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Kogi settles victims of criminal hideout demolition, Works on Airport , Ajaokuta Payouts

The Kogi State Government has paid compensation to victims of the recent house demolition exercise at Idojie-Okene in Okene Local Government Area of the state .

The demolitions were carried out as part of efforts to destroy criminal hideouts and restore peace in the area.

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo presented the cheque to the affected shop owners/ occupiers in a brief ceremony in Lokoja on Wednesday.

The governor who was represented by the Director General Bureau of Lands, Kehinde Augustine Salihu-Otaru said the move was aimed at restoring the livelihoods of the affected people to continue their lawful business .

He said the state government on 15th January 2026 demolished the structure in the area used by hoodlums to feather the nest of their criminal activities,which was raising concern in the community and the state in general.

The government noted that after due evaluation , it discovered that the demotion exercise affected some residents who were doing their lawful business in the community.

Against this backdrop, the government said it has therefore decided to compensate the affected traders for them to continue with their lawful business in the area.

‘On 15th January 2026, the state government, supervised by the governor himself demolished the structure at Idojie-Okene( popularly known as Sambell area) that is notorious for criminal activities, and endangering the lives of the inhabitants of the community.

‘In the review that followed, the government noted that the exercise affected some residents who were on their lawful business in the community.

‘The case was referred to the Bureau of Lands for review, and today ,we are presenting cheques to compensate the victims for them to continue with their means of livelihoods’, said Salihu-Otaru.

He said the compensation is a quick relief for the victims in order to ensure financial leverage for them to survive, move on with their business and lives in the community.

While Salihu-Otaru said the review certified 23 shop occupiers for the compensation, he noted that the amount given out to the beneficiaries will be shared in the proportion of 70 to 30 percent to cover the demolished shops and the goods involved .

The governor added that his administration listens and addresses genuine complaints, urging the beneficiaries to make good use of the compensation to relive their business and conduct themselves properly while carrying out their lawful business in the community.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Alhaji Aliyu Asuku Bello Sambell commended governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for solving the challenge posed by the demolition exercise carried out in their area few months back .

He said the governor was so magnanimous to release the sum of N350,000 to them initially to cushion their condition when they cried out over their predicament, pending the final solution.

‘We thank governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for show of humanity; we will ensure a proper use of this money to relive our means of livelihoods, and bounce back to life’, he said .

However, the Director General Bureau of Lands noted that the compensation for those whose land had been acquired for Air port project at Zariagi-Lokoja and Ajaokuta free trade zone is ongoing, with seriousness its deserved.

While Salihu-Otaru said the government is through with the necessary frame works , he attributed the delay to the volume of people involved , stressing that the government is determined not to temper with the livelihoods of its citizens without due compensation.

‘We are working on three types of compensations currently: payment for Land acquired for Airport project , Ajaokuta free trade zone and that of Idojie-Okene demolition exercise, which has been settled today’, he said .

Meanwhile, he commended governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for creating enabling environment for the agency to carry out the assignment without hiccups associated with such assignments .

Sri Lanka moves to scale climate finance and insurance solution for MSMEs in wake of Cyclone Ditwah

Chrysalis recently brought together an unprecedented cross-section of Sri Lanka’s policy, finance, and development community at the Granbel Hotel, Colombo, for a Dialogue and Reflection Session on ‘Inclusive Climate and Disaster Risk Financing and Insurance’ (CDRFI) for MSMEs.

Convened under the Multi-Actor Partnership (MAP) approach, supported by CARE Germany and Co-funded by BMZ, the European Union, and Co-Impact Gender Fund, the event placed one question at the centre: how does Sri Lanka turn a proven community finance model into a national institution?

The answer has become urgent. Cyclone Ditwah, which tore through Sri Lanka in November 2025, left an estimated Rs. 50-85 b in damage across the MSME sector – enterprises that collectively account for 52% of the country’s GDP. Supply chains stalled. Cash flows dried up. For women-owned enterprises in the worst-affected areas, the impact was even greater, as they already faced credit constraints 32% higher than their male counterparts. Formal banks were unable to respond quickly, while available insurance products did not meet their needs. The gap was clear and immediate.

