President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, announced that Nigeria has successfully prosecuted over 100 terrorist financiers in the past two years as part of its ongoing fight against financial crimes and terrorism financing.

This effort aims to disrupt the financial networks supporting terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, ultimately safeguarding communities and fostering a secure environment for development.

The announcement was made by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Mr. George Akume, who represented Tinubu at the National Anti-Money Laundering, Combating Terrorism Financing and Counter Proliferation Financing Compliance Summit held in Abuja.

He said: “By taking away the funds, resources and material support behind Boko Haram and ISWAP, we are denying them the ability to inflict terror on our communities and citizens.

“We have made progress to tackle the threats of terrorism and other violent crimes through the gallant action of our frontline troops and our security agencies.

“Through the efforts of the office of the national security adviser and the attorney-general of the federation, we have prosecuted and convicted over 100 terrorist financiers in the last two years.
“It is an approach that we are utilising as a fundamental component of our national strategies to combat serious criminal offences.”

Hafsat Bakari, Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, NFIU, who also spoke at the summit, highlighted the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders, including political leaders, financial institutions, law enforcement agencies, and international partners.

“The fight against financial crimes is not one that any single entity can win alone. It requires the collective strength and commitment of our political leaders, regulators, financial institutions, law enforcement and security agencies, and international partners,” Bakari stressed.

A 23-year-old Turkish OnlyFans model, Ezra Vandan, also known as Azranur AV, has been arrested in Istanbul for her controversial plan to sleep with 100 men in 24 hours.

Authorities deemed her actions as “obscene” and “damaging” to the country’s moral values, reports Daily Mail.

Vandan publicly announced her intentions on January 14, 2025, via social media, declaring her goal to break a Turkish and then a world record.

She shared a provocative photo of herself wearing red lingerie, captioned: “My goal is to break a Turkish record first, then a world record! I’m starting with 100 men in 24 hours.”

Her statement quickly caught the attention of the Istanbul Security Branch Directorate’s Morality Bureau. Following an investigation, Vandan was arrested at a hospital in Atasehir, where she was awaiting a cosmetic surgery procedure.

Footage of the arrest shows Vandan being escorted by two female officers with her wrists bound behind her back. She was taken into custody wearing a crop top and jeans.

Adding to the controversy, Vandan reportedly shared a half-naked image of herself, allegedly taken by a police officer during her arrest. She claimed, “I had the photo taken by one of the officers, he didn’t object much.”

Vandan was charged with obscenity, resisting an officer and slander. The Istanbul 6th Criminal Judgeship of Peace ruled that her actions were provocative and harmful to society’s moral values, justifying prison time.

Her husband, Pedram Vandan, 25, was also briefly detained but later released.

The model has defended her actions, claiming her posts do not harm anyone and that she should have the freedom to express herself. “I do not deserve to be judged,” she stated.

 

Vandan’s announcement followed recent reports of British adult performer Bonnie Blue claiming to have set a world record by engaging with over 1,000 men in 12 hours

THE Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced that the 2025 economic indices indicate a positive outlook, with the nation’s GDP expected to accelerate to 4.17 percent for faster economic growth.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Mr Muhammad Abdullahi, Deputy Governor, Economic Policy Directorate, CBN, revealed this on Tuesday during the 11th edition of the National Economic Outlook: Implications for Businesses in 2025.

The hybrid event, convened in Lagos, was organised by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) Centre for Financial Studies in collaboration with B. Adedipe Associates Ltd.

Abdullahi said the nation’s 2025 economic projections remained optimistic with fiscal and monetary reforms already paying off, resulting in the GDP anticipated rise from 3.36 percent recorded in 2024.

According to him, the growth is anchored on sustained implementation of government reforms, stable crude oil prices, and improvements in domestic oil production.

Abdullahi also stated that stability in the exchange rate would play a crucial role in maintaining the positive trajectory, with the inflation rate projected to decline due to the impact of economic reforms.

“Achieving the targeted inflation rate of 15 percent in 2025 will require effective collaboration between monetary and fiscal authorities, alongside private sector participation for a stable economic environment,” he said.

The keynote speaker said that the apex bank would prioritise price stability and strengthen the financial sector to support SMEs and critical sectors for businesses to thrive.

Abdullahi noted that the nation’s evolving policy landscape presented both challenges and opportunities for businesses to thrive.

“The government is making deliberate strides to diversify its revenue streams and reduce dependence on the volatile oil sector.

“Through ongoing tax reforms aimed at broadening the tax base and improving collection efficiency, the government is working to establish a more sustainable fiscal environment.

“While these reforms may present challenges in the short term, they are essential for building a more resilient and diversified economy in the long run.

