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$150m Aluminium, Copper Ingots Plant Berth in Ogun, Set to Employ 500
The current influx of investors to Ogun State has yet to abate, as another recycling plant for the production of aluminium and copper ingots has been established in the state. The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Neveah Ltd, Mr. Ibidapo Lawal stated this on Monday after a meeting with Governor Dapo Abiodun in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. Lawal noted that the multimillion-dollar recycling plant, when fully operational and at full capacity, would generate over $150 million annually and employ more than 500 people. He said the plant would recycle aluminium scraps from car engines, cans, and other metals into ADC 12 and export them to car manufacturing companies in Asia, Japan, Indonesia, and a host of others. He said: “The plant is situated in Mowe, and it will employ more than 500 people, thereby creating jobs locally and also contributing to the development of Ogun State and Nigeria as a whole. It will account for about 2.53 per cent of the entire non-oil export for Nigeria. “Initially, this project was meant to be situated in the north, but we chose Ogun because of its proximity to ports like Tincan, Apapa, and, of course, Lekki. “Apart from that, you think in terms of capital appreciation. Unlike any other state, you look at the return you are going to get in terms of investment. Ogun is very close to Lagos, and you can see that the price of land and property keeps appreciating.” The Chief Executive Officer maintained that the availability of skilled labor and expatriates, infrastructure like a good road network, as well as an abundance of gas, led to the decision to choose Ogun State for setting up the business. “Another thing is the availability of gas. If we set up our plant in another state, we would probably have to power our plant using diesel, but in Ogun State, gas is available, so it is cheaper for us,” Lawal added. He said his meeting with the governor was to brief him on the progress of work at the site and to seek his support for the successful takeoff of the plant. “The governor was very happy and quite supportive. It is interesting to see a governor who is willing and ready to work with the people, promote investment, and care so much about the people. It was a very productive meeting,” he said.
EFCC Arrests 37 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Port Harcourt
Operatives of the Port Harcourt’s Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC have arrested Thirty Seven (37) suspected internet fraudsters. They were arrested in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Tuesday April 8, 2025 in an operation code named “operation eagle sweep”. They were arrested for alleged internet fraud after the Commission received credible intelligence on their activities in various hideouts within the State. Items recovered from them include different brands and models of exotic vehicles, smart phones, smart wrist watches, international passports, Automated Teller Machine, ATM cards of different banks and laptops containing incriminating materials and documents. The matter will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.
Alleged N3bn Fraud: How Kogi State LG Funds were Laundered -Witness
The Sixth Prosecution Witness, PW6, Remigius Egu in the trial of Ali Bello, Yakubu Isiaka Adabenege, Abba Adaudu and Iyada Sadat on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, narrated before Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, sitting in Maitama, Abuja, how funds belonging to various Local Government Areas, LGAs, of Kogi State were allegedly diverted and laundered through private accounts. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC is prosecuting the quartet on 18-count charges, bordering on money laundering and misappropriation of public funds to the tune of over N3 billion. Bello, the first defendant is nephew of the former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello as well as the current Chief of Staff to Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo. Led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, the witness, a Compliance Officer with Zenith Bank identified documents marked “Exhibits E and E1” as having originated from Zenith Bank. He also confirmed that a letter dated March 16, 2022, addressed to the EFCC Zonal Commander, pertained to an account belonging to a customer, Adabenege, the second defendant, and contained transaction evidence from the bank. In his breakdown of the transactions, the witness told the court that multiple inflows of large sums of money from several Kogi State LGAs were traced to the account of Korforte Concept Limited on October 4, 2023. These he said were as follows: Ogori Magongo LGA: N14,844,640.57; Ibeji LGA: N18,629,944.51; Adavi LGA: N20,887,557.54; Kogi LGA: N17,929.59; Kabba/Bunu LGA: N18,460,569.12; Ajaokuta LGA: N22,764,334.70; Okene LGA: 20,758,710.37; Yagba West LGA: N18,234,063.61; Ofu LGA: N21,368,633.69. “My Lord, all the inflows were received on October 4, 2023,” he said. Before the inflows, the witness disclosed that the balance in the Korforte Concept Limited account was a mere N7,370 (Seven Thousand, Three Hundred and Seventy Naira) and that on the same day, a transaction of N110 million was made from the account to Adaudu one of the defendants. He further revealed that on October 5, 2018, more funds were funnelled into the same account from additional LGAs that included: Igalamela/Odolu LGA: N19,480,651.20; Olamaboro LGA: N19,089,517.01; Dekina LGA: N23,373,201.67; Ibaji LGA: N15,653,631.39; Omala LGA: N16,876,252.03; Lokoja LGA: N20,591,073.74. He also disclosed that a transfer of N21.9 million to one Musa Omuya was made from the account that same day. Further in his testimony, the witness disclosed that there were more inflows into the account on October 8, 2018, being N17,369,243.52 from Ijumu LGA and N17,471,549.57 from Bassa LGA. On October 10, 2018, he said that transactions from the account showed N10 million, wired to Musa Omuya and N5.1 million and N5 million, respectively, wired to Adaudu. Earlier in the proceedings, the Fifth Prosecution Witness, PW5, Oyinkosola Akerele Shukurat, the Managing Director of Forza Oil and Gas Limited, disclosed that the company, which also engages in foreign exchange transactions, received a payment from a customer, named Abdul Bashir for the purchase of U.S. dollars. She further disclosed that the dollars that were procured were sent to four beneficiaries, three of whom were identified as Fatima Bello, Na’ima Bello, and Zara Bello, for the payment of their school fees at the American International School (AIS), totalling $139,000. When shown Page 14 and 15 of “Exhibit D” series, the witness identified a payment of $49,600, with $44,700 sent to AIS on behalf of Fatima Bello. On Page 23 of the same exhibit, she confirmed another $44,700 payment for Fatima Bello. The final transaction, according to her, was $44,700 for Na’ima Bello. She was cross-examined by defence counsel A.M. Aliyu, SAN and Nureini Jimoh, SAN. Justice Egwuatu adjourned the matter till May 5, 19, 20, and 21, 2025, for continuation of trial.
