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  • Abdul Samad Rabiu Reveals How South Africa Denied Him Entry Over Expired Visa

    Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, has recounted how he was denied entry into South Africa after discovering that his visa expired a day before arrival, while European travellers were reportedly allowed into the country without visas.

    Rabiu shared the experience on Thursday while speaking at the Africa CEO Forum held in Kigali.

    ‘I Was Turned Back to Lagos’

    According to the billionaire businessman, the incident happened in February 2025 when he travelled from Lagos to Cape Town for the Mining Indaba conference.

    Rabiu explained that he arrived in South Africa early in the morning and only discovered at the immigration desk that his visa had expired a day earlier.

    “I had a personal experience. Last year February, I was travelling to Cape Town for the mining Indaba. And as we landed. I left at night from Lagos to Cape Town. We arrived at 6 in the morning,” he said.

    “As we arrived, we went to the immigration. I tendered my passport, and the immigration officer looked at it and was like, where is your visa, and I said, ‘My visa is there’. Unknown to me, my visa had expired the day before.”

    He blamed the situation partly on his travel crew for failing to confirm the visa validity before departure.

    “Unfortunately, our crew did not check the visa to ensure the visa were valid. We were there for four hours, but at the end of the day, I had to turn back. I was turned back to Lagos,” he added.

    ‘Europeans Entered Freely’

    Rabiu, however, said what troubled him most was watching passengers from Europe enter South Africa freely without visas while he, an African travelling within Africa, was denied access.

    “But the issue is, while we were waiting to see whether we would be able to get access to the countries without the visas, there were like three international flights from Europe. All three flights were mostly Europeans,” he said.

    “I was standing there by the immigration desk, and every passenger on those three flights went into Cape Town without any visa.”

    The businessman stressed that he accepted responsibility for travelling with an expired visa but insisted that the broader issue reflects the difficulties Africans still face moving across the continent.

    “I do not have a problem with the fact that I was there without the visa and I was returned. I took full responsibility of that,” he stated.

    “I had an issue with being an African in Africa, being turned away because I do not have a visa and foreigners from other continents were coming in and were allowed to enter without a visa. This must change.”

    AfCFTA ‘Not Working as It Should’

    Rabiu also criticised the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area framework, saying many African countries still create barriers that frustrate regional business expansion.

    According to him, BUA Group encountered several administrative obstacles while trying to expand trade operations across African markets under the AfCFTA arrangement.

    “At BUA Group, as we expanded our regional investment, we actively sought to supply several African markets under the AfCFTA framework,” he said.

    “While some countries embraced the spirit of agreement, others were less supportive in practice, with administrative barriers, legacy import structures limiting our ability to participate fully in regional trade.”

    He added that the uneven implementation of the trade agreement continues to weaken Africa’s economic integration goals.

    “So really, AfCFTA is not working as it should. Because I had a personal experience in one of the countries that we tried to penetrate, we were actually frustrated,” Rabiu said.

    The businessman described AfCFTA as one of the world’s most ambitious economic integration projects, noting that its success depends largely on practical execution rather than policy promises alone.

  • Dangote Reveals Why He Refused to Buy Arsenal Despite Longtime Interest

    Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has revealed why he abandoned his long-standing ambition of purchasing Arsenal, despite coming close to making a move for the club.

    Dangote disclosed this during an interview with Nicolai Tangen, where he explained that he chose to focus his resources on completing the massive Dangote Refinery project instead.

    ‘I Nearly Bought Arsenal’

    The billionaire businessman said Arsenal was valued at around $2 billion at the time he seriously considered acquiring the club.

    According to him, he had to make a difficult decision between investing heavily in football ownership or concentrating on completing the refinery project, which later became one of Africa’s biggest industrial investments.

    “I’m a big Arsenal fan, yes, I nearly bought the team,” Dangote said.

    “When I was focused on buying Arsenal, I was also focused on the refinery getting to its completion. At the time, Arsenal was worth about 2 billion dollars, so I asked myself: should I put my 2 million dollars in Arsenal and allow the business to suffer, or continue the business and continue to remain a very big supporter of Arsenal?”