Into that gap stepped the Climate Resilience Revolving Fund (CRRF). Designed by Chrysalis with consortia governance, climate-event triggers, and repayment terms built around how small businesses actually recover, the CRRF moved recovery loans to affected members within 3 to 10 days of the cyclone – faster than any formal institution. For thousands of small producers, it was the only financial lifeline available.

‘Ditwah did not create the vulnerability – it exposed it. Sri Lanka’s MSMEs, especially women-led businesses in high-risk areas, have long been underserved by financial systems not built for their realities. The CRRF was designed to fill that gap. This dialogue is about making sure it becomes a permanent part of how this country responds to climate disasters – not a one-off intervention,’ said Chrysalis Chief Executive Officer Ashika Gunasena.

The dialogue opened with a detailed presentation of the CRRF model, which Chrysalis Programs Director Ahamed Rislan described as structurally distinct from conventional microfinance. Where traditional instruments rely on fixed-asset collateral and slow credit processes, the CRRF is triggered by climate events, governed by the consortia it serves, and engineered to release capital at disaster speed.

‘The CRRF is not microfinance with a climate label – it is built differently, and Cyclone Ditwah proved it. The model held. Now the work is to make it permanent and scale it to every MSME that will face the next storm,’ stated Chrysalis Programs Director Ahamed Rislan.

The session produced strong cross-sector momentum. The Ministry of Industry introduced SME NEXUS -the national framework for MSME growth -and signaled clear intent to embed climate resilience into its operational rollout. The government’s position was unambiguous.

‘Resilience should not begin after disaster strikes -it must be built into every MSME through policy, financing, and preparedness,’added Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Ministry Additional Secretary Anoja Herath, who was a special guest at the event.

CARE Germany Program and Contract Management Officer Hanna Bartels said that the Multi-Actor Partnership exists to do exactly this – bring every part of the ecosystem into one room so that what works on the ground can be backed by policy and capital. The CRRF has earned that support’.

Two gaps dominated the afternoon’s discussion: the absence of parametric climate insurance for MSMEs, and the lack of granular data needed to build such products. Consortia members added a third: the need for faster, more accurate early-warning information from the Government before disasters strike. Their testimony was direct.

‘After Ditwah, our supply chain was gone overnight. No bank came. No insurer called. The CRRF reached us in days. We need this to stay – not disappear when the project ends,’ said Charlot’s Apparel Badulla Founder Nirmalie Ranasinghe.

The dialogue closed with stakeholders aligned on a blended-finance architecture: concessional public capital layered with GCF and GEF funding, IFI and development partner windows, commercial bank on-lending, and climate insurance – all delivered through MSME consortia at the last mile. Chrysalis will document the operating model and convene a technical working group within the next quarter to develop a cost national scale-up roadmap.

Maris Motor Rally 2026 on 1 Aug. set to boost Negombo’s hospitality, SME and tourism economy

MARIS Motor Rally 2026 MMR 26 is set to return this August with a stronger tourism, community and economic development focus, positioning Negombo as a vibrant weekend destination for local and international visitors.

Organised by the Old Boys’ Association of Maris Stella College, Negombo, MMR 26 will bring together motorsport, international music entertainment, hotel and restaurant partnerships, destination experiences and year-round CSR initiatives under one platform. The event is expected to create wider economic benefits for hotels, restaurants, transport providers, small vendors, youth groups and community-based businesses in Negombo.

MMR 26 is backed by a strong group of corporate and hospitality partners, with St. Joseph’s Hospital serving as the title sponsor, BYD as the automobile partner, Jetwing Hotels as the hospitality partner and Ritzbury CBL as the confectionery partner. A and E Yarn and Tuk Tuk Wine and Dine have also joined as supporting partners, strengthening the event’s ability to deliver an integrated motorsport, entertainment and tourism experience while generating wider economic activity across Negombo.

