Welcome

Category: Breaking News

  • Peter Obi Stops Airport Fight, Calms Drivers During Heated Parking Clash

    Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has stirred reactions online after a video surfaced showing him intervening in a dispute between two drivers at an airport.

    The incident reportedly happened while Obi was leaving the airport and noticed two men engaged in a heated confrontation over parking and vehicle clamping.

    Obi steps in to restore calm

    According to eyewitness accounts shared online, the former Anambra State governor immediately instructed his driver to stop after noticing the argument.

    “Without hesitation, Peter Obi instructed his driver to stop. He stepped out of the vehicle, approached them calmly, and pleaded with them to embrace peace instead of conflict,” a witness stated.

    The intervention reportedly helped de-escalate the situation and prevented further tension at the scene.

    Video sparks reactions online

    The viral clip has generated mixed reactions across social media, with supporters praising Obi’s calm approach and willingness to engage directly with ordinary Nigerians.

    Others described the gesture as another example of his hands-on public style.

    Not his first public intervention

    This is not the first time Obi has been seen carrying out similar acts in public spaces.

    In December 2025, he was spotted directing traffic during a major gridlock in Anambra State, where he stood on the road helping motorists navigate congestion.

    Months earlier, he also attracted attention after serving food to attendees at an event in Imo State.

    At the time, critics described the act as political branding, but Obi explained that many of the less privileged guests requested that he personally serve them.

  • Court Convicts Ex-Power Minister Mamman Over ₦33.8bn Fraud — EFCC Secures Guilty Verdict

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has convicted former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, on 12 counts of fraud and money laundering involving about ₦33.8 billion.

    Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment on Thursday, ruling that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

    Court finds overwhelming evidence

    The court held that Mamman was guilty on all counts in the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/273/2024.

    Justice Omotosho said the prosecution presented strong and credible evidence, while the defence failed to counter the allegations.

    “The evidence of the prosecution is overwhelming as against the scanty and almost absent defence of the defendant,” the judge stated.

    Funds diverted through BDCs

    The court found that the former minister illegally diverted public funds meant for critical power projects.

    According to the judgment, part of the funds was routed through Bureau de Change operators and converted into foreign currency.

    Mamman was also found to have made a cash payment of $655,700, equivalent to about ₦200 million, for a property in Abuja without using a financial institution.

    Projects affected by fraud

    The diverted funds were linked to the Mambilla and Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant projects.

    Justice Omotosho said the defendant breached public trust and failed to prioritise national development.

    He noted that instead of leaving a legacy in the power sector, the former minister “was living large at the expense of ordinary citizens.”

    Absence stalls sentencing

    Mamman was not present in court when the judgment was delivered.

    The court subsequently deferred sentencing and considered an application by the EFCC for a warrant of arrest.

    His counsel told the court that the defendant’s whereabouts were unknown, claiming he was ill.

    However, the judge referenced reports suggesting Mamman had recently been active in political activities.

    EFCC details case

    The anti-graft agency had presented 17 witnesses and tendered 43 exhibits during the trial.

    Mamman was arrested in 2021, months after leaving office under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The EFCC accused him of conspiring with ministry officials to divert funds earmarked for major hydroelectric power projects.

  • Rabiu Overtakes Rupert to Become Africa’s Second-Richest Man — Bloomberg Ranking

    Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, has emerged as Africa’s second-richest man with a net worth of $19.1 billion, according to the latest Bloomberg Billionaires Index released May 7, 2026.

    The new ranking places him behind Aliko Dangote and ahead of South Africa’s Johann Rupert.

    Wealth surge reshapes Africa’s billionaire ranking

    Rabiu’s fortune rose sharply this year, increasing by about $8.88 billion year-to-date.

    The jump pushed him past Rupert, whose wealth declined to $17.7 billion, while also improving Rabiu’s global ranking to 138th.

    Just a week earlier, his net worth stood at $15.9 billion, highlighting the rapid pace of growth.

    BUA Foods drives financial momentum

    Analysts linked the surge largely to the performance of BUA Foods, a key subsidiary of the BUA Group.

    The company posted a 14 per cent increase in profit after tax in the first quarter of 2026.

    Unaudited figures show earnings rose to ₦142.32 billion, up from ₦125.28 billion recorded in the same period in 2025.

    Despite an 11 per cent drop in revenue to ₦394.6 billion, profitability remained strong.

    Efficiency, cost control boost profits

    Reports attributed the improved earnings to tighter cost management, operational efficiency, moderated pricing, and relative stability in foreign exchange.

    The company’s performance appears to have strengthened investor confidence, contributing to Rabiu’s rising valuation.

    BUA Group’s expanding footprint

    Rabiu is the founder of BUA Group, a major Nigerian conglomerate with operations spanning cement, food production and manufacturing.

