Abuja Archives | Trendbrio.com

EFCC Arrests Socialite E-Money For Abusing Naira

Our Reporters3 weeks ago3 weeks ago01 mins

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested businessman and socialite, Emeka Okonkwo, popularly known as E-Money. It was learnt that the anti-graft commission arrested E-Money at his Lagos residence on Monday evening. He was subsequently flown to Abuja. E-Money, who is a well-known figure in Nigerian social circles, is the Chief Executive Officer of Emmy Cargoes Nigeria Limited and Five Star Music. It was gathered that E-Money’s arrest is connected to allegations of naira abuse and defacement of foreign currencies levelled against him by the commission. The socialite was said to have sprayed US dollars, an act that contravenes Nigeria’s Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act. The EFCC has not confirmed the development.

EFCC Arrests 13 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Abuja

Our Reporters4 weeks ago4 weeks ago01 mins

Operatives of the Abuja Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. EFCC, have arrested 13 suspected internet fraudsters. They were arrested on Thursday, April 24, 2025 in their hideout in Kubwa, a suburb of Abuja, following credible intelligence on their suspected involvement in internet-related activities. Items recovered from the suspects include three laptops, 17 phones and two cars. They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

Business

Olam Agri Introduces Crown Thick Spaghetti: A Delicious New Twist on a Classic Favourite

Our Reporters1 month ago1 month ago04 mins

Abuja, Nigeria – April 2025 – Crown Flour Mill (CFM) Limited, the wheat milling and pasta business of Olam Agri in Nigeria, has unveiled a new addition to its product range—Crown Thick Spaghetti—at a vibrant launch event held in Abuja on April 16, 2025. Designed to meet the yearnings of the Nigerian consumers for Thick Strand size spaghetti, the new Crown Thick Spaghetti was enthusiastically received by distributors in attendance, who played a crucial role in its successful launch. The event offered a platform for meaningful engagement, reflecting CFM’s strong network and commitment to delivering food products that meet the evolving tastes of Nigerian consumers. Backed by Olam Agri in Nigeria’s investments in local wheat farming through initiatives like Seeds for the Future, CFM has become a trusted name in providing high-quality, fortified food options that are both nutritious and affordable. The launch of Crown Thick Spaghetti further strengthens its diverse pasta portfolio and its role in supporting food security in Nigeria. “This is more than just a product launch,” said Siddharth Suri, Vice President and Business Head at Crown Flour Mill. “We are unveiling new possibilities. this launch represents our commitment to progress, to better serve our communities, and to equip our partners with tools that can help grow their business and satisfy the ever-evolving needs of our customers. Crown Thick Spaghetti continues our tradition of innovation and excellence in food manufacturing.” Bola Adeniji, General Manager and Head of Marketing at Olam Agri in Nigeria, highlighted the product’s unique qualities: “Crown Thick Spaghetti was developed with versatility in mind—perfect for rich sauces or local favourites like Jollof spaghetti, stir fry, etc. It fills a gap in the market, and early feedback from consumer trials has been overwhelmingly positive.” The event also featured popular Northern music star and brand ambassador Ali Jita, who praised the brand’s consistency and wide availability: “CFM products are always of high quality, healthy, and easy to find. This new spaghetti takes things up a notch—it’s non sticky, filling and made with the Nigerian consumer in mind. I’m proud to be associated with it.” Alhaji Umar Buba, Alhaji Murtala Abdullahi, and Alhaji Namadi Inumu were part of the distributors present at the launch. They commended CFM for its strong partnerships and market-focused strategies.

NNL Holds Monthly Award Ceremony in Abuja

Our Reporters1 month ago1 month ago02 mins

The Nigeria National League has concluded plans to organize its monthly award ceremony for players and teams in the league on Tuesday, 15th April in the Federal Capital, Abuja. Chief Operating Officer of the NNL, Danlami Alanana, told thenff.com that the event will commence at 2pm at the West-Point Hotel, Zone 7, Wuse. Award categories include Best Behaved Team of the Month, Best Coach, Best Goalkeeper, Highest Goal Scorer, Best Goal, Best Referee and Most Valuable Player. Crown FC’s Oladeji Joshua has been selected as the best goalkeeper, having kept clean sheets in three matches, while Abdullahi Umar of Kebbi United FC is the most valuable player with four goals, among these a hat-trick scored against Kada Warriors – which happened to be the first hat-trick notched in the season. Umar also takes the highest scorer’s gong, while Solution FC’s Coach Emmanuel Duetsch is best coach and Gateway United is the best-behaved team, having remained without any form of caution in the period under review. Gateway United’s Babatunde Taofeek notched the goal of the season, and Ogunfolaju Joshua from Osun State is the best referee of the month.

