Category: News

Stay updated with trendbrio.com as we bring you the latest news headlines of today. Our dedicated section covers all aspects of politics news in Nigeria today, ensuring you never miss important updates. From politics today in Nigeria to Naija news updates, we provide comprehensive coverage of the latest events and developments. Explore our Naija news today and breaking stories to stay informed about the most pressing issues. Whether you’re looking for political news in Nigeria or the hot news in Nigeria, we’ve got you covered with timely and accurate information.

Fubara makes first public appearance after his suspension

Fubara makes first public appearance after suspension

Fola Badmus6 months ago6 months ago02 mins

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has made his first public appearance since his suspension from office following the declaration of a state of emergency in the state. The governor was seen attending a Sunday service at the headquarters of Salvation Ministries in GRA, Port Harcourt. Fubara’s appearance comes just days after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers on Tuesday, March 19, citing escalating political tensions and security concerns. As part of the emergency measures, Fubara, his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and all members of the Rivers State House of Assembly were suspended. In their place, Tinubu appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas as the Sole Administrator to oversee the state’s affairs for an initial period of six months. The decision has sparked mixed reactions from political stakeholders, legal practitioners, and civil society groups. Meanwhile, the newly appointed Sole Administrator has already taken steps to assert control. Since assuming office, he has held emergency security meetings with law enforcement agencies, traditional rulers, and local government administrators. During these meetings, he confirmed the release of withheld state allocations and directed the immediate processing of payments for local government workers. Fubara makes first public appearance after his suspensioIbas has also inspected the ongoing reconstruction of the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex, promising to ensure its timely completion for the stability of governance. Governor Fubara attended the church service with his Chief of Staff, Edison Ehie.

EFCC commences investigation of suspect arrested with $578,000 in Lagos

Fola Badmus6 months ago6 months ago05 mins

Operatives of the Lagos Directorate 2 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have commenced investigations of a suspect, Okorie Sylvernus Sunday, arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, by the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, with $578,000( Five Hundred and Seventy Eight Thousand United States of America Dollars) The investigations commenced on Friday, March 21, 2025 when the Area Comptroller in charge of the NCS at the airport on Friday, March 21, 2025, handed over Sunday to the EFCC for false currency declaration. The suspect was arrested by the Customs upon arrival in the country from Johannesburg , South Africa, on Wednesday, March 19, 2025. On arrival, he had approached the Currency Declaration Desk and declared the sum of $279,000( Two Hundred and Seventy-nine Thousand United States Dollar). However, an additional sum of $299,000( Two Hundred and Ninety-nine Thousand USD) was found to be neatly concealed in different packages, thereby totaling $578,000 (Five Hundred and Seventy Eight Thousand USD). During further examination, the suspect was found to have also concealed the sum of 100 Euros (One Hundred Euros) as well as a counterfeit $250 (Two Hundred and Fifty USD).” Speaking during the handing over, Harrison said: “ This is in contravention of the provisions of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011, which stipulates that any currency or other forms of negotiable instruments , where the value exceeds $10,000 threshold or its equivalent must be properly declared for inbound and outbound passengers.” Harrison, who spoke on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, added that “ The Command will be handing over a total sum of Five Hundred and Seventy-eightThousand, United States Dollar ($578,000) to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for false currency declaration.” While receiving the suspect, the acting Zonal Director, Lagos Zonal Directorate 2 of the EFCC, Okotie Eboh, Ahmed Ghali, commended the NCS for its cooperation with the EFCC. He stated that inter-agency collaboration was very crucial to achieving a common goal, adding that “We are here today to take over one passenger coming from South Africa for falsely declaring the cash he was carrying along . I want members of the public to be weary of this kind of act . It is incumbent on each and every person going out or coming into the country to declare any cash in excess of $10,000. It is mandatory by virtue of the provisions of our laws, especially the money laundering law”. He also appealed to the members of the public to desist from the act of false declaration or non-declaration, adding that the long arm of the laws would always catch up with anyone involved in the criminal act. “We will not allow anyone to sabotage the economy or the nation’s financial system. This is because this kind of act exposes the country to a lot of risks, in terms of money laundering; it also makes the country to be seen as a haven of fraud. We will continue to synergise to make sure we have a better country , a stronger economy and a more functional financial system,” he said.