“As businesses, it is crucial to adapt to these changes, understanding that they will ultimately strengthen the economic foundation for future growth.

“As we move forward on this path of exploration and collaboration, we must remain focused on the vast opportunities before us.

“Nigeria’s abundant resources, coupled with the current administration’s commitment to economic reform, offer a fertile ground for innovation, investment, and sustainable growth,” Abdullahi said.

Similarly, Prof. Pius Olanrewaju, President/Chairman of the Council, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), said 2024 presented both challenges and opportunities.

He noted that the GDP signalled gradual recovery amidst global and domestic pressures.

“As we move into 2025, we are presented with both the opportunity and responsibility to critically examine the economic landscape.

“This forum will help us identify the risks, harness the opportunities, and strategise for the future,” Olarenwaju noted.

He commended the collaboration of experts at the annual event, which included Dr Kabir Katata, Director, Research, Policy and International Relations, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation; and Dr Henrietta Onwuegbuzie of the Lagos Business School.

Others were Akinsola Akeredolu-Ale, CEO, Lagos Commodities and Fixtures Exchange; Mr Akeem Lawal, Managing Director Interswitch (Pure pay); and Chinwe Uzoho, Regional Managing Director, West and Central Africa Network International

Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Olayemi Cardoso, has vowed to tackle the commoditisation ( buying and selling) of Naira notes, which has become widespread in the country.

CBN Governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso made this vow in a keynote address at the inaugural Stakeholders’ Conference of the Committee of Heads of Banks Operations (CHBO) in Lagos, with the theme “Commoditization of Naira: The Way Forward.”

Represented by the Senior Special Adviser to the CBN Governor, Fatai Kareem, Cardoso stated that commoditization of the Naira poses a significant threat not only to the banking sector but also to the daily lives of Nigerians who rely on the currency for transactions.

He described Naira commoditization as a process by which the national currency is being treated as a tradable asset with its intrinsic national value being subjected to the principles of capitalism rather than being seen as a means of exchange for economic and items of value.

According to him, “The Naira is not merely a currency; it embodies our national identity. Its stability is vital for economic growth and development.” Recent trends, however, have seen the Naira treated as a commodity rather than fulfilling its primary function as a medium of exchange.

“The commoditization of the Naira, our national legal tender, has become a critical challenge for Nigeria’s financial ecosystem. It is a problem that not only affects the operations of the banking industry but also the lives of every Nigerian that relies on the currency for his day to day transactions.”

He said the apex bank’s strategies to tackle the commoditization of the Naira are: enhancing public engagement awareness on the responsible use of the Naira; strengthening cash management system to ensure fair distribution across the country; collaborating with law enforcement agencies to enforce existing regulations and bring perpetrators to book; promoting digital payment channels to reduce the use of cash transactions and the need to escalate digital errors to the banks and the CBN.

Chairman of the Executive Committee of CHBO, Abraham Aziegbe attributed the commoditization of the Naira to severe scarcity which led to its monetisation.

He noted that over the past two years, Nigerians have faced significant challenges due to cash shortages, leading to instances where citizens pay premiums for everyday transactions. This situation raises concerns about cash availability and potential hoarding practices among banks.

Italian Serie A side Udinese have removed Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye from their registered players list amid an ongoing investigation into alleged betting irregularities.

The 25-year-old, who is being investigated over suspicious betting patterns surrounding a yellow card he received during Udinese’s 2-1 win against Lazio on March 11, 2024, faces a potential five-year ban if found guilty.

Investigators raided Okoye’s house following a complaint by betting agency Sisal, whose algorithm detected unusual gambling activities linked to the goalkeeper’s yellow card for time-wasting in the 90th minute.

The Prosecutor’s Office in Udine also searched the premises of Diego Giordano, a pizzeria owner whose restaurant is frequented by Juventus footballers, as part of the investigation.

Udinese have replaced Okoye with newly-signed goalkeeper Egil Selvik in their 25-man squad, though it remains unclear if the decision was due to the allegations or the Nigerian’s season-ending wrist injury.

The club’s coach, Kosta Runjaic, had earlier maintained that the team’s atmosphere remained positive despite the controversy.

“We haven’t talked about it; we’re focused on Como. The atmosphere is still very good; the team spirit is there, and we’re working diligently,” Runjaic said.

Okoye, who joined Udinese in 2023 from Watford, has made 37 appearances for the Italian club. His legal representatives have dismissed the betting allegations as baseless.

The National Youth Service Corps has confirmed that the 2024 Batch C Stream 2 Orientation Camp will officially open today, Wednesday, January 22, 2025, across all states in the country.

