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Families and colleagues of the 16 hunters who were killed in Uromi, Edo State, by a mob, have warned that they would revenge their deaths if the government fails to arrest and prosecute the perpetrators of the crime.
The victims were travelling from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to Kano for the Sallah celebration when they were intercepted and lynched by some vigilantes on the suspicion that they were kidnappers.
The incident generated outrage across the country.
Most of the slain hunters hailed from Toranke in Bunkure Local Government Area of Kano State.
In separate interviews with Saturday PUNCH, the friends and families of the victims said only justice would assuage their hurt.
A community leader and hunter from Toranke, Alhaji Musa Dogo, said the government must bring the killers to book.
He said, “We cannot allow this to go unanswered. The hunters that were killed were our brothers. We trained together, fought criminals together, and protected our communities together. If the government does not arrest and publicly prosecute those responsible, we will take matters into our own hands. We know how to track down those who commit evil, and we will not hesitate if justice is not served,” he stated.
His companion, Bala Danburan, who sat with him, nodded in agreement.
Danburan said, “We know how to sneak into Uromi and take revenge ourselves if justice is not served. This is not a threat; it is a promise. We have buried too many of our own, and we cannot continue like this. We are hunters, not cowards. If the government refuses to act, we will do what is necessary.”
The hunters also demanded that the case be transferred to a Kano State court, citing a past case where the Kano State Government handed over a suspect, Yunusa Yellow, to the Bayelsa State Government over an alleged kidnapping.
“This is not just about us. If they could request for a case to be handled in their state, why can’t we demand the same? This is a matter of fairness. We want the case brought here, where we can follow it closely and ensure that it is not swept under the carpet. The Edo government must cooperate if they want peace,” Dogo said.
A hunter and resident of Bunkure, Alhaji Usman Bako, expressed anger over the killing of the 16 hunters.
According to him, the hunters were ambushed while returning to the north for the Sallah celebration.
Bako criticised the government for neglecting hunters and other local security outfits who risked their lives in the fight against banditry and kidnapping.
Alhaji Bako said, “If the government refuses to fish out and punish those behind this massacre and continues to ignore us, then they are pushing us to the wall. We may be forced to withdraw from joint operations. We will not continue to die in silence.”
He concluded by calling on the authorities to recognise hunters as frontline defenders of local communities.
Also speaking, a resident, Malam Sani Umar, said his younger brother, Yahaya Umar, was among those killed.
According to him, Yahaya left behind four children and a wife.
He said, “Yahaya was a man of courage, always willing to sacrifice himself for the safety of others. He believed in justice, and now he has been killed unjustly. We have been left with nothing but pain, and those who did this are still walking free. How can we accept this? How can we sleep knowing that the government has not acted?”
Fighting back tears, Hafsat Ibrahim, who lost her son, Nasiru, said, “Nasiru was the backbone of our family. Now, who will take care of us? He worked hard to ensure that his younger siblings attended school and that I never went hungry at the table.
“He was a man of dignity, a fearless hunter who sought only to protect his people. But now, he is gone, and we are left in darkness. We demand justice! The killers must be punished according to Islamic rites, and the government should compensate our families. That is the only way to show us that our loved ones did not die in vain.”
Acknowledging a recent condolence visit by the governors of Edo and Kano states, Umar said, “It gave us some relief knowing that they care about our plight.
“But a visit alone is not enough. We need real action. We need to see arrests. We need to see these people prosecuted and punished for what they did. If the government does not act swiftly, it means they are encouraging more of such killings. We are not just mourning our loved ones, we are demanding justice, and we will not stop until it is given.”
Tension in Sokoto
Meanwhile, there was palpable tension in Sokoto State on Friday over reports of protest over the killing of the hunters.
Our correspondent, who monitored the situation, gathered that most business areas occupied by non-indigenes, especially the Igbo, were locked up.
Most shops in Igbo-dominated areas in the metropolis, including Bello Way, Emir Yahya, Sahara, and Aliyu Jodi, were shut when Saturday PUNCH visited.
