The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday October 30, 2024 asked Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja, to proceed with the trial of a former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello in absentia, arguing that his non-appearance in court for arraignment should not be allowed to frustrate his trial.
President of the United States of America, Joe Biden on Tuesday called his Nigerian counterpart, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to commensurate with him over the ravaging floods in the country. President Biden disclosed this on his official X handle. “Earlier, I spoke with President Tinubu of Nigeria to express my condolences on the floods impacting his country and my appreciation for his leadership in securing the humanitarian release of Tigran Gambaryan. “We also spoke about the value of our partnership,” the US President wrote. According to reports, the flooding was the worst Maiduguri has seen in 30 years. It submerged homes, killed at least 30 people and displaced nearly 400,000 others. It affected Maiduguri Metropolitan Council as well as Jere and Konduga local Government areas. The floods have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Borno State, the epicentre of a conflict involving various non-State armed groups that has persisted for more than a decade. Many flood-affected people had already relocated due to the conflict.
Rivers Hoopers stormed past Police Batons with an 87-58 victory in their third match of the Atlantic Conference at the Nigeria Premier Basketball League in Benin on Tuesday.
President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau has commended Super Eagles’ forward Ademola Lookman for finishing in 14th place in this year’s Ballon d’Or race, saying he believes the petite forward has what it takes to finish much higher in the race next year. Lookman finished 14th in this year’s contest which gala was held in Paris on Monday night, and which was won by Manchester City ace Rodri. “The NFF commends Ademola Lookman for his feat, and we believe he has the potential to finish much higher next year. He was already a winner before Monday’s night’s gala, as the only African on the 30-man shortlist. He was also the second highest-rated Italian Serie A player in the race. “We encourage him to continue doing his best for club and country, and the sky will be the limit for him.” Lookman scored three important goals for Nigeria as the Super Eagles finished in second place at the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire earlier in the year, and then scored all three goals in the Europa Cup final as his Italian club, Atalanta, routed German top side Bayer Leverkusen. This season, he has remained within the goals/assists frame for club and country. He has scored two goals for Nigeria in the 2025 AFCON qualification race, with two other goals controversially chalked off. Most pundits see him winning this year’s Africa Player of the Year award. If that happens, it will be the first time that a Nigerian has picked the continental gong from a fellow Nigerian, since ‘Prince of Monaco’ Victor Nosa Ikpeba took over from Nwankwo Kanu in 1997. The first was in 1994, when Emmanuel Amuneke took over from Rashidi Yekini (of blessed memory).
Nigerian actor and comedian Adebowale Adedayo popularly knowns as Mr. Macaroni has slammed Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Barrister Nyesom Wike following unguided remarks at some of Abuja residents. The former Rivers State Governor in a viral video was seen addressing the residents in what can be termed as arrogant. Reacting to the Minister’s behaviour, Mr. Macaroni took to social media to remind him that he’s a Public Servant, saying tax payers are not to be addressed as such. Mr. Macaroni wrote on his X handle; “Dear @GovWike , you are a PUBLIC SERVANT! “Next time you want to address the citizens who pay your salary, do so with utmost humility and respect. “Never go about asking Nigerians if they are stupid… you are not doing anyone a favor by being Minister!!!” The comedian went on to quote Wike as saying; “Is it because I came down to talk to you?” “lol… You must think you are talking to your slaves.” Mr. Macaroni is an advocate for civic empowerment, and most notably was involved in the 2020 #EndSARS movement in Nigeria.
Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro has commended Master Abdulazeez Abdulrahmon for his level of diligence, intelligence, and responsibility by earning the opportunity to serve as the One-Day Governor and leaders of his peers. Head of Service stated this in his office on Monday while receiving Master Abdulazeez Abdulrahmon, his Deputy, Master Oki Sewanu as well as the Coordinator and Secretary to the State Government, Miss. Saheed Alimot Odere during a courtesy visit. He stressed that the One-Day Governor initiative is an inspiration to many young Lagosians who are eager to contribute positively to the State’s development. Responding, the One-Day Governor, Master Abdulazeez Abdulrahmon appreciated the Head of Service, Mr. Bode Agoro for his good deeds for the entire Public Servants in ensuring that their welfare and well-being were adequately catered for.
The House of Representatives has condemn in its entirety an alleged assault on Cab driver by one of its members, Rep. Alex Ikwechegh (APGA, Abia). The House, in a statement signed by its Spokesman, Rep. Akin Rotimi, Jr. on Monday, assured to do due diligence on the matter. The statement reads; “The House of Representatives is monitoring media reports concerning an alleged incident involving Rep. Alex Ikwechegh (APGA, Abia). “These reports, which have garnered widespread media coverage and public attention, detail accusations of a physical confrontation with an e-hailing driver, Citizen Stephen Abuwatseya, and the use of threatening language. “The 10th Assembly, House of Representatives, takes these allegations very seriously. As elected officials, we hold ourselves to the highest standards of ethical conduct and accountability in our official engagements and privately. “Any behaviour that falls short of these standards is a matter of concern, and we are committed to addressing such issues with the utmost seriousness. “We are aware that the matter is now before the Nigeria Police, and we urge the public to allow the due process of investigation to unfold. “We welcome further engagement from the public on the subject, which can be shared via email at akintunde.rotimi@nass.gov.ng, akinrotimi@gmail.com, even as we continue to monitor the situation. “We remain dedicated to upholding the values of accountability, transparency, and ethical behavior that define the 10th Assembly, House of Representatives. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.“
The Confederation of African Football has picked Monday, November 18 for Nigeria’s final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Rwanda, scheduled for the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo. The Matchday 6 encounter will draw the curtain on the race from Group D for slots at the 35thAfrica Cup of Nations finals to be held in Morocco December 2025/January 2026. CAF has also appointed Moroccan match officials for the game, with Samir Guezzaz in the role of referee at the encounter that will commence at 5pm Nigeria time. His compatriots Zakaria Brinsi, Abdessamad Abertoune and Kech Chaf Mustapha will serve as assistant referee 1, assistant referee 2 and fourth official respectively. Prosper Harrison Addo from Ghana will be the commissioner while Somalian Ali Mohamed Ahmed will be in the role of referee assessor. For the Matchday 5 clash with Benin Republic at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny on Thursday, 14th November, that will commence at 7pm CIV time (8pm Nigeria time), CAF has appointed officials from Senegal to superintend, with Issa Sy to be referee. His compatriots Djibril Camara, Nouha Bangoura and El Hadji Amadou Sy will serve as assistant referee 1, assistant referee 2 and fourth official respectively. Ivorian Rene Williams Sere will be commissioner while Angolan Inacio Manuel Candido will be referee assessor.
