Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The Supreme Court has reserved judgment till a date to be communicated to the parties in a suit challenging the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu.

A seven-member panel, presided over by Justice John Okoro made the announcement on Tuesday after lawyers to the parties made their final submissions and adopted what they filed.

The suit was originally filed by the 10 states controlled by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), through their Attorneys General, with the Federal Government and the National Assembly listed as defendants.

At the commencement of proceedings on Tuesday, Delta State announced its withdrawal from the case having filed a notice of discountinuance to that effect.

Lawyers to other parties did not object, following which the court struck out Delta State’s name from the suit.

In his submission, plaintiffs’ lawyer, Eyitayo Jegede (SAN), said his clients’ case is not denying the President’s power to proclaim a state of emergency.

Jegede added that the suit is questioning the extent to which the proclamation of an emergency rule could be made to affect the offices of the governor, deputy governor, and the House of Assembly.

He prayed the court to uphold the plaintiffs’ case and grant all the reliefs sought.

On his part, lawyer to the Federal Government, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) argued against the competence of the case and urged the court to dismiss it

Fagbemi, who is the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, said: ‘The more I look at the plaintiffs’ action, the more I am convinced it is speculative and lacks merit.’

The AGF argued that Rivers State was engulfed in a political crisis involving the governor, deputy governor, and lawmakers when the President acted, adding that no responsible government would sit back and allow part of the country to burn without taking any action.

He further argued that the President did not act out of discretion, but discharged a constitutional obligation to safeguard democracy, life, and property.

As against the claim by the plaintiffs, Fagbemi said elected officials in Rivers State were not removed, but merely suspended, adding that the suspension was an extraordinary measure adopted in response to an extraordinary situation.

Fagbemi added: ‘The President therefore had to act and act fast to safeguard the state.

‘My lords, the starting point is the judgement of the Supreme Court, wherein your lordships held that as things were at that time, there was no government and governance in Rivers State.

‘Therefore, the President had no choice, but a duty to act in the best interest of the state. What he did was to suspend the protagonists, not remove them. Rivers was in an extraordinary situation, and that required taking extraordinary measures to restore peace and protect democracy,’ Fagbemi said.

He argued that those, directly affected by the proclamation were not before the court, adding that the plaintiffs were trying to be more Catholic than the Pope.

Also seeking the dismissal of the suit, lawyer to the National Assembly, Charles Yohila adopted the arguments by the AGF.

In his reply, Jegede argued that while extraordinary circumstances could be deployed to justify firm executive action, such measures must no exceed constitutional boundary.

Jegede added: ‘Extraordinary measures will not contain illegal and unconstitutional measures, sir.’

With petrol prices hovering around the N1,000 per litre mark across major cities in the country in the past week, the twin ghosts of high fuel prices and its concomitant of instability, once assumed to have been slain, would seem far from interred. In the Lagos area, Nigerians woke up Monday last week to find that the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, (petrol), sold a day before at N850 per litre had jumped to N950.

At Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) retail outlets in Ogun and Lagos, it sold for N928, up from the previous N870. In Sokoto, parts of Edo, Rivers, Oyo and Gombe states, prices ranged from N900 to N1,000 per litre, amid reports of long queues and panic buying.

As would be expected, it has been a babel of voices ever since. NNPCL spokesperson, Andy Odeh, said the company adjusted its pump prices like every other retail outlet because the depots increased their gantry rates.

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) president, Abubakar Maigandi Shettima, on his part claimed that it was members of the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) that hiked fuel prices, following the no-loading situation at the 650,000-capacity Dangote Refinery.

IPMAN’s National Publicity Secretary, Chinedu Ukadike, would add the bit that the refinery had only recently slowed loading operations due to internal reorganisation and labour-related disruptions.

Most significantly, there have been no suggestions about the matter being anything but local and contrived; nothing about the usual stuff – rising crude prices in the global market, but rather a case of players’ actions and inactions precipitating instability in domestic fuel prices!

Still, there is a lot happening in the industry that has remained unknown – or perhaps at this time unknowable – by Nigerians. One of them is the latest data suggesting that imported petrol actually accounted for 72.64 per cent of total consumption in the last nine months. The data, drawn from the records of the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) showed the country as consuming 12.5 billion litres of petrol between October 2024 and July 2025, of which 9.08 billion litres were imported, with the balance of 3.5 billion litres sourced from the Dangote Refinery.

In October 2024, Nigeria was said to have imported 40.43 million litres per day, that is, 1.253 billion litres that month, while Dangote Refinery supplied only 7.09 million litres, a mere 14.9 per cent of the total. In January, the import component came down to 56.3 per cent, with Dangote supplying 592.1 million litres, said to be its best performance so far. February and March are said to have maintained similar trends, with local supply hovering near 45 per cent.

In May, domestic supply again fell sharply to 472 million litres, leaving importers to cover nearly 72 per cent of demand. In July, Dangote Refinery could only meet 31.5 per cent of the nation’s needs.