A shop owner, who identified himself simply as Chinedu, said the fear of attack forced him to lock up his shop.
He said, “We heard of the rumour of possible protest and attack by some youths in the state after Friday prayer, and we decided to take precautionary measures.
“One should not wait till something happens before we arrange ourselves, so we decided to close our shop.”
Also speaking on the closure, an Igbo man selling tyres in Sahara said the fear of looters made people close their shops immediately they heard of a possible attack.
The man, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said his people decided to be proactive to avoid losing their goods to looters.
He said, “The last time they protested during late Deborah (Christian girl lynched for blasphemy) issue, they used the opportunity to attack and loot our goods, so we decided to be proactive this time.”
But the police reaffirmed readiness to ensure the safety of lives and property of the people in the state.
The spokesman for the Sokoto command, Ahmed Rufai, while speaking with our correspondent, said the command had deployed men in every part of the metropolis to maintain law and order in the state.
Community deserted
As of Friday, the area where the lynching took place, Goodwill Junction, along Old Ilushi Road, Uromi, was still deserted as residents were afraid of being arrested by the police.
Saturday PUNCH gathered that most commercial motorcyclists avoided the area, just as shops, churches and residential buildings in the area remained locked.
A middle-aged man who gave his name as John said the area had been deserted since the killing took place, stating that residents were afraid of being arrested by the police or facing reprisal.
He said, “This area has been deserted. You can see that all the houses are shut as no one wants to risk being arrested by the police. I hear the case has now been transferred to Abuja, so those arrested are being taken to Abuja.
“The killing is unfortunate, but what kidnappers and killer herders are doing to indigenes is evil. Imagine getting killed on your farm; hoodlums kidnapping you in the presence of your wife and children.
“I hope the government will use the same zeal and determination it is employing to fish out killers of the travellers to go into the forest and expel killer herders and kidnappers who have turned Edo forest to their permanent residence.”
The Chief Press Secretary to the state governor, Fred Itua, said Governor Monday Okpehbolo was working hard to ensure that all the security challenges he inherited would soon become a thing of the past.
Itua noted that the amount to be paid as compensation to families of the hunters would be made public when finalised.
Comedian Ijoba Lande has retracted his statement alleging that Funke Akindele underpaid him for his role in her movie ‘My Siblings and I’.
The comic actor had initially claimed he was paid N90,000 for a month’s work. He also advised upcoming actors to always negotiate payment before accepting work.
However, in a new Instagram post, the comedian clarified that he received N190,000 from Akindele and alleged that the video of his initial statement was selectively edited to highlight the N90,000 figure.
He apologised to the filmmaker, stating that he did not intend to tarnish her image and does “not want to go to prison”.
Lande also revealed that Akindele had offered to convert his payment to daily wages after he left the movie location.
“I do not want to go to prison. Help me beg Aunty Funke. The video was cut and joined. That was not how I did the video. That was not my intention. I cannot tarnish your image. You did not do me any harm. All you people cutting and editing video, you are wicked,” he said.
“Everywhere I said N90,000; you were joining them up separately. They gave me N190,000 then. I also spoke about the good things Funke Akindele did in the industry. Please do not destroy my life. Now, if they sue me, where will I get the money to pay for fine? What I said in the video was on the topic of fast-rising singers charging before working for celebrities. The work was ‘My Siblings and I’. I signed for the N190,000.
“I managed to do the work for one month. Akindele called me and asked why I left, and I told her that I was paid N190,000. She said I should have told her. And I said I thought you were aware. They called me back for the work. And they were paying me N55,000 or N65,000 per day. And I said that part was a mistake.”
Retired military generals have provided insights into why kidnappers have remained ruthless despite the spirited efforts of security operatives in the country.
The security experts attributed the unabated kidnapping activities to the compromise of some security operatives and community leaders, and insufficient collaboration among security agencies.
