Category: Daily Trust

FCMB Asset Management Limited (FCMBAM), the Asset Management arm of FCMB Group Plc, has received approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the execution of the supplemental Trust Deeds of the FCMBAM’s mutual funds.

In a statement, the approval includes the change of name of its Legacy mutual funds and reduction in the minimum subscription units of the Funds and follows the successful conclusion of unitholders’ meetings at which investors in each of the affected mutual funds voted in favour of the proposed changes.

It stressed that the changes marked a deliberate step in FCMBAM’s ongoing brand consolidation, aligning the company’s public-facing products with the FCMBAM identity that has become synonymous with disciplined, transparent, and internationally benchmarked asset management services in Nigeria.

It highlighted the name changed in full legal force with effect from the date of SEC approval which include former Name; Legacy Money Market Fund, Legacy Debt Fund, Legacy Equity Fund and Legacy USD Bond Fund and have been changed to FCMBAM Money Market Fund, FCMBAM Debt Fund, FCMBAM Equity Fund and FCMBAM USD Bond Fund.

It stressed that concurrent with the rebranding, FCMB Asset Management Limited (FCMBAM) has revised the minimum unit subscription thresholds for three of its mutual funds, as approved by the SEC and reflected in the supplemental Trust Deeds.

‘These changes are intended to make investing more affordable and accessible to a wider range of investors. The minimum subscription for the local-currency bond-based FCMBAM Debt Fund has been reduced from 25,000 units to 1,000 units, while the minimum subscription for the local-currency equity-based FCMBAM Equity Fund has been lowered from 10,000 units to 1,000 units, helping to reduce the barrier to entry for more retail investors.

‘The revised threshold for the US Dollar bond-based FCMBAM USD Bond Fund has decreased from 1,000 units to 100 units and aligns with FCMBAM’s broader commitment to expanding access to dollar-denominated investment opportunities for retail investors. The FCMBAM Money Market Fund remains unchanged at a minimum subscription of 1,000 units,’ the statement reads.

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun has approved the deposition of Oba Joseph Oloyede as the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu in Ife North Local Government Area of the state.

This is contained in a statement issued on Monday in Osogbo by the governor’s spokesperson, Malam Olawale Rasheed.

According to the statement, Oba Oloyede’s deposition followed his conviction in the United States on tax fraud and money laundering charges.

Rasheed said the governor’s decision followed the receipt of the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Ohio court judgment convicting the traditional ruler.

He noted that the State Executive Council had last year directed the Ministry of Local Government to write to the Ohio court to obtain the CTC of the judgment as the basis for government action.

According to him, the council justified its decision to contact the Ohio court on the grounds that government decisions should not be based solely on social media reports.

Rasheed said that the Deposition Order signed by the governor on May 7 was predicated on the need to maintain peace, order and good governance, as well as preserve the honour and integrity of the royal stool.

He added that the order cited the fraudulent conduct of Oba Oloyede as established by the United States court.

According to Rasheed, the crimes to which the deposed traditional ruler pleaded guilty, as well as his public trial and conviction, had brought the institution of Obaship and the stool of the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu into disrepute and public odium.

He said this necessitated his deposition.

Rasheed said Oba Oloyede was sentenced to 56 months imprisonment on Aug. 26, 2025, by the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio for offences bordering on wire fraud, filing false tax returns and engaging in monetary transactions involving criminally derived property. (NAN)

The Delta State Police Command has arrested three suspected female drug traffickers over alleged involvement in drug trafficking in the state.

The suspects, identified as Favour Isaac, 25; Favour Felix, 24; and Samson Precious, 19, were reportedly arrested during a covert operation in Ogbomoro and Ugolo communities in Warri metropolis, where they allegedly carried out drug peddling activities.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, said the suspects were arrested following intelligence reports on the activities of suspected drug peddlers operating within the communities.

He said operatives of the Effurun Area Command carried out a covert operation on May 7 leading to the arrest of the suspects.

Edafe said a search warrant executed at the suspects’ hideout along River Road, Ogbomoro community, led to the recovery of 640 grams of substances suspected to be Canadian Loud concealed in different bags and containers.

