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The National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria’s key agency for data dissemination, is still reeling from a cyberattack on its official website, which occurred on December 18, 2024.
As of January 14, 2025, the website remains inaccessible, raising doubts over the timely release of its much-anticipated Consumer Price Index and inflation data, typically published on the 15th of each month.
The hack came just days after the NBS released its controversial Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey, which revealed that Nigerians paid an estimated N2.3tn in ransom within a year.
The sensitive nature of the report has fuelled speculation about a possible link between the survey’s release and the cyberattack.
Following the breach, the NBS took to its official X (formerly Twitter) account to confirm the incident, assuring the public that efforts were underway to restore the website.
The agency advised users to disregard any information from the compromised platform until the situation was resolved.
Despite these assurances, the prolonged downtime has disrupted access to critical economic data, sparking concern among policymakers, analysts, and investors who rely heavily on the bureau’s statistics for decision-making.
In a related development, the NBS has announced plans to introduce three new indexes in its monthly CPI.
The new additions are expected to be part of the rebased CPI.
The continued inaccessibility of the NBS website, however, casts doubt on how this critical report will be disseminated.
NBS spokesperson Joel Ichedi did not immediately respond to calls and WhatsApp messages from our correspondent on Tuesday.
However, he earlier told The PUNCH that the delay in restoring its website was due to a thorough investigation of the incident and the extended holiday period, which has hindered timely recovery efforts.
He assured the site will soon be accessible to Nigerians as efforts are ongoing to restore it.
The PUNCH earlier reported that the National Bureau of Statistics has earmarked N35m in its 2025 budget proposal for “Capacity Building on Cybersecurity and Data Centre Management.”
In addition to the cybersecurity allocation, the NBS’s 2025 budget proposal includes several other projects aimed at improving its operational efficiency, modernising infrastructure, and enhancing service delivery.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Marketing Research Association recently pledged to develop private-sector alternatives to ensure the availability of economic data in situations like this.
The association emphasised the importance of diversified data sources to mitigate the impact of disruptions from official agencies.
As the NBS battles with the attack on its website, The PUNCH observed that the Central Bank of Nigeria has moved its Monetary Policy Committee meeting previously scheduled for January 27 and 28, 2025.
The updated calendar on the apex bank’s website showed that the committee will meet five times this year, with its first meeting slated for February 17 and 18, 2025.
[Punch]
…Says Nigeria can’t afford to be left behind
The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, WTO, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has advocated a decentralised approach to electricity supply in Nigeria.
She spoke on the critical role of Artificial Intelligence in socio-economic development at the 10th convocation ceremony of the African University of Science and Technology, AUST, in Abuja, yesterday.
According to the nation’s former Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Nigeria must increase internet access for her citizens to be able to upskill them in AI, a feat that would not be possible without access to constant power supply and that Nigeria could not afford to be left behind in AI.
She said: “Underpinning all that, of course, is access to reliable electricity power supply. Power outages and constant interruptions might prove a more challenging constraint in Nigeria and other African countries to internet access and AI adoption than anything else.
“In other words, we could lay out the smartest approaches to the adoption of AI, like the federal government and AUST are trying to do, but find that efforts undermine our lack of access to the very basics – electricity infrastructure.
“Here, I would propose that we take a more decentralized approach to electricity provision in the country in light of the improved affordability of renewable energy.
“Each production, consumption and learning unit that is able should try to create its electricity supply through renewables. I’m proud to learn that AUST is embarking on this path, with feasibility studies for hydro and solar sources that can carry the campus. The issue is to mobilize the N200 million needed to make this happen.”
Put AI regulations
Dr. Okonjo-Iweala, one of the university’s founders, noted that it was necessary to put regulations in place to guide the use of AI to ensure data security.
“We also need to bear in mind that relying on AI-driven systems could pose challenges to data sovereignty and security. Many African economies currently depend on foreign technology providers for AI tools and platforms, potentially raising concerns about privacy, governance and the protection of sensitive information.
“All these risks, combined with limited regulatory frameworks in many African countries, including Nigeria, underline the need for robust oversight and ethical guidelines tailored to local context.