Breaking: Osimhen revives Super Eagles’s World Cup hope in Kigali

Fola Badmus6 months ago6 months ago02 mins

A brace from Galatasaray of Turkey striker, Victor Osimhen were all the Super Eagles needed to revive hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be hosted by United States of America, Canada and Mexico. Osimhen broke deadlock in the 11th minute when he tapped in a free kick by his successor and the current African Player of the Year Ademola Lookman. Osimhen broke loose and shipped the ball past the onrushing Rwandan goalkeeper to increase the tally at the close of the first half of the tie. The former African champions now placed fourth with 6 points behind South Africa, who currently the log with 10 points, while the Republic of Benin and Rwanda are on eight and nine points respectively. Nigeria however must consolidate on her winning streak when they host the Warriors of Zimbabwe in Match Day 6 of the Qualifying series in Uyo next week, Tuesday. While Nigeria tackles Zimbabwe in Uyo, The Squirrels of Benin will play host to South Africa, and Lesotho would be Rwanda’s guests.

Sanwo-Olu appoints PR Professional as Tourism’s new Perm Sec

Fola Badmus6 months ago6 months ago02 mins

The Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture now has a new Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olanrewaju Bajulaiye, following his swearing-in alongside seven other newly appointed Permanent Secretaries by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at Lagos House, Ikeja. His appointment is part of the Lagos State Government’s commitment to strengthening public service leadership and ensuring the effective implementation of the THEMES Plus Agenda. With a dynamic arts scene, a rich cultural heritage, and a thriving entertainment industry, Lagos is a leading hub for tourism and creative excellence and Bajuilaye’s appointment is expected to inject fresh energy and strategic direction into the Ministry, reinforcing Lagos State’s position as a premier cultural and tourism destination. With him coming on board, the Ministry is poised to deepen collaborations between the government, private sector stakeholders, and cultural practitioners to foster policies that attract investment, boost cultural tourism, and promote indigenous creativity. Bajulaiye brings a wealth of experience from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. Prior to this appointment, he served as the Director of Public Affairs at the Ministry of Home Affairs. A seasoned public relations professional, he is a distinguished member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and a respected leader within the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ). His appointment is expected to usher in a new phase of growth and transformation for the Ministry, ensuring that Lagos remains at the forefront of tourism, arts, and culture in Nigeria and beyond.

Court jails 30 internet fraudsters in Ibadan

Fola Badmus7 months ago7 months ago06 mins

The Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has secured the conviction and sentence of 30 internet fraudsters before Justices Ladiran Akintola, Adebisi Adetujoye and K.B. Olawoyin of the Oyo State High Court, sitting in Ibadan. The convicts are: Gbadega Ayomide, Ojo Oluwapelumi Oluwatomiwa, John Odey Ade, Ezekiel Oluwatobi Damilare, Usman Olamilekan Hammed, Ogunjobi Oluwafemi Oluwadunsin, Abdulrauf Taiwo Adekunmi, Ariyo Adejuwon Iyanu, Ahmed Ridwan Tajudeen, Ayomide Adedara, Oyewale Opeyemi Kayode, Charles Nneji, Obaoye Testimony Isaac, Olisemeka Tochukwu Anakweze, Ojo Opeyemi Makanjuola and Taiwo Kayode Goodness. Others are: Bolarinwa Usman Gbolahan, Olawuni Gbenga Samuel, Segun Michael Balogun, Charles Ifeoluwa Olayode, Sule Taofeek Rotimi, Sodade Oludotun Tolulope, Adeyemo Waris Olabode, Akinnawonu Bidemi Raphel, Ayanda Samuel Oluwaseyi, Adeniyi Oluwasola Oluwatosin, Olorunosebi Toyyib Alabi, Okorie Ifeanyi Favour, Akande Opeyemi Babatunde and Siyanbola Oluwaseun Ibrahim. They were prosecuted on separate one-count charges that bordered on impersonation, obtaining by false pretence, retention of proceeds of crime and possession of fraudulent documents. The charge against Ibrahim reads: “That you, Siyanbola Oluwaseun Ibrahim “M” sometimes in June, 2022 at Ibadan, Oyo State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud one Austin Frazier via Facebook messenger did falsely represent yourself as Vivian Harding, a female from Chicago, United State of America, which representation you knew to be false, thereby committed the offence of personation, contrary to Section 484 of the Criminal Code Law Cap 30, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.” All the defendants pleaded “guilty” to the charges when they read to them, prompting prosecution counsel, Modupe Akinkoye, Oluwatoyin Owodunni, Chidi Okoli, Sanusi Galadanchi, Lanre Suleiman, Mabas Mabur, Shamsuddeen Bashir, David Olubode and A.M. Aliyu to pray the court to convict and sentence them accordingly. Justice Akintola convicted and sentenced Oluwatosin to one year imprisonment or to pay a fine N150, 000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira), Oluwaseyi to six months imprisonment or to pay a fine of N100, 000.00 (One Hundred Thousand Naira), Raphael to three months jail term or to pay a fine of N50, 000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira). Justice Akintola also convicted and sentenced Favour, Olabode, Tolulope, Gbolahan, Goodness, Makanjuola, Nneji and Isaac to six months community service each or to pay N100, 000.00 (One Hundred Thousand Naira) fine, each. Others convicted and sentenced by Justice Akintola are Ibrahim, Alabi and Babatunde who bagged three months community service each or to pay N30, 000.00 (Thirty Thousand Naira) fine, each. Justice Olawoyin on her part convicted and slammed Ayomide, Oluwatomiwa, Ade, Balogun, Olayode and Rotimi with one year imprisonment each or to pay a fine of N50, 000.00 (Fifty Thousand Naira), N100, 000.00 (One Hundred Thousand Naira), N100, 000.00 (One Hundred Thousand Naira), N200, 000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira), N150, 000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) and N200, 000.00 (Two Hundred Thousand Naira) respectively. Also convicted and sentenced by Justice Olawoyin is Samuel who got six months jail term or to pay a fine of N100,000.00 (One Hundred Thousand Naira). Justice Adetujoye convicted and sentenced Damilare, Hammed, Oluwadunsin, Adekunmi, Iyanu, Kayode and Anakweze to two months community service each. Adedara bagged one month community service. Their sentences are without an option of fine. Though Justice Adetojoye convicted Tajudeen, he cautioned and discharged him. Besides their sentences, all the convicts forfeited items recovered from them that include money, phones and a Lexus 350 car with registration number: FKJ–320–HW recovered from Anakweze to the federal government. In addition, Anakweze was ordered by the court to make a restitution of N8,731,000.00 (Eight Million, Seven Hundred and Thirty-one Thousand Naira) to his victim.