Kidnapping is a major security threat in the country, and many notable citizens have fallen victim, the most recent being the former Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brg. Gen. Maharazu Tsiga (Retd).
He was abducted at gunpoint from his hometown in Bakori Local Government Area of Katsina State on February 5, 2025, alongside nine other residents.
The kidnappers initially demanded a staggering N250m ransom. But when his family and community couldn’t raise the amount, the gunmen held him hostage for nearly two months.
In the end, his family was forced to part with over N60m before the kidnappers finally let him go.
A farmer in Delta State, Godwin Anuka, was murdered in front of his wife and children on March 29, after they were kidnapped in the Ubulu-Uku area of the state.
Harrison Gwamnishu, the Senior Special Assistant on Civil Society and Youth Mobilisation to the Delta State Governor, in a Facebook post on Wednesday, said “Before targeting Anuka and his family, the gunmen had also abducted two others, identified as Chibueze and Afam.”
Further exacerbating concerns, some kidnappers also killed three abducted residents of Surubu community in the Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State on March 22, 2025, despite a hefty ransom payment.
Another chilling case that underscores the ruthlessness of kidnappers in Nigeria in recent times is the abduction of a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly who represented Onitsha North 1 Constituency, Justice Azuka.
He was kidnapped on December 24, 2024, in Onitsha.
Despite efforts to secure his release, his decomposing body was discovered near the Second Niger Bridge on February 6, 2025.
The scale of these abductions was further revealed by Afenifere National Youth President, Eniola Ojajuni, after he was released having spent 12 days from captivity.
Ojajuni disclosed that kidnappers operate at least 55 camps across the South-West alone, strategically positioned for their operations.
His revelation fueled concerns on why Nigeria continues to witness kidnapping activities despite ongoing counter-kidnapping efforts by the military, police, and regional security networks.
Speaking to Saturday PUNCH, a former Commandant of Army Signals and Chief of Defence Training and Planning, Gen. Ishola Williams (retd), attributed the ruthlessness of kidnappers to their collusion with security operatives in the country.
He said, “There are criminals colluding with security agencies. Some of these kidnappers, particularly the high-profile ones, are well known to the security agencies. That’s why no one has been able to take action against them.
“It also explains why it is often difficult for the intelligence networks of the security agencies to apprehend them. In some cases, there is even a contract between the kidnappers and the security agencies.”
The retired general emphasised that telecommunication agencies were always willing to cooperate with security agencies to track calls made by the kidnappers.
“However, some yahoo boys have mastered the art of manipulating telecom network systems and mobile phones, making it extremely difficult for the security agencies to trace the kidnappers’ communications.
“There is also a possibility that there are conspirators within the telecom agencies who are part of the kidnapping syndicates. Moreover, if the communities don’t collaborate with local security outfits like Amotekun, there is no way the security agencies can ensure their safety.”
In his submission, a former Director of Procurement at the Defence Headquarters and President of the Akoko Security Peace and Development Council, Maj. Gen. Dayo Olukoju (retd), attributed the disturbing trend to insufficient synergy among security agencies.
“There is inadequate synergy among the security and communication agencies. That’s the core issue. You also have the National Identity Management Commission and the Nigerian Communications Commission. Why would people use phones, and you still can’t track the users? In a country where you have the NIMC and NCC, people are registered and using phones, yet they remain untraceable.
“Nigeria was not like this before. Why is kidnapping becoming a daily occurrence? It’s because people are making money from it. Now, the least kidnappers collect is N20m. There needs to be special courts for kidnappers so their prosecution doesn’t get caught in the usual judicial bureaucracy.
“We have evidence from freed victims that some people are slaughtered after being kidnapped, and the abductors sell their body parts. So, there’s no doubt about this,” he stated.
A retired Colonel, who requested anonymity, also echoed this stance, emphasising that no crime can persist in an area without the involvement of the local leadership.