This announcement was shared via messages on the NYSC’s official X handle, #officialnyscng, on Tuesday.

“Prospective corps members (PCMs) are to report to their various camps on the date slated on their call-up letters, with their required documents and survival packs,” the statement advised.

The NYSC also announced the release of deployment letters for the 2023 Batch ‘C’ Stream II. PCMs can now access their deployment details to prepare for the service year.

In a safety advisory, the scheme urged prospective corps members to exercise caution while traveling to their designated camps.

“PCMs are advised not to travel to Orientation Camps at night,” NYSC emphasised, reiterating its commitment to ensuring the safety of corps members.

Additionally, PCMs were reminded of an important requirement to complete their registration at the camps.

“Prospective corps members are advised to print and sign the addendum, which is to be submitted during registration in the orientation camp,” the update noted.

For logistical reasons, the NYSC disclosed that some prospective corps members initially deployed to Lagos State will undergo their orientation course in Ekiti, Ondo, or Osun camps.

Similarly, some PCMs deployed to the Federal Capital Territory may have their orientation courses in Nasarawa or Kaduna camps.

“Some PCMs deployed to Lagos State will have their orientation course in Ekiti, Ondo and Osun camps.

” Some PCMs deployed to FCT will have their orientation course in Nasarawa, and Kaduna camps,” it read.

The NYSC urged all prospective corps members to comply with these directives and prepare adequately for the mandatory three-week orientation program.

For further updates, PCMs are encouraged to follow the official NYSC social media platforms.

PUNCH Online reports that the orientation course takes place over the space of three weeks in all designated camps – one – in each states nationwide.

NYSC is a programme established by the Nigerian government in 1973 to promote national unity, integration, and development.

It is a one-year mandatory service for Nigerian graduates under the age of 30, which includes a three-week orientation camp, a primary assignment phase, and a community development service period.

A middle aged man, Sunday Omisakin, one of the ex-convicts granted state pardon by Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke on December 24, 2024 had been remanded in the Ilesa Correctional Centre by an Osogbo Chief Magistrates Court, sitting in Osogbo, for stealing a plasma television set.

The ex-convict who was number 8 on the list of ex-convicts granted state pardon, returned to crime on January 3, 2025, by breaking into a house in  Inudun Area, Osogbo, to steal a plasma TV worth N600,000.

A charge sheet obtained by our reporter on Tuesday, “COUNT I read this,: “That you Adebayo Omisakin Sunday ‘m’ on the 3rd day of January 2025 at about 12:00 pm at the Al-medinat Area, Iludun in the Osogbo Magistrarial district did break and entered the house of one Shittu Damilare ‘m’ and steal one Plasma TV valued the sum of Six Hundred Thousand Naira (N600,000:00k) only.”

COUNT II: “That you Adebayo Omisakin Sunday ‘m’ and on the same date, time and place in the Aforementioned Magisterial District did Steal one Plasma TV valued the sum of Six Hundred Thousand Naira (#600,000:00k) only property of one Shittu Damilare ‘m’.”

He was said to have committed offences contrary to and punishable under Section 411 (1) (2) of criminal code cap 34 vol.Il and Section 383 and punishable under 390 (9) of Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol.II laws of Osun State of Nigeria 2002.Upon his first arraignment on January 7, he applied for bail, but Magistrate A. Adeyeba adjourned the matter till January 10 to rule on the bail application.

In his ruling, the prosecutor, Kayode Adeoye ordered that ,the defendant be reminded in Ilesa correctional center.

Famous Nigerian comedian, Ayo Makun, popularly known as AY, has revealed that he may not be worthy of emulation in keeping home.

The comedian made this known on Tuesday, while praising his brother, Yomi Casual, for the love and respect he has for his family.

This is coming a few months after the comedian admitted to having found himself doing things that he is not proud of during his marriage.

Celebrating Yomi’s 40th birthday, AY in a now controversial post on Instagram, said: “I may not have scored 100% in other responsibilities as a perfect example that is worthy of emulation when it comes to keeping the home front intact.

“But I’m proud to say the love and respect you (Yomi) have for the family is second to none. Love you lots!”

DAILY POST recalls that AY confirmed separation from his wife, Mabel Makun, in April, 2024, after nearly 20 years of their union.

On Monday, an unnamed group of Northern Nigerians led by Jamilu Majia and Adams Funtua organised a luncheon to celebrate Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th President of the United States.

Majia, a musician, composed and released a music video in November 2024 to drum up support for Trump during the build-up to the presidential election.

In the music video posted on his TikTok page, he extolled Trump and urged Americans to vote for his return to the White House.

