July 2025 | Page 22 of 48

Speed Darlington Sues NAPTIP for ₦3 Billion Over Rights Violation After Wanted Declaration

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

Controversial Nigerian rapper Speed Darlington has dragged the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to court, accusing the agency of infringing on his fundamental human rights after declaring him wanted. NAPTIP declared the artist wanted on June 27, citing allegations of rape, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking, after he failed to honor an official invitation for questioning. The move followed a viral video in which Darlington appeared to boast about having sexual relations with a 15-year-old girl, sparking widespread outrage. He later recanted, claiming the story was fictional. In the suit filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, Darlington argued that NAPTIP’s action was “unlawful, illegal, and unconstitutional,” as it lacked a court order. He alleged violations of his rights to personal liberty, privacy, freedom of movement, and protection from inhuman and degrading treatment. The rapper is demanding ₦1 billion in general damages and ₦2 billion in punitive damages, with an additional 5% monthly interest until full payment. He also seeks a public apology from NAPTIP and a permanent injunction restraining the agency from acting on the declaration.

FG Shifts Opening of Paramilitary Recruitment Portal to July 21

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago01 mins

The Federal Government has announced a temporary suspension of the recruitment application portal for key paramilitary agencies, including the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS), and the Federal Fire Service (FFS). The portal, earlier scheduled to go live on Monday, July 14, 2025, will now open on Monday, July 21, 2025, according to a statement signed by Maj. Gen. Abdulmalik Jibrin, Secretary of the Board of the paramilitary agencies. The suspension affects the official recruitment portal, https://recruitment.cdcfib.gov.ng, which serves as the central platform for applications under the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB). The government explained that the adjustment is aimed at ensuring a smooth, transparent, and fair recruitment process, adding that the overwhelming interest from young Nigerians underscores the strong desire to serve the country through these agencies.

FG Vows to End Nigeria’s $1.2bn Annual Fish Import Bill, Targets Boost in Local Production

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to ending Nigeria’s heavy dependence on fish imports by aggressively increasing local production, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola has said. Speaking at a consultative meeting with fisheries cooperative groups in Abuja, Oyetola revealed that Nigeria currently spends about $1.2 billion annually on fish imports, which accounts for nearly 45 percent of the country’s total fish consumption. Nigeria’s annual fish demand is estimated at 3.6 million metric tons, but local production meets only one-third of this figure, leaving a huge gap filled by imports. According to the minister, the government is implementing a strategic roadmap aimed at transforming the aquaculture sector into a driver of food security, job creation, and export competitiveness. He added that the administration is committed to providing policy support, technical assistance, and access to finance, particularly for women and youth in the industry. The ministry is also working on start-up grants and empowerment initiatives for small-scale fish farmers, while encouraging partnerships to improve cold-chain infrastructure and reduce post-harvest losses. However, participants at the meeting highlighted persistent challenges facing the industry, including overfishing, environmental degradation, high feed costs, lack of affordable financing, poor cold storage facilities, multiple taxation, and low youth involvement. Stakeholders at the session included the Fisheries Cooperative Federation of Nigeria, Tilapia Aquaculture Developers Association of Nigeria, Catfish Farmers Association of Nigeria, Women in Fish Farming and Aquaculture, and the Practicing Farmers Association of Nigeria.

Atiku’s Exit Won’t Affect PDP Says Governor Makinde

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has dismissed concerns that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would negatively impact the party’s chances ahead of the 2027 elections. Speaking to journalists in Akure on Wednesday after delivering a keynote address at the colloquium marking the 10th Coronation Anniversary of the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, Makinde described the PDP as an institution where “people have the freedom to come in and go out.” “Atiku’s resignation will not make any dent on the PDP as a party,” he stated. The governor also dismissed the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a threat, calling it just another political platform among many others. Makinde highlighted the importance of traditional institutions in governance, describing them as “enduring pillars of identity and cohesion.” He urged governments to accord them due recognition, noting that Oyo State has integrated traditional leaders into its governance framework to positive effect. The Deji of Akure commended Makinde for his support of traditional institutions and reiterated their role in fostering unity and development.

At Least 61 Killed, Dozens Rescued in Iraq Hypermarket Fire

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

At least 61 people have been confirmed dead and 45 others rescued after a massive fire engulfed a newly opened hypermarket in Kut, eastern Iraq, the Interior Ministry announced on Thursday. The blaze, which broke out overnight in the five-storey shopping complex, also left several people missing, raising fears that the death toll could rise. Authorities said 14 bodies were badly charred, complicating identification. Social media videos captured flames ripping through the building as firefighters battled to contain the inferno. The mall, which opened just a week ago, housed a supermarket and a restaurant. Wasit Province Governor Mohammed al-Mayahi described the disaster as a “tragedy and calamity” and declared three days of mourning. “Families were dining and shopping when the fire started. We have filed lawsuits against the building owner and mall management,” he told the state-run Iraqi News Agency. Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani ordered an immediate investigation, with findings expected within 48 hours. Officials suspect poor building standards may have worsened the tragedy.