The program was unveiled at a press conference held at Vertical by Jetwing on 11 June, followed by a public warm up party on 17 July at Tuk Tuk Wine and Dine. The main MMR 26 TSD Rally will flag off on 1 August at 8.00 a.m. from Maris Stella College premises, with an expected audience of around 2,000. The MMR 26 Together official music festival will take place on 1 August from 4.00 p.m. at Jetwing Blue premises, with an expected audience of around 8,000. The weekend will conclude with an after-party on 2 August at Tuk Tuk Wine and Dine.

A key highlight of this year’s festival will be the performance by Australian-based internationally acclaimed ABBA tribute show Björn Again, which was created in Melbourne in 1988 and has toured internationally. The performance is expected to add a strong international entertainment appeal to Negombo’s tourism calendar and create fresh interest among both domestic visitors and foreign travellers.

MMR 26 will also activate a One Pass visitor scheme, where the QR code on the event ticket will provide access to exclusive discounts and offers from partner hotels, restaurants and selected tourism experiences across Negombo. This initiative is designed to encourage visitors to stay longer, spend more within the local economy and explore Negombo beyond the event venue.

‘Sri Lanka’s tourism recovery needs strong destination-level experiences that connect visitors with local communities. MMR 26 is not only a rally or a music festival; it is a platform to promote Negombo as a complete weekend economy covering hotels, restaurants, entertainment, transport, small businesses and community initiatives,’ said Maris Stella College OBA President Dhammika Fernando.

The 2026 edition builds on the momentum created by MMR 25, which was positioned as a festival of speed, spirit and revival for Negombo. Media coverage in 2025 highlighted the event’s role in supporting tourism revival, sustainability, youth engagement and local business activity.

Sri Lanka’s tourism sector is also entering a critical growth phase. According to the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, the country recorded over one million tourist arrivals between January and May 2026, crossing the one-million mark within the first five months of the year. In this context, destination-led events such as MMR 26 can play an important role in spreading tourism income beyond traditional hotel occupancy, by creating direct opportunities for restaurants, informal workers, transport operators, entertainment providers and small businesses.

MMR 26 will continue its CSR and community development initiatives throughout the year. The organisers have already installed six PET bottle collection points in prominent locations, conducted a major beach cleanup with over 1,000 participants on Negombo beach, completed stage one of the Negombo Fort restoration project in partnership with the Negombo Municipal Council, and supported cleaning initiatives around key tourist attractions including the Negombo Jetty area. The organisers also donated 200 lunch packets to the Negombo Municipal Council in support of the Clean Sri Lanka initiative.

These initiatives are expected to strengthen Negombo’s positioning as a responsible tourism destination, where entertainment and visitor attraction are linked with environmental care, heritage protection and civic participation.

‘Negombo has the natural advantage of being close to the airport, having a strong hotel base, a rich cultural identity and a vibrant coastal economy. Through MMR 26, our objective is to help convert these strengths into real income opportunities for the local community while creating a positive image for Sri Lanka’s tourism sector,’ Fernando added.

With motorsport, music, hospitality partnerships, environmental action and community participation brought together under one umbrella, MMR 26 is expected to become a larger platform for tourism promotion, local livelihood development and economic activity in Negombo.

Faith leaders launch interfaith code of conduct to stamp out hate speech

Faith leaders has launched a new Interfaith Code of Conduct aimed at stamping out hate speech, misinformation and preventing election-related violence as Nigeria heads toward the 2027 polls.

This is just as faith leaders show growing anxiety over the potential for hate speech and misinformation to trigger widespread violence during the 2027 election cycle as they emphasis the need to confront rising ethnic and political tensions.

The document was unveiled at the 8th General Assembly and Peace Conference of the Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace (IDFP) held in Abuja under the theme, ‘Hate speech and violence: role of state and non-state actors in nation-building.

Speaking to the gathering of religious leaders, government representatives, civil society and international partners, the keynote speaker Prof. Abubakar Sadeeque Abba of the University of Abuja criticized the Nigerian state and corporate actors for failing to enforce laws and hold accountable those who promote hate speech, which he described as a tool for political, economic, and social advancement.

