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The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has expelled key officials, including its former National Chairman, Shehu Musa Gabam and National Youth Leader, Mr. Ogbonna Chukwuma Uchechukwu, over alleged misconduct, financial irregularities and abuse of office.

The decision followed several disciplinary proceedings, culminating in the adoption of a White Paper by the NWC at its closed-door meeting in Abuja

Briefing reporters at the party’s National Secretariat, the National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba, said the expulsion was based on the recommendations of the Disciplinary Committee, which investigated the allegations.

He recalled the NWC, on June 24, 2025, suspended Gabam, Uchechukwu and the National Auditor, Mr. Clarkson Nnadi, over a prima facie case of misconduct and financial impropriety.

To ensure due process, Aiyenigba explained, the party constituted an independent Disciplinary Committee on July 4, 2025, which conducted a two-week investigation and submitted its report on July 18, 2025.

The NWC reviewed and adopted the White Paper on August 15, paving the way for Thursday’s final decision.

Those affected include: Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam – Former National Chairman (dismissed and expelled); Mr. Ogbonna Chukwuma Uchechukwu – Former National Youth Leader (dismissed and expelled); Mr. Clarkson Nnadi – Former National Auditor (relieved of duties following voluntary resignation).

Others expelled include eight members – Adamu Abubakar Modibbo, Abubakar Dogara, Nuraddeen Bisalla, Solsuema Osaro, Ambo Ekpeyong, Eluwa Ifeanyi Henry, Humphrey Unwukaeze, and Judith Israel Shuaibu – for alleged disloyalty and unauthorized entry into the party’s national secretariat on July 28, 2025.

Aiyenigba noted that the decision was taken to restore discipline and integrity within the party, adding that additional administrative reforms recommended in the White Paper would be implemented to strengthen internal governance.

‘The actions take immediate effect from Thursday, October 23, 2025,’ he said, adding that the decisions were unanimously adopted by members of the NWC.

The NWC reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and adherence to the party’s constitution in all its operations.

The Delta Assembly has imposed a six-month suspension on Rector of Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, Professor Emmanuel Achuenu.

This suspension was attributed to serious allegations of financial recklessness, misappropriation of funds, and gross administrative misconduct.

Also, the institution’s Bursar has been suspended for six months due to his alleged involvement in the financial irregularities identified during the Assembly’s investigation.

This decision was reached after the Assembly reviewed a report from a parliamentary investigative committee specifically tasked with probing the financial and administrative practices of the polytechnic.

Delta Speaker Dennis Guwor highlighted the findings of the investigation, which indicated ‘multiple instances of unauthorised expenditures and administrative lapses’ occurring during Professor Achuenu’s tenure.

Lawmakers characterised his actions as a ‘flagrant abuse of office’ and a significant violation of regulations that govern public tertiary institutions.

The suspensions, they said, were to restore accountability and integrity within the institution’s administration while the investigations continue.

According to the committee’s findings, the Rector allegedly disregarded the directives of the Governing Council and violated established financial procedures in managing the institution’s resources.

In its resolution, the Assembly upheld the six-month suspension earlier imposed by the Governing Council, noting that the move was necessary to reinforce accountability and discipline within the institution.

The Assembly also directed the Delta State Ministry of Higher Education to supervise the polytechnic’s affairs during the suspension period to ensure transparency, stability, and adherence to due process.

Lawmakers reaffirmed the Assembly’s zero tolerance for financial mismanagement in public institutions, emphasising that the decision was aimed at restoring integrity and public confidence in the state’s education system.

Professor Akan Williams has been announced as the second substantive vice chancellor of Ritman University, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom state.

The private university also officially inaugurated a new management team to steer the institution into its next phase of academic and administrative excellence.

At a colourful reception ceremony, the university community welcomed the new VC, who is a professor of Chemistry.

He succeeds Professor Celestine A. Ntuen, the pioneer Vice Chancellor of the institution.

He rose through the academic ranks and was announced a full Professor of Chemistry in December 2017, effective January 1, 2018.

A specialist in Analytical and Environmental Chemistry, Professor Williams has been an academic in the Nigerian University System for 23 years, bringing with him a wealth of experience and commitment to academic excellence.