    Why He Chose Business Over Football

    Dangote said he eventually decided that remaining a loyal supporter of Arsenal made more sense than taking over ownership of the North London club.

    He added that his passion for the club remains strong, noting that he still follows their matches closely and proudly wears Arsenal jerseys whenever they play.

    “So I decided to continue to support them, watch their games. Any time Arsenal plays, I always wear the jersey. I am a fan, it is better I remain as a fan and continue to fund my business,” he said.

    Arsenal Now Too Expensive

    The billionaire also admitted that Arsenal’s current valuation has made any future takeover attempt less appealing financially.

    According to him, the club’s market value has risen sharply over the years, changing the economics of any potential deal.

    “And today they are worth billions, it is not worth the while,” he added.

    Dangote has repeatedly expressed admiration for Arsenal over the years, with previous comments about his interest in owning the club generating attention among football fans and business observers alike.

     

  • Makinde Declares 2027 Presidential Ambition as PDP, APM Seal Alliance in Ibadan

    Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has officially declared his intention to contest for the presidency in the 2027 general elections, setting the stage for what could become a major battle within the opposition ahead of the next political cycle.

    Makinde made the declaration on Thursday during a large political rally organised by the Peoples Democratic Party and the Allied Peoples Movement in Ibadan.

    PDP, APM Formalise Political Alliance

    The event also witnessed the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between both parties, further fueling talks about emerging political coalitions ahead of 2027.

    Makinde and APM National Chairman, Yusuf Dantalle, jointly witnessed the signing ceremony.

    Seyi Bamidele signed on behalf of the PDP, while Oladele Oyadeji represented the APM.

    The rally attracted party loyalists, stakeholders, and political figures from different parts of the South-West and beyond.

    Top Political Figures Attend Rally

    Among dignitaries present were Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal; Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin; former Osun State Governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola; alongside Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, Chief Saka Balogun, Open Salawu, and Abass Adigun.

    The gathering is already being viewed by political observers as an early show of strength ahead of consultations expected to intensify within opposition circles.

    ‘This Movement Goes Beyond Individuals’

    Speaking during the rally, former PDP National Vice Chairman, Eddy Olafeso, described the alliance as the beginning of a new political direction aimed at rebuilding public trust in governance.

    According to Olafeso, the coalition was not driven by personal ambition but by the need for a broader collaboration among political actors concerned about Nigeria’s future.

    “This movement goes beyond individuals. It is not about personal ambition or unhealthy political competition. It is about this generation, the next generation and generations yet unborn,” he said.

    He added that the current economic and political realities in the country had made opposition unity increasingly necessary.

    Pressure Builds Ahead of 2027

    Makinde’s declaration is expected to trigger fresh conversations within the PDP and allied political blocs as discussions around zoning, coalition-building, and party primaries begin to gather momentum.

    The Oyo governor now joins the growing list of political figures expected to shape early calculations for the 2027 presidential election.

  • Wike-Backed PDP Begins Screening Of Presidential, Governorship Aspirants Ahead Of 2027

    The faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) backed by Nyesom Wike has commenced the screening of presidential, governorship and national assembly aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by the party’s National Working Committee led by Abdulrahman Mohammed.

    Screening Holds In Abuja

    The statement, signed by Chinwe Nnorom on behalf of Jungudo Mohammed, the party’s national publicity secretary, stated that the screening exercise was taking place at the PDP national secretariat annex, Legacy House, Maitama, Abuja.

    According to the party, governorship aspirants were scheduled for screening at noon, while presidential aspirants were fixed for 2pm.

    The PDP also announced that former Abia State governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, is chairing the presidential screening committee, with Hassan Sokodobo serving as secretary.

    Other members of the committee include former senators George Sekibo and Zainab Kure alongside other party stakeholders.

    Makarfi Heads Governorship Screening Panel

    The governorship screening committee is being chaired by former Kaduna State governor, Ahmed Makarfi.

    George Ariolu was named secretary of the panel, while Ibrahim Umar, Aisha Madawaki and Tajudeen Yusuf were listed among committee members.

    Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Completes Screening

    Meanwhile, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan confirmed that she had successfully completed the PDP screening exercise ahead of the Kogi Central senatorial primary election.