    Its subsidiary, BUA Cement, remains Nigeria’s second-largest cement producer and generated about ₦1.2 trillion in revenue in 2025.

    BUA Foods is also ranked among the country’s leading pasta producers, reinforcing the group’s influence in Nigeria’s industrial and consumer goods sectors.

  • Alleged Dangote Worker’s ₦146k Salary Slip Sparks Debate Online

    An alleged employee of Dangote Group has triggered widespread reactions online after a payslip said to detail his monthly earnings surfaced on social media.

    The claim, which remains unverified, was shared on X (formerly Twitter) and has since fueled debate over salaries and working conditions in Nigeria.

    Payslip breakdown circulates online

    According to the post by @UnkleAyo, the worker reportedly earns about ₦146,351 monthly, including allowances and incentives.

    The breakdown listed a basic salary of ₦30,758, alongside housing, food, transport, and utility allowances.

    Other components reportedly included ₦45,000 as transport support and ₦20,270 as incentives, pushing the total figure higher.

    Worker alleges demanding conditions

    Beyond the salary details, the individual also raised concerns about working conditions.

    He claimed that contract staff are not entitled to leave benefits and are expected to meet strict performance targets.

    According to the message, workers are required to visit as many as 75 outlets weekly, with activities tracked through an app.

    Mixed reactions trail claims

    The post has sparked mixed reactions, with some users questioning whether the pay matches the workload described.

    Others pointed out that the information has not been independently verified and should be treated with caution.

    The development comes amid broader conversations around wages, labour standards, and employment conditions in Nigeria.

  • Sultan Dismisses ‘Christian Wipeout’ Claims, Urges Nigerians to Stop Tagging Bandits as Muslims

    The Sultan of Sokoto, Saad Abubakar III, has dismissed claims that Muslims are planning to wipe out Christians in Nigeria, urging Nigerians to stop linking criminal acts to religion.

    He made the remarks on Wednesday at a meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) in Abuja.

    “No plan to wipe out Christians”

    Speaking at the gathering, the Sultan said fears of a religious agenda are unfounded and misleading.

    He stressed that Muslims are neither planning nor capable of eliminating Christians from the country.

    “We are not in any position whatsoever to remove Christians from Nigeria. No, it is not possible,” he said.

    Calls for accurate narrative on insecurity

    The Sultan warned against framing insecurity as a religious conflict, insisting that perpetrators of violence should simply be identified as criminals.

    “Let us get the narrative right. It is not about religion. Let us call them what they are, criminals, not Muslim criminals, not Muslim terrorists, not Muslim bandits,” he stated.

    Dialogue remains key — Sultan

    He urged Nigerians to embrace dialogue and mutual understanding as the only sustainable path to peace.

    According to him, mistrust between religious groups is often fueled by misinformation and ignorance.

    “In NIREC, we believe in dialogue. No matter how bad things are, we believe in dialogue,” he added.

    Warning against misuse of religion

    The Sultan also cautioned against individuals using religion to justify violence, noting that such actions contradict Islamic teachings.

    He emphasised that committing violence in the name of faith does not reflect true religious values.

    The comments come amid ongoing debates around insecurity and earlier international claims alleging religious persecution in Nigeria.

     

  • Customs Opens Final Portal for 2025 Recruits, Sets May 10 Deadline

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has opened its recruitment portal for shortlisted 2025 candidates to complete a mandatory final screening update.

    The Service said the process must be completed before the May 10, 2026 deadline.

    Final stage begins for shortlisted candidates

    In a statement released on Wednesday, the NCS said only applicants who successfully passed earlier stages of the recruitment exercise are eligible for this phase.

    Candidates are required to log into the official recruitment portal and update their personal information ahead of the final interview and physical screening.

    Deadline warning issued

    The Service stressed that failure to complete the update within the specified period could affect candidates’ chances of progressing.

    The portal will remain accessible until 11:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 10, after which it will be closed.

    Recruitment remains free

    The NCS reiterated that the recruitment exercise is entirely free, warning applicants to avoid fraudsters demanding payment for job placement.

    It said all communication will be conducted through official and verified channels only.

    Support channels provided

    To assist candidates, the Service said help desk contacts and official social media platforms are available for enquiries and verification.

    Applicants were advised to complete the required update promptly to avoid missing out on the final stage of the recruitment process.

  • Court Clears El-Rufai for Abuja Treatment Under Tight ICPC Watch

    The Federal High Court in Kaduna has granted former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, permission to seek medical treatment in Abuja under strict supervision.

    The approval covers dental and eye care and was confirmed on Wednesday by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

    Court grants supervised medical access

    According to ICPC spokesperson J. Okor Odey, the court directed the commission to escort El-Rufai to approved medical facilities whenever necessary.

    The facilities listed include Mile Dental Clinic and Skipper Eye-Q Hospital in Abuja, with instructions that he be returned to custody immediately after treatment.