Also joining the new management team are Deaconess Faith E. Emmanuel, who makes history as the first female and 2nd substantive Registrar, and Dr. Joseph U. Igligli, who assumes office as the 2nd substantive University Librarian.

The ceremony was graced by the Visitor of the University, Senator Emmanuel Ibok-Essien, alongside staff, students, and guests.

The Visitor commended the outgoing management for its service and expressed confidence in the capacity of the new team to consolidate on the gains recorded and advance the university’s vision.

Williams expressed appreciation for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to uphold the ideals of Ritman University in line with its motto: ‘Building Knowledge for Development.’

Students, staff, and invited guests joined in celebrating what many described as a promising era for Ritman University.

Actress Tonto Dikeh has spoken on the importance of healing and how necessary it is to the human body and soul.

In a post on Instagram, Dikeh acknowledged that healing is a painful and messy journey that forces us to confront our deepest wounds.

However, she emphasised that staying broken is a far worse fate, as unresolved pain can seep into every aspect of our lives and drain our joy.

Dikeh encouraged followers to face their pain head-on, trusting in God’s plan and timing.

She reminded them that they don’t need to understand every step of the journey, but simply keep moving forward, believing, and showing up for the future God has prepared.

She wrote: ‘Be brave enough to heal, even when the healing feels like a war within. Healing isn’t easy, it’s messy, painful, and uncomfortable. Restoration is rarely gentle,It exposes wounds we tried to bury and asks us to confront what once broke us. But staying broken is far worse.

‘Pain doesn’t go away when ignored. It seeps into everything, draining your joy, and leaving you stuck in survival mode. Healing means facing that pain, letting yourself feel, and choosing to grow through it. (Psalm 147:3). Healing is God’s invitation to trust Him with the places we tried to fix alone.

‘You don’t need to understand every step. All Heaven asks is that you keep moving. Keep believing. Keep showing up for the future God has prepared. You are worth the miracle that is coming.

‘One day, you will look back with holy awe, realizing the fire was temporary, but the strength forged in it became eternal. What was meant to break you will become the testimony that sets others free.

‘STAYING BROKEN WAS NEVER AN OPTION. You were always meant to heal

You were chosen to heal. You were Anointed to rise’.

The Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN), says a total of 4,753 victims of human trafficking were rescued and supported in the state between 2022 and 2024.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the victims were supported through coordinated efforts by the state and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons.

Pedro said this on Thursday in Ikeja at the 2025 opening ceremony of the Africa Colloquium Against Human Trafficking, in partnership with Pepperdine University, California, United States of America.

The theme of the colloquium was: ‘ A United Front Against Ritual Abuse and Sacrifice.’

He said the achievement reflected Lagos State’s strong commitment to ending human trafficking and ritual-related crimes through enforcement, protection, and coordination.

He said the Lagos State Task Force Against Human Trafficking had worked tirelessly with relevant agencies and partners to provide counselling, psychosocial support, and rehabilitation for survivors, including minors and persons with disabilities.

He added that the state had expanded its shelters for rescued victims, trained 109 local government focal persons as community anti-trafficking advocates, and reached more than five million residents through statewide awareness campaigns.

Pedro highlighted that the state enacted the Lagos State Organ Harvesting Prohibition Law 2024, to criminalise organ trafficking and impose strict penalties on offenders, including medical professionals and criminal syndicates.

He noted that human trafficking had become a highly profitable transnational crime linked to organised criminal networks, generating illegal profits of about $236 billion annually.

‘There is a need for African countries to unite in combating the menace.

‘It is both our moral and continental obligation.

‘Africa must rise not in rhetoric but in responsibility.

‘Let history say that from Lagos in 2025, Africa took a stand and never turned back in the fight against human trafficking,’ Pedro said.

Earlier, the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Mr Hameed Oyenuga, while welcoming delegates to the colloquium urged them to express commitment to collective action rather than rhetoric.

Oyenuga said the two-day event was designed to move participants from conversations to concrete commitments and coordinated actions across sectors to curb the growing menace.

He said human trafficking and ritual-related crimes were complex and deeply rooted in social, cultural and economic systems that made them difficult to detect and prosecute.

According to him, the crimes are sustained by transnational and local networks that pose grave risks to vulnerable populations.