    Speaking after the exercise in Lokoja, the senator said she arrived with all required credentials and supporting documents.

    “I am pleased to have successfully completed the screening exercise as part of the process ahead of the party primaries for the 2027 Kogi Central Senatorial Election under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party,” she said.

    She described the process as part of her continued commitment to representation and service.

    More Aspirants Cleared

    Muhammed Abdullahi, popularly known as “Elephant,” also announced that he had been screened and cleared to contest the PDP primary for Kogi East Senatorial District.

    In Cross River State, the PDP disclosed that 45 aspirants seeking national assembly and state assembly tickets had also been screened ahead of the party’s May 21 primaries.

    The exercise was conducted by a five-man panel headed by Fred Osim.

    One of the aspirants screened was Alex Egbona, who recently defected from the APC to the PDP.

  • Former Ondo Governor Olusegun Mimiko Dumps PDP, Joins APC

    Former Ondo State Governor, Olusegun Mimiko, has officially joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Mimiko formally defected to the ruling party on Thursday at the APC secretariat in Ondo West Local Government Area of Ondo State.

    APC Leaders Receive Mimiko

    The former governor was received by the Ondo State APC chairman, Babatunde Kolawole, alongside the Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji.

    The event witnessed a large turnout of party supporters and loyalists who welcomed Mimiko into the party amid cheers and celebrations.

    Mimiko Left PDP In April

    Mimiko, who served as Ondo governor between 2009 and 2017, had resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in April, fueling speculations about his next political destination.

    Before joining the PDP, the former governor was one of the most prominent figures in the Labour Party (LP), where he built a strong political structure in Ondo State.

    He later moved to the PDP and remained influential within the party at both state and national levels.

    Strategic Political Move

    Sources close to the development described Mimiko’s move to the APC as a major political realignment ahead of future elections in the state.

    According to party insiders, the former governor still commands strong grassroots support and maintains loyal political structures across Ondo State, especially in Ondo Central Senatorial District.

    They added that his experience and political network are expected to strengthen the APC’s influence in the state.

  • US Court Jails Nigerian-Born Professor 70 Months Over $1.4m Fraud Scheme

    A United States District Court has sentenced Nkechy Ezeh, a Nigerian-born professor and former executive director of the Early Learning Neighborhood Collaborative (ELNC), to 70 months in federal prison over a $1.4 million fraud scheme.

    The sentence was announced in a statement released on Wednesday by the Office of the US Attorney for the Western District of Michigan.

    Court Orders Restitution

    Chief US District Judge Hala Y. Jarbou sentenced Ezeh to 70 months imprisonment and also imposed a concurrent 60-month sentence for tax evasion.

    The court further ordered her to pay $1.4 million in restitution and an additional $390,174 to the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

    Ezeh, 61, from Kent County, Michigan, founded and previously served as CEO of Early Learning Neighborhood Collaborative, a nonprofit focused on providing educational support and early childhood services in underserved communities.

    She also worked as an Associate Professor of Education and Director of Early Childhood Education Programme at Aquinas College.

    She was immediately remanded into federal custody after sentencing.

    Judge Describes Scheme As “Brazen”

    During the proceedings, Judge Jarbou described Ezeh as “a fraud and a thief,” saying the operation was widespread and targeted funds meant for vulnerable children.

    US Attorney for the Western District of Michigan, Timothy VerHey, said the convict diverted funds intended for low-income children for personal benefit.

    “Nkechy Ezeh’s greed is beyond reprehensible,” VerHey said.

    “She stole taxpayer and private-donor dollars meant for low-income children in our community. Instead of helping kids, she spent that money on herself.”

    Funds Allegedly Used For Luxury Trips, Family Expenses

    According to court documents, prosecutors said Ezeh used the stolen money to fund personal expenses, including trips to Hawaii, Europe and Africa.

    Authorities also alleged that some of the funds were used for a family wedding and that relatives were placed on a “ghost payroll” where they allegedly received payments despite doing little or no work.

    Prosecutors further accused her of transferring stolen funds through intermediaries to family members in Nigeria.