He said, “Testimonies from freed kidnapped victims have revealed that sometimes when kidnappers demand a ransom, and the cash currencies they receive are marked by the bank, they know immediately once the money is handed over. Who is releasing the intelligence that the money is marked? This suggests that, from the bank to everyone connected, many people are involved in the operation.”
“The kidnappers have both international and national connections. They have suppliers who arm them. It is, in fact, a cartel. And you can only break it with a robust and well-coordinated intelligence network,” he explained.
Native Doctors "Akwa Okuko," "Onyeze Jesus," And "Eke Hit" Remanded Over Alleged Money Rituals, Charms For Criminals
AFOLABI
Three native doctors in Anambra State—Chidozie Nwangwu, widely known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Ki, Onyebuchi Okocha, alias “Onyeze Jesus,” and Ekene Igboekweze, dubbed “Eke Hit”—have been remanded in prison following their arraignment before the Anambra State High Court in Awka on charges related to kidnapping and money rituals.
The trio appeared before Justice Jude Obiorah on Friday, April 4, 2025, facing multiple charges. The formal charges, including conspiracy and kidnapping, were read out during the court session, which was attended by a large crowd. Despite pleading not guilty to the allegations, the defendants were ordered to remain in state custody, with the case adjourned to April 11, 2025, for further proceedings.
The specific charges are as follows:
COUNT I: Statement of Offence: Conspiracy contrary to Section 495 (a) of the Criminal Code Cap 36 Rev. Sec Laws of Anambra State 1991. Particulars of Offence: Chidozie Nwangwu, alongside others at large, allegedly conspired on or about the 4th day of September 2024 at Nkpor, within the jurisdiction of the court, to commit a felony, specifically kidnapping.
COUNT II: Statement of Offence: Kidnapping contrary to Section 315 (1) of the Criminal Code Amendment Law 2009. Particulars of Offence: Nwangwu, Okocha, Igboekweze, and others at large are accused of kidnapping on the same day and location.
The arrests of the three men, who are known for their flamboyant public personas and large social media followings, occurred in February 2025, following an investigation into their involvement in providing protective charms for criminals and conducting money rituals. These activities are believed to contribute to the rising insecurity in the region, as authorities claim that such practices fuel criminal behavior and disorder.
Nwangwu, who is popularly referred to as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Ki (“The Egg That Breaks the Kernel”), has been a polarizing figure in Anambra. While some admire his alleged supernatural abilities, others have criticized him for promoting harmful practices. Similarly, Okocha, known as “Onyeze Jesus,” and Igboekweze, or “Eke Hit,” have gained significant attention for their claims of spiritual power, often showcased through social media.
The three defendants were arrested under the provisions of the Anambra State Homeland Security Law, which targets such activities under the current administration of Governor Charles Soludo. This law was enacted as part of a broader effort to crack down on activities deemed to be fueling criminal behavior in the state, including practices traditionally associated with native doctors.
The case has generated considerable public interest, not just because of the high profiles of the accused but also due to the contentious nature of the charges and the intersection of traditional practices with modern law enforcement. Authorities have vowed to tackle the nexus between traditional practices and rising crime in Anambra, especially as they seek to curb criminal activities involving native doctors.
Despite their not guilty pleas, the three men were remanded at a state correctional facility.
Their case has drawn attention to the broader issue of how traditional practices, like those engaged in by the accused, intersect with Nigeria’s legal system and contribute to social issues.
Monday Okpebholo, governor of Edo, says Asue Ighodalo, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the September 21 election, and the opposition party will fail in their bid to overturn his electoral victory at the appeal court.
On Wednesday, the Edo state governorship election petition tribunal affirmedOkpebholo as the elected governor of the state and dismissed Ighodalo’s petition.
Ighodalo, who rejected the tribunal’s ruling, said he respects the judiciary but noted that Edo people’s right to credible elections must not be compromised.
The PDP gubernatorial candidate also said his legal team has been instructed tochallenge the judgment at the court of appeal.
