May 2025 | Page 35 of 43

Tension in Imo: Gunmen Set Vehicles Ablaze, Abduct Passengers in String of Violent Attacks

Our Reporters1 month ago1 month ago04 mins

Tension gripped parts of Imo State on Thursday following a violent assault by unidentified gunmen who set fire to more than six vehicles—including trucks, buses, and private cars—along the busy Owerri–Okigwe Road. The attack occurred early in the morning at Umuna in the Onuimo Local Government Area. Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers may have been enforcing a sit-at-home directive, though the exact motive behind the destruction remains unclear. “We saw them burning vehicles and shouting that people should obey the sit-at-home order,” said a resident of Umuna. The attack sparked widespread fear across neighboring local government areas, including Okigwe, Obowo, Isiala Mbano, and Ehime Mbano. Many motorists traveling toward Enugu State were forced to divert to alternate routes in search of safety. Viral videos shared on social media showed several trucks engulfed in flames along Umuna Road, with some nearby buildings also affected by the spreading fire. This attack comes just days after a separate incident involving suspected armed herders who reportedly abducted over 26 passengers along the Owerri–Aba Road. The kidnapping occurred on Tuesday evening, between 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area. Victims were allegedly dragged into a nearby forest. A local resident, speaking anonymously, confirmed that more than two buses were hijacked during the abduction. “Our people are now living in fear. Some of us have not gone to the farms since this happened,” the source said. Community leaders have called for urgent security interventions. “We need a strong security network to guard ourselves. This is getting out of hand. We must work closely with security agencies to find a lasting solution,” one leader stated. As of the time of this report, the Imo State Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, had not responded to inquiries. However, a security source disclosed that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the attackers. “We are closing in on them. But for now, not everything will be put out there for the media. You will hear positive results soon. Our men are already on the ground, doing the needful,” the source said. The atmosphere in the affected areas remains tense as residents and travelers await further updates from law enforcement agencies.

₦12.3bn Loan Dispute: Court Adjourns Otudeko’s Case to June 11 for Possible Settlement

Our Reporters1 month ago1 month ago03 mins

Loan Controversy: Court adjourns Otudeko, others’ case to June 11A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has adjourned the N12.3 billion loan controversy case involving the Chairman of Honeywell Group, Oba Otudeko, and three others, to June 11, 2025. Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke postponed the case to allow time for either a peaceful settlement or the formal arraignment of the suspects. The decision followed reports that negotiation are still ongoing between the parties involved for out-of-court settlement as advised by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), who is trying to mediate. During Thursday’s hearing, Otudeko’s lawyer, Bode Olanipekun (SAN), told the court that negotiations for an out-of-court resolution were still in progress. Similarly, the lawyer for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Bilikisu Buhari, acknowledged the discussions but asked the court to set a new date for arraignment in case the negotiations fail. It will be recalled that at the last sitting of the court on March 17, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) had informed the judge that a meeting involving all counsel had been convened at the instance of the Attorney General of the Federation. He said that this was aimed at reaching a peaceful settlement of the case. Olanipekun had also stated that substantial progress was made, and the AGF directed all parties to refrain from actions that could jeopardize the resolution process, including filing further applications. The court will reconvene on June 11 to hear the outcome of the settlement talks or proceed with the arraignment if no agreement is reached.

Lagos APC Backs Consensus Ahead of LG Polls to Ensure Unity, Peaceful Primaries

Our Reporters1 month ago1 month ago04 mins

Ahead of the July 12 local government elections in Lagos State, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced its preference for adopting a consensus approach in selecting chairmanship and councillorship candidates across the 57 Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs). The decision, according to party leaders, aims to maintain internal unity, ensure a rancour-free primary exercise, and position the APC to win all elective seats. With over 400 aspirants vying for 57 chairmanship positions and multiple councillorship seats, party leaders emphasized that consensus was the most pragmatic solution. The announcement was made during a strategic stakeholders’ meeting on Wednesday, attended by Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hazmat, Speaker of the State House of Assembly Mudashiru Obasa, Senator Oluranti Adebule (Lagos West), and other senior party figures. Deputy Governor Hazmat urged aspirants to embrace the consensus tradition of the APC. “Let us do it the way we have been doing it before now. It ensures unity within the party. We should not deviate from this ideology,” he said. Also speaking, Tajudeen Olusi, Chairman of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), highlighted the challenges posed by the high number of aspirants. “Five persons cannot occupy a single seat. In some wards, there are 12 aspirants for one councillorship seat. We must concede and support the party’s decisions,” he said. Chairman of the APC Electoral Committee, Babatunde Ogala, stressed the importance of a smooth process, noting the national significance of Lagos politics. “Our presidency is at stake. Lagos is a key sector nationally. Other states are watching. We must be thorough and fair,” he said. Ogala confirmed that the committee had followed party guidelines strictly and had conducted transparent screenings. He said the final list of successful and unsuccessful aspirants would be released by Thursday. While indirect primaries are officially prescribed, Ogala emphasized that consensus remains a valid democratic method. He urged local government leaders to reach agreements, allowing the committee to conduct affirmation instead of contested primaries. Chairmanship primaries will hold at the state party secretariat due to logistics, while councillorship primaries will take place across various wards on Saturday. Ogala stated that only aspirants and their accredited agents will be allowed at the election venues and warned against violating party guidelines. APC State Chairman Cornelius Ojelabi appealed to members to prioritize party unity over personal ambition. “This is our party. Let us put its interests above all else to make President Bola Tinubu proud of our efforts in Lagos,” he concluded.