Abba noted that some individuals appear to be above the law, allowing such activities to thrive warning that no nation can develop under such conditions.

With elections approaching and campaigns for the electionsset to begin soon, Abba advised political actors to engage professionals for effective campaign messaging rather than inflammatory rhetoric urging Nigerian citizens to reject politicians who promote hate speech, saying they should be shown the way out.

Imam Shafiu Abdul Karim Majemu, co-secretary of the IDFP, said religious leaders are often contracted to incite followers during election periods because of their massive influence stressing that sermons must promote truth and non-violence.

Majemu backed capacity building for faith leaders over direct sanctions, noting that punishing popular religious figures is practically difficult.

The Interfaith Code of Conduct (ICoC), developed over six years, contains ten shared values for Christians and Muslims, with strong emphasis on preventing hate speech and blasphemy.

Senior Programme Manager for the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Inter-Religious and Inter-Cultural Dialogue (KAICIID), Agustin Nunez-Vicandi said the centre has supported the initiative to equip religious actors to combat divisive rhetoric.

He said that he believes the Interfaith Code of Conduct would go a long way in curtailing hate-speech, misinformation and violence incisive statements.

In his address, the co-Chairman of the gathering, Reverend Abanitud Hamman Akila described the gathering as a moment of renewal and called on state and non-state actors to promote responsible communication and reject hatred, ethnic subjugation and political violence.

He stressed for the need for every citizen of the country to affirm their collective commitment to peace, unity, stability, and development of our nation, Nigeria.

‘We gather at a time when our country continues to face complex challenges, religious intolerance, ethnic subjugation, plain speech, misinterpretation, insecurities, violence, exclusion, political tension, and social division.

‘These challenges remind us that peace cannot be taken for granted. Peace must be built, peace must be protected, peace must be mutual, and peace must be defended by responsible citizens, responsible leaders, and responsible institutions.’

He noted that hate speech speech can become a weapon as it can exorcise issues, dehumanise people, mobilise communities against one another and can create conditions for violence stressing that the fight against hate speech is a responsibility that everyone must all perform.

‘Religious leaders must promote peace from the truth and the lies. Traditional leaders must continue to build bridges between their communities. Civil society organisations must strengthen peace, education, and community engagement in the media and promote responsible journalism.

‘Social media users must reject the spread of homophobic information and inflammatory messages. Young people must be empowered to promote a consciousness of peace rather than against human violence. And every citizen must understand that nation-building engages with individual responsibility’, Alike stated.

The code was publicly launched with representatives of grand patrons, the Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar and the Christian Association of Nigeria President Archbishop Daniel Okoh and it is expected to be shared among every religious groups and associations across the country.

President reviews fisheries projects, priorities for 2027 Budget

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake this week eviewed the implementation of projects funded under the 2026 Budget for the Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Ministry and discussed priorities for next year’s Budget, with a focus on strengthening fisheries infrastructure, increasing production and supporting fishing communities.

The discussion, held at the Presidential Secretariat, examined the progress of recurrent and capital expenditure undertaken this year by institutions operating under the Ministry, as part of the Government’s preparations for the 2027 Budget.

The review covered the performance of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DFAR), National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA), National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA), Ceylon Fishery Harbours Corporation (CFHC), Ceylon Fisheries Corporation (CFC), Cey-Nor Foundation Ltd., and the Central Fish Market Complex.

Extensive discussions were held on programs aimed at increasing fish production and exports, ensuring an adequate supply of fish to meet the country’s nutritional requirements and improving the livelihoods of fishing communities, while also outlining priorities for 2027.

The President also reviewed the progress of several key infrastructure projects, including the Myliddy Fishery Harbour Development Project, development work at Gandara Fishery Harbour, the construction of the Rekawa Fishery Anchorage, and the modernisation and rehabilitation of the Karainagar Boat Yard.

The meeting further assessed the progress of research and development initiatives undertaken by the Ministry and considered funding requirements for these programmes under the 2027 Budget.