“Nigeria and other sub-Saharan African nations must work hard, so they can overcome the lag in AI readiness. We score 0.34 on the IMF’s AI Preparedness Index, which evaluates factors such as digital infrastructure, workforce skills, innovation, economic policies and ethical regulations.
“Putting in strong regulatory guardrails is crucial to ensuring that AI serves as a tool for inclusive and sustainable development, rather than a source of new vulnerabilities. So on the road ahead, let me try to bring my talk to a conclusion,’’ she said.
We need investments to benefit from AI
The WTO boss urged investments in ICT infrastructure to enable Nigerians enjoy the benefits AI provides.
Her words: “I’ve been saying throughout that for people in Nigeria and across the continent to fully harness the gains from AI, we need investments. Investments in basic infrastructure first and foremost, investments in regulatory frameworks, in digital literacy, in upskilling our young people, in creating appropriate business ecosystems and more.
“But I’m confident that with foresight and careful planning for implementation, Nigeria and Africa can do it.”
She said over the past few years, AI had evolved from being a technological curiosity to becoming a force within industry and within people’s lives.
“It has already starting to redefine how we live, learn, work, and trade. AI has been likened to the advent of electricity, a transformative force that reshapes everything it touches.
‘’In my view, it’s already clear that AI is the most disruptive and transformative technology since the advent of the Internet a generation ago. It will transform the nature of work.
“It will change existing jobs. It will create new ones we had not thought about. And yes, it will probably take some jobs away.
‘’The potential gains are enormous. The consultancy, Pricewaterhouse estimates that AI could boost global economic activity by up to $15.7 trillion, or roughly 15% by 2030. They predict that this growth will not be confined to the industrialized north.
“The global south, including Nigeria, has much to gain. But countries across the developing world will need to be proactive to seize this potential, and we cannot afford to be left behind,’’ Okonjo-Iweala added.
[Vanguard]
Fire has gutted Focus Holiday Inn, an upmarket hotel in the Garki area of Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city.
Eyewitnesses said the fire, which began around 3am, started from a section of the building before engulfing the three-storey structure.
Personnel of the fire service are currently trying to put out the fire.
There are no reports of casualties at the time of filing this story.
Fire incidents have become commonplace in the federal capital territory (FCT) recently. On November 2, 2024, fire razed a telecommunications facility in the Maitama area of the city.
On November 13, a popular fitness centre in Gwarinpa was also gutted by fire.
[TheCable]
The Lagos State Government has launched the EKO Learners’ Support Programme, an innovative initiative aimed at aiding students preparing for the West African Examinations Council and National Examinations Council examinations.
This was made known by the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, during an unveiling ceremony at the Education Resource Centre, Ojodu, Lagos, on Tuesday.
In his address, Alli-Balogun emphasised the importance of education as the foundation for development and highlighted the state’s commitment to providing students with the resources needed for academic success.
“This initiative has been designed to broadcast a head-start of 320 lessons in 10 different subjects; English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Economics, Government, History, Literature-in-English and Yoruba on Lagos Television and other social platforms, with proficient teachers, who were recruited painstakingly through thorough and rigorous screening.
“The programme is scheduled for 26 weeks in the period leading up to the start of these public examinations with a duration of 30 minutes per episode and each episode archived for easy access by learners and teachers,” the commissioner stated.
The approach, according to the ministry, ensures that students have continuous access to the materials, enabling them to review content at their own pace and engage with teachers and peers online.
“The lessons after broadcast on television are archived permanently on social media platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X – (formerly Twitter),” the commissioner added.
Alli-Balogun encouraged students to fully utilise the resource, emphasising that their hard work and dedication are crucial to their success. He also expressed gratitude to educators, partners, and stakeholders for their collaboration in making the programme possible.
Some Nigeria Police school staffers, who are on extended service following the Federal Government’s decision to increase the retirement age for teachers from 60 to 65, are expressing frustration over the authorities’ refusal to pay their salaries for 33 months.
During separate telephone interviews on Sunday, the aggrieved teachers expressed their frustrations to PUNCH Metro, revealing that their families were struggling with financial hardship and debt.
They explained that they had to borrow money to sustain their livelihood after the police stopped paying their salaries due to issues surrounding the extension of their service.
PUNCH Metro reports that the five-year service extension for teachers in Nigeria was introduced by the Muhammadu Buhari administration, effective January 1, 2021.