He added that 21 bottles of CSC Codeine, two canisters containing nitrous oxide, popularly known as ‘laughing gas,’ and two packs of suspected psychoactive chewing gum branded as ‘Highness Gum’ were also recovered.

According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that one Rukewe Tega Isaac, who is currently at large, is allegedly the major supplier behind the drug network.

Edafe said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and other members of the syndicate.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed an appeal against the judgment of a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court that awarded N100 million damages to two officials of the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged defamation.

SERAP, through its counsel, Tayo Oyetibo (SAN), filed the appeal on May 8 and also sought a stay of execution of the judgment pending the outcome of the appeal process.

The case was instituted by two DSS officials, Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele, after SERAP issued statements in September 2024 alleging that DSS operatives unlawfully invaded its Abuja office.

Delivering judgment on May 5, Justice Yusuf Halilu awarded N100 million damages in favour of the plaintiffs. The court also directed SERAP to publish public apologies, pay N1 million as litigation costs, and pay 10 percent annual post-judgment interest on the damages until the sum is fully settled.

Reacting in a statement on Tuesday, SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, described the judgment as ‘a travesty and a miscarriage of justice’.

According to the organisation, the ruling was based on ‘fundamental legal and evidential errors’ affecting the court’s jurisdiction and the fairness of the proceedings.

‘The decision rests on fundamental legal and evidential errors that go to the root of jurisdiction and fairness in adjudication. The court’s decision is therefore perverse and a nullity,’ SERAP stated in its notice of appeal.

SERAP argued that the trial court relied on defective evidence, including a witness statement allegedly not sworn before a commissioner for oaths.

The organisation also faulted the court’s conclusion that the publications in question directly referred to the DSS officials.

‘The publications complained of did not mention the respondents by name, rank, photograph, or any unique identifier,’ SERAP argued.

It added that a pre-action letter from the DSS itself acknowledged that the publications were directed at the DSS as an institution and not at the individual claimants.

SERAP further contended that the suit was defective from the outset because it was initially filed against ‘SERAP’, which it described as a non-juristic entity, before later being amended to reflect its incorporated trustees.

The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) says Nigeria remains exposed to significant debt risks despite improving fiscal indicators.

The group cited weak revenue generation, persistent structural imbalances, and continued dependence on borrowing to finance budget deficits and sustain public spending.

NESG disclosed this in its latest assessment of Nigeria’s public finance outlook, titled ‘Debt Pressure Persists Beneath Surface Stability: DBI Signals Elevated Fiscal Strain in 2025.’

According to the NESG, although some debt metrics improved between 2024 and 2025, Nigeria’s broader fiscal condition remains fragile and vulnerable to persistent debt pressures.

The NESG said Nigeria’s Debt Burden Index (DBI) – a broader measure used to assess debt stress beyond conventional debt ratios – declined to 70.9 points in 2024 from 83.6 points recorded in 2023.

However, the group cautioned that the decline should not be interpreted as evidence of meaningful improvement in the country’s fiscal health.

NESG projected the DBI to rise to 78.4 points in Q1 2025 and 79.6 points in Q2 2025.

The index was estimated at 76.2 points in Q3 before rebounding to 79.2 points in Q4 2025.

According to the NESG, the decline was largely driven by a temporary moderation in debt-servicing pressures rather than stronger fiscal capacity, improved revenue mobilisation, or structural reforms.

‘Overall, the 2024-2025 transition does not yet reflect a decisive shift toward debt sustainability. Rather, it signals a system making only marginal adjustments, with improvements in headline ratios masking persistent structural imbalances,’ the report stated.

The group added that the rising debt-to-GDP ratio reflects Nigeria’s continued reliance on borrowing to finance persistent fiscal deficits.

The NESG noted that structural weaknesses such as poor revenue mobilisation, weak tax efficiency, rising recurrent expenditure, exchange-rate pressures, subsidy reforms, and inflation-related spending demands continue to weaken the country’s fiscal position.

The group stressed that the divergence between a declining DBI and a rising debt-to-GDP ratio highlights deeper fiscal vulnerabilities within the economy.