CBN Injects $4.1bn to Stabilise Naira in H1 2025 Amid Reserves Drop

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) injected $4.1 billion into the foreign exchange (FX) market during the first half of 2025, tripling last year’s figure of $1.3 billion, in a bid to stabilise the naira and ease liquidity pressures. The figure, disclosed in CSL Stockbrokers’ H2 2025 Outlook Report, represents a 215% increase year-on-year. Analysts, however, warn that the sustainability of this intervention remains uncertain amid weak oil revenues, limited foreign portfolio inflows, and external financing risks. Nigeria’s gross external reserves fell by $3.67 billion in the same period—from $40.88bn in January to $37.21bn by June—reflecting the cost of these interventions. In contrast, the first half of 2024 saw reserves rise by $1.17bn. Despite this drawdown, the naira showed relative stability. Opening the year at ₦1,535/$, it appreciated slightly to ₦1,530/$ by the end of June, buoyed by the injections. At one point in April, the exchange rate hit ₦1,630/$ amid global trade tensions, prompting the CBN to step up dollar supply. CSL cautioned that without a significant boost in FX inflows from oil exports, remittances, or foreign investment, maintaining this level of intervention may become challenging. Oil export earnings are projected to fall by 20% year-on-year to $36.4bn in 2025. Economists argue that Nigeria’s managed float system still requires active CBN support to prevent volatility. “In the absence of intervention, we would have seen much sharper naira depreciation,” said Adewale Abimbola, a Lagos-based economist. Analysts forecast that the naira could trade within ₦1,500–₦1,600/$ in H2 2025, provided CBN sustains its defence and FX inflows improve. CSL also projects a possible interest rate cut of 100–150 basis points in Q4, as inflation moderates to 22.9% from 31.4% in 2024, though such a move could dampen investor appetite for naira assets. Nigeria’s real GDP growth has been revised to 3.7% for 2025, with fiscal deficit expected to widen to 5.8% of GDP, compared to the official forecast of 3.9%, due to revenue shortfalls. Meanwhile, the naira extended gains on Monday, closing at ₦1,518/$, its strongest level since March 2025, supported by CBN sales and improved FX liquidity.

Former Super Eagles Coach Monday Sinclair Dies at 88

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago01 mins

Former Super Eagles interim coach Monday Sinclair has passed away at the age of 88 after a prolonged battle with diabetes. The news of his death was confirmed by former Nigeria goalkeeper Peterside Idah, who announced it in an emotional Facebook post on Wednesday. “It is believed Sinclair died around 3:15 pm,” Idah revealed, adding: “Our daddy is gone. What a man. He signed me to play for Sharks and gave me my first match against Niger Tornadoes of Minna.” Sinclair served as interim coach of the Nigerian national team in 1997 following the dismissal of Frenchman Philippe Troussier, handling two friendly games against Zambia and Tunisia. He is widely credited for discovering and nurturing some of Nigeria’s greatest football talents, including Peter Rufai, Taribo West, Finidi George, and Idah Peterside. Tributes from across the football community have been pouring in, honoring Sinclair’s legacy and immense contribution to Nigerian football.

Natasha’s Constituents Submit Petition To INEC For Her Recall

Akpoti-Uduaghan Insists Court Ordered Her Recall, Rejects Senate Clerk’s Advisory Interpretation

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago07 mins

Suspended Kogi Central lawmaker Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has formally rejected the National Assembly’s claim that a July 4 Federal High Court judgment urging her return to the Senate was merely advisory. In a strongly worded July 14 “Rejoinder” to the Clerk of the National Assembly, her legal team—led by Michael Jonathan Numa, SAN—argued the court’s ruling is a binding directive requiring her immediate recall. What Sparked the Dispute Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended for six months in March (formally enforced in early May 2025, according to Senate records citing “unparliamentary conduct” and “gross misconduct”). Critics have called the suspension politically motivated, alleging it targeted her over vocal interventions on budget and governance issues affecting Kogi Central. She sued in FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025, naming the Clerk of the National Assembly, the Senate, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and the Senate Committee on Ethics chairman among the defendants. The Court’s Decision In a judgment delivered July 4, 2025, Justice B.F.N. Nyako faulted the length of the six‑month suspension, saying it deprived Akpoti-Uduaghan’s constituents of representation. The court’s enrolled orders, she says, begin with “It is hereby ordered…” and include 12 specific directives—one of which states the “Senate should recall the Plaintiff.” While the word “should” was used, Akpoti-Uduaghan’s team contends that read in context, the structure and findings make the recall compulsory, not optional. Senate Clerk Pushes Back Responding in a July 14 letter, the Clerk (through Charles Yoila, Director of Litigation & Counselling) told her counsel that the court issued no mandatory order binding the Senate, describing the pronouncement as non-directive. The Clerk advised that the senator await Senate action should the chamber choose to exercise its power to recall her. Senator’s Legal Counterargument In her rejoinder, Akpoti-Uduaghan argued: Next Steps With the National Assembly in recess following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, plenary is expected to resume July 22, 2025. Akpoti-Uduaghan has notified the Clerk of her intention to return that day, barring further obstruction. Her lawyers warned that “all lawful measures” remain on the table should the Senate decline compliance. Wider Political Undercurrents Sources in the Red Chamber say senators are divided—some urging adherence to the court’s ruling (or at least a negotiated political settlement), others resisting on procedural or political grounds. Senator Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa West) recently urged a political solution in televised remarks. Meanwhile, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has not issued a public statement on the matter. Background Timeline Why It Matters The showdown tests judicial enforceability over internal legislative discipline and raises broader questions about representation rights, checks and balances, and politicized sanctions within Nigeria’s National Assembly. How the Senate resolves—or escalates—this case could shape future confrontations between lawmakers and the courts.