However, speaking on Friday during a celebration hosted by his supporters, Okpebholo boasted that he would win at the appeal court and even at the supreme court.
The Edo governor said the opposition party is “wasting money on court cases,” adding that his “mandate cannot be hijacked”.
“The opposition party has been talking and shouting, but Edo people spoke very clear and loud with their votes on September 21, 2024,” Fred Itua, spokesperson to the governor, said in a statement.
“Edo people voted for the right person in Senator Monday Okpebholo. The people will speak again when the time is right.
“We have defeated them at the tribunal, and they said they want to appeal the ruling. If they like, let them appeal and even get to the Supreme Court. We will defeat them.
“They have stolen enough money from Edo State. So, they are wasting the money on court cases. If they like, let them spend the whole money they stole from the people.
“They will never steal Edo people’s mandates given to me and the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the September 21st governorship election.”
In 2024, the Independent National Electoral Commission declared Okpebholo of the APC as the winner after he polled 291,667 votes to defeat Ighodalo, his closest challenger, who scored 247,274 votes.
Brent crude oil price fell on Friday to $65.58 per barrel for the first time in four years.
During trading, Brent crude price, the global oil benchmark, depreciated by 7 percent to trade at $65.58 — the lowest since April 2021.
The US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) also dropped by 7.35 percent to 62.03 per barrel.
According to Reuters, the crude oil price dropped as China increased tariffs on US goods in a retaliatory move, sharply intensifying a global trade war that has investors worried about a recession.
On April 2, President Donald Trump announced sweeping global tariffs on all imports into the US, imposing 14 percent on Nigeria.
A day after, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the director-generaI of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), said the recent tariffs announced by US will have significant implications for global trade and economic growth prospects.
The drop in oil prices also follows an increase in oil production by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies (OPEC+).
On April 4, the oil alliance decided to increase oil production by 411,000 barrels per day (bpd) in May.
The development followed eight member countries’ decision to phase out oil output cuts.
The current oil price is lower than Nigeria’s 2025 budget target of $75 per barrel.
Uromi: Security Operatives Arrest ‘Police’ Officer Who Threatened To Kill Southerners In The North
AFOLABI
The Kaduna State Police Command has distanced itself from an alleged officer of the Nigerian Police who threatened to attacked southerners in the north over the killing of 16 alleged hunters in Uromi, Edo State.
Naija News reports that the alleged police officer, Hadaina Hussaini (Dan-Taki), reacting to the recent lynching of 16 travellers of Northern extraction in Uromi, Edo State, in a Facebook comment, threatened retaliatory attacks against Southerners living in northern Nigeria.
Dan-Taki vowed by Almighty God that northerners would take decisive action against southerners in their domain.
He wrote, “I swear to Almighty God, we must do something for you guys, have you forgotten all your brothers that are leaving here in the North make my word, after one week you shall see the result.”
Following persistent criticisms of his comment, Dan-Taki changed his first name and restricted access to his Facebook page, limiting users’ viewing of his posts and comments
Reacting in a statement on Friday, the Kaduna Police Command Spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, disclosed that Hussaini is neither a member of the Nigeria Police Force nor a personnel of Kaduna State Police Command.
The Command, however, admitted that he was a member of the Police Special Constabulary attached to Kaduna State Constabulary Office, but was dismissed from the voluntary outfit two years ago due to his questionable character.
The statement read: “The attention of Kaduna State Police Command has been drawn to a comment made on a Facebook book post credited to one Hadaina Hussaini (Dan-taki), which has been making rounds on various social media platforms with the caption “Kaduna Police Officer Threatens Retaliation Against Southerners in Uromi Killings”.
“To set the record straight, Hadian Hussaini is neither a member of the Nigeria Police Force nor a personnel of Kaduna State Police Command.
“It is pertinent to note that his picture captured on Police Uniform as displayed on the Social Media, which is an improper dressing, is that of him when he was a member of the Police Special Constabulary attached to Kaduna State Constabulary Office, but was dismissed from the voluntary outfit two (2) years ago due to his questionable character.