Nigeria Clears IMF Debt, Exits List of Debtor Nations in Major Economic Milestone

Our Reporters1 month ago1 month ago04 mins

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has officially removed Nigeria from its list of debtor countries, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s financial history. This was confirmed in a report titled “Total IMF Credit Outstanding – Movement from May 01, 2025 to May 06, 2025,” published on the IMF’s website on Wednesday. As of May 6, Nigeria’s name was no longer on the list, which now features 91 developing and least-developed countries owing a combined $117.8 billion. “Total IMF credit outstanding” refers to the amount of unpaid loans and principal balances owed by member countries under various loan arrangements. A senior IMF official in Washington, D.C., who requested anonymity, confirmed that the Fund was working to verify the full clearance of Nigeria’s debt. The country had previously accessed a rapid financing loan from the IMF during the COVID-19 pandemic. Independent verification came from StatiSense, a data analytics firm, which tracked the gradual reduction in Nigeria’s IMF debt over the past two years. According to their data, Nigeria’s debt stood at $1.61 billion in July 2023, reduced to $1.37 billion by January 2024, $933 million by July 2024, and $472 million by January 2025—before being fully cleared in May. The repayments were calculated in Special Drawing Rights (SDRs), the IMF’s reserve asset used to supplement member countries’ official reserves. Reacting to the development, O’tega Ogra, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Digital Engagement and Strategy, praised the administration’s reforms. He described the repayment as the result of fiscal discipline and a broader economic reset initiated by the Tinubu government. “As Nigeria closes the chapter on these legacy debt obligations, we are better placed to strengthen our fiscal credibility and show the world that we are serious about managing our economy with responsibility and vision,” Ogra said. He emphasized that while Nigeria remains a member of the IMF and can engage with the institution when needed, future engagements would be proactive, not reactive, and based on equal terms. The IMF, following its 2025 Article IV Consultation Mission to Nigeria, also commended the government’s reforms. Led by Axel Schimmelpfennig, the IMF noted that Nigeria had implemented bold and timely reforms, including ending fuel subsidies, halting deficit financing by the Central Bank, and improving the foreign exchange market. Despite acknowledging lingering uncertainties—such as global market volatility and fluctuating oil prices—the Fund urged Nigeria to continue reducing inflation, strengthening economic buffers, and encouraging private-sector-led growth. This development is seen as a major boost to Nigeria’s global financial reputation and a foundation for more sustainable economic policies going forward.

EFCC Arrests Ex-Lawmaker Gudaji Kazaure Over Alleged N70m Received from Ex-CBN Governor Emefiele

Our Reporters1 month ago1 month ago02 mins

A former member of the House of Representatives, Gudaji Kazaure, has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of receiving N70 million from former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele. According to News360 Nigeria, Kazaure was taken into custody on Wednesday, shortly after a Kano High Court lifted a restraining order that had previously shielded him from arrest. An EFCC source disclosed that the ex-lawmaker allegedly received N20 million in two instalments via an emissary identified as Mr. Eric, reportedly sent by Emefiele to facilitate the purchase of Sallah rams. In addition, another N50 million was allegedly given to Kazaure by Emefiele as a “donation” following a fire outbreak at Kazaure’s residence. He is currently being held at the EFCC’s Kano office and may be transferred to Abuja for further investigation and possible prosecution. This arrest comes amid lingering tensions between Kazaure and Emefiele. In December 2022, Kazaure had publicly accused the former CBN Governor of overseeing the disappearance of N89.1 trillion in stamp duty charges. He also claimed he was prevented from submitting a preliminary report from a presidential committee that had been tasked with probing the alleged missing funds. However, the Presidency, through then-presidential spokesperson Garba Shehu, dismissed Kazaure’s allegations, clarifying that the committee in question had been dissolved prior to his claims.

