,” he said.