Oyenuga said addressing them required not just criminal justice interventions but a collective responsibility involving investigators, prosecutors, lawmakers, researchers, faith leaders and international partners.

He emphasised that success in the fight against such crimes depended on collaboration beyond government boundaries.

Oyenuga urged participants to go beyond speeches and focus on developing structural frameworks, tools, partnerships, and resources to protect women, children, and young people from exploitation.

‘Africa does not need new declarations.

‘We need implementations and an Africa free system,’ he said.

Following sudden sack of his legal team on Thursday, the planned commencement of defence by detained self acclaimed leader of the proscribed separatist group, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu has been stalled

Kanu was scheduled to open his defence in his ongoing terrorism trial on Thursday.

When the case was called, Kanu Agabi (SAN), who had led Kanu’s legal team until Thursday, announced his decision, with other Senior Advocates in the team, to withdraw from the case.

Agabi explained that the reason for their withdrawal ‘is because the defendant has taken this case back from us and we respect that.’

He gave the name of the other SANs, who are withdrawing to include: Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN),

Joseph Akubo (SAN), Paul Erokoro (SAN), Emeka Etiaba (SAN) and one other.

Following Agabi’s announcement, Justice James Omotosho turned to Kanu, who was in the dock, for his response.

Kanu confirmed sacking all his lawyers and told the court that he was willing and ready to conduct his case by himself.

Justice Omotosho then, ordered other members of the defendant’s legal team who were in court, except the SANs to vacate the courtroom immediately.

The judge then, turned to the defendant and asked him to open his case.

Kanu commenced arguing about the jurisdiction of the court to further conduct his trial.

He was subsequently overruled by the judge, who insisted that he must proceed with his defence.

At that point, Ikpeazu intervened and drew the attention of the court to the fact that their (Kanu’s lawyers’) withdrawal took effect on the morning of Thursday.

He prayed the court to grant Kanu few time to gather his thoughts and compose himself for the task ahead.

Prosecuting lawyer did not object, following which Justice Omotosho adjourned till Friday, October 24 for Kanu to open his defence.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has vowed to pursue corruption cases without fear or favour, saying no politician or high-profile individual will be shielded because of party affiliation.

EFCC Chairman, Mr Ola Olukoyede, made this known on Thursday in Abuja during a media briefing to mark his second year in office.

Olukoyede said the anti-graft agency would not protect any politician who defected to the ruling party, stressing that the EFCC remained impartial in all its operations.

Speaking through the Director of Legal and Prosecution, Mr Sylvanus Tahir, the chairman said the commission would not compromise its mandate in handling corruption-related cases.

He was responding to allegations that the EFCC shielded politicians who switched allegiance to the ruling party to evade investigation or prosecution.

‘It is alleged that politicians who joined the ruling party are being shielded by the commission. The simple answer is that it’s not true,’ Tahir said.

He added that the reference being made to the case of a former Delta State governor and others was misplaced, explaining that investigations were still ongoing.

‘To the best of my knowledge, that case is still under investigation, and in due course, justice will be served. No one is shielded because of party affiliation,’ he said.

Tahir urged patience in the handling of high-profile cases, noting that thorough investigations take time but yield stronger results when presented in court.

‘If we are patient and do diligent work, Nigerians will see the quality of our cases. There is no intent anywhere to protect anyone who switches parties,’ he added.

The EFCC chairman also refuted allegations that the agency deducted a percentage from recovered funds without legislative approval.

He described the claim as false, saying the President of the Senate had already clarified that the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) did not authorise the EFCC to make such deductions.

‘POCA stipulates that only the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria can make statutory deductions, following due legislative procedures,’ Tahir explained.

He emphasised that the EFCC operated strictly within the law and did not engage in any unauthorised financial deductions or appropriations.

‘EFCC does not have the authority to make statutory deductions and has never done so. We act only in accordance with the law and due process,’ he ended.

Reality star Kiddwaya has cleared the air on the viral report that he spent $30,000 on a plate of jollof rice at Whitemoney’s restaurant.

Speaking in a recent interview with Trend Centrl on YouTube, the reality star clarified that the viral story was misunderstood, stressing that his intention was to support a friend’s business rather than splurge that much on food.

