Category: Happenings

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court Abuja on October 30, stopped the CBN from further releasing monthly financial allocations to the Rivers State Government.

This is in response to a suit filed by the Rivers State House of Assembly, led by Martins Amaewhule. Justice Abdulmalik held that the decision by Governor Siminalayi Fubara to present the Rivers State’s 2024 Appropriation Bill to a four-member Assembly, that was not properly constituted, should not be allowed to stand.

Justice Abdulmalik specifically said that the governor’s action was a gross violation of the 1999 Constitution.

The court order essentially puts a hold on any further funding to the Rivers State Government until the necessary legislative steps are taken. This means that the state’s financial activities will be on hold until the House of Assembly passes a lawful appropriation act.

The House of Representatives has said it will invite an Abuja cabbie who was allegedly assaulted by one of its members, Alex Ikwechegh.

This was disclosed by Francis Waive, Chairman of the House Committee on Rules and Business when he appeared on a programme of the TVC.

“In every case where such things have been done, the House gives a privilege, opportunity rather, to every party involved to be heard. In this particular case. The driver will be invited by the ethics and privileges to tell his side of the story and the honourable member will also tell his side of his story.

And other people involved like whoever made those phone calls. And usually we do our things in the open, public hearing and investigative hearing are always open. And the public can be assured that we are always open,” he said.

A member of the House of Representatives representing Aba North/Aba South Federal Constituency, Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, has issued a public apology following an altercation with an e-hailing cab driver, Stephen Abuwatseya. 

In a statement released on his Instagram account on Tuesday, Ikwechegh expressed remorse for his actions and remarks, acknowledging that they fell short of the standards expected from a public officeholder. 

He stated that he had engaged in alternative dispute resolution with the cab driver, resulting in a mutual and respectful agreement. 


Additionally, the Abia lawmaker apologised to the Inspector General of Police, acknowledging the unintended harm his remarks may have caused to the IGP, his office, and the Nigerian Police Force. 

Ikwechegh also extended apologies to the leadership and members of the National Assembly for any reputational damage his actions may have caused the institution.

He wrote, “ I wish to address an incident that occurred on Sunday involving an unfortunate exchange with Citizen Stephen Abuwatseya, an e-hailing cab driver.

“What began as a misunderstanding escalated into actions and remarks I deeply regret, which do not reflect the values and character I strive to uphold, both as a citizen and as a representative of the people.

“I sincerely apologize for my words and actions during this incident. I recognize the distress and frustration this has caused Citizen Abuwatseya, his family, and the public at large. As a public servant, I understand the weight of my role and how my words can impact others.

“While I am human and not infallible, I remain accountable for my actions. Citizen Abuwatseya and I have explored alternative dispute resolution methods to address this issue and have reached a respectful resolution, which I am committed to following through.

“Furthermore, I extend my heartfelt apologies to the Inspector General of Police, recognizing the unintended disparagement my remarks may have caused to his person, his office, and the entire institution. I reaffirm my respect for the Nigerian Police Force and the Inspector General’s commitment to maintaining law and order.

“Additionally, I extend my sincere apologies to the leadership and members of this House and the National Assembly as a whole for any deficit in goodwill this incident may have caused. I am aware that my actions reflect not only on myself but also on this esteemed institution and the trust that the public places in us.

“This incident has been a humbling reminder of the necessity for restraint and self-control, especially in challenging circumstances. I sincerely apologize for any pain or discomfort my actions may have caused, and I am committed to learning from this experience to grow into a better citizen and a more empathetic representative of the people.”

Former Governor of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun, has revealed that his late mother carried him for three and a half years.

Amosun disclosed this during the 25th remembrance prayer for his late mother, Alhaja Rafatu Sanusi-Amosun, held at the Amosun family residence in Abeokuta.

According to him, “Beyond respecting our parents when they are no longer around, the best gift we can offer them is prayer. I spent three and a half years in my mother’s womb.

My father, who was not present at the time, even arranged for fuel to be bought to born my body if I did not survive the birth. When I was finally born, many people fled, unable to believe I was a human being, but here I am today, alive and well.”

Indian billionaire Ratan Tata, who passed away on October 9, 2024, at age 86, reportedly named his dog, Tito, as a beneficiary of his £91 million estate.