The beneficiaries of the service extension, including teachers in police schools, the army, navy, air force, and Federal Government colleges in Nigeria, have called for the immediate implementation of the new service scheme.
However, while other institutions, such as the Ministries of Education and Defence, promptly implemented the policy, the aggrieved teachers accused the former Nigeria Police Force Education Officer, DCP Rabi Umar (retd.), of refusing to enforce it. They claimed this decision had plunged the families of the police school teachers into financial hardship.
The situation took a new turn in November 2023 when the aggrieved teachers, despite having their salaries restored by the current Force Education Officer, ACP Ibidapo Oludare, did not receive their outstanding arrears.
Despite numerous appeals by the teachers for the payment of their over 33-month outstanding salaries, the aggrieved teachers lamented that the police authorities had failed to act.
Speaking to PUNCH Metro on Saturday, one of the affected teachers, identified simply as Peter, revealed that in addition to the police refusing to pay their arrears, there had been unexplained deductions from their monthly salaries.
He said, “When our salaries were restored in November 2023, we noticed that the arrears were not paid. On top of that, deductions started appearing in the salaries we received. We have no idea what is going on.
“Some reported deductions of about N40,000, others N36,000, and some N20,000. It’s only in our education system that we experience these kinds of deductions. The deductions were made last December, and we have no idea what will happen in January.”
Expressing concern that her five-year service extension granted by the Federal Government would end in November 2025, Odi feared that her 33-month unpaid salary might be lost once her extension expires later in the year.
“I borrowed money from several people during the period when our salaries weren’t paid. It was only by the grace of God and the support of loved ones that I managed to get through that time. When the salary was eventually restored, I started paying back little by little. I had hoped that once the arrears were settled, I would clear my debts.
“Unfortunately, that hasn’t been the case. We are desperately appealing for assistance, as it has been an extremely challenging time. By November 2026, the five-year extension would have come to an end, yet our salaries remain unpaid. This means the extension has had no meaningful impact. We are humbly requesting help, as we are struggling to make ends meet.
Similarly, another teacher, identified only as Mrs Awo, shared that the unpaid salaries had had a severe impact on them, urging those in authority to intervene and offer their support.
She said, “My unpaid salary amounts to 33 months, from February 2021 to November 2023. I didn’t receive a single payment during that entire period. During that time, I had to borrow money and buy items on credit, relying on the support of my husband and children to get by.
“They promised that they would pay it, and that was their commitment. However, up until this very moment, nothing has been paid, even after our monthly payments were restored.”
Regarding the salary deductions, she explained that the issue had been ongoing for some time, saying, “You just collect whatever you see.” She emphasised that no one knows the exact amount of their salaries.
A related report was published on Monday, where some retired staff members of Lagos State University of Education, Ijanikin Campus, appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for intervention in the non-payment of their 31-month pension arrears, stating that the delay was causing them significant hardship.
When our correspondent called ACP Olubiyi on Tuesday to inquire about the delay in paying the salary backlog, his mobile phone rang unanswered.
When it comes to global safety standards, Air Peace stands tall with world aviation giants – IATA
Admin
Air Peace, Nigeria’s leading airline, has once again demonstrated its commitment to global safety standards by receiving its sixth consecutive International Air Transport Association (IATA) Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification. Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Patrick Fatokun, IATA’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa, commended Air Peace for consistently meeting the stringent safety requirements.
Dr. Fatokun in his statement mentioned that when it comes to global safety standard, Air Peace stands shoulder to shoulder with aviation giants and the best airlines in the world. He noted that the IOSA certification process, conducted by independent external auditors, is one of the most rigorous assessments in the industry, designed to ensure compliance with international safety and operational standards. According to him, Air Peace has not only maintained but surpassed expectations, earning a reputation for safety that places it on a pedestal in the international aviation sectors.
Dr. Fatokun further emphasized that achieving and renewing the IOSA certification is no small feat, as many airlines struggle to maintain compliance after initial success. He urged other Nigerian airlines to follow Air Peace’s example, noting that prioritizing safety and operational integrity would elevate the entire industry and enhance Nigeria’s reputation in global aviation.
