Welcome

Category: Breaking News

  • FG Moves to Evacuate 130 Nigerians from South Africa Over Xenophobic Attacks

    The Federal Government has begun plans to evacuate Nigerians from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks, with at least 130 citizens already registered for voluntary repatriation.

    The move comes amid rising concerns over violence targeting foreign nationals.

    FG raises alarm over attacks

    Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said the evacuation plan is aimed at protecting Nigerians as tensions escalate.

    She noted that more citizens are expected to register in the coming days as fears grow over safety.

    The minister also conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s concern, stating that Nigeria would not tolerate continued attacks on its citizens and their businesses.

    Nigeria summons South African envoy

    In response to the situation, the Federal Government has summoned South Africa’s acting High Commissioner.

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said discussions would focus on recent anti-immigrant protests and reported cases of harassment, violence and destruction of Nigerian-owned businesses.

    Odumegwu-Ojukwu stressed the need for justice, citing the killing of two Nigerians in separate incidents allegedly involving security personnel.

    Evacuation plan underway

    According to the minister, efforts are ongoing to compile a register of Nigerians in South Africa and arrange evacuation flights for those willing to return.

    She described the process as part of broader steps to ensure the safety and welfare of Nigerians abroad.

    Wider regional concern

    Reports indicate that other African nationals have also been affected by the violence, including Ethiopian migrants.

    Despite condemnation of the attacks by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, anti-immigrant protests have continued in some areas.

    There have also been reports of individuals being stopped in public places and asked to present identification, while some foreign-owned businesses were forced to shut down during protests.

    The development has drawn reactions across the continent, with Ghana also raising concerns after a viral video showed one of its citizens being confronted over immigration status.

    South Africa is estimated to host about 2.4 million documented migrants, although the actual number is believed to be higher.

  • NNPC Signs Deal with Chinese Firms to Revive Port Harcourt, Warri Refineries

    The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has signed a memorandum of understanding with two Chinese firms to explore the completion and operation of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries.

    The agreement, disclosed in a statement dated May 3, 2026, marks a fresh step in efforts to restore Nigeria’s refining capacity.

    MoU signed in China

    According to NNPC, the MoU was signed on April 30, 2026, in Jiaxing City, China.

    The deal was executed by NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, alongside Guan Jianzhong of Sanjiang Chemical Company and Bill Bi of Xinganchen Industrial Park.

    The partnership is expected to focus on completing outstanding rehabilitation work and supporting the operation and maintenance of both refineries.

    Focus on expansion, cleaner fuel

    NNPC said the collaboration would also explore expansion and upgrade options for the facilities.

    This includes plans to meet cleaner fuel standards, improve profitability and increase petrochemical production.

    The arrangement is further expected to support the development of gas-based industrial hubs around the refineries.

    Ojulari described the agreement as a significant milestone after months of negotiations.

    “All parties recognise mutually beneficial opportunities for the development and long-term sustainability of NNPC’s refining assets,” he said.

    Agreement not yet final

    The NNPC boss clarified that the MoU is non-binding and subject to regulatory approvals and further negotiations.

    He added that it is part of broader efforts to secure technical partners for the rehabilitation and long-term management of Nigeria’s refining infrastructure.

    Background on refinery projects

    The Port Harcourt refinery rehabilitation was approved in 2021 at a cost of about $1.5 billion to restore its 210,000 barrels per day capacity.

    Similarly, the Warri refinery is undergoing upgrades valued at around $897 million to revive its 125,000 barrels per day capacity and integrate petrochemical production.

    The Port Harcourt facility briefly resumed operations in late 2024 after years of shutdown but was later halted again due to operational and financial issues.

    The projects are part of NNPC’s wider strategy to reduce dependence on imported petroleum products and strengthen local refining capacity.

  • Court Remands Ex-Skye Bank Chairman Tunde Ayeni Over Alleged N8bn Fraud

    A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Apo has remanded former Skye Bank chairman, Tunde Ayeni, in prison custody over an alleged N8 billion fraud case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

    The court ordered his remand on Monday after he was arraigned on a 17-count charge bordering on money laundering.

    Court orders remand after arraignment

    Trial judge Jude Onwuegbuzie gave the order after Ayeni pleaded not guilty to all charges brought against him.

    Following the plea, EFCC counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, asked the court to fix a date for trial and requested that the defendant be remanded in custody pending proceedings.