“As such, members of the general public are advised to carefully observe the identity card attached to the uniform which contains the word ‘PSC/KD’ meaning Police Special Constabulary. Similarly, the pictures of him on uniform were posted on the Facebook platform two (2) years ago, prior to his dismissal.
“The Suspect has been arrested and will be charged to court upon the completion of preliminary investigations in accordance to extant laws.
“The State Command however wishes to state categorically that, the Nigeria Police Force is a disciplined and regimented organization committed to upholding law and order, and would not condone any form of incitement, hate speech, or threat to the peace and harmony of our dear Country.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Rabi’u Muhammad psc,mni wishes to once-again call on members of the general public to remain calm and continue to report suspicious incidents of this nature to the Police.”
promises permanent fix soon
The Minister of Works, David Umahi, on Friday reopened the Independence Bridge in Lagos, which had been closed for maintenance, sparking widespread public outcry and traffic chaos across the city.
Speaking to journalists during a visit to the site, Umahi assured residents that permanent repair work on the bridge will commence within the next three weeks.
He acknowledged the importance of the bridge, which links Victoria Island to other key parts of Lagos, and apologized for the inconvenience caused by the temporary closure.
The reopening comes after two days of intense gridlock, with commuters and motorists expressing anger over the lack of proper traffic management and alternative routes during the shutdown.
Vanguard earlier reported how frustrated Lagosians were stranded for hours in traffic, with many describing the situation as a “nightmare.” The closure brought adjoining roads to a standstill, severely impacting daily activities in the bustling metropolis.
Social media platforms, especially X (formerly Twitter), were flooded with complaints from residents who decried the absence of traffic control agencies at critical points around Victoria Island.
Motorists criticized both the Federal Government and the Lagos State Government for what they described as poor planning and coordination, with users particularly highlighting the lack of presence from LASTMA, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and traffic wardens to ease the congestion.
Umahi said the ministry has taken note of the public reaction and emphasized that lessons learned from this incident would inform better planning for future infrastructure interventions.
“We understand the hardship this has caused Lagosians, and we are working to ensure that permanent work begins in three weeks to restore and improve this vital bridge,” the minister stated.
The Independence Bridge is a critical component of Lagos’s road network, serving as a major gateway for both private and commercial transportation within the city.
A strong and stable currency is a crucial economic asset for any nation, particularly for countries in Africa striving for long-term economic growth and global competitiveness.
A resilient currency helps in mitigating inflation, stabilising exchange rates, and fostering investor confidence — elements that contribute to sustained economic development.
In recent months, African countries have been navigating economic shifts, emphasizing the need for stable currencies.
A robust currency reduces inflationary pressures, lowers the cost of imports, and makes financial planning more predictable for businesses and investors.
Top 10 Strongest Currencies in Africa (March 2025)
According to the Forbes currency converter, last updated on March 26, 2025, the following African currencies have the highest value against the U.S. dollar:
1. Tunisia – 3.09 – Tunisian Dinar
2. Libya – 4.83 – Libyan Dinar
3. Morocco – 9.57 – Moroccan Dirham
4. Botswana – 13.62 – Botswanan Pula
5. Seychelles – 14.37 – Seychellois Rupee
6. Eritrea – 15.00 – Eritrean Nakfa
7. Ghana – 15.49 – Ghanaian Cedi
8. Lesotho – 18.15 – Lesotho Loti
9. Namibia – 18.15 – Namibian Dollar
10. South Africa – 18.15 – South African Rand
Six banks paid N751.796 billion as income tax to the Federal and State Governments and agencies for the 2024 financial year ended on December 31, 2024.
The figure represents a 189.9 per cent increase from the N395.79 billion tax paid in the 2023 financial year.
A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent that monitored the banks audited statements on Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) platform reveals that the banks also recorded profits in their earnings.
The banks analysed include Zenith Bank Plc, Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) Plc, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc, Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc and Wema Bank Plc.
Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) paid N248 billion as against N69.65 billion paid in the corresponding period of 2023.
Zenith Bank Plc paid N293.956 billion against N119.1 billion paid as income tax expenses in 2023, while Fidelity Bank Plc paid N93.777 billion for 2024 FY against N24,806 billion paid in 2023.
UBA Plc paid N37.15 billion as against N149.98 billion paid in 2023, Stanbic IBTC Plc paid N78. 485 billion against N32.290 billion paid as tax in 2023.
Wema Bank Plc paid N16.2 million to the government as against N7.675 million paid in 2023.
The banks listed categories of taxes paid to include corporate tax, and withholding tax on dividend income.
Others according to them are education tax and National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure- Information Technology (IT) levy, Police Trust Fund, windfall levy/tax and deferred tax among others.
Reacting to the tax increase, Mr Okechukwu Unegbu,a financial expert and a former President of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) said the tax increase would be beneficial to the government.
Unegbu stressed the need for more companies, especially government-owned, to list on the stock exchange market.
The financial expert who said that only about 140 companies were listed on the country’s stock market, said that no fewer than 3,000 companies were listed in the market in other countries.
He frowned at the delay by the government to list the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) in the stock market.
Unegbu appealed to the government to list its owned companies in the stock market to encourage other private companies to list.
”It is so sad that rather than more companies listing at the stock market, they are exiting the market and it is not good for the economy.
”About 140 companies are listed in the stock market, it is rather very abysmal because in other markets, you have more than 2,000 to 3,000 companies being listed.
”Getting more companies to list will guarantee more taxation and then guarantee more income for the government.
”The business operating environment is not conducive for people to come and list, the government needs to do something.
”We have been talking and recommending that NNPCL should be listed on the stock exchange but up till now, that has not been done, the government is sitting over that.
”If government does that and lists their own companies, you will see that a lot of people will benefit and a lot of companies will come to the market to list,” he said.
Ms Pearl Ogbunobi, another financial expert, appealed to the government to channel the tax into the development of infrastructure and local companies in the country.
”We want to see the huge tax reflect on our infrastructures,” she said.
NAN reports that the banks also posted N3.41 trillion as Profit After Tax (PAT) for the year 2024 ended against the N2.1 trillion recorded in 2023 financial year.
The figure represented a 62.38 per cent increase from the amount recorded during the 2023 financial year (FY). (NAN)
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Nigerian comedian and content creator, Ijoba Lande, has alleged that he was paid only N90,000 after spending an entire month working on a set with renowned actress and filmmaker, Funke Akindele.
In a video shared online, the skit maker recounted his experience, revealing that he had joined Akindele’s production team at Amen Estate with excitement but did not negotiate a fee beforehand.
He had hoped that the opportunity would provide him with greater exposure and lead to more collaborations in the future.
According to him, upon his arrival on set, a team member identified as Wendy handed him a document outlining his payment terms.
“I will not lie; I was excited that I wanted to go and work with Aunty Funke, so I didn’t bother to charge her, so it won’t look like she won’t work with me again,” he explained.
He said he was surprised when he discovered the document stated his monthly salary would be N90,000.
Despite his reservations, he signed it, believing the issue might be reconsidered later.
However, at the end of the month, he received only the agreed-upon amount, with no adjustments.
“Aunty Funke Akindele, when I went to work for her for a whole month at Amen Estate. For a whole month, Funke Akindele did not give me 150,000. I swear by the name of Almighty God,” he stated.
He advised aspiring entertainers not to idolise established figures at the expense of their own worth.
“The reason why I am saying this is for all you upcoming. Anybody that wants to use you, don’t see them as God,” he cautioned.
Reflecting on his decision, he noted that a lack of formal education contributed to his situation.
“When I got there, someone who introduced self as Wendy brought a document, and I was asked to sign. After reading, I saw that every month, I would be collecting 90,000, and I was already there. It is good to be educated. Had it been I am properly educated, I wouldn’t have signed it. At first, I thought it was nothing until the month ended and they paid me 90,000 for a whole month.”