Attention was also given to the reconstruction of fishery harbours damaged by Cyclone Ditwah and ongoing efforts to restore the livelihoods of affected fishing communities.

The President reviewed the implementation of a Rs. 189 million program to provide boats, fishing nets and other equipment to fishermen affected by the disaster, with the aim of accelerating the recovery of the fisheries sector.

The discussion also examined progress under the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ initiative to recycle decommissioned fishing boats and other fibreglass waste, supporting environmental sustainability within the fisheries industry.

AAAN’s 53rd AGM/congress begins in Lagos, sets agenda for advertising’s next chapter

The Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) will today begin its 53rd annual general meeting (AGM) and congress in Lagos.

The event brings together leaders across advertising, marketing, media, government, and the creative economy to examine the forces shaping the future of the industry.

The two-day event, which will take place at Providence Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos, has the theme: ‘AdVolution: The End of Advertising as We Know It and How to Win What Comes Next.’

The theme explores how the advertising industry is adapting to rapid changes driven by technology, artificial intelligence, evolving consumer expectations, and emerging creative models.The AGM/congress will begin with AAAN’s business session, where members will receive updates on the association’s activities, committee reports, and strategic priorities. The session will also provide an opportunity to reflect on the association’s progress and discuss key issues shaping the industry.

The main conference, scheduled for tomorrow, will feature the official opening by Lagos State Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, alongside participation from government officials, regulators, and industry stakeholders, including the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, and the Director-General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), Dr. Lekan Fadolapo.

A major highlight of the conference will be keynote sessions from Tomiwa Aladekomo, Chief Executive Officer of Big Cabal Media, and Dr. Meksley Nwagboh, Head of Brand and Communications at Fidelity Bank Plc, who will share perspectives on the evolving advertising landscape, brand building, and the role of communications in a rapidly changing marketplace.

AAAN President Lanre Adisa noted that the theme of this year’s congress reflects the need for the industry to confront change while preserving the creativity and human connection that define effective advertising.

‘The theme is a wake-up call to the reality we are dealing with. Traditional advertising is not dead; it has evolved. The need to communicate will never change, it is only fast evolving. The question is how well we are embracing this challenge.’

Adisa noted that while technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) are reshaping the industry, agencies remain central to developing ideas and solutions that connect with audiences, with technology serving as an enabler of human creativity rather than a replacement for it.

The congress will feature conversations around the evolving role of agencies, the creator economy, technology-driven innovation, and the need for businesses to demonstrate greater value in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

The event will conclude with a Gala and Awards Night, which will recognise outstanding individuals and celebrate achievements across Nigeria’s advertising industry.

Olofin of Isheri Mole gets 24-hour power supply through WIHU CSR project

The Olofin of Isheri Mole and Adimula of Awori Kingdom, Oba Sulaiman Adekunle Bamgbade, has begun enjoying uninterrupted 24-hour electricity supply following the completion of a corporate social responsibility (CSR) project by WIHU International Ltd.

The company completed the installation after inspecting the palace and deploying the necessary equipment to provide a stable power supply.

Chief Executive Officer of WIHU International Ltd., Mr Peter Adeola Williams, said the project fulfilled the company’s commitment made during the commissioning of the initiative and reaffirmed its resolve to ensure continuous electricity supply to the palace.

Oba Bamgbade commended the company and its chief executive for what he described as an exemplary demonstration of corporate social responsibility.

According to the monarch, the intervention extends beyond providing electricity to the palace and underscores the role the private sector can play in supporting traditional institutions and advancing community development.

‘This noble gesture by WIHU International Ltd. goes beyond powering the palace. It is a shining example of how corporate organisations can partner with traditional institutions to drive meaningful community development.

‘We deeply appreciate this investment in our kingdom and pray that God Almighty grants the company greater success, expansion and prosperity,’ he said.

The monarch called on other corporate organisations, development partners and public-spirited individuals to emulate WIHU International Ltd. by investing in projects that improve the lives of residents of Isheri Mole and other Awori communities.