Yet, the story all this while is that Dangote Refinery has more than enough capacity to supply the nation’s fuel needs. This is a refinery whose officials only in June were on record as saying that it shipped some 90,000 metric tons of gasoline to Asia, the first petrol export outside of West Africa. That these figures, taken together, are simply not adding up is putting things mildly. In fact, there are grounds to suggest that Nigerians are not being told the whole truth about what is going on.

Nigerians surely deserve to know what is going on. The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), in particular – owes Nigerians a lot of explanation. So does Dangote Refinery – an entity that the country has given so much in fiscal support and patronage.

Heaping all of the blame on DAPPMAN and other players in the fuel import segment as many are tempted to do won’t cut; not this time when the refinery- based on available public records – is known to have supplied only a fraction of the nation’s fuel needs.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has raised fresh concerns over the growing dangers of cryptocurrency-related fraud in Nigeria.

It warned that digital currencies are increasingly being exploited by criminal networks for large-scale scams, money laundering, and cybercrime.

A cybersecurity expert at EFCC, Alex Ogbole, detailed the scale of the threat, citing global examples of devastating crypto scams.

He spoke at a capacity-building workshop for CSOs and journalists in Lagos.

Ogbole referenced the OneCoin Ponzi scheme, which allegedly cost investors over $25 billion, and U.S. data showing that crypto-linked romance scams caused losses of $139 million in 2021.

He highlighted newer threats, including phishing attacks, AI-driven scams, and ransomware incidents targeting digital wallets and exchanges.

He said the unregulated nature of digital assets, coupled with poor digital literacy, has made Nigeria particularly vulnerable.

‘Cryptocurrency’s speed, privacy, and decentralisation-its strengths-are also its biggest risks,’ Ogbole warned. ‘Without proper education and collaboration, these same features will continue to empower fraudsters.’

He called for stronger collaboration between regulators, law enforcement, technology firms, and the media to improve detection, digital literacy, and financial awareness.

‘Prevention and early detection remain cheaper and more effective than recovery after the fact,’ Ogbole said.

Acting Director of the EFCC Lagos Directorate I, Adebayo Adeniyi, who spoke on behalf of EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, said the initiative was part of the Commission’s ongoing commitment to strengthening collaboration with key stakeholders, particularly the media and civil society, in its collective fight against economic and financial crimes.

He added: ‘We recognise that the EFCC’s mandate is both engaging and arduous. I say this because the landscape of economic crime is ever-evolving, and your duty to report and interpret these developments requires diligence and integrity.

‘It is in recognition of these challenges that the Commission introduced a Specialised Workshop Series on Economic and Financial Crimes Reporting for journalists in 2022.

‘We have now expanded this initiative to include civil society organisations, further demonstrating our belief in an inclusive and collaborative anti-corruption framework.

‘Lagos remains Nigeria’s commercial capital and a fertile ground for various forms of economic and financial crimes, ranging from foreign exchange scams and business email compromise to investment and property fraud.

‘While our enforcement activities continue to target the perpetrators of these crimes, we are increasingly concerned about the vulnerability of citizens, many of whom fall victim due to a lack of information or the allure of quick wealth. This is where your roles become even more critical.

‘We must work together to intensify public sensitisation. Your platforms- print, broadcast, digital, and community-based- are essential in equipping Nigerians with the knowledge to make informed decisions and avoid falling prey to scammers.

‘The media and CSOs must remain at the forefront of promoting a culture of integrity and accountability.

‘Let me be clear: the fight against economic and financial crimes is not the sole responsibility of the EFCC or other anti-corruption agencies. It is a collective national duty.

‘We owe it to our country and, indeed, the global community to expose and confront corrupt practices wherever they exist.

‘The media must continue to hold public institutions accountable, while civil society must deepen civic engagement and promote transparency at all levels.’

EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, reiterated that trial delays cannot solely be attributed to the commission, as it cannot determine when cases are decided.

He called for the collaboration of citizens, CSOs and the media in demanding an end to corruption and calling out lapses where they see them.

Actor Shawn Faqua and events planner Sharon Ifunanya Maduekwe made history by exchanging vows aboard a moving Lagos-Ibadan train, marking Nigeria’s first-ever train wedding ceremony.

The couple transformed one of the train coaches into a beautiful wedding venue, complete with floral decorations, bridesmaids, groomsmen, and officiating ministers.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) celebrated the event, praising the couple’s creativity and innovation.

‘From lovebirds to locomotives, we’re keeping things on track. History made – the first-ever wedding on a moving train in Nigeria. Proof that the journey can be just as beautiful as the destination,’ the NRC wrote on social media.

The wedding has sparked widespread attention and admiration online, with many Nigerians praising the couple’s originality and daring sense of style.

Celebrities like Stan Nze and Buchi Franklin attended the event, adding to the glamour and excitement.

Vice Chairperson of the United Nations Working Group on Business and Human Rights, Professor Damilola Olawuyi (SAN) has urged African leaders in government, business and development sectors across Africa to step up their commitment to the effective implementation of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) as a tool for boosting inclusive and sustainable prosperity for all.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria, who is also the global vice chair of the International Law Association, made these remarks during his plenary address to the 4th Annual African Forum on Business Human Rights convened by the African Union in partnership with the United Nations, and hosted by the Government of Zambia.