Supreme Court CTC Vindicates Abure Executive
The leadership of the Labour Party ably led by Barrister Julius Abure has been vindicated by the content of the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Supreme Court judgement between Nenadi Usman and the Labour Party. This is contained in a statement signed and made available, Labour Party’s National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh, on Wednesday. “As promised earlier, we warned that Senator Nenadi Usman and her cohorts have been in the voyage of misleading Nigerians with wrong interpretation of the judgement of the apex court. (Attached is a copy of the CTC). “There is no where it stated that the leadership of Barrister Julius Abure led executive has elapsed or that Nenadi Usman and her National Caretaker Committee has been directed to take over the leadership of the Labour Party. “The Supreme Court emphatically stated that issues within the political party are internal affairs of the party and that party supremacy must be observed. “It is pertinent for us to state clearly that there is no vacuum in the leadership of the Labour Party. The highest organ of the party, the national convention has in March 2024 elected its leaders in line with the constitution of the party and electoral act and their tenure is subsisting,” the statement reads. The Party also warned that any meeting convened in disregard to the constitution of the party is illegal and the outcome null and void. “We are therefore warning all those involved in the illegal meeting holding in Abuja to refrain from further factionalising the party and respect the constitution of the party as we will not fail to activate the provision of the party on disciplinary actions.”
Herdsmen Attacks in Ondo State Spark Protests with Slain Farmers’ Bodies
Tension has surged in Ondo State following the recent herdsmen attacks in Akure North Local Government Area, where four farmers were killed on Tuesday. The killings prompted a large protest by angry youths and farmers, who brought the bodies of the victims to Akure in a desperate attempt to draw attention to the ongoing violence. The attack took place at the 13/13 farm settlement in the Ajagbusi area of Ala Elefosan, highlighting the growing insecurity linked to herdsmen attacks in the state. In a dramatic show of outrage, protesters—comprising farmers, youths, and residents—barricaded the entrance to the Ondo State Secretariat in Alagbaka, Akure, placing the bodies of the slain farmers at the gate. The protest caused a major traffic jam, stranding commuters and motorists for hours. Chanting solidarity songs and carrying placards, the demonstrators demanded justice and an end to the silence surrounding the repeated herdsmen attacks in the state. Speaking on the incident, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, SP Alayande Olayinka, confirmed the killings and the ongoing protest. He assured the public that tactical police units had been deployed to the affected community to prevent further violence. Despite the police’s efforts, the state government has not issued an official statement, leading many protesters to view the lack of response as negligence or indifference to their suffering. The traditional ruler of Adeshina Community, Chief Taiwo Samuel, also condemned the attacks, criticizing the government for failing to protect farmers. He noted that herdsmen attacks had become a regular occurrence in the state, with more than 20 farmers killed in Akure North alone over the past month. Chief Samuel warned that if the government does not take immediate action, communities may be forced to resort to self-defense, even if it means taking up arms.
Ibas Appoints Administrators for 23 Rivers LGs
Rivers State Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), has approved the appointment of administrators for the 23 Local Government Areas of the state. This comes less than 24 hours after a Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt reportedly restrained him from appointing administrators to oversee the affairs of the local government councils. The order was issued by Justice Adam Muhammed on Tuesday in suit No. FHC/PH/CS/46/2025 in the case filed by PILEX Centre for Civic Education Initiative led by Courage Msirimovu against the Sole Administrator in his official capacity. However, Ibas also approved the constitution of some boards of agencies, commissions and parastatals which he had earlier suspended. The approval was contained in a Special Government Announcement issued on Wednesday morning by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibibia Worika. The statement said the appointments take immediate effect. Mr Okroiyobi Animete was appointed as administrator for Abua/Odual LG, Mr Goodluck M Iheanacho for Ahoada East LG, Mr Promise Jacob for Ahoada West LG, among others. The statement read, “His Excellency, The Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas CFR, has approved the appointments of administrators for the 23 Local Government Areas of Rivers State. “He has also approved the reconstitution of some boards of agencies, commissions, and parastatals, earlier suspended. “All appointments take effect from Monday, the 7th of April 2025.” Recall that last week, the sole administrator had suspended all heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the state with immediate effect. In a separate development, Ibas also cancelled all pending procurement and tender processes carried out by Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the state. He said the cancellation became necessary following the Supreme Court judgment and the absence of an appropriation law within the period. The sole administrator, according to a previous statement also issued by the SSG, directed all MDAs that carried out such tender processes for projects in their respective offices to refund such fees to the respective contractors immediately.