Alleged N33.8bn: I received N777m on Mamman`s behalf, spent it on his instructions -Witness

Fola Badmus7 months ago7 months ago08 mins

The Tenth Prosecution Witness , PW10, Mifbahu Idris in the trial of former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 told a Federal High Court, Abuja, presided over by Justice James Omotosho how he received the sum of N777,538 (Seven Hundred and Seventy-seven Million, Five Hundred and Thirty-eight Thousand Naira) in cash and transfers from bureau de change operators between 2019 and 2021 on the instructions of the defendant who also directed how they were spent. Idris, nephew and special assistant to Mamman, while been cross- examined by defence counsel, Femi Atteh, SAN, disclosed while reading his extra-judicial statement to the EFCC on April 17, 2023 that the sum were wired from different accounts owned and operated by Maina Goje and Abdulahi Suleiman who are bureau de change operators, which he allegedly disbursed to friends, family members, associates and for payment for household utilities on the instructions of Mamman. Earlier on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, the witness had during his examination-in-chief led by prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, testified that Mamman was his uncle and that he worked with him for two years in the Federal Ministry of Power, Abuja and that he also knew Mr Abubakar Bida, who works in the ministry too. According to him, “there was a day Abubakar Bida called me on phone, he introduced himself to me that Engineer Saleh Mamman said he should call me and that he will be calling me from time to time to meet one Maina Goje. He told me to go and meet Goje. Whenever I meet him, sometimes he will give me cash or transfer money, and he will say that this is for Oga. I will bring it to Saleh Mamman and hand it over to him. The cash can be in dollars and sometimes naira. He will say keep it with you, I will be telling you how to spend it. Sometimes, I use the money to buy foodstuffs, electricity units or send to his associates, friends and family based on his directives. I usually bring the money to his house.“ Testifying further, he said `I usually receive money from Maina Goje and Abdulahi Suleiman based on the instructions using Saleh’s Mammans name. It was Mustapha Abubakar that asked me to collect the money on behalf of Saleh Mamman which I spent based on instructions. It was Maina Goje that introduced me to Abdulahi Suleiman. Sometimes I will receive the money in my account or cash, sometimes in naira, sometimes in dollars,” he said. He confirmed his statement of account with GTB marked exhibit PWq, when it was shown to him and confirmed receiving N10million through it on August 26, 2021. He also confirmed receiving the sum of N10million through the same account on April 1, 2023, from Sharifiddin Global Enterprises on behalf of Saleh Mammah and he allegedly spent the money based on the defendant`s instructions. He also confirmed receiving money from FirstKlaz’s Construction Projects, Mintage Nigeria Limited, Spinhills Biz International, Fulest Utility Concepts and Silverlines Adventures which are accounts owned and operated by the bureau de change operators, Maina Goje and Abdullahi Suleiman. He further confirmed from his account statement that he received the sum of N10million on August 26, 2021, N10 million on April 16, 2022, and N1million from Silverline on April 10, 2022. Furthermore, he disclosed that he received another N1 million, on May 22, 2022, another N1million from Suleiman Abdulahi on May 7, 2022, another NImillion from Silverline Adventures all of which he said he spent on the instruction of the defendant. The witness further confirmed that he refunded the sum of N190million to the EFCC, which he said was given to him by Mamman. The Eleventh Prosecution Witness, (PW11), Goje Maina, while also giving his testimony narrated how he delivered cash to the former minister in his Maitama, Abuja`s residence . ” I used to carry cash to the minister`s house in Maitama and sometimes Mifbahu will come and collect the money. I can’t remember the number of times I have taken the money there, but there is a boy there that they gave me his number. Anytime I get there, the boy will come and I will open my car and give him the cash. The money sometimes was N20million, N25million or N30million or I will give him dollars in an envelope like $100,000 dollars. Mustapha Bida has never complained that they did not get the money,” he said The matter was adjourned till March 4, 5,17 and 18 2025 for continuation of trial. Mamman is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on a 12-count charge, bordering on conspiracy to commit money laundering to the tune of N33,804,830,503.73 (Thirty-Three Billion, Eight Hundred and Four Million, Eight Hundred and Thirty Thousand, Five Hundred and Three Naira, Seventy-Three Kobo).