In his statement, the Chairman/CEO of Air Peace commended the Nigerian government, particularly the Minister of Aviation, for creating a supportive environment that encourages the growth of local airlines. He called on other airlines to strive for IOSA certification, which not only validates their safety processes but also positions them as credible competitors on the global stage. According to him, this milestone is not just a badge of honor for Air Peace but also a source of pride for Nigeria, showcasing the country’s ability to produce world-class airlines capable of holding their own among global giants.
Dr. Onyema, further expressed his profound gratitude to God, the staff, and the management for their relentless efforts in sustaining this remarkable milestone. He described the certification as a testament to Air Peace’s unwavering dedication to operational excellence and its commitment to prioritizing the safety and comfort of passengers.
As Air Peace continues to raise the bar for safety and operational excellence, the airline remains a shining example of what can be achieved through vision, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of global standards.
[Vanguard]
The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled February 4, 2025, to hear a N500m lawsuit filed against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, by a human rights lawyer, Abba Hikima, on behalf of vulnerable residents of the FCT.
The suit challenges the alleged violation of the fundamental rights of homeless individuals, scavengers, hawkers, and beggars, following their reported arbitrary arrest and detention by a joint task force under the minister’s directive.
Hikima claimed that on November 12, 2024, he witnessed a convoy of security operatives rounding up individuals perceived as vulnerable while passing through Ahmadu Bello Way at about 11 p.m.
He described the scene as one of “verbal harassment, physical threats, extortion, and detention without charge,” which he argued constituted “inhumane and degrading treatment contrary to Section 34 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).”
He is seeking a declaration that “Nigerians, regardless of their economic status, place, birth or appearance, have the liberty to move freely in the FCT, Abuja, including the liberty to sleep on public roads without let, permission, or hindrance whatsoever in accordance with the spirit and purpose of Sections 35, 41, and 42 of the Constitution.”
Among his prayers is an order directing the respondents to issue “a public apology to the affected individuals and Nigerian citizens at large for the inhumane, arbitrary, and unconstitutional treatment meted on them pursuant to the directive of the 1st respondent (Wike) dated October 22, 2024.”
He also requested an order mandating the respondents to implement policies and reforms to protect the fundamental human rights of vulnerable Nigerians.
The lawsuit follows Wike’s October 2024 directive banning street hawking in the FCT.
The minister argued that such activities were linked to rising criminality in the capital city.
However, Hikima contends that homelessness, begging, and petty trading “are not crimes in Nigeria” and attributes these situations to “harsh and unbearable government policies” as well as the government’s “failure and ineptitude in providing vulnerable Nigerians with security and decent lives.”
Hikima’s affidavit also alleged that individuals arrested under the directive included hawkers of ice cream, sweets, and biscuits; petty traders conducting lawful roadside businesses; and those dressed in ways reflecting economic hardship.
“I felt devastated as a human rights lawyer,” Hikima said, adding that he had followed the task force’s motorcade to Eagle Square, where the victims were dropped off.
He identified three of the victims – Abdullatif Shehu, Hajiya Talatu Danladi, and Judith Samuel – whose testimonies he documented as evidence.
Listed as respondents in the case are Wike, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and the Federal Government of Nigeria.
When the matter was called on Tuesday, Usman Chamo, counsel for the applicant, confirmed that all respondents had been served.
A.P. Korobo-Tamono, representing the DSS, stated that a counter-affidavit had been filed, but no legal representatives appeared for Wike, the Inspector-General of Police, or other respondents.
Justice James Omotosho ordered hearing notices to be served on the absent respondents and adjourned the case until February 4, 2025, for a substantive hearing.
I Have No Regrets Killing My ‘Girlfriend’ Salome Adaidu - Says Gospel Singer Timileyin Ajayi
AFOLABI
Thirty-two-year-old Timileyin Ajayi, has been remanded in the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Nasarawa State Police Command in Lafia, the Nasarawa State Capital
Timileyin was apprehended for the murder of his alleged girlfriend, Salome Eleojo Adaidu, a 24-year-old member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), serving at Nicon Insurance in the Nation’s capital, Abuja.