    Application follows bail variation request

    El-Rufai’s legal team had approached the court seeking a variation of his bail conditions to allow access to medical care.

    The prosecution opposed the request, but the court granted it after hearing arguments from both sides.

    Background to ongoing trial

    The former governor was arraigned on March 24 alongside Joel Adoga on charges bordering on alleged fraud and money laundering.

    Both defendants pleaded not guilty, and the court later granted El-Rufai bail in the sum of ₦200 million with two sureties.

    Fresh bail moves face opposition

    In a related development, the ICPC has opposed a separate bail application filed by El-Rufai at the Kaduna State High Court.

    The matter was adjourned to May 13 for hearing, while the federal court has also fixed May 7 for further proceedings on the case.

  • Gunmen Strike Plateau Burial, Many Feared Dead as Mourners Come Under Fire

    Many persons are feared dead and several others injured after gunmen attacked mourners during a mass burial in Nding Fan District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

    The attack occurred on Wednesday as residents gathered to bury seven victims of an earlier assault on the community.

    Attack unfolds during burial rites

    Sources said the gunmen, who were reportedly hiding on surrounding hills, stormed the area and opened fire on mourners as graves were being dug.

    The sudden attack forced residents to abandon the burial and flee for safety.

    Eyewitness recounts chaos

    A journalist, Masara Kim, who witnessed the incident, said multiple communities were under simultaneous attack at the time.

    “While we were at the burial site, the attackers emerged from the hills and began shooting,” he said, adding that he saw at least one person killed.

    He noted that local defenders armed with hunting rifles were overwhelmed by the attackers.

    Communities under pressure

    According to local sources, at least five communities south of Jos were affected, with many residents fleeing as the violence escalated.

    The Berom Youth Moulders Association confirmed the killings and said an attempted attack on Rim community in neighbouring Riyom LGA was repelled by vigilantes and Operation Rainbow personnel.

    Police confirm earlier killings

    The Plateau State Police Command confirmed a separate attack on Nding Susut on Tuesday night, where five people, including four women and a nine-year-old boy, were killed.

    Three others were injured and are currently receiving treatment at the General Hospital.

    Security response underway

    Commissioner of Police, Bassey Ewah, condemned the attacks and announced the deployment of additional tactical teams, including mobile police units, to restore calm in the affected areas.

    He assured residents that investigations were ongoing and urged the public to provide useful information to aid security operations.

  • Court Orders Interim Forfeiture of Nine Abuja Properties Linked to Timipre Sylva

    The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the interim forfeiture of nine properties linked to former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Timipre Sylva, to the Federal Government.

    Justice Obiora Egwuatu granted the order following an ex-parte application filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    Court grants EFCC application

    The ruling, delivered on April 24 but sighted on Wednesday, directed that the properties be temporarily forfeited pending further proceedings.

    The court held that the assets are suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities and should remain under government control until a final decision is reached.

    14-day window for objections

    Justice Egwuatu also ordered the publication of the interim forfeiture in national newspapers.

    He directed that any interested party must appear before the court within 14 days to show cause why the properties should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.

    The matter was adjourned to May 25 for a report of compliance.

    Properties spread across Abuja

    The affected assets are located in high-value areas of Abuja, including Maitama, Wuse, Garki, Mpape and Dakibiyu.

    They include multiple blocks of flats, terrace buildings, duplexes, and a commercial property currently occupied by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

    EFCC cites unlawful proceeds

    The anti-graft agency filed the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/607/2026 under provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.

    EFCC counsel, Oluwaleke Atolagbe, told the court that the properties are reasonably suspected to have been acquired through unlawful means.

  • Dangote Refinery Denies Fuel Price Hike, Says Petrol Price Remains Unchanged

    Dangote Petroleum Refinery has dismissed reports suggesting an increase in the gantry price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), insisting that its ex-depot price remains unchanged.

    The clarification was issued on Wednesday in response to viral claims circulating on social media that the refinery had adjusted its petrol price upward.

    Refinery counters viral price hike claims

    According to the company, the reports alleging a ₦75 increase in ex-depot price from ₦1,275 to ₦1,350 per litre are false.

    It described the speculation as misleading and urged the public to disregard unverified information being shared online, particularly on X.

    Commitment to price stability

    Dangote Refinery said it has maintained its current pricing structure as part of efforts to support stability in Nigeria’s energy market.

    It added that the decision is aimed at cushioning the impact of global economic pressures and reducing inflationary risks.

    “Price remains unchanged” — company insists

    The refinery stressed that it continues to absorb cost pressures to ensure steady fuel supply and affordability in the domestic market.

    It also reaffirmed its commitment to energy security and the consistent distribution of petroleum products across Nigeria.

    Public urged to rely on official updates

    The company advised Nigerians to depend only on official statements from Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited for accurate pricing and operational information.