A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an order preventing parties involved in the lawsuit filed by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan against Senate President Godswill Akpabio and three others from granting press interviews concerning the case.
Justice Binta Nyako made the ruling on Friday after Akpabio’s lawyer, Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), complained that the plaintiff had been granting interviews on the matter, visiting multiple television stations despite the case being pending in court.
In her ruling, Justice Nyako stated that there would be no press interviews by any of the parties or their lawyers regarding the case. Additionally, she prohibited the parties and their lawyers from streaming court proceedings on social media.
Recall that the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, had recently reassigned the case filed by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan against Akpabio and others to Justice Binta Nyako.
Naija News reports that the case, which was previously before Justice Obiora Egwuatu, proceeded under Justice Nyako, with the hearing held on today (Friday).
The suit, filed by the suspended senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District, challenges the Senate’s investigation of her alleged misconduct. It seeks to prevent the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions from continuing its disciplinary proceedings over her alleged actions during a plenary session on February 20, 2025.
The case was earlier heard by Justice Egwuatu, but he recused himself from the matter on March 25, 2025, after allegations of bias were raised by the Senate President (the 3rd defendant). Justice Egwuatu, in his withdrawal statement, noted that a litigant’s belief in a judge’s bias could hinder the pursuit of justice, and thus, he decided to step down from hearing the case.
Following the withdrawal of Justice Egwuatu, Justice Nyako is handling the suit.
A tragic incident occurred in Ikobi, Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State on Thursday night when gunmen hijacked a fully loaded Benue Links bus, killing the driver and abducting all passengers on board.
Eyewitnesses revealed to Daily Post that the attackers ambushed the vehicle along the highway, fatally shooting the driver before leading the passengers into the bush. However, a toddler was reportedly left behind by the kidnappers.
Although security agencies have been alerted, authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the incident. Efforts are reportedly underway to track the victims’ whereabouts.
Reacting to the attack, the president of the Ochetoha K’Idoma youth wing, Mike Magaji, expressed frustration over what he described as government inaction in addressing insecurity in the state.
“It is heartbreaking that our people continue to live in fear while the government remains silent. How many more lives must be lost before decisive action is taken?” Magaji stated.
He also criticized Governor Hyacinth Alia’s recent visit to Otukpo, saying it lacked any substantial measures to tackle the crisis.
“The governor’s visit to Otukpo was a disappointment. Our people expected leadership, not vague reassurances. We need a clear plan to end these attacks.
“The government must rise up to its responsibilities. We cannot continue to mourn our people daily while those in power look the other way,” he added.
When contacted, the Benue Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, stated that she was yet to confirm the incident at the time of filing this report.
A Bayelsa State High Court sitting in Yenagoa has issued an order restraining associates of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, from holding a mega rally in the state pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.
The high court presided over by Justice I.A. Uzakah on Thursday granted the motion ex-parte in Suit No. BYHC/YHC/CV/133/2025 stopping the proposed rally which was scheduled to hold in Yenagoa on April 12, 2025.
The suit which was filed by the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Biriyai Dambo SAN, listed as the first and second defendants/respondents the NEW Associates, organisers of the rally, Mr. George Turnah, and the FCT Minister, Wike.
The other defendants are the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector-General of Police and the Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Police Command.
The enrolled court order states that: “An order of the interim injunction is hereby made or granted restraining the 1st and 2nd Defendants, whether by themselves, their agents, associates, privies, representatives (or any person whatsoever acting at their behest), from conducting, convening, coordinating, engaging in, organizing, participating in, holding, hosting, or facilitating any political assembly, rally meeting, or gathering within Bayelsa State, for
the purpose of solidarity, hosting, and celebrating the 2nd Defendant in Bayelsa State, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice for Interlocutory Injunction.”
The matter has been adjourned to April 11, 2025, for hearing.