Salome was murdered when she visited the suspect at his house in the Papalana axis at New Karshi in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
Timileyin Ajayi was brought to the headquarters of the Nasarawa State Police Command from Karshi development area of Karu Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday. He was paraded alongside the knife and machetes he used to commit the crime.
Timi was nabbed Sunday, January 12, while trying to dispose of the head of Salome after killing her and dismembering her body parts when she visited him at his house.
Frail from injuries sustained from the mob that identified him before his arrest, Timileyin confessed to the crime.
Answering to questions in an exclusive interview from our Correspondent, when asked if he killed Salome, he answered? Yes, narrating that it wasn’t planned but it is because they don’t have each other all the time.
“I killed her because we don’t have each other all the time, it’s not something I planned. It happened on that day and it happened. Not that I have the plan in mind, she was cheating. She hides most of the things from me most times. I got to know from her phone. I saw her chats with other guys on the phone, that was why I decided,” he said.
When probed further, he said he has no regrets in committing the crime.
Do you have any regrets?
He said, no. “I don’t have any regrets because life is reciprocal that is what I thought, if you must do something to someone, you have to be reciprocal with that person. You have to understand what that person is going through so that you can actually put yourself in the position that the person is going through, that is why I don’t have any regrets because we were actually compatible.”
Salome’s elder sister, Esther Adaidu denied knowledge of any relationship between her deceased sister and the suspect as she pleaded for justice.
She said, “This so-called Timi guy, we don’t know him. We have never seen him until we were called up to tell us that this guy murdered and dismembered our sister.
“I demand and need justice to be served to this guy sitting over there because he is the one that murdered my sister and he confirmed it to me.”
Salome’s uncle, Samson Adaji Adaidu stated the position of the family.
“The position of the family is we discovered this through the Nigerian Police and we are expecting justice from the police,” he said.
He narrated the sad experience, saying, “He has succeeded in destroying our daughter, not ordinary killing, he butchered her into pieces. He cut that body into more than 50 pieces and when you look at the whole thing, he is preparing that body for consumption because he cut them and left them in about six polythene bags’
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Nasarawa State Command, SP Ramhan Nansel assured that justice will be served.
He said, “Investigation is ongoing, and upon conclusion of the investigation he will be arraigned in court for prosecution. I want to assure the family and members of the public that this suspect will not be spared if found wanting.
“He will be charged to court for prosecution. We are calling on members of the public who may have any complaints against the suspect to come forward with their complaints and it will be looked into and investigated.”
With insinuations about Timileyin’s profession of being a gospel singer, he mentioned to Channels Television that he is a cryptocurrency trader.
He has been remanded in custody at the Nasarawa State Police Command’s Criminal Investigation Department pending further investigation.
Media
The Senate Committee on Information and National Orientation has rejected the ₦8.9 billion allocation in the 2025 budget proposal to the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, describing it as inadequate.
The Chairman of the Committee, Senator Kenneth Eze, announced the decision to reject the proposal when the Information Minister, Mohammed Idris, appeared before the committee to defend the ministry’s appropriation.
Eze stated that the decision to reject the budget is unanimous and had been adopted by all members of the committee.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly Joint Committee on Finance has increased the revenue projections for the Nigeria Customs Service from the proposed ₦6.5 trillion to ₦12 trillion for the 2025 fiscal year.
The committee also increased the revenue projection for the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation from ₦163.3 billion to ₦180 billion.
The decisions were taken when the heads of the two agencies appeared before the committee to defend the 2025 budget proposals and the revenue projections for 2025 fiscal year.
Nollywood actor Lateef Adedimeji has opened up on his denial of an alleged romantic relationship with Bimpe Oyebade-Adedimeji, years before their marriage. He also recounted the humorous story of how he proposed to his wife.
Speaking during an interview with Chude Jideonwo on the With Chude Podcast, the actor revealed that his wife thought he was joking as he proposed marriage to her over the phone.
Lateef Adedimeji stated that Mo Bimpe’s initial reluctance was because of his Islamic religion, and she feared that her father would not agree to that. He recalled:
“I called her and told her I wanted to ask her something, then I told her I wanted to marry her. She was just joking, like, ‘What is doing this one? Get out! I can’t marry a Muslim; are you okay? My daddy won’t even hear that.'”