‘The 2025 DBI trajectory reinforces concerns. Quarterly estimates show that the DBI remains elevated and volatile, rising to 78.4 points in Q1 and peaking at 79.6 points in Q2, before moderating to 76.2 points in Q3 and closing the year at an estimated 79.2 points in Q4,’ the report noted.

The group added that unless significant reforms are implemented to strengthen revenue generation and reduce fiscal leakages, the country’s debt burden could continue to pose risks to long-term economic growth.

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of non-teaching staff unions in Nigerian universities has resumed negotiations with the Federal Government following the suspension of its indefinite strike.

JAC comprises the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the unions commenced an indefinite strike on April 30 over delays in the renegotiation of agreements with the federal government.

The strike was, however, suspended on May 11 after appeals and assurances from the Federal Government Expanded Tertiary Institutions Renegotiation Committee.

The unions’ demands include the conclusion of the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement, improved welfare conditions, payment of allowances and rejection of unilateral salary offers.

SSANU National President, Mr Mohammed Ibrahim, confirmed the resumption of talks in a telephone interview with NAN on Monday in Abuja.

Ibrahim, who also chairs JAC, said negotiations resumed at the National Universities Commission (NUC) headquarters in Abuja.

‘We have resumed discussions today and expect to conclude the process, including the signing of agreements, within two weeks.

‘We agreed that the two-week timeline begins from the day the strike was suspended,’ he said.

Ibrahim said the unions had presented a demand for a minimum 40 per cent salary increase to the federal government team.

‘We rejected the government’s 30 per cent offer, and it has been withdrawn. Our demand remains a minimum of 40 per cent,’ he said. (NAN)

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed June 20, 2026, for by-elections into five vacant National Assembly seats across Nasarawa, Kano, Ondo, Enugu and Rivers states.

The affected constituencies are Nasarawa North Senatorial District in Nasarawa State, Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency in Kano State, Ondo South Senatorial District in Ondo State, Enugu North Senatorial District in Enugu State and Rivers South East Senatorial District in Rivers State.

INEC said the elections would hold alongside the Ekiti State governorship election scheduled for the same day.

The commission said the by-elections became necessary following deaths, resignation and other constitutional developments that created vacancies in the National Assembly.

The Nasarawa North Senatorial seat became vacant following the death of Senator Godiya Akwashika, a development that created a major political vacuum in the district regarded as one of the strongholds of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the North-Central.

Similarly, the Enugu North Senatorial District seat became vacant after the death of Senator Okey Ezea, setting the stage for what observers expect to be a keenly contested race among major political parties in the South-East.

In Ondo State, the Ondo South Senatorial District seat was declared vacant following the resignation of Senator Jimoh Ibrahim after his appointment as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

The Rivers South East Senatorial District seat also became vacant after the death of Senator Barinada Mpigi amid ongoing political tensions in Rivers State.

Similarly, the vacancy in Dawakin Kudu/Warawa Federal Constituency in Kano State was created following the death of Hon. Muhammad Danjuma Hassan.

The Federal Government has called for stronger collaboration with traditional institutions to eradicate polio, improve routine immunisation and strengthen primary healthcare delivery across the country.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, made the call on Tuesday in Abuja during a quarterly review meeting of the Northern Traditional Leaders Committee on Primary Health Care Delivery.

The meeting was organized by the ministry of health and social welfare in collaboration with the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA).

Pate said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remained committed to strengthening primary healthcare as the foundation for universal health coverage.

‘At the centre of these reforms is the effort to strengthen primary healthcare as the foundation for universal health coverage,’ he said.

He noted that the government was expanding health insurance coverage, improving healthcare infrastructure and increasing access to medicines, vaccines and diagnostics.

‘The NPHCDA has revitalised thousands of primary healthcare centres across the country. Even this week, additional medical equipment is being distributed because we believe that infrastructure must be available for people to access quality healthcare services,’ he added.

The minister also stressed the importance of community participation and the role of traditional rulers in addressing vaccine hesitancy and promoting health-seeking behaviour.