Tata, known for transforming the Tata Group into a global powerhouse, included provisions for “unlimited care” for his German shepherd, highlighting his deep affection for his pet.

Tata left a Rs 10,000 crore will, which includes provisions for family, loyal staff, charities, and even his beloved pet dog Tito.

The Ratan Tata Endowment Foundation (RTEF) is set to be the main recipient of Tata’s estate. The bulk of Tata’s Rs 10,000 crore fortune, including his stakes in Tata Sons and other Tata Group companies, will be transferred to RTEF, reported The Times of India.

Ratan Tata’s will also includes allocations for his close family members. His brother, Jimmy Tata, and his half-sisters, Shireen and Deanna Jejeebhoy, are among the beneficiaries. Tata’s trusted household staff, such as his cook, Rajan Shaw, and his butler, Subbiah, who have served him for many years, are also included in the will.

Shantanu Naidu, who was Tata’s executive assistant and close confidante, will also receive a share of the inheritance.

Also, Ratan Tata made special provisions for his German shepherd, Tito. The dog, adopted 5–6 years ago, is set to receive “unlimited” care. Rajan Shaw, who already looked after Tito, will continue to do so, with resources ensured by Tata’s will for Tito’s lifelong wellbeing.

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga says that his principal, President Bola Tinubu, is not unfeeling as painted by some persons on social media.

Onanuga said the President feels the pain of Nigerians and has assured them that better days are nearer than before.

The presidential spokesman, who spoke on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, said his principal is not T-pain, as “mischievously” nicknamed on social media. Onanuga said Tinubu has not come to inflict pain on Nigerians but to “repair the economy”.

He said “the President is aware that the citizens are going through some difficulties” but said Tinubu is not aware that some persons have labelled him T-pain on social media as “the President does not read what is on the social media”.

Onanuga said, “Some people have also responded and called the President a different name. So, as far as I am concerned, it is a non-issue. “Some people out of mischief just say somebody is a T-pain, He (Tinubu) is not T-pain.

A Sikorsky SK76c helicopter, registered as 5N-BQG, that recently crashed near Port Harcourt in Rivers State, was reportedly scrapped in 2018, according to investigations by SaharaReporters.

The helicopter, owned by EastWind Aviation, was transporting contract workers to the FPSO—NUIMS ANTAN facility when it plunged into the Atlantic Ocean. The tragedy occurred off the coast of Bonny Finima on Thursday, October 24, 2024.

The helicopter with manufacturer’s serial number (MSN) 760486 was manufactured in 1997.

Checks by SaharaReporters revealed that the helicopter was first delivered to Helikopter Service as SE-JFB. It was then bought by another aviation company in Hong Kong and registered as B-KCR. In 2004, the helicopter was bought by a Nigerian airline, Aero Contractors and registered as 5N-BGN.

A member of the House of Representatives, Alex Ikwechegh, on Sunday, assaulted an e-hailing (Bolt) driver who went to deliver a package to him.

The distressed driver whose name is yet unknown in a viral video filmed what transpired between them in Ikwechegh’s residence in Maitama, Abuja.

This is pure oppression and wickedness. 😦 so a Bolt driver went to deliver something to A Politician and this happen just because the driver asked the man to come to the car to pick up his stuff!
This is currently happening now at Maitama 💔#AbujaTwitterCommunity pic.twitter.com/Uk78pkWz0c

— UCHECHUKWU 👽 (@Yucee_) October 27, 2024

Gunmen in Enugu have kidnapped an official of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Emeason Chima. Chima, who is attached to RS4.211, Ugbokolo unit of the agency, was kidnapped on Saturday around Maduka University in Nsukka, Enugu State.

The gunmen are demanding N50 million ransom to release the victim. The official who wasn’t authorised to speak to journalists said Chima was driving alone in his car when he was attacked and abducted.

Meanwhile, an internal memo within the agency confirmed that the gunmen – using the officer’s phone -demanded for a ransom of N50 million.

“The Command Is In Receipt Of Information About The Kidnap Of SRMA Emeason Chima,” Emmanuel Al-Hassan, Ugbokolo unit commander said in the memo. “Place Of Incidence: After Maduka University, Nsukka Enugu Road through OPI junction, in Enugu State. Information extracted so far confirmed that the staff was driving alone in a Toyota saloon car when he was kidnapped.