‘First of all, I was supporting a friend’s business. That’s it. Jollof rice was the concept. I follow Whitemoney on his food -his food is great. So he makes jollof rice, chicken, and all that kind of stuff. I was supporting his brand, helping him push it. The jollof rice was just the concept of it.’

He added that social media users twisted the narrative after seeing pictures of him at the restaurant.

‘You know when you post on social media, people will assume it’s that. But really, who’s spending thirty grand on one plate of jollof rice?’ he asked. ‘So I let them run with the story. I’m on Twitter, reading everything they said – I just said okay, cool. Never try to fight it.’

Kiddwaya concluded by saying his gesture was simply about showing love and support for Whitemoney’s growing food brand.

Afrobeats singer Lojay has praised rapper Olamide for outstanding contribution to their collaborative track, ‘Suru’.

Lojay, on X, expressed his admiration for Olamide’s creativity and lyrical skill on the verse, describing it as genius.

He confessed that he has love forever for Olamide for the second verse on Suru, stating that only God knows how he does it.

‘Love forever to @Olamide for the second verse on ‘Suru’! Na only God know how you dey do am,’ he wrote.

The post has garnered significant attention from fans, who have echoed Lojay’s sentiments and praised the chemistry between the two artists.

Olamide’s verse on Suru has been widely acclaimed for its smooth flow and signature style, complementing Lojay’s melodic delivery.

The first lady, Senator (Mrs) Oluremi Tinubu, on Thursday in Asaba, said the federal government is committed to the nation’s rapid development through digital technology innovations.

The first lady made the disclosure in her address at the official commissioning and handing over ceremony of a digital learning centre to Model Technical College, Asaba, the Delta capital.

Represented by the wife of the Delta governor, Mrs Tobore Oborovwori, Tinubu noted that a technology-driven system of learning is the bedrock of educational development of any nation.

‘In today’s changing world, digital knowledge is no longer optional, but a very essential and necessary tool to learning in advancing all round development of our nation.

‘The Renewed Hope Initiative, working in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA ) is committed to advancing national development by providing our people access to modern technology,’ Tinubu said.

In a welcome address, the Director-General of the NITDA, Mr Kashifu Abdullahi said the inauguration of the IT learning centre in Asaba is a testament to the fact that the federal government was truly determined to make technology available to the citizens.

Abdullahi, who was represented by Dr Dimie Wariowei, enjoined the beneficiary, Model Technical College, Asaba to make good use of the IT centre for the educational needs of its students.

‘The NITDA is undertaking this project in collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) of the first lady, this centre we are inaugurating today in Asaba is one among the ten that is being inaugurated today across the country.

‘Out of this ten IT centres being inaugurated today, the South-South region happens to get two, one here in Asaba and the other, in Irrua, Edo State,’ Abdullahi said.

Also in an address, the Delta Commissioner for Technical Education, Mr Smart Ufoh lauded the federal government for the inauguration of the IT centre in Asaba.

He said the centre, when fully utilized, would help improve learning and enhance the student educational skills and knowledge in the face of challenges in the nation’s education system.

‘This facility will undoubtedly serve as a hub for innovation, creativity and skills acquisition, thereby empowering our students with the digital literacy and technical competence necessary to excel in today’s technology-driven world.

‘It also stands as a clear testament of the federal government’s dedication to bridging the digital divide and fostering a culture of technological progress in our nation,’ Ufoh said.

The Principal of the College, Mrs Violet Uwajare, in her appreciation, expressed gratitude to NITDA and the RHI, saying the IT centre would go a long way in rewriting the learning system in the school.

‘This IT centre is no doubt a remarkable gesture, one that speaks volume to the federal government’s commitment to education in Nigeria.

‘This centre is not just an ordinary learning tool, but a broad-based initiative that provides opportunity where our students can dream big and achieve those dreams.

‘There is no doubt that this IT centre will leave a lasting legacy in the system of learning in this college,’ Uwajare said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mrs Tobore Oborovwori, who stood in for the first lady, was equally represented at the ceremony by the wife of the Secretary to the Delta Government (SSG), Dr (Mrs) Josephine Emu.

Highlights of the ceremony was the official cutting of tape/unveiling of the IT centre by the representative of the first lady.

There was also a cultural dance by students of the Model Technical College, Asaba who entertained guests with a colourful display of Anioma people’s culture.