He identified education, healthcare, youth empowerment, infrastructure, environmental sustainability and technology as critical sectors where collaboration between the private sector and traditional institutions could accelerate development.

‘Our communities are rich in culture, heritage and human potential. Through purposeful collaboration between the private sector and traditional institutions, we can deliver sustainable projects that improve the lives of our people.

‘I encourage more organisations to partner with us in areas such as education, healthcare, youth empowerment, infrastructure, environmental sustainability and technology. Together, we can build stronger and more prosperous communities,’ Oba Bamgbade said.

He reaffirmed the kingdom’s commitment to supporting organisations that make meaningful contributions to community development, describing such partnerships as essential for achieving sustainable growth and shared prosperity.

2027: Olejeme charges Tinubu Torch Bearers on grassroots mobilisation

The national coordinator of the Tinubu Torch Bearers (TTB), Dr. Ngozi Olejeme, has charged state and zonal leaders of the group to work tirelessly across the country to secure a second term for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general election.

Olejeme delivered the charge in Abuja during a capacity-building seminar for the group’s zonal and 36 state coordinators, held at the TTB National Secretariat in Asokoro.

The National Coordinator urged members to intensify grassroots mobilisation, noting that sustaining the administration’s reform drive is critical to long-term national growth.

‘Tinubu Torch Bearers must engage in mass mobilisation for effective participation. The harvest is wide and plentiful, so we need more labourers,’ Olejeme declared. ‘The harder we work, the faster we can reach the nation. Your hard work will speak for you, as the result will show.’

Olejeme highlighted key policy achievements of the administration, including the implementation of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) for vulnerable students, as well as ongoing fiscal and tax reforms aimed at improving the business climate and boosting investor confidence.

She described continuity in leadership as the surest route to economic stability and sustainable development.

‘The re-election of President Bola Tinubu means total economic liberation for Nigeria,’ she stated, adding that the administration remains focused on lowering public borrowing, reducing unemployment, and driving stronger economic growth.

She further mandated the coordinators to return to their respective wards, local government areas, and communities to preach the message of the administration’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda.

Reaffirming the loyalty of Nigerian women to the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the Coordinator praised her for her active public engagement and service to the nation.

Also speaking at the event, the National Secretary of the TTB, Hon. Joyce Viyanto Antonza, commended the coordinators for their commitment and urged them to adopt a hands-on approach to the campaign.

‘Take the TTB project as your personal project by going door-to-door, doing evangelism, and spreading the good news of the Renewed Hope Agenda,’ Antonza urged.

Other key officials who addressed the coordinators included the National Organising Secretary of the TTB, Hon. Princess Gloria Akubundu, and Mr. Pius Olugbenga, who both called for unity and focused execution ahead of the 2027 polls.

SEC files criminal complaint over Bitkub’s alleged concealment of B1.7bn hack

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has filed a criminal complaint against Bitkub Online Co and two of its former directors, alleging they submitted false information to the regulator to conceal a cyberattack that resulted in the theft of digital assets worth about 1.7 billion baht.

In a statement released on Thursday, the SEC said it lodged the complaint with the Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD), accusing Bitkub of violating Section 76 of the Emergency Decree on Digital Asset Businesses by providing false information to the regulator.

The SEC also named former directors Sakolkorn Sakavee and Thaweesap Rawan, alleging they are liable under Section 94 of the decree as the individuals responsible for submitting the reports. The pair were also accused of making false statements in company documents to deceive the SEC, an offence under Section 88(2) of the same law.

According to the SEC’s investigation, Bitkub was the victim of a cyberattack in May 2021, during which hackers stole 16 types of digital assets from the exchange. The breach resulted in the loss of customers’ digital assets valued at about 1.7 billion baht.

The SEC said Bitkub later fully replaced the stolen assets by Oct 31, 2021.

However, the regulator found that Bitkub failed to disclose the incident accurately in its daily net liquid capital report (Form Dor Jor 1). Reports submitted between May 10 and Oct 30, 2021 did not reflect any significant reduction in the company’s assets resulting from the theft, despite the cyberattack having occurred.