    The court granted the request, ordering Ayeni to be held in prison custody.

    Defence pushes for bail hearing

    Counsel to the defendant, Ahmed Raji (SAN), informed the court that a bail application had already been filed and served on the prosecution.

    He appealed for a short adjournment to allow the court hear the bail application, adding that the defence only received the charge sheet on April 23, 2026, during a public holiday.

    Raji also urged the court to release Ayeni to his legal team, assuring that he would be available for trial.

    Court fixes date for bail application

    Justice Onwuegbuzie adjourned the case to May 13 for the hearing of the bail application.

    The judge, however, declined the request for immediate release, insisting that the defendant remain in custody pending the next hearing.

    EFCC probes wider fraud allegations

    Ayeni’s arraignment follows his arrest by the EFCC in Abuja on April 24 over alleged financial crimes.

    Investigators are probing claims that he was involved in the diversion of funds estimated at N36.5 billion and $30 million, reportedly obtained from Polaris Bank through companies linked to him.

    The case adds to a growing list of high-profile financial crime prosecutions currently before Nigerian courts.

  • Outrage in Kwara as Police Detain Teen Girl, Residents Storm Station Over ‘Arrest by Proxy’

    Tension has erupted in Kwara State after viral videos showed a teenage girl detained at a police station in Arandun, triggering public outrage and calls for sanctions against the officers involved.

    The footage, circulating widely on social media, captured angry residents storming the station to demand justice.

    Residents demand answers

    Videos posted online showed a crowd gathering at the police station, insisting on either the release of the girl or her formal prosecution.

    The teenager was reportedly held in detention for three days, raising concerns among residents about due process and police conduct.

    The situation quickly escalated as community members confronted officers over the circumstances of her arrest.

    Mother alleges ‘wrongful detention’

    In one of the videos, the girl’s mother explained that the police initially arrested her over an issue involving another child.

    She said she was detained for three days before securing her release on bail.

    According to her, officers later returned and arrested her 16-year-old daughter, who she insists is not connected to the alleged offence.

    Concerns over ‘arrest by proxy’

    The development has reignited concerns about “arrest by proxy,” a practice previously condemned by the Nigeria Police Force.

    In 2024, the police described the act as unacceptable and warned against detaining individuals in place of actual suspects.

    The latest incident has drawn criticism online, with many Nigerians questioning why a minor would be held under such circumstances.

    Police yet to respond

    As of the time of filing this report, efforts to obtain an official response from the Kwara State Police Command were unsuccessful.

    The incident continues to generate reactions, with calls for accountability and adherence to established legal procedures.

  • US Lifts Visa Freeze on Foreign Doctors, Nigerians Resume Applications

    The United States government has reversed its earlier policy suspending visa processing for foreign-trained doctors, allowing physicians from Nigeria and about 38 other countries to resume their applications.

    The decision follows months of disruption that left many affected doctors unable to practise.

    Policy shift after months of disruption

    The restriction, introduced in January, had halted visa extensions, work permits, and green card processing for citizens of nearly 39 countries under the US travel ban framework.

    The move affected thousands of foreign-trained doctors, including Nigerians, many of whom were placed on administrative leave or faced uncertainty over their employment status.

    Doctors now exempted

    The US Citizenship and Immigration Services has now updated its guidelines, exempting medical doctors from the freeze.

    A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security confirmed the change, stating that applications involving medical physicians will continue to be processed.

    The update effectively restores pathways for affected doctors to continue working legally in the United States.

    Healthcare shortage drives reversal

    The policy reversal comes amid mounting pressure on the US healthcare system, which is grappling with a shortage of about 65,000 doctors.

    Experts warn the gap could widen significantly in the coming years if staffing challenges persist.

    Foreign-trained physicians account for roughly 25 percent of the US medical workforce, playing a critical role in primary care delivery, especially in rural and underserved areas.

    Relief for Nigerian doctors

    With processing now resumed, Nigerian doctors affected by the policy are expected to return to active practice or continue their application processes without further delay.

    The development is also seen as a relief for US hospitals that rely heavily on foreign-trained professionals to sustain operations.

  • JAMB Fixes May 11 Policy Meeting to Decide 2026 Admission Cut-Off Marks

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has fixed May 11, 2026, for its annual policy meeting to determine admission guidelines for tertiary institutions.