‘In many rural communities across Nigeria, traditional and religious leaders remain the most respected and trusted voices. Your advocacy has helped dispel harmful myths, improve vaccine acceptance and encourage families to seek timely healthcare services,’ he said.

Speaking at the meeting, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Muyi Aina, disclosed that Nigeria recorded 30 cases of circulating variant poliovirus in 2026.

‘As of epidemiological week 19 of 2026, we have recorded 30 total cases – 27 cases of cVPV2 and three cases of cVPV3,’ Aina said.

He explained that the cases were linked to gaps identified during earlier vaccination campaigns, prompting reforms within the National Emergency Operations Centre.

According to him, the agency had since intensified interventions in high-risk states, particularly Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara.

‘We are very confident that the March and April campaigns were significantly better – probably among the best we have conducted in recent times in terms of quality, data management and reach,’ he said.

Aina added that Katsina, Kaduna and Yobe states had recorded zero polio cases this year, while Borno recorded an 86 per cent reduction.

He further revealed that over 65,000 cases of non-compliance were recorded during recent immunisation campaigns across 15 states, with a 71 per cent resolution rate.

On primary healthcare revitalisation, Aina said 4,161 primary healthcare centres had so far been upgraded nationwide, while over 19,000 skilled birth attendants had been recruited.

He also disclosed that more than half a million women had been enrolled under the Maternal and Newborn Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative.

According to him, 102 million children across the country had received the first dose of the measles-rubella vaccine, while 16.7 million adolescent girls had received the Human Papillomavirus vaccine.

Aina said the government had also increased funding to primary healthcare facilities through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund.

‘Between 2023 and now, N70.5 billion has been disbursed to states under this initiative. In 2025 alone, N32.1 billion has gone directly to these facilities,’ he said.

In his welcome remarks, the Chairman of the Northern Traditional Leaders Committee on Primary Health Care Delivery and Emir of Argungu, HRM Alhaji Sama’ila Mera, said traditional institutions remained committed to supporting healthcare interventions across communities.

‘Primary healthcare remains the foundation of an effective and equitable healthcare system. It is the first point of contact for millions of people, especially women, children and vulnerable populations in our rural communities,’ he said.

Mera noted that traditional leaders would continue to mobilise communities, promote immunisation uptake and support maternal and child health interventions.

Also speaking, the World Health Organisation Country Representative, Dr Pavel Ursu, said Nigeria had made measurable progress in strengthening primary healthcare and maternal health services despite ongoing challenges.

‘While there was a 36 per cent decline in cVPV2 cases, there was also the emergence of cVPV3,’ Ursu said.

He identified low routine immunisation coverage, insecurity, surveillance gaps and weak accountability systems as some of the drivers of ongoing transmission, particularly in the North-West and North-East.

The UNICEF Country Representative, Waafaa Saeed Abdelatef, also commended traditional rulers for their role in supporting immunisation campaigns and improving community trust.

‘When our royal fathers speak, communities listen. When you lead, communities follow. This unique authority is indispensable as we confront the evolving challenge of circulating variant poliovirus,’ she said.

She noted that although Nigeria remained free of wild poliovirus, more efforts were needed to eliminate vaccine-derived poliovirus transmission, especially in high-burden states in the North-West.

The General Secretary of Rotary International, John Hewko, warned that political activities ahead of future elections must not distract from efforts to sustain polio eradication gains.

‘Nigeria’s success in interrupting the transmission of the wild poliovirus was truly a historic victory, but that achievement remains fragile as we enter a political season that carries the real risk of distraction,’ he said.

Hewko urged traditional rulers to ensure immunisation remained a priority, stressing that ‘polio does not respect political calendars’ and that one missed child could allow the virus to resurface.

In his remarks, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, said traditional institutions would continue to support government efforts aimed at improving health outcomes and eradicating polio.

‘Our attention must remain focused on reaching missed children, addressing noncompliance, supporting community mobilisation and ensuring that every eligible child is reached during each campaign,’ the Sultan said.

He also called for intensified advocacy on routine immunisation, maternal healthcare and nutrition, adding that traditional leaders would continue using their platforms to combat misinformation and promote healthy behaviours across communities.