    The nonprofit reportedly received funding from US federal programmes, including Head Start, the Department of Education and private donors.

    The organisation provided meals, transportation and support services to children from low-income communities.

    Nonprofit Shut Down After Fraud Discovery

    Following the discovery of the fraud, ELNC shut down operations in 2023, resulting in the loss of funding for several preschools and the dismissal of about 35 employees.

    A former bookkeeper at the organisation, Sharon Killebrew, had earlier been sentenced to 54 months imprisonment for her role in the fraud scheme.

    US authorities said the case exposes the devastating impact of grant fraud on vulnerable communities and children dependent on public support programmes.

    The investigation was carried out by the US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General alongside the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation unit.

  • Police Arrest Lagos Man Over Alleged Fake Ushering Job Scam Targeting BUK Students

    The Zone One Police Headquarters in Kano has arrested a 32-year-old suspect, identified as Richard Peter, over an alleged fake ushering job scam involving students of Bayero University Kano.

    Police authorities also confirmed the recovery of 29 mobile phones and other valuables allegedly stolen from the victims.

    Students Lured With Fake Job Offer

    The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer of the zone, DSP Abdullahi Hussaini.

    According to the statement, the suspect, who is said to be from Lagos State, was arrested following a petition submitted to the office of the Assistant Inspector-General of Police by a group of students led by Clementina Paul.

    The students accused the suspect of deceiving them with promises of ushering jobs.

    Police said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect, through an associate identified as Faith Dauda, allegedly invited 38 female students to Mairabo Hotel located in the Sabon Gari area of Kano on May 10, 2026.

    Phones Allegedly Stolen Inside Hotel

    Upon arriving at the hotel, the students were reportedly instructed to change into work outfits and leave their phones and personal belongings behind because phones were allegedly not allowed at the event venue.

    The statement added that the suspect later took the students to the hotel restaurant and ordered food worth ₦6,000 for each person before disappearing without paying the bill.

    “After eating and waiting for several hours, the victims returned to the room and discovered that their phones and other items had been stolen,” the police statement said.

    Suspect Arrested In Kaduna

    According to the police, one of the stolen phones was later traced to Kano Line Motor Park through intelligence gathering and technical tracking.

    Operatives reportedly moved to the location but discovered the suspect had already boarded a vehicle travelling to Lagos.

    He was eventually intercepted and arrested in Zaria, Kaduna State.

    “Twenty-nine phones and other items belonging to the victims were recovered. The suspect is currently in custody at the Zonal Criminal Investigation Department and will be charged in court upon completion of the investigation,” the statement added.

    Police Issue Public Warning

    The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone One, Garba Ahmed, commended officers involved in the operation and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling fraud and related crimes.

    The police also advised Nigerians, especially students and job seekers, to verify employment opportunities properly and avoid handing over personal belongings to strangers.

  • Presidency Attacks Peter Obi Over One-Term Presidency Promise

    The Presidency has criticised former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over his reported promise to serve only one term if elected president in 2027.

    Obi made the statement in a clip from an interview scheduled to air on News Central TV on Thursday, where he insisted he would leave office after four years.

    “I’ll Leave After Four Years”

    In the viral interview clip, Obi said Nigeria needed stability and vowed not to remain in office beyond a single term.

    “I want to be a one-term president because of stability. I would not stay a day, with a gun to my head, longer than four years,” he said.

    The former Anambra governor also criticised the economic policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, particularly rising living costs and continued borrowing.

    According to Obi, Nigeria is currently facing one of its toughest economic periods in recent history.

    Presidency Fires Back

    Reacting to the comments, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, dismissed Obi’s promise as unreliable.

    In a post shared on X early Thursday, Onanuga said Nigerians should not trust Obi’s pledge to serve only one term.

    “If you believe Peter Obi’s promise to serve only one term as president, you’ll believe anything,” he wrote.

    The presidential aide accused Obi of repeatedly abandoning political platforms despite previous loyalty vows.

    Onanuga Questions Obi’s Political Loyalty

    According to Onanuga, Obi had previously sworn loyalty to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) before eventually leaving the party.