The actor then arranged to meet her father and asked for her hand in marriage, and eventually, he agreed. He continued:
“Then I told her that we’d go see her dad, and I’d speak to him and calm him down. So we went to her village during one of their masquerade festivals, and towards the end, I asked to see her dad. I promised him that I’d take care of his daughter, and he said he’d pray and get back to me, and that was it.”
Though the couple consistently denied being an item for months before their wedding, fans had long suspected that the pair were together. Clearing the air, Lateef claimed he dated Mo Bimpe for about three months before their marriage and not as long as their fans perceived. He concluded:
“The proposal wasn’t planned because we just dated for like two, three months and then we got married.”
Lateef and Bimpe had the traditional leg of their celebrity wedding at Ijero-Ekiti in Ekiti State on Saturday, December 18. A Nikhai then followed on Wednesday, December 22, 2021, in Ikeja, Lagos State.
Some of the celebrities in attendance were Toyin Abraham, Kolawole Ajeyemi, Nkechi Blessing, Mercy Aigbe, Adunni Ade, Wumi Toriola, Femi Adebayo, Yetunde Bakare, Odunlade Adekola and Tunde Kelani.
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Nollywood actor Saidi Balogun and his ex-wife, Faithia Williams, shared a heartfelt moment at their son Khalid Balogun’s graduation ceremony from the University of Lagos.
Khalid, who made his parents proud, graduated with a first-class degree, a feat that left both parents beaming with pride and gratitude.
Faithia Williams, visibly emotional, expressed her overwhelming joy at her son’s success, taking to social media to celebrate his academic achievement.
“I am so overwhelmed with joy and gratitude at the incredible achievement of my son,” she wrote.
In a touching video shared by Saidi Balogun, the actor reunited with his ex-wife at the graduation event, both clearly pleased to celebrate Khalid’s milestone together.
Expressing his profound joy, Saidi wrote:
“What joy is greater than this? I am proud of you, Khalid Ayomide Balogun @khalidgram__. You have made me proud today, so also, will your children make you proud? My son graduated with a 1st class!! Thank you, almighty Allah. Thank you for bringing joy back into my heart”.
This celebration comes at a poignant time for Saidi, who lost one of his daughters last year. Despite the grief, the actor expressed deep gratitude for the joy Khalid’s achievement has brought him.
The proud mother celebrated the milestone on Instagram, sharing a photo of Khalid alongside a heartfelt tribute.
Faithia praised his resilience and tireless dedication, describing the achievement as overwhelming and a moment of deep gratitude.
“Hmm, I’m short of words… Alhamdulillah! Alhamdulillah! Alhamdulillah!
My darling son, @khalidgram__ I’m overwhelmed with joy and gratitude as I celebrate your incredible achievement! You’ve worked tirelessly and persevered through the challenges, and today, you’ve emerged with a FIRST CLASS DEGREE from the University of Lagos’ Creative Department!Alhamdulillah, My heart is bursting with pride and love for you, my darling son! As you embark on this new journey, I ask that you continue to be guided by faith, courage, and determination.
Hey Fam, please join me in praying for my son’s continued success, happiness, and fulfilment. May Allah bless him with wisdom, resilience, and prosperity on his path forward.” she wrote.
Faithia also called on her followers to join in praying for Khalid’s continued success and prosperity.
Omowunmi, the widow of Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, has accused her late husband’s father, Joseph Aloba, of avoiding a Deoxyribonucleic Acid test to resolve the dispute surrounding the paternity of the son she had with Mohbad.
The Magistrates Court, during its sitting on July 9, 2024, in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State, directed both parties to explore an Alternative Dispute Resolution, leading to closed-door negotiations that also failed to yield an agreement.
Mohbad’s father had filed the suit to seek a DNA test for his grandson.
In a statement in October 2024, a representative of the family’s legal team, Monisola Odumosu, stated that Omowunmi had agreed to carry out the DNA.
Odumosu added that this was followed by the settlement terms drafted by both parties.
Subsequently, the court further ordered that the DNA test be conducted at a mutually agreed-upon laboratory or medical centre within Nigeria.
To ensure and ascertain the reliability of the test, the court further appointed some officers to supervise the process of the DNA test.