For decades, Nigeria’s economic structure has remained heavily dependent on imported technologies, machinery and industrial equipment. From agricultural tools and power systems to electronics, automobiles and manufacturing machines, the country has consistently relied on foreign products to drive critical sectors of the economy. This dependence has come at enormous economic cost, putting pressure on foreign exchange reserves, weakening local industries and exposing the country to global supply chain disruptions and exchange rate volatility.

Amid growing concerns over the continued depreciation of the Naira and rising import bills, the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has intensified efforts to promote local technologies development as part of Nigeria’s broader import substitution agenda. The Agency’s renewed push is aimed at reducing the country’s dependence on foreign technologies through the development, commercialisation and adoption of indigenous alternatives.

The drive aligns with the Federal Government’s ‘Nigeria First policy’ direction encouraging Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to prioritise locally made goods and services where available. Economic experts say such measures have become increasingly necessary as Nigeria struggles with foreign exchange shortages and rising production costs.

Available data underscore the scale of the challenge confronting the country. According to figures released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria spent about N8.64 trillion on imported boilers, machinery and appliances within the first nine months of 2025. The imports covered industrial machines, mechanical equipment, electrical appliances and related technology products used across several sectors of the economy. Analysts say the figure reflects Nigeria’s continued dependence on foreign industrial infrastructure despite decades of discussions around local manufacturing and industrialisation.

Reports citing the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) also indicate that nearly 70 per cent of manufacturing inputs used in Nigeria are imported. Economists warn that such dependence contributes significantly to pressure on the country’s foreign reserves because manufacturers and importers must source foreign currencies to pay for imported goods and industrial components.

The implications go beyond foreign exchange demand, hence Industry observers say excessive import dependence weakens local production capacity, limits job creation opportunities and discourages investments in indigenous technology development. It also exposes the economy to external shocks whenever global supply chains are disrupted or exchange rates fluctuate sharply.

For years, experts have argued that Nigeria’s industrial growth can only become sustainable through deliberate support for local manufacturing and homegrown technologies. It is within this context that NASENI’s activities are increasingly attracting national attention.

Established to promote science, engineering and technological infrastructure, NASENI has over the years developed various local innovations aimed at addressing Nigeria’s industrial and technological gaps. Under its current leadership, the Agency has expanded efforts to commercialise research outputs and collaborate with industries to scale production of locally developed technologies.

In February 2024, NASENI unveiled its ‘3Cs’ principle of Collaboration, Creation and Commercialisation designed to strengthen local manufacturing and promote Made-in-Nigeria products. The EVC/CEO of NASENI, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, said the strategy would bridge the gap between research institutions, innovators and industries so that locally developed ideas could move beyond laboratories into commercial production.

At various stakeholders’ engagements and exhibitions held across the country, NASENI has showcased a range of indigenous technologies including hybrid vehicles, electric tricycles, solar-powered irrigation pumps, laptops, solar water dispensers, HatchBox, Mobile Science Kits and other engineering products developed through local research and technical partnerships.

One of the Agency’s flagship interventions is the development of solar-powered irrigation pumps aimed at reducing dependence on imported fuel-powered irrigation systems. The initiative gained national attention after the National Economic Council (NEC) approved the nationwide rollout of the technology as part of efforts to strengthen food security and support mechanised agriculture.

The irrigation pumps are designed to provide farmers with affordable alternatives to petrol and diesel-powered systems whose operating costs have risen sharply following increases in fuel prices. Agricultural experts say the initiative could help lower farming costs, improve irrigation efficiency and reduce fuel consumption among smallholder farmers.

NASENI has also ventured into automobile technology development through the introduction of hybrid and electric vehicles developed in collaboration with technical partners under technology transfer arrangements. At some of its public exhibitions, the Agency displayed locally assembled vehicles and tricycles as part of efforts to demonstrate the potential of indigenous automotive production.

Stakeholders say such initiatives may help reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported automobiles and automotive components if production is sustained and scaled effectively. The country currently spends billions annually on vehicle imports; a situation that experts say contributes significantly to foreign exchange demand.