Osimhen Makes Huge Transfer Decision
Victor Osimhen wants a move to the Premier League or Juventus this summer following the conclusion of his Galatasaray loan spell, a report has revealed. Osimhen joined the Turkish giants on a temporary basis last September after new manager Antonio Conte froze him out at Napoli and talks over a move to Chelsea broke down. Facing a season on the sidelines, Turkiye’s late summer transfer deadline offered Osimhen a get-out route which he gladly accepted, and the Nigerian hitman has been in tremendous form this season. The striker has scored 28 goals in all competitions for the Super Lig leaders, with Gala poised to enjoy a trophy-laden campaign despite their early Europa League exit. Regarded as one of the very best forwards in world football, it’s no surprise that Osimhen has been so productive in Turkiye. His stay in Istanbul is set to be brief, though. ESPN report that Galatasaray have no agreement in place with Napoli to buy the Nigerian superstar permanently at the end of his loan spell, and Osimhen has made it clear that he wants to return to a leading European league. Juventus in Serie A and the Premier League have piqued his interest, with Manchester United, Chelsea, and Arsenal among the clubs previously linked. All three clubs are in the striker market this summer, while Juve’s situation is complicated following the exit of Thiago Motta. The futures of Dusan Vlahovic and loanee Randal Kolo Muani are up in the air. Osimhen is on United’s shortlist for the summer, but Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap is said to be emerging as their striker priority. Chelsea have also shown interest in Delap after coming close to signing the Nigerian last summer, while Arsenal’s new sporting director is eyeing a move for Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres. The 26-year-old’s release clause in his Napoli contract, which expires in 2026, has dropped to £62.7m, but his salary demands, believed to be £9m after tax, may deter potential suitors. The Saudi Pro League is another potential destination, but Osimhen’s preference in regards to his future club means a move to the Middle East currently seems unlikely.
Kwara Shortlists 1,800 Applicants for TESCOM Job
One-thousand-eight-hundred (1,800) applicants have been shortlisted for teaching appointments at the Kwara State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), according to a statement on Sunday. The statement said the shortlist comprises 790 (44%) cleared for STEM subjects; 581 for core subjects; 370 for specialized subjects; and 59 for technical subjects— to be assigned to senior secondary schools across the 16 local government areas of the state in line with the needs assessment of the commission. Applicants who appeared for the interviews are to check their status on the portal, after which those shortlisted will undergo a mandatory drug test to ascertain their suitability to teach children, the statement added. The drug test will be carried out by the NDLEA and will be coordinated by the Special Assistant to the Governor on Drugs Abuse, Prevention and Control Hon. Mukail Olamilekan Aileru. The commission said the drug test certificate will be sent to its office by the NDLEA as no candidate is allowed to access it on their own to curb counterfeiting. “His Excellency has graciously approved full payment for the drug test for all the 1,800 successful candidates, underscoring his commitment to a drug-free Kwara State. The test will begin on Wednesday April 9, 2025 and end on Saturday April 12, 2025. Shortlisted candidates from Baruten, Edu, Kaiama, and Patigi are slated for Wednesday,” the statement said. “Those from Ekiti, Ifelodun, Irepodun, and Isin will be tested on Thursday April 10; Offa, Oke Ero, Oyun, and Moro are slated for Friday April 11, while the candidates from Asa, Ilorin East, Ilorin South, and Ilorin West are to have theirs on Saturday. “The message is very clear: We are as interested in sound education as we are in having only tutors with sound mind and character.” Successful applicants will also sign a bond not to seek or get transfer for six years, a policy response to the dearth of teachers in rural areas, it added. “Shortlisted applicants are to also come with medical certificates from any state government hospitals as well as the original copies of their credentials for documentation during which they will be required to drop photocopies of same for record purposes,” according to the statement. The statement said shortlisted applicants will also submit handwritten letters of acceptance of the job offer. Other conditions of service will be spelt out during the documentation process, it added. The commission said the shortlisted candidates can take advantage of their drug test schedule to begin their documentation at its headquarters in Ilorin. “We thank all the applicants who took part in this rigorous and competitive process. Our shortlist is exclusively based on merit, needs assessment, and equity, with zero political interference,” the statement said. “This is as strictly directed by His Excellency Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, to strengthen public confidence in our schools, encourage excellence, and give everyone a fair chance to get the limited government placement, irrespective of their backgrounds. “It is, indeed, another record breaker and we thank the Governor for this exemplary leadership. “These jobs were given to competent and qualified indigenes, non-indigenes, and persons living with disabilities once they come under the needs assessment and meet the criteria set by the commission.”