Trump Says Some Undocumented Immigrants May Stay Based on Employer Recommendations

Trump: 2026 World Cup Could End Russia War

Our Reporters1 month ago1 month ago02 mins

Donald Trump has suggested playing at the 2026 World Cup could be an “incentive” for Russia to end its war with Ukraine. Ever since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, the national football team has been banned from competing at international competitions by Fifa and Uefa. With the conflict in Ukraine still raging – despite Trump’s claims he would end the war on “day one” of being in office – Russia will not be playing at the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico. On Tuesday, the first meeting of the Trump administration’s 2026 World Cup taskforce took place, with Trump speaking to reporters alongside Fifa president Gianni Infantino. The US president was unaware that Russia were banned from the tournament, telling a reporter who asked for his position on the Russia ban: “I didn’t know that, is that right?” “That is right,” said Infantino. “They are banned for the time being from playing but we hope that something happens and peace will happen so that Russia can be readmitted.” Trump then added: “That’s possible. Hey, that could be a good incentive, right? “We want to get them to stop. We want them to stop. Five thousand young people a week are being killed – it’s not even believable.” This isn’t the first time Trump has made questionable statements about the World Cup. Earlier this year, he claimed the political tensions between the US and their co-hosts Mexico and Canada could make the tournament ‘more exciting.’

Labour Party Suspends Otti, Nwokocha, Kingibe Indefinitely

Our Reporters1 month ago1 month ago05 mins

The Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party has suspended six prominent members of the party, including the party’s only elected governor, Alex Otti of Abia State. This decision was contained in a statement issued by the faction’s National Secretary, Umar Farouk, in Abuja, on Wednesday. He said, “Recall that last Friday, 2nd of May 2025, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Labour Party set up a five-man Disciplinary Committee headed by the Deputy National Chairman, Dr Ayo Olorunfemi, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, the National Secretary and three others to investigate Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, and any other party members over allegations of anti-party activities. “The Disciplinary Committee has concluded their assignment and has submitted their report to the party leadership. The National Executive of the party met today, May 7th, 2025, and after exhaustive deliberation in line with powers donated to it by the Party Constitution, has ratified the recommendation as submitted by the Disciplinary Committee. “Consequent upon that, the following members of the party have been suspended from the party and all its activities, indefinitely and with immediate effect. 1. Dr Alex Otti; 2. Senator Ireti Kingibe; 3. Senator Darlington Nwokocha; 4. Hon. Victor Afam Ogene; 5. Hon. Amobi Ogah; 6. Hon. Seyi Sowunmi.” “By this suspension, these former members of the party will no longer act for and on behalf of the party. All concerned institutions, including the Nigeria Governors Forum, the National Assembly, INEC and security agencies, among others, are to take note.” The party also clarified that Nenadi Usman was not included in the suspension list because she is not a registered member of the Labour Party, but merely a supporter of its 2023 presidential candidate. “We are aware that she is a member of the Obidient Support group that worked and is still working for the party’s 2023 presidential candidate. We will therefore not honour her with any sanction being not a member of the party,” the statement added. “She should also tell Nigerians how she acquired her radio station in Kaduna, all her properties all over Nigeria and abroad, and her companies in Cameroon, including her plantations. Nenadi Usman lacks the moral capacity to commence any probe or even talk about corruption,” the statement added. Reaffirming its position on political independence, the Labour Party declared that it will not enter into any coalition or merger ahead of the 2027 general elections. “Finally, the party has since taken a position on the issue of coalition, and we want to reiterate that the party is not interested in any overtures by any group or persons to go into any coalition or merger,” the statement added. “Like we have earlier stated, the protagonists of the coalition, those driving the agenda, lack the capacity, character and competence to midwife such a political arrangement. These are people who have failed to manage one political party; how can they manage an amalgam of political parties and their varied interests? The Labour Party intends to prosecute the 2027 general election as a standalone party, and no further discussion will be entertained on this matter.”

Lagos Council Boss Slumps at APC Meeting

Our Reporters1 month ago1 month ago01 mins

The Chairman of Bariga Local Government Area of Lagos State, Kolade Alabi, on Wednesday, suddenly slumped at the All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders’ meeting. The meeting was held at the party’s Secretariat along the ACME Road in Ikeja, Lagos. Alabi, who is the state chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), was said to be addressing party members when he suddenly slumped. He was subsequently revived and rushed to the hospital in an ambulance for further treatment.