Federal Pensioners Vow Naked Protest on November 24 Over Outstanding Payments

The Coalition of Federal Pensioners of Nigeria has warned it will hold a nationwide naked protest on November 24 if the government fails to pay outstanding pension increment arrears and palliative allowances. National Chairman Mukaila Ogunbote, who also leads the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NIPOST Chapter), made the announcement at a news conference in Lagos on Tuesday. He said retirees would act if the Federal Government does not release the approved N32,000 pension increment arrears and N25,000 palliative allowance, both due since 2023. Ogunbote added that pensioners living abroad have expressed solidarity with their Nigerian counterparts and plan to join the protest from their countries, making it a global demonstration. He appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and direct the Minister of Finance and the Accountant-General of the Federation to release the overdue funds. He highlighted the hardship facing retirees, noting that many have died or are struggling due to poor access to food and medical care. “We were told our arrears would be paid within two weeks of approval, yet nothing has been done. If by November 23 payment is not made, all pensioners nationwide will embark on a naked protest on November 24,” Ogunbote said. Ogunbote also criticized the disparity between workers and pensioners, saying while workers quickly received the N35,000 palliative allowance, pensioners have yet to get the N25,000 approved for them. He urged the government to settle the arrears before December so retirees can prepare for Christmas. Francis Oluwo, President of the Civil Service Pensioners, accused officials close to President Tinubu of failing to implement directives and stressed that many retirees live in poor conditions, struggling to afford food and medicine. He said the naked protest was necessary to push the government into action. Bridget Obieto, Assistant Secretary of the Voice of Nigeria Pensioners Association, called on the Nigeria Labour Congress to support pensioners in securing their dues. She urged the President and First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, to prioritize retirees’ welfare so they can enjoy the festive season with dignity. Elijah Akindutire, Chairman Emeritus of NIPOST Pensioners, also called on the government to release the arrears, stressing that pensioners need the funds to meet basic needs. He encouraged a strong turnout at the November 24 protest to show retirees’ determination.

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Nigerian Priest Edward Daleng Appointed Vice-Regent Of Vatican Papal Household

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Edward Daleng, a Nigerian Augustinian priest, as the new vice-regent of the Prefecture of the Pontifical Household, the Vatican announced on Monday. The Prefecture of the Papal Household is one of the Vatican’s oldest and most important offices. It manages the pope’s daily schedule, public and private meetings, and ensures that all engagements are carried out smoothly and according to tradition. As vice-regent, Daleng will assist Archbishop Leonardo Sapienza, the regent, in organising the pope’s audiences with world leaders, diplomats, and church officials. He will also help coordinate papal visits, ceremonies, and oversee the operations of the papal apartments and daily logistics. Although the position of vice-regent is not formally recognised in the Catholic Church’s constitution, it provides Daleng with an opportunity to learn the workings of the Vatican household gradually. Daleng, born on April 4, 1977, in Yitla’ar, Kwalla, Plateau State, was ordained a priest on September 10, 2005. He earned a doctorate in moral theology from the Alphonsian Academy in 2012. Before this appointment, he served as general counsellor and procurator general of the Order of Saint Augustine in Rome, representing the order before the Holy See and liaising with Augustinian provinces worldwide. Speaking to Vatican media shortly after Pope Leo’s election, Daleng praised the pontiff’s connection to Africa. “He has Africa in his heart,” he said. “He has visited all our African missions several times and has come to Nigeria on at least ten occasions, including in 2016, when we celebrated for the first time the intermediate General Chapter.” Daleng’s appointment comes after Pope Leo visited Abuja, engaging with members of the Augustinian order and the broader Catholic community. This makes him one of the few Nigerian Augustinian priests to take on such a significant role in the Vatican.

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Federal High Court Adjourns Yahaya Bello’s Money Laundering Trial To January 2026