    Meeting to set cut-off marks

    JAMB said the meeting will decide the minimum Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) cut-off marks for universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education for the 2026/2027 academic session.

    The announcement was made in a statement issued on Sunday by the board’s spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin.

    Key stakeholders to attend

    According to JAMB, the meeting will hold in Abuja and bring together major players in the education sector.

    Participants are expected to include vice-chancellors, rectors, provosts, registrars, and admission officers from institutions across the country.

    Representatives of regulatory bodies such as the National Universities Commission, National Commission for Colleges of Education, and the National Board for Technical Education will also be present.

    Minister to unveil policy direction

    The board disclosed that the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, will outline key policy directions for the upcoming admission cycle.

    JAMB said the meeting will formally set the tone for the admission process and ensure institutions comply with approved guidelines.

    Focus on transparency and coordination

    Benjamin noted that the gathering will allow stakeholders to review challenges affecting admissions and agree on a framework for the new academic session.

    He added that goodwill messages will be delivered by key institutions, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund and the National Youth Service Corps.

    According to him, this reflects the need for coordinated planning in managing admissions and national manpower development.

    Awards to recognise compliance

    The statement added that the sixth edition of the National Tertiary Admissions Performance-Merit Awards will be held during the event.

    JAMB said the initiative has improved transparency and strengthened adherence to admission guidelines across institutions.

    The outcome of the meeting is expected to guide admission processes for the 2026/2027 academic session.

  • Army Explains Arrest of ‘Justice Crack’, Denies Rights Abuse Allegations

    The Nigerian Army has clarified the circumstances surrounding the arrest of social media influencer Justice Mark Chidiebere, popularly known as Justice Crack, following complaints linked to posts about soldiers’ welfare.

    Army cites welfare complaints, social media posts

    In a statement issued on May 2, Acting Director Army Public Relations, Appolonia Anele, said the case began after some soldiers raised concerns about feeding and welfare, which were later shared online by the blogger.

    The Army said the development triggered an internal review in line with its social media policy.

    Allegations of incitement raised

    According to the statement, preliminary findings suggest that the influencer engaged the soldiers in conversations that went beyond welfare issues.

    The Army alleged that some of the discussions bordered on incitement and attempts to create discontent within the ranks.

    “It is important to state that a situation where civilians cultivate vulnerable personnel towards acts of subversion has far-reaching implications on discipline and national security,” the statement noted.

    Blogger, soldiers taken into custody

    The Army confirmed that both the blogger and the affected soldiers were taken into custody for investigation.

    It added that while the soldiers remain under military custody, Justice Chidiebere has been handed over to civil authorities for further action.

    Army insists on rule of law

    The military maintained that its actions were within legal boundaries and aimed at preserving discipline and national security.

    “The Nigerian Army remains committed to the rule of law and will continue to collaborate with relevant agencies to ensure justice is served,” the statement added.

  • Malema Blasts Xenophobic Attacks, Questions Job Claims as Nigerians Targeted in South Africa

    Julius Malema, leader of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has condemned rising xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals, including Nigerians, questioning the justification behind the violence.

    Malema challenges narrative on job losses

    Speaking amid growing tension, Malema criticised claims that immigrants are responsible for unemployment in South Africa.

    “You say Zimbabweans take your job, Nigerians take your jobs… after doing all this, how many jobs have you created,” he asked.

    He argued that attacks on foreign nationals have failed to produce any economic benefit.

    Destruction of businesses under fire

    Malema also condemned the destruction of immigrant-owned businesses, noting that such actions only worsen unemployment.

    “You close a shop that hires five people… after closing that shop, how many jobs have you created,” he said.

    He described those behind the attacks as lacking the capacity to address economic challenges constructively.

    Rejects politics built on division

    The EFF leader distanced himself from rhetoric that promotes hostility toward other Africans, insisting he would not seek support based on hate.

    “I don’t want votes that say to me, I must hate Africans for you to vote for me,” he stated.

    Nigerian government raises alarm

    The comments come as Nigerians in South Africa report renewed harassment, intimidation, and violence, with businesses looted and communities destabilised.

    The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) condemned the situation, describing it as worsening despite diplomatic efforts.

    “While many expected a de-escalation… the situation on the ground is deteriorating,” NIDCOM chairman Abike Dabiri-Erewa said.