Court Orders Final Forfeiture of Abuja, Kano Properties

Our Reporters1 month ago1 month ago05 mins

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on Thursday, April 3, 2025 secured a final forfeiture of two properties to the federal government before Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja. The properties are located in FCT, Abuja and Kano state. Both properties which are linked to Aminu Sidi Garunbabba, a senior staff of the Federal Inland Revenue Services, FIRS are a four bedroom terrace masonite with boys quarter, situated in Barumark Groove Estate, Plot 667 Cadastral Zone BO3, Wuye District, Abuja and the other at N0 5 Lodge Road, Kano State. The order was given following a motion ex-parte for their final forfeiture, dated March 16, 2022 and filed by the Commission, through its counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, pursuant to Section 44(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Section 17 of Advance Fee Fraud and other Related Offences Act, No 14, 2006. The court had on February 16, 2022, granted an interim forfeiture order of the properties and directed the publication of the order in a national newspaper to make for any interested party to show cause as to why the properties should not be finally forfeited to the federal government. Moving the motion for the final forfeiture order at Thursday’s sitting, the prosecution counsel informed the court that the property was reasonably suspected to have been acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities. However, the defence counsel in a preliminary objection, raised concerns that a public officer cannot be investigated and prosecuted when an ongoing administrative disciplinary action is yet to be concluded. Justice Egwatu after listening to the submissions of the counsel dismissed the objection and granted the request of the prosecution for a final forfeiture. The judge held that the matter was a non-conviction based forfeiture which is different from a criminal charge that targets an individual and the simultaneous actions do not amount to abuse of court process. “This case targets properties suspected to be proceeds of crime, the two cases are different. A criminal case requires proving beyond reasonable doubt while in this case, only a suspicion suffices. Both actions can go on simultaneously and one cannot abate the other. The parties are different, the target in both cases are different, one is proved beyond reasonable doubt and the other is reasonable suspicion. The issues are also different, a person cannot be allowed to benefit from illegitimate acts. The respondent failed to show any reasonable cause that the funds used in purchasing the property is from his legitimate earnings, so the request for final forfeiture is granted” The journey to the final forfeiture started with EFCC’s intelligence that unraveled the corrupt activities of staffers of FIRS who conspired among themselves and defrauded the Service of millions of naira under the guise of Duty Tour Allowances for non-existence trips.

Tinubu To Mark 73rd Birthday With Special Prayer At Abuja National Mosque

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

Ahead of his 73rd birthday on Saturday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, will join fellow Muslims at the National Mosque in Abuja on Friday for a special prayer session for the nation. He will also use this occasion to thank God for preserving and supporting him in the onerous task of piloting the nation’s affairs. President Tinubu’s birthday coincided with the holy month of Ramadan and comes two months before his administration’s second anniversary. On this significant day, the President will dedicate himself to spiritual reflection and supplication for Nigeria’s continued peace, progress, and prosperity. Choosing a prayer session reflects President Tinubu’s dedication to Nigeria’s spiritual and moral well-being and his commitment to seeking divine guidance, insight, and strength in leadership. He believes collective prayer is a powerful tool for guiding the nation towards progress and harmony. Tinubu invited the public to join the prayer session in spirit by offering prayers at their places of worship or wherever they may be, reinforcing a nationwide commitment to unity and shared destiny. He expressed profound gratitude to Nigerians for their unwavering support and goodwill as his administration works tirelessly to advance economic reforms, strengthen national security, and expand opportunities for all citizens. He stated: “I am deeply thankful to Allah for the gift of life and the privilege to serve this great nation. As I mark another birthday and look forward to our second anniversary, my heart is filled with Renewed Hope for Nigeria. I urge all citizens to pray for divine guidance, unity, and healing for our land. Together, we shall overcome challenges and build a nation where every citizen thrives.” The President reaffirmed his commitment to consolidating democratic gains, fostering economic recovery, and promoting national cohesion. He encouraged citizens to remain steadfast in believing in Nigeria’s destiny as a beacon of hope in Africa.