The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the ongoing money laundering trial of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to January 29, 2026, for continuation of hearing. Justice Emeka Nwite fixed the new date after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) seventh prosecution witness, Olomotame Egoro, could not complete his testimony on Tuesday. Egoro, a compliance officer with Access Bank Plc, was being led in evidence by EFCC’s counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN). During the proceedings, Pinheiro sought to tender several documents marked as Exhibits 33 (1–11) and 34. However, Bello’s lead counsel, Abdullahi Yahaya (SAN), objected, arguing that the documents had not been disclosed to the defence team and that the certificate of identification attached was signed by one Faruk Idiaro, not the witness in court. Yahaya further claimed that the documents were different from those listed in the proof of evidence served on the defence. In response, Pinheiro maintained that the certificate’s signatory was not material to the authenticity of the documents and urged the court to stand down the matter briefly so both sides could cross-check the records. The court granted the request and directed both parties to reconcile the discrepancies before resuming. When the trial resumed, Egoro continued his testimony, explaining the contents of the Kogi State Government House Administration’s bank statement covering December 2018 to August 2021. He identified cash withdrawals and deposits, including ₦50 million paid to one Aminu J.O. in ₦10 million tranches on December 21, 2018, and multiple withdrawals in favour of Abdulsalam Hudu on August 1, 2019. The witness also reviewed Exhibit 33-8, a statement of Fazac Business Enterprise’s account from January 2019 to December 2022, confirming several inflows from local government accounts across the state. The transactions included deposits ranging between ₦4.49 million and ₦14.45 million on May 6, 2022, and two additional inflows of ₦7.12 million and ₦9.4 million on May 9, 2022. Following hours of testimony, Justice Nwite adjourned the matter to January 29 and 30, and February 4 and 5, 2026, for continuation of trial. It would be recalled that at the previous sitting, the EFCC’s fourth prosecution witness, Mshelia Arhyel Bata, a compliance officer with Zenith Bank, testified that the Kogi State Government’s withdrawals did not violate any banking laws. Bata also confirmed that Yahaya Bello’s name did not appear as a beneficiary in the accounts linked to the transactions presented by the anti-graft agency.

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Wike Says He Won’t Be Intimidated By Military Officer In Abuja Land Dispute

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has vowed not to succumb to intimidation or blackmail following a confrontation with an unidentified military officer over an alleged land-grabbing incident in Abuja. Speaking to journalists after the clash on Tuesday, Wike described the situation as “unfortunate,” saying the altercation stemmed from efforts by the FCT Administration to stop illegal developments in the area. According to him, his team had gone to enforce directives issued by his office when soldiers reportedly intervened to stop the operation. “When they came here, I was informed that the military came to chase them away, and I thought they were acting illegally,” Wike said. “So today, while I was in the office, they came to implement the directive that was given to them by myself. I was told that the military had taken over the place, and I had to come by myself. It is really unfortunate.” The minister expressed concern that the officer involved appeared to be using his military status to intimidate government officials, stressing that such behavior was unacceptable. “I do not understand how somebody who attained that position sees that he has a problem and cannot approach my office to say, ‘look, this is what is going on.’ But simply because he is a military man, he thinks he can use that to intimidate Nigerians. I am not one who will succumb to blackmail or intimidation,” Wike stated. He further challenged the officer to present valid documentation proving ownership of the disputed property. “Where are the documents? I said, bring the documents. You don’t have approval for building, you don’t have it. How can we continue to allow lawlessness to prevail in this country?” he asked. Wike confirmed that he had reached out to the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff, both of whom assured him that the matter would be addressed appropriately. “We are not here to cause chaos, but I must say I will not allow this illegal development to continue just because he is a former Chief of Naval Staff,” he said. A video circulating online showed Wike confronting the officer and accusing him of using the military to unlawfully seize land. “Because you are an officer? Nobody does that. The man took land because he was the Chief of Naval Staff?” the minister was heard saying. Since assuming office in August 2023, Wike has intensified efforts to tackle illegal land acquisitions and unauthorized developments across Abuja, insisting that the capital’s master plan must be strictly restored and maintained.

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NAFDAC To Enforce Ban On Sachet And Small PET Bottle Alcohol From January 2026

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has announced that it will begin enforcing the ban on alcohol sold in sachets and small PET bottles from January 2026. Speaking in Abuja, NAFDAC Director-General Mojisola Adeyeye said the agency is committed to protecting public health, emphasizing that safeguarding Nigerians’ well-being is a top priority. The ban targets the production and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets and PET bottles with capacities under 200ml, with full compliance expected by December 2025. The move follows a Senate directive and has the backing of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. Adeyeye noted that small, inexpensive containers of high-alcohol drinks are easily concealable and contribute to misuse and addiction, particularly among minors and commercial drivers. She added that their widespread availability has been linked to domestic violence, road accidents, school dropouts, and other social problems affecting families and communities. She recalled that in December 2018, NAFDAC, the Federal Ministry of Health, and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission signed a five-year agreement with the Association of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employers and the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria. The original deadline of January 2024 was later extended to December 2025 to allow manufacturers time to adjust production and deplete existing stock. Adeyeye said the ban aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to the World Health Organization’s Global Strategy to Reduce the Harmful Use of Alcohol and is intended to protect, not punish. She stressed that the health and future of children and young adults must take precedence over short-term economic gains. Only spirit drinks packaged in sachets and small PET or glass bottles under 200ml are affected by the ban. Adeyeye urged all manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to comply with the December 2025 deadline, warning that no further extensions will be granted. She added that NAFDAC will collaborate with the Ministry of Health, the FCCPC, and the National Orientation Agency to intensify public awareness campaigns on the dangers of alcohol misuse, reaffirming the agency’s mission to ensure Nigerians have access only to safe and properly regulated products.