In the music video, children hold American flags and wear customised vests while singing about Trump.

However, the luncheon video he posted on his TikTok to celebrate Trump’s inauguration sparked mixed reactions and raised questions among netizens.

He posted the viral video with the caption, “Congratulations, President #Trump Inaugural Luncheon in Nigeria.”

A video from the gathering continues to trend online.

The one-minute, thirty-one-second video showcases jubilant Hausa participants singing in their native language, clapping, and expressing joy in honour of the occasion.

Analysis

The video featured attendees dressed in traditional Hausa attire, a dignitaries’ table adorned with juice, Coke, and water, and a banner in the background that read, “Congratulations, Mr. President. Trump’s inauguration.”

Set amidst vibrant decorations, the celebration included traditional Nigerian cuisine, such as jollof rice and suya, creating a lively atmosphere filled with cultural pride and festivity.

A special song was composed for Mr Trump in Hausa, accompanied by English subtitles. In the video, which had sparked discussions about the global interest in American politics, attendees stood, clapped, and danced enthusiastically to the song.

A woman and children were also seen at the front of the dignitaries’ table, singing, clapping, and dancing in unison with the celebratory crowd.

The song’s lyrics praised Trump’s boldness and commitment, describing him as a great leader chosen by God.

They sang, “In God, we trust Africa; in God, we trust America. Oh! Hail Donald Trump, the American President. Oh! Hail Donald Trump, America. We’re all in support. Donald Trump is the President. The great leader, Trump, may God uplift your dignity.

“God chose you, made you, and protected you. Always take care of your supporters. America loves you. Oh, hail Donald Trump. Africa is also praising you, Asia is praising you, the Middle East is praising you, and Latin America is praising you. Everyone supports you, and everyone believes in you, Donald Trump.”

Not the first time

This newspaper gathered that it was not the first time Nigerians celebrated Trump in election-related matters. They celebrated him after he won the presidential election in November 2024.

More so, in November 2020, a rally was held in Onitsha, Anambra State, to drum support for the 78-year-old when he sought a reelection. During the event, a group organised a pro-Trump rally to mobilise support for him.

The group, consisting primarily of women and youths, marched through the streets while singing victory songs for Trump, whom they believed deserved another term in office.

Dressed in white and blue uniforms, they waved the United States flag alongside banners and placards bearing inscriptions such as “Make America Great Again” and “President Trump: America needs a man like you.”

Trump tweeted about the rally, captioning it: “A parade for me in Nigeria, a great honour!”

However, Trump of the Republican Party lost his re-election bid to the immediate past President Joe Biden of the Democratic Party.

This newspaper earlier reported that two prominent Nigerians, William Kumuyi, founder of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, and renowned gospel artiste Nathaniel Bassey, ministered during Trump’s inauguration.

Kumuyi led a prayer session at President Trump’s Inaugural Prayer and Praise Convocation on Sunday in Washington, D.C., while Bassey performed at the inaugural prayer breakfast. The prayer breakfast is a non-political, faith-based event held every four years before the swearing-in of a new administration.

A coalition of 18 Democratic states in the US has filed a federal lawsuit challenging President Donald Trump’s executive order seeking to overturn birthright citizenship.

The states’ attorneys general filed the lawsuits on Tuesday.

The 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868 after the Civil War, stipulates that all persons “born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof,” are automatically citizens.

The language was crafted and added to the Constitution to establish full citizenship rights for Black Americans, who at the time suffered exclusion.

But for over a century, it has been interpreted as also granting rights to all children born on US soil, regardless of their parents’ immigration status.

After his inauguration on Monday, Trump invoked his presidential orders to begin his long-touted immigration crackdown.

A statement issued by the White House said the century-old interpretation was misplaced, “clarifying” that the privilege does not extend to children whose parents are not US citizens.

DEMOCRATIC STATES KICK

The lawsuit filed by the 18 states said Trump’s initiative violates the law.

The states that joined the suit are California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin.

Letitia James, New York attorney-general, said the law is a cornerstone of America’s commitment to justice and is not open to reinterpretation by executive order or presidential decree.

“President Trump’s attempt to undermine the fundamental right to birthright citizenship is not just unconstitutional; it is profoundly dangerous,” James said.

“Today, we are suing to uphold the integrity of the U.S. Constitution and ensure the promise of birthright citizenship remains intact for all who are born here.”

Trump’s aides hinted that the executive order would take effect 30 days after he signed it.

The Democratic officials also filed a request asking the court to put the case on a fast track and rule on whether to block enforcement before it takes effect.

In a separate legal action, the American Civil Liberties Union also filed a lawsuit aimed at blocking Trump’s order.