However, a letter from Salawu Akingbolu Chambers, Omowunmi’s legal representatives, signed by Kabir Akingbolu and dated January 9, 2025, stated that Omowunmi admitted to rejecting Mohbad’s father’s choice of the UCH Ibadan, while he also rejected her choice of Lagoon Hospitals.
Omowunmi added that they had suggested The Eko Hospital and Reddington Hospitals to demonstrate transparency, as stated in their letter of December 11, 2024. However, Mohbad’s father did not respond.
The letter read, “We remain solicitors to the Respondent in the referenced suit and we have her express consent to write this letter to you.
“It would be recalled that we have exchanged a series of letters on the above but we seem not to be making any progress and it is sad. Suffice it to say that after we have duly responded to your letter dated December 5, 2024, which we received and acknowledged on December 9, 2024, we have patiently waited for your response but nothing of the sort to date.
“Although we objected to your choice of the UCH Ibadan because of the fact that the court itself observed for good reason that it is not proper after your client mentioned the same in open court.
“In the same vein, we have conceded all the same to your objection to us using Lagoon Hospitals even though no tenable reasons were given.
“Quite reasonably, in replacement, we chose two other hospitals which are: The Eko Hospital and Reddington Hospitals, just so for us to show that we absolutely have nothing to hide and this was contained in our letter of December 11, 2024.”
Omowunmi stated that, surprisingly, Mohbad’s father’s lawyer went on social media accusing her of not being ready for the DNA test.
“To our utter surprise however, instead of you responding to our letter of the above-quoted date, we saw Mr. Taiwo Odumosu of counsel, whom we have profound respect for and counsel for the Applicant, saying on social media that we are the ones who are not ready for the DNA, whereas that is not the case, and we are by this letter denouncing any such misrepresentation Mr. Taiwo Odumosu of counsel must have tainted us with on the social media. As a matter of fact, we deserve an apology for such unhealthy allegations,” the letter added.
She also lamented that Mohbad’s father defamed her son on social media.
“Also, and most unfortunate is the fact that we saw the Applicant on social media about three weeks ago, defaming and maligning Master Liam, and quite in his usual manner, portraying him as a bastard and this is very unacceptable, especially as the court had asked him to go and conduct the DNA that he is now obviously and quite surprisingly running away from in an irreconcilable irony. Very laughable,” the letter continued.
Omowunmi threatened to carry out the DNA test independently if Mohbad’s father continued delaying the matter.
“We want to ask you to promptly take steps or advise your client to do all that may be necessary to ensure the timely conduct of the DNA so that we can make progress. If your client, however, chooses to continue in this tardy manner and rather prefers the empty social media hype for bad reasons, you will leave us no other option than to conduct the DNA ourselves and publish the same for the whole world to see. We shall inform the court of our position in this regard, “ the letter stated.
In a response dated January 11, 2025, from Hillceetee Partners and signed by Emmanuel Oroko, Mohbad’s father denied the allegations, adding that Taiwo Odumosu never stated in any media interview that Omowunmi was not ready for the DNA test.
“Your letter dated January 9, 2025, with the above caption has been shown to our Mr Taiwo Odumosu and upon his instructions, we respond as follows.
“Mr Odumosu wishes to inform you that there was no time during his media interaction that he mentioned that your client ‘was not ready for the DNA’. What he was saying, which has been misinterpreted, was that the hospitals had yet to respond to enquiries on their readiness to conduct the test. We heard your client express sentiment in that respect after the media interaction.
“Mr Odumosu has absolute respect for your office and your client. He would not in any way derogate the professionalism and maturity both law firms have exhibited so far while the case lasted.”
Oroko, however, announced through the letter that their chambers would cease representing Mohbad’s father in the matter.
“This response is necessary as a courtesy to your good self and to set the record straight as our chambers no longer represent the Applicant, “the letter stated.
The National Bureau of Statistics, Nigeria’s key agency for data dissemination, is still reeling from a cyberattack on its official website, which occurred on December 18, 2024.
As of January 14, 2025, the website remains inaccessible, raising doubts over the timely release of its much-anticipated Consumer Price Index and inflation data, typically published on the 15th of each month.
The hack came just days after the NBS released its controversial Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey, which revealed that Nigerians paid an estimated N2.3tn in ransom within a year.