    Deaths and fear grip affected communities

    NIDCOM disclosed that children of Nigerian descent are increasingly afraid to attend school, while many business owners have shut down over safety concerns.

    The Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg also confirmed the deaths of two Nigerians, Amaramiro Emmanuel and Ekpenyong Andrew, amid the unrest.

    The commission called for urgent intervention, including increased security in affected communities and an end to profiling of Nigerians.

     

  • Court Hears Details of Alleged Coup Plot Against Tinubu as Army Witness Testifies

    An army officer has told the Federal High Court in Abuja how investigators uncovered an alleged plot to overthrow President Bola Tinubu, detailing financial links, meetings, and operational plans tied to the suspects.

    Witness reveals origin of investigation

    The witness, identified as “AAA,” said he was part of the investigative team set up after the Chief of Army Staff received intelligence about a planned coup involving Colonel M. A. Ma’aji and others.

    He explained that the intelligence report was analysed and confirmed credible before directives were issued to launch a full investigation into the alleged plot.

    According to him, the probe led to the arrest of Col. Ma’aji and the recovery of key items, including a Samsung phone and a jotter containing sensitive information.

    Recovered items expose alleged plans

    The witness told the court that the recovered jotter contained operational details, including names of top government officials and security officers allegedly marked for assassination.

    He added that further forensic analysis of the phone revealed deeper links between the suspects and other individuals standing trial.

    “Inside the jotter, we found plans for political and structural changes after the coup, as well as names of officials to be targeted,” he said.

    Financial trails and transactions uncovered

    The court also heard that investigators traced multiple financial transactions allegedly linked to the coup plot through a company identified as Purple Wave.

    According to the witness, several large sums, including ₦100 million and ₦50 million transfers, were moved across different dates in September and October 2025.

    He stated that although the transactions were labelled for unrelated purposes, investigations suggested they were used to fund the alleged plot.

    “We observed financial trails between some of the defendants and Col. Ma’aji. Monies were paid in pursuit of the coup,” he said.

    Meetings and strategy sessions detailed

    The witness further revealed that meetings were held in locations such as Green Land Apartment and BrookVille Hotel in Abuja, where discussions allegedly centred on regime change.

    He said the plotters mapped out key targets, including military barracks and major roads, and shared roles among themselves ahead of the planned operation.

    “The plotters discussed taking over key infrastructure and even shared appointments for after the coup,” he added.

    Court admits evidence amid objections

    During proceedings, the court admitted several documents, including hotel records and extracts from the recovered phone, despite objections from defence lawyers.

    Justice Joyce Abdulmalik also ruled in favour of the prosecution’s request to shield the identities of certain witnesses, citing the sensitive nature of the case.

    She held that the law permits such measures in cases involving national security and terrorism concerns.

    Charges and next hearing date

    The defendants are facing charges including treason, terrorism, money laundering, and failure to disclose security intelligence.

    They were arraigned on April 22 and pleaded not guilty to the 13-count charge.

    The court has adjourned further hearing in the matter to May 4 and 5 as proceedings continue.

  • Ibadan Motorcyclist Dies During Police Stop, Outpost Burnt as Tension Escalates

    A 35-year-old motorcyclist, Sanni Salisu, has died after reportedly suffering a seizure during a police stop-and-search operation in Moniya, Ibadan, triggering unrest in the area.

    Incident during police operation

    The Oyo State Police Command said the incident occurred in the Moniya axis, involving officers attached to the Kara Police Outpost.

    According to the command’s spokesperson, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, the officers were allegedly carrying out an unauthorised stop-and-search when they intercepted the victim.

    During the interaction, Salisu reportedly developed what appeared to be an epileptic seizure and became unresponsive.

    Emergency response and death confirmation

    Police said the officers quickly transported him to Modupe Hospital in Akinyele in an attempt to save his life.

    However, he was confirmed dead by medical personnel on arrival.

    The body has since been deposited at Adeoyo State Hospital Mortuary for autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

    Violence erupts in community

    The incident sparked tension in the area, with some residents reportedly acting on unverified information.

    Angry individuals attacked the Kara Police Outpost, setting parts of the facility ablaze.

    Police confirmed that three motorcycles and a Mazda patrol vehicle were destroyed during the unrest, while one officer sustained severe burns.

    Police take action

    The command said reinforcements were deployed to restore order, and the officers involved in the operation have been taken into custody.

    Authorities added that further investigation is ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.