The omission amounted to submission of false information in violation of Section 76, according to the commission.

At the time of the incident, Mr Sakolkorn and Mr Thaweesap were responsible for filing the Dor Jor 1 reports on behalf of Bitkub and are therefore subject to the same legal liability as the company under Section 94 in conjunction with Section 76, the SEC said.

The regulator further alleged the two former directors knowingly entered false information to mislead the SEC into believing customers’ assets remained secure and that Bitkub had suffered no losses from the cyberattack. Such conduct may constitute the offence of making false statements in corporate documents to deceive another person under Section 88(2).

The SEC has filed criminal complaints against three parties: Bitkub, Mr Sakolkorn and Mr Thaweesap. The case will proceed through the criminal justice process, beginning with a police investigation, followed by consideration by public prosecutors and adjudication by the courts.

The SEC said it will closely monitor the case and continue to cooperate with relevant agencies to support enforcement of the Digital Asset Businesses Emergency Decree. It also urged the public and investors to exercise caution when using digital asset service providers that are not licensed by the SEC, warning that customers of unlicensed operators are not protected under Thai law and may face heightened risks of fraud and money laundering.

Investors can verify licensed digital asset operators through the SEC’s website, www.sec.or.th, or the SEC Check First mobile application. Information on entities not under SEC supervision is available through the regulator’s Investor Alert database.

The SEC also encouraged the public to report suspicious activities via its complaints and whistleblowing centre by calling 1207, via the SEC’s official Facebook page, or through SEC Live Chat on the regulator’s website.

’AfCFTA key to unlocking Africa’s trade

As Africa intensifies the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), KAT Logistics has positioned itself to play a pivotal role in removing one of the biggest obstacles to intra-African commerce-inefficient transportation and logistics.

The company said the success of AfCFTA will depend not only on the elimination of trade barriers but also on the continent’s ability to move goods seamlessly across borders through smarter, technology-driven logistics systems.

It noted that while Africa has continued to witness growth in manufacturing, agriculture, commerce and regional trade, inadequate transport infrastructure and fragmented logistics networks remain major impediments to the full realization of the AfCFTA objectives.

According to the company, efficient logistics has become a strategic necessity as businesses seek to take advantage of the continent-wide free trade agreement, which aims to create the world’s largest free trade area by connecting 54 African countries into a single market.

To support this vision, it unveiled an ambitious strategy focused on building integrated logistics solutions capable of facilitating faster, more reliable and cost-effective movement of goods across African markets.

The company’s founder Onunkwo Peacemaker Jude said the future of African trade lies in creating logistics systems that are intelligent, connected and responsive to the evolving demands of cross-border commerce.

He explained that the company is investing in digital technologies, supply chain optimisation, fleet management and regional partnerships designed to improve cargo movement and reduce delivery timelines across the continent.

He added that beyond transportation, the firm aims to become a critical enabler of regional economic integration by providing businesses with logistics solutions that improve market access, strengthen supply chains and enhance competitiveness under the AfCFTA framework.

Industry observers believe that as AfCFTA implementation gathers momentum, investments in modern logistics infrastructure will be essential to reducing the high cost of moving goods across Africa, improving trade efficiency and attracting greater investment into the continent.

KAT Logistics maintained that by aligning its long-term growth strategy with the objectives of AfCFTA, it hopes to contribute significantly to building a more integrated African economy where businesses can trade freely, expand across borders and drive inclusive economic growth.

The company is focused on helping reshape Africa’s transportation landscape through innovation, technology-driven logistics and strategic investments that simplify trade for businesses of every size.

With the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) creating one of the world’s largest free trade zones, it believes Africa has entered a defining era where logistics companies must become catalysts for economic transformation rather than traditional freight operators.

To support this vision, KAT Logistics is developing plans to strengthen its transport infrastructure, expand its operational network across key African trade corridors and introduce smarter logistics systems that improve efficiency from collection to final delivery. These initiatives are designed to reduce delays, improve supply chain visibility and make international shipping more predictable for African businesses.