Nigerian lawyer allegedly caught on video assaulting his wife in front of their two daughters after she confronted him about his ‘office side chick’

Opeyemi Mabawonku, a Nigerian lawyer with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), has been accused of physically a§§aulting his wife, Abiola, a former lead HR at Paystack.

Reports indicate that the incident occurred after Abiola questioned him about his alleged relationship with a female colleague at PwC.

In the circulating CCTV footage, Opeyemi is seen addressing his wife in Yoruba, warning her not to provoke him. When she tries to leave, he pushes her as she vows to inform her father of his actions. The footage also captures him using abusive language and hitting her with objects from the dining table while she screams for help.

Nigerian Lawyer, Opeyemi Mabawonku who works with PWC results to violently beating his wife, Abiola, former lead HR at Paystack right in front of their two daughters pic.twitter.com/o2ZGd5VPoL

— Oyindamola🙄 (@dammiedammie35) October 27, 2024

The Enugu state police command has released photos of the officer who allegedly killed male traditional Ogene musician, Chikezie Okezie Nwamba aka Igbo-Jah.

According to the police, the musician was reportedly leaving the Squad’s Headquarters after a friendly visit when, for reasons yet to be ascertained, the police officer identified as Inspector Ozonwanji Joseph, fired his rifle, hitting the victim on October 25.

The musician was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he was confirmed de3dby the attending doctor. His body has been deposited in the mortuary for preservation and autopsy.

The statement according to the state police PRO, DSP Daniel Ndukwe read: “The Enugu State Command’s Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, psc (+), in company of top officials of the State Government, today, October 26, 2024, visited the family of the deceased Ogene musian, Chikezie Okezie Nwamba (a.k.a. Igbo-Jah), to console the family over the unfortunate shooting and murder of the musician by a police officer.

Uju-Ken Ohanenye, the recently dismissed Minister of Women Affairs, was removed from her role due to what the presidency described as “constant drama” that had become an embarrassment to the administration.

Known for her outspoken approach, Ohanenye reportedly stirred considerable discord within the ministry with her assertive restructuring efforts.

Insiders noted that a key issue damaging her reputation was a contentious threat to sue the United Nations.

She accused the organization of mishandling and withholding funds designated for Nigeria, a claim that caused a diplomatic uproar.


Further exacerbating her fraught tenure, Ohanenye reportedly caused disruptions at two major events in Abuja.

According to reports, she insisted that the organizers should have obtained clearances from her ministry before proceeding with the events, leading to public scenes that drew widespread criticism.

A naval officer shot a colleague dead in Katsina during an incident that occurred on Friday.
In a statement, Edward Buba, director of defence media operations, said the officer “opened fire sporadically and killed a colleague”.

Buba added that the officer, identified as Leading Seaman Akila A, “has been arrested, disarmed and detained, and investigation into the incident has commenced”.

The Defence Headquarters said the naval officer committed the act in “questionable circumstances”.

After investigation, the case will be escalated to a standing court martial usually set up to address misdemeanour among troops, Buba said.

“Meanwhile, the administrative procedure for notifying the family of the deceased is ongoing,” the spokesperson said.

“Accordingly, we urge the media to exercise caution in reporting in order not to further demoralise the family of the deceased.”

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has aborted his trip to the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Summit in Samoa.

President Bola Tinubu had delegated Nigeria’s number two man to represent the country at the ongoing summit. But in a statement on Thursday night, the presidency announced that Shettima’s trip had been cancelled, explaining that a foreign object hit his plane during a stopover at JFK Airport in New York.

“The foreign object damaged the cockpit windscreen of the plane,” Bayo Onanuga said in a statement, disclosing that a ministerial delegation would now represent Nigeria.

President Tinubu, acting promptly, has approved a ministerial delegation to represent Nigeria at the summit in the Samoa capital of Apia while the plane’s repair has commenced.”

“The delegation, which will now represent Nigeria at the 2024 Commonwealth Heads Of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa, is being led by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abass Lawal. The summit began on the Pacific island on 21 October.

A bill seeking to make Sharia law not just a personal matter in the constitution has been rejected in the House of Representatives.