The sensitive nature of the report has fuelled speculation about a possible link between the survey’s release and the cyberattack.
Following the breach, the NBS took to its official X (formerly Twitter) account to confirm the incident, assuring the public that efforts were underway to restore the website.
The agency advised users to disregard any information from the compromised platform until the situation was resolved.
Despite these assurances, the prolonged downtime has disrupted access to critical economic data, sparking concern among policymakers, analysts, and investors who rely heavily on the bureau’s statistics for decision-making.
In a related development, the NBS has announced plans to introduce three new indexes in its monthly CPI.
The new additions are expected to be part of the rebased CPI.
The continued inaccessibility of the NBS website, however, casts doubt on how this critical report will be disseminated.
NBS spokesperson Joel Ichedi did not immediately respond to calls and WhatsApp messages from our correspondent on Tuesday.
However, he earlier told The PUNCH that the delay in restoring its website was due to a thorough investigation of the incident and the extended holiday period, which has hindered timely recovery efforts.
He assured the site will soon be accessible to Nigerians as efforts are ongoing to restore it.
The PUNCH earlier reported that the National Bureau of Statistics has earmarked N35m in its 2025 budget proposal for “Capacity Building on Cybersecurity and Data Centre Management.”
In addition to the cybersecurity allocation, the NBS’s 2025 budget proposal includes several other projects aimed at improving its operational efficiency, modernising infrastructure, and enhancing service delivery.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Marketing Research Association recently pledged to develop private-sector alternatives to ensure the availability of economic data in situations like this.
The association emphasised the importance of diversified data sources to mitigate the impact of disruptions from official agencies.
As the NBS battles with the attack on its website, The PUNCH observed that the Central Bank of Nigeria has moved its Monetary Policy Committee meeting previously scheduled for January 27 and 28, 2025.
The updated calendar on the apex bank’s website showed that the committee will meet five times this year, with its first meeting slated for February 17 and 18, 2025.
The Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Tuesday convicted and sentenced an Arabic teacher, Oladosu Sakiru, to 21 imprisonment for attempting to sexually assault a 13-year-old female pupil.
The trial judge, Justice Rahman Oshodi, sentenced Sakiru following his guilty plea to the amended two counts of attempted sexual assault by penetration and indecent treatment of a child.
Oshodi, in his judgment, reprimanded the convict for breaching the trust the parents of the survivor had in him for enrolling their children in the Islamic school.
The judge held that the evidence before the court deduced a pattern of predatory behaviour as the convict subjected the survivor to inappropriate touching and forced himself on her.
According to him, when the convict was confronted with his action, he sought refuge in the often-repeated phrase, “It was the work of the devil.”
Oshodi held that religious leaders, and teachers such as the convict, held a sacred place in society and when such individuals broke the trust placed in them by preying upon children, the court must respond with appropriate severity to reflect society’s condemnation and deter others from committing similar acts.
“As an imam and an Arabic school teacher, you occupy a position of significant trust, that trust extended not only to the 13-year-old child, the one you victimised but also to her parents and the entire community who look to you for spiritual and moral guidance.
“You betrayed this trust in the most deplorable manner,” he said.
However, the court sentenced Sakiru to 14 years imprisonment on count one and seven years jail term on count two.
Oshodi held that the jail terms should run consecutively and that the convict’s name should be registered in the Lagos State Sexual Offences Register.
Earlier, the defence counsel, Mr. Nelson Onyejaka, in his allocutus, prayed the court to temper justice with mercy.
Onjejaka told the court that the convict was a first-time offender and that he had two wives to take care of.
He prayed to the court for leniency in sentencing his client.
The state prosecution counsel, Ms Bukola Okeowo, however, prayed the court to sentence the convict accordingly.
Okeowo told the court that the convict committed the offences between February and March 2022, on Odusanmi Street, Mushin, Lagos.
The convict had pleaded not guilty when he was initially arraigned on March 17, 2023.
During the trial, the prosecution called two witnesses (the survivor and her father) through whom compelling evidence was given against the convict.
The prosecution, however, approached the court on September 6, 2024, that the convict had opted for a plea bargain which necessitated the amended charge.
According to the prosecution, the offences committed violated Sections 135 and 262 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.