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Enugu Woman Arraigned For Falsely Accusing Husband Of Sexually Abusing Their Two Daughters

A 29-year-old woman, Chisom Okonkwo, has been arraigned at an Enugu Magistrate Court for allegedly defaming her husband, Ozioma Okonkwo, and giving false information to the police by claiming he sexually abused their two young daughters. According to a charge sheet filed by the Commissioner of Police, the alleged offences occurred in August 2024 at Adoration Junction, opposite Dan-Legal Hotel, Emene, Enugu State. The police stated that Chisom “defamed the character of one Okonkwo Ozioma by shouting in public that he defiled her two daughters, exposing him to hatred, contempt, and ridicule, and damaging his reputation.” The charges violate Section 323 and are punishable under Section 325 of the Criminal Code, Cap 30, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria, 2004. Investigations revealed that Ozioma Okonkwo was arrested on October 25, 2025, following Chisom’s allegations that he sexually abused their daughters, aged 2 and 5, amid a marital dispute. However, medical examinations found no evidence of abuse, leading to his release. In a second count, Chisom is accused of giving false information to detectives at the State Intelligence Department (SID), Enugu, on October 27, 2025. The police said she “provided false information that Okonkwo Ozioma defiled their two daughters, which led to his arrest and detention, knowing the claims were false and misleading officers into taking actions they otherwise would not have taken.” This second offence is punishable under Section 154(1)(a) & (b) of the Criminal Code, Cap 30, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Enugu State, 2004. As of the time of reporting, details regarding Chisom’s plea, bail, and upcoming court proceedings have not been made public.

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Wike Clashes With Military Officer Over Alleged Land Encroachment in Abuja

A heated confrontation took place on Tuesday between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and an unidentified military officer over an alleged land-grabbing incident in Abuja’s Gaduwa District. A video obtained by our correspondent showed Wike accusing the officer of unlawfully taking possession of a plot of land. The minister challenged the officer, questioning why the military would claim ownership simply because the property was once linked to a former Chief of Naval Staff. “Because you are an officer? Nobody does that. The man took land because he was the Chief of Naval Staff?” Wike demanded. The officer, dressed in military camouflage, insisted that his acquisition of the land was legal and carried out with integrity. “I am an officer with integrity. Everything was acquired legally,” he said. Wike, visibly angry, ordered the officer to be quiet, prompting the officer to respond, “I will not shut up.” The minister shot back: “You are a very big fool. As at the time I graduated, you were still in primary school.” The officer maintained that he was deployed to the site on official orders, but Wike escalated the exchange: “You will see if you will not leave here. Go and develop there and let me see.” As of press time, neither the military nor the Federal Capital Territory Administration had issued an official statement regarding the incident. Land disputes and illegal allocations remain a recurring problem in Abuja. Since taking office in August 2023, Wike has stepped up efforts to curb unauthorised land acquisition, illegal property development, and encroachments, ordering demolitions of illegal structures to enforce the Abuja Master Plan. Soldiers, Wike, FCTA officials, go physical to gain access to land in Abuja Soldiers Stop Wike, FCTA Officials From Gaining Access To Land I can not believe Wike is crying lol 😆 pic.twitter.com/If4ArIs17J — Emma ik Umeh (Tcee )🇳🇬 (@emmaikumeh) November 11, 2025

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Standard Chartered To Close Accounts Below N7.5 Million

Standard Chartered Bank has announced plans to close customer accounts with balances below N7.5 million from February 28, 2026, as part of a major restructuring under its new “Emerging Affluent Segment” strategy. In a notice titled Important Notice: Branch Network and Segment Update, the bank said customers who do not meet the Assets Under Management (AUM) threshold by the deadline will have their accounts closed. The statement explained that the bank is phasing out its “Personal Banking” segment to focus on higher-value clients while introducing a new operational model tailored to their financial needs. As part of this shift, several Standard Chartered branches will be permanently shut down beginning January 15, 2026. The bank said the decision supports its ongoing digitisation drive aimed at optimising efficiency and improving customer experience through online channels. “These closures build on our digitisation efforts over the past few years, designed to streamline operations, products, and services while better aligning with our clients’ evolving expectations,” the bank stated. Despite the sweeping changes, Standard Chartered assured customers that it remains financially strong and fully compliant with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s new ₦200 billion minimum capital requirement for national commercial banks. The bank reaffirmed its commitment to helping customers achieve their financial goals, noting that its mobile and internet banking platforms will continue to operate seamlessly for transactions and account management. Following the consolidation, only branches in Lagos, Abuja, and Rivers State will remain open. Founded in 1894, Standard Chartered is one of Nigeria’s oldest international banks. It was locally incorporated in 1971, sold majority ownership to Nigerian investors in 1979, and later re-entered the market in 1999 as a wholly owned subsidiary of the global Standard Chartered Group. Today, it continues to serve retail, corporate, and institutional clients with a strong focus on digital banking and international trade.

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