The bill seeks to amend sections 24, 262 and 277 of the Constitution by removing “personal” in the application of Sharia law. The sponsor of the bill, Aliyu Missau, said commercial entities find it difficult to operate, noting that the constitution did not envisage entities like Jaiz and Taj banks.

However, many lawmakers interpreted the move as an attempt to broaden the scope of Shariah law, which is often limited to marriage, inheritance and other personal issues. Bamidele Salam, a lawmaker from Osun State, said the bill should be rejected because it has the potential to derail the freedom enjoyed by all religions in Nigeria.

“We must be careful with any changes to the Constitution that could further widen divisions in Nigeria. In any case, the matters my colleague seeks to address are already covered by existing laws,” he said.

The BRICS alliance has added Nigeria among 13 new nations officially as partner countries, according to an announcement at the BRICS summit.

According to list of the countries published on its X handle, Nigeria, Algeria and Uganda are three African countries invited to join the bloc as partners. Other countries are Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Turkey, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.

It is important to differentiate between BRICS members and BRICS partners. Unlike a BRICS partner, official members possess voting rights in bloc affairs; full participation in summits and meetings & complete commitment & representation of the bloc.

BRICS partners are only allowed selective engagement & participation in BRICS affairs; as well as remaining participants in other international initiatives without full commitment to BRICS. However all of the new BRICS partners do have potential to become full members in the future.

After eight months in detention, Binance Holdings Limited’s executive, Tigran Gambaryan, has left Nigeria to reunite with his family in the U.S.

His wife, Yuki Gambaryan, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, a day after Mr Gambaryan left Kuje prison following the withdrawal of charges against him by the Nigerian government.

“Today, American citizen Tigran Gambaryan left Nigeria to return home to his family after eight months of unlawful detention,” said Mrs Gambaryan.

“It is a huge relief that this day has finally come. The past eight months have been a living nightmare. I wish it hadn’t taken this long for his release or that his health had not declined so much, but we can now focus on healing as a family,” Mrs Gambaryan added.

Mrs Gambaryan thanked the U.S. government and everyone who spoke up for the release of her husband while he was in detention.

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a loan of approximately $618 million from a consortium of financiers for the acquisition of six Italian-made M-346 attsck jets and ammunition for the Nigerian Air Force.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The Air Force had said that the first three jets are anticipated to arrive by early 2025, with subsequent deliveries expected to continue through mid-2026.

In recent years, the FG has significantly increased defence and security spending to combat various security threats across the nation, allocating about N3.3 trillion to the defence sector for the 2024 fiscal year.

Despite some successes, challenges remain as Boko Haram and other armed groups continue to operate in the Northeast and other regions.

FEC also approved contracts of N44.2 billion for the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to procure vehicles and construct residential accommodations.

Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo has said that it is not fair to blame only the Igbo for attempting to secede from Nigeria.

This is as the former Nigerian leader said the country’s three major ethnic nationalities had at one time or another attempted to break up the nation through secession.

The elder statesman recalled that there was a strong move by the North to pull out of Nigeria through what he called the vehicle of Araba.

“I think all of us in Nigeria have to rethink… It bleeds my heart when people say because the Igbo had carried out a secession, an Igbo man cannot be the president of Nigeria. I say what n3nsense? There is no section of Nigeria that has not planned a secession.

What is ‘Araba’ in the North? The North planned to break up Nigeria. Ahmed Jooda, a very good friend of mine, said that. What is treasonable felony? So, who among us can say I am better than the other? None! So, let us put our heads together and build a country together,” he said.

Months after growing calls for President Bola Tinubu to rejig his cabinet, the former Lagos State governor on Wednesday sacked five of his ministers.

The President sacked Uju-Ken Ohanenye as Minister of Women Affairs; Lola Ade-John as Minister of Tourism; Tahir Mamman as Minister of Education; Abdullahi Gwarzo as Minister of State, Housing and Urban Development; and Jamila Ibrahim as Minister of Youth Development.

He also re-assigned 10 ministers to new ministerial portfolios and appointed seven new ministers for Senate confirmation. “The appointment of Shehu Dikko as Chairman of the National Sports Commission. The appointment of Sunday Akin Dare as Special Adviser to the President on Public Communication and Orientation working from the Ministry of Information and National Orientation,” the Presidency said.