    “Consider his record: while in APGA, he famously placed himself under a self-curse, vowing never to leave the party that made him governor,” he said.

    “He gave his word to the Ikemba, even on his deathbed, swearing loyalty and fidelity to APGA.”

    Onanuga added that Obi later dumped APGA for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and subsequently moved to other political platforms.

    “By his own actions, Peter Obi has shown that his word cannot be trusted. His promises are as fleeting as his political allegiances,” he stated.

    2027 Political Tension Rising

    Obi contested the 2023 presidential election under the Labour Party and finished behind President Tinubu of the APC and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the PDP.

    Since the election, the former governor has remained one of the leading opposition voices, frequently criticising the Tinubu administration’s economic reforms and governance policies.

  • APC Denies Changing 2027 Primary Election Timetable

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has denied reports circulating online alleging that the party altered the timetable for its 2027 primary elections.

    In a statement posted on its official platform, the ruling party insisted that the dates earlier announced for the primaries remain valid and unchanged.

    APC Releases Confirmed Dates

    According to the statement, the House of Representatives primary election is scheduled to hold on Friday, May 15, 2026.

    The Senate primary election will follow on Monday, May 18, 2026, while the State House of Assembly primary is fixed for Wednesday, May 20, 2026.

    The party also confirmed that the governorship primary election would take place on Thursday, May 21, 2026.

    APC further stated that its presidential primary election remains scheduled for Saturday, May 23, 2026.

    “This clarification has become necessary following the circulation of false and misleading reports on social media and other communication platforms suggesting otherwise,” the statement read.

    Governors Undergo Screening

    The clarification comes days after the APC began screening incumbent governors and aspirants ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Among the governors screened by the party’s committee were Abba Yusuf, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, Nasir Idris, Caleb Mutfwang and Hyacinth Alia.

    Others screened include Sheriff Oborevwori, Umar Bago, Dauda Lawal, Bassey Otu and Ahmed Aliyu.

    The party’s preparations for the primaries come amid increasing political activities and alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

  • Alex Ekubo: Doctor Lists 4 Silent Signs Cancer May Already Be Growing In Your Body

    Popular Nigerian medical doctor and health influencer, Aproko Doctor, has reacted to reports surrounding the alleged cancer-related death of Nollywood actor Alex Ekubo, using the moment to create awareness about early cancer detection.

    In a video shared online, the doctor urged Nigerians to pay closer attention to unusual body changes and persistent health symptoms that may signal serious illness.

    Doctor Shares Emotional Experience

    Speaking in the emotional video, Aproko Doctor recounted the story of a young man he knew during his school days who was later diagnosed with stage 3 cancer.

    According to him, the young man had already been experiencing severe symptoms long before finally seeking medical help.

    He explained that chemotherapy later caused visible physical changes, including hair loss and drastic weight reduction, which led to people mocking the patient without understanding what he was battling privately.

    The doctor said the young man suffered intense pain while quietly undergoing treatment.

    Four Cancer Warning Signs Mentioned

    Using the story as an example, Aproko Doctor highlighted four major warning signs people often ignore until the illness becomes advanced.

    According to him, the signs include persistent tiredness, unexplained weight loss, visible physical changes linked to illness, and pain that refuses to go away.

    “If this guy had known the signs early enough that he was always feeling tired, the unexplained weight loss, the pain that will not go away maybe he would have gone to the hospital sooner,” he said.

    “Cancer Is A Silent Thief”

    In the caption accompanying the video, the health influencer described cancer as a silent disease that often gives subtle warnings before becoming deadly.

    “Cancer is a silent thief, but it leaves clues,” he wrote.

    “It’s hard to wrap our heads around the loss of a light like Alex Ekubo. It’s a reminder that this is a conversation we must continue to have.”

    He added that if the video encouraged even one person to seek medical screening or check unusual symptoms early, then the message had achieved its purpose.

    Nigerians React Online

    The video has since generated emotional reactions online, with many Nigerians thanking the doctor for speaking openly about cancer awareness and early detection.

    Several social media users also shared personal stories of relatives and friends who battled cancer, while others urged people to stop ignoring persistent symptoms and seek medical attention early.