News

Man bags 17-year jail term for defiling 7-year old

Fola Badmus7 months ago7 months ago02 mins

Justice Rahman Oshodi, of the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Tuesday, 18th February, 2025, convicted and sentenced a man, Sunday Okoronkwo, to 17 years imprisonment at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre, for defiling his neighbour’s seven-year-old granddaughter. His name will be registered in the Sexual Offenders Register as maintained by Lagos State. The trial judge, Justice Rahman Oshodi, sentenced Okoronkwo following his guilty plea to the amended two counts of child sexual abuse by penetration. Oshodi said: “You sexually abused a seven-year-old child who was your neighbour’s granddaughter.” “The prosecutrix’s evidence, which was corroborated by both your confessions, established that you had sexual intercourse with her.” “You have elected to enter into a plea bargain agreement wherein you pleaded guilty to attempting to commit sexual assault by penetration and sexual assault. “The maximum sentence for attempting to commit sexual assault by penetration is 14 years imprisonment, whilst sexual assault carries a maximum term of three years imprisonment.” According to the prosecution, the offences contravened Sections 262 and 263 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015. Okoronkwo was therefore sentenced to 14 years imprisonment on count one and 3 years imprisonment on count two and both jail terms would run consecutively.

President Tinubu mourns Edwin Clark

Fola Badmus7 months ago7 months ago03 mins

President Bola Tinubu has expressed deeply saddened by the passing of Chief Edwin Clark, former federal commissioner of information and respected leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF). Chief Clark, 97, was born on May 25, 1927, in Kiagbodo, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State. He led an illustrious life marked by dedicated service, at different times, to the nation and his community as a councillor, state and federal cabinet member. He was also a passionate advocate for resource control, economic and environmental justice in the Niger Delta. On behalf of the federal government, the President extends his condolences to the Edwin Clark family, the Ijaw nation, the people of the Niger Delta, and the government of Delta State. President Tinubu mourns Chief Clark and describes his passing as a deeply sobering loss. Reflecting on the life of the late statesman, the President said Chief Clark was a towering figure whose influence was felt across Nigeria’s political firmament for nearly six decades. The President stated that Chief Clark was a courageous leader who stood for what he believed in and was never afraid to stand alone in the face of injustice. ”Chief Clark spoke for the Niger Delta. He spoke for the nation. His views and interventions on national issues were distinct and patriotic. ”Pa Clark, a lawyer and educationist, believed in a united Nigeria, and until his last breath, he never stopped reaching out to people from different parts of the country to work together to preserve national unity based on justice and equity. ”As an astute politician, his political opponents never doubted his words’ weight, confidence, and conviction when he spoke. Indeed, a patriot has transitioned to the great beyond. ”History will remember him as a man who fought gallantly for the rights of the people of the Niger Delta, unity in diversity, and true federalism. ”I know many generations will remain proud of how his efforts contributed to national prosperity and stability,” the President said. President Tinubu prayed for divine comfort for Chief Clark’s family, friends, and all those affected by this significant loss.