Dikko, Gusau inspect proposed NFF hotel, training pitch site in Abuja

Our Reporters3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau MON, on Wednesday conducted the Chairman of National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko round the proposed site for the NFF Hotel and new training pitch, which is adjacent the NFF Headquarters inside the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. This ambitious project is designed to establish a state-of-the-art accommodation facility intended specifically for the national football teams. The vision behind the proposed hotel, which has been a project close to the heart of the Ibrahim Gusau administration since it took office 28 months ago, is to free the NFF of the humongous expenses incurred regularly in accommodating the different National Teams. In drastically reducing expenses on accommodation, the football-governing body intends to redirect such funds towards more critical areas, such as nurturing local football talent and bolstering the overall infrastructure of Nigeria football. During the site inspection, Mallam Dikko and NFF President Gusau evaluated multiple aspects of the location under consideration. Key factors included the ease of accessibility for both players and support staff, the level of security provided by the surrounding area, and the proximity of the site to essential training facilities. Their discussions extended beyond site assessment, as they also strategized about the project’s overall timeline, budget considerations, and the potential for partnerships with private investors or corporate entities that might be interested in supporting the laudable initiative. They were in company with top NFF officials including the General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi and Technical Director, Coach Augustine Eguavoen, as well as principal aides of the NSC supremo, including Barr. Musa Amadu (former NFF General Secretary) and Mallam Salihu Abubakar. The NFF National Teams Hotel project is in alignment with the overarching mission of the NSC, which is to promote and enhance the development of sports across Nigeria. As the principal authority entrusted with regulating sports in the nation, the NSC is dedicated to endorsing programs and initiatives that bolster Nigeria’s sporting framework.

Sport heavyweights ready to volunteer at 2025 ECOWAS Marathon

Our Reporters3 months ago3 months ago04 mins

As preparations intensify for the 2025 ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon, key figures in the sports and fitness industry have expressed their eagerness to volunteer and contribute to the event’s success. The marathon, set for March 1, 2025, is part of activities to celebrate ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary. With thousands of runners expected to participate in the 21-kilometre half marathon and the 5-kilometre race, volunteers will be crucial in ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for all. Gabriel Okon, the Race Director emphasized the significance of volunteers in an event that dedicated individuals to handle various logistical and operational aspects. “Marathon is not just about the runners; it’s about the team behind the scenes. Volunteers are the backbone of any successful race, from registration and logistics to hydration stations and medical support. Their role is invaluable in making the event smooth and enjoyable for everyone,” he said. Application for volunteers opened Monday, February 3, 2025, and interested applicants can pick up a form at the Athletics Federation of Nigeria office, Moshood Abiola Stadium, Package A, Abuja. Members of the sports family including athletes, coaches, fitness trainers, and others have pledged to support the event in different capacities, from technical assistance to race coordination and mentorship for young runners. Expressing his delight at the overwhelming response, Okon remarked, “The enthusiasm we are seeing from volunteers is inspiring. From retired directors in the ministry, elite athletes, to community fitness trainers, so many people are eager to be part of this celebration of unity and athleticism. This is more than just a race—it’s a movement that brings people together for a greater cause.” Beyond the competition itself, the ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon represents an opportunity to promote health, youth empowerment, and regional unity through sports. With over $71,000 in prize money up for grabs, the event is expected to attract elite runners while also encouraging participation from amateur fitness enthusiasts. Okon stressed that the marathon is not only about athleticism but also about making a lasting impact. “We want this marathon to leave a lasting legacy beyond race day. It’s about inspiring people to embrace fitness, fostering friendships across borders, and promoting a culture of healthy living,” he said. Interested participants can register at www.ecowasabujamarathon.org or visit the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) offices, FCT Sports councils, and local athletics associations across Nigeria.