The Agency’s efforts in local electronics manufacturing have equally generated interest. NASENI has promoted locally assembled laptops and electronic devices targeted at educational institutions, businesses and government agencies. Though the country still relies heavily on imported electronic products, the Agency through its National Engineering Design Development Institute (NEDDI) is locally producing electronic products and components that are gradually reducing import dependence while stimulating industrial growth and employment.

However, one of the major obstacles confronting locally made products in Nigeria remains public perception. Many consumers continue to associate foreign products with superior quality and durability despite increasing improvements in indigenous manufacturing.

NASENI officials have repeatedly acknowledged this challenge while insisting that local technologies are becoming increasingly competitive in terms of quality and affordability. According to the Agency, many locally developed products are specifically designed to address Nigerian environmental and operational realities, making them suitable for domestic conditions.

Locally manufactured alternatives reduce exposure to currency volatility because production costs are partly denominated in local currency. Analysts argue that strengthening local manufacturing could therefore help moderate inflationary pressures associated with imported products.

The Federal Government’s ‘Nigeria First Policy’ is expected to play an important role in this regard. The policy seeks to encourage MDAs to prioritise locally made products and services instead of relying excessively on imported alternatives where domestic capacity exists.

NASENI officials have welcomed the initiative, describing it as a major boost for indigenous manufacturers and local technology developers. According to the Agency, increased patronage by government institutions could stimulate demand, encourage private sector investment and create economies of scale for local industries.

Beyond government patronage, NASENI has also sought to strengthen partnerships with private manufacturers and investors to commercialise research outputs and scale local production. The Agency’s collaboration-driven approach is intended to ensure that innovations do not remain at prototype levels but are transformed into commercially viable products capable of competing in the market.

Economists and experts say the potential foreign exchange savings from successful import substitution could be substantial. Apart from conserving foreign exchange, local manufacturing could also stimulate employment generation and industrial development. Indigenous production creates value chains involving raw materials sourcing, engineering services, fabrication, logistics, maintenance and technical support.

Industry observers note that countries that achieved rapid industrialisation often relied on deliberate local content policies and strategic investments in domestic production capacity. According to them, Nigeria’s renewed emphasis on local technology development reflects growing recognition that sustainable economic growth cannot be built entirely on import dependence.

Technology transfer is critical. NASENI’s partnerships with foreign firms prioritise skills development and local capacity building rather than perpetuating dependence on imported components and technical expertise.

With over a dozen Development Institutes across the country, NASENI interventions cut across development of scientific equipment, agricultural machinery and equipment, solar energy panel production, solid minerals machinery, advanced manufacturing technology, power equipment and electrical machinery, prototype engineering, hydraulic and pneumatic machinery, engineering design, hydraulic equipment and engineering materials development.

Many observers believe NASENI’s current interventions represent one of the most ambitious attempts in recent years to reposition Nigeria toward technology-driven industrialisation. Through investments in innovation, local manufacturing and industrial collaboration, the Agency is increasingly positioning itself as a key player in Nigeria’s import substitution agenda.

At least 11 passengers reportedly died in a road crash along the Abeokuta-Lagos expressway on Sunday night.

It was gathered that the incident occurred at the Eruku Bridge along the route when a gold Toyota vehicle marked GGE722KJ somersaulted and fell off the bridge, trapping the occupants inside.

As a result, all 11 occupants on board – 10 adult males and one female – reportedly lost their lives in the crash.

The spokesperson of the Federal Road Safety Corps in Ogun State, Odunsi Afolabi, in a statement, confirmed the incident.

According to him, the preliminary report cited Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Overloading (OVL) as the probable causes.

Afolabi said, ‘A gold Toyota with registration GGE722KJ somersaulted and fell off the bridge, trapping the occupants inside as the doors locked upon impact.

‘All 11 people on board (10 adult males and 1 adult female) lost their lives in the crash.

‘FRSC personnel, with help from the local community, dismantled the vehicle to recover the bodies. The deceased has been moved to the State Specialist Hospital Morgue in Ifo.

‘The preliminary report cites Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Overloading (OVL) as the probable causes.’