The theme was: ‘From Commitment to Action: Advancing Remedy, Reparations, and Responsible Business Conduct in Africa.’

The continental forum brought together African leaders, development experts, business enterprises, civil society, and academia to explore how to promote and ensure responsible investments in all key economic sectors.

The Forum also featured high level speakers, including the Minister of Justice of Zambia, Princess Kasune, as well as representatives of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), UN Global Compact, UNICEF, African Union, African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights amongst other dignitaries.

While exploring progress made in addressing adverse human rights impact of business activities and investments in key economic sectors, Olawuyi called on African businesses, investors and entrepreneurs to be more proactive in integrating human rights, environment, social and governance (ESG) standards across their value chains, including corporate policies, procurement standards and operational grievance mechanisms, in order to minimise legal liability and regulatory risks.

He emphasised that with increased adoption of right-based legislation across the world, including the European Union’s Directive on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence (CS3D), it is crystal clear that businesses in that fail to respond risk being left behind in a rapidly changing right-based global economy.

According to him: ‘Africa is rising as the hub for new investments in mining, infrastructure, agribusiness and green technologies.

At the same time, as we have heard at this forum, local communities, indigenous groups, and marginalised stakeholders want a prosperous Africa built on responsible business practices.

Profit maximisation is impossible in an atmosphere of public distrust, community protests and reputational damage.

We therefore call on all States and businesses across the continent to step up their commitment to human rights due diligence, meaningful stakeholder engagement and sustainable development when making business, investment and licensing decisions.

‘While commending the governments of Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, Liberia and Ghana for being the first few African countries to have adopted National Actions Plans on Business and Human Rights, he called for accelerated action to transform growing commitments on business and human rights to reality.

Noting that a ‘whole society approach’ is required to mainstream responsible investment into all economic sectors, Olawuyi called on states and business to provide more financial and technical support to national human rights institutions, higher education institutions, media, civil society organizations, Indigenous caucus and human rights defenders across the continent.

This is to enable them to continue their important work on promoting education and awareness on ethical and right-based investments that dismantle work-place inequalities and advance sustainable development.

The Senate on Monday confirmed the nomination of Dr Aminu Yusuf (Niger State) for appointment as the Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC).

Also confirmed were Hon. Kigbu Joseph Haruna (Nasarawa State) and Tonga Betara Bularafa (Yobe state) for appointment as National Commissioners of the NPC.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had transmitted the names of the three nominees for screening and confirmation for appointments.

The resolution of the Red Chamber followed its consideration and approval of the recommendations of the Senate Committee on National Identity and National Population during plenary.

The report was presented by the Chairman of the Committee, Senator Victor Umeh (LP – Anambra Central).

Umeh in his presentation said that the three nominees were found to be fit and proper for appointment into the respective positions attached to their names in the NPC.

He therefore recommended them for confirmation by the Senate.

Senators voted overwhelmingly to support their confirmation when Senate President Godswill Akpabio put the question on their confirmation to voice vote.

Akpabio thanked the committee for the speedy screening of the nominees and presentation of their report.

‘Population census is a very dicey thing, it helps in all facets of planning. May they succeed where others failed. I congratulate the President for fishing out people of integrity for appointment into key positions.,’ Akpabio said.

The air inside the Methodist Cathedral of Peace and Excellence, Opebi, Ikeja, was thick with gratitude and nostalgia yesterday.

Family, friends, and media greats gathered to celebrate a man whose name has long echoed through the Nigerian press.

That man is Sir. Ademola Osinubi, former Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of Punch Newspapers. It was on his 70th birthday.

From the soaring hymns of thanksgiving to the quiet reflections that rippled through the pews, the service radiated reverence for a life steeped in purpose, discipline, and grace.

It was a Monday morning, yet the cathedral brimmed with prominent figures – editors, publishers, and industry veterans.

They were all drawn to honour a man who helped shape the conscience of Nigerian journalism.

With Osinubi were his wife Lady Wemimo, children and family members.

Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, described Osinubi as ‘a good man and a loving father,’ whose legacy continues to speak through the people and institutions he nurtured.

‘What you are seeing here today says it all,’ Omotoso said, gesturing toward the crowd.

‘Even on a Monday, you see very busy, prominent people gathered to honour him.

‘That shows the kind of man he is – gentle, hardworking, and deeply humane.

‘Today, he’s reaping the reward of his years of integrity and good relationships.’

In his exhortation, Rt. Rev. Solomon Abayomi Adegbite, Bishop of Ijebu Diocese of the Methodist Church, urged Osinubi to continue walking closely with Christ.

He described him as a model of faith, generosity, and godly living.

‘The essence of life is a life lived in God,’ the Bishop said.

‘You have been abiding, and nothing should discourage you.

‘Continue to grow in holiness and benevolence.

‘The resources you have, God gave – and you’ve used them faithfully for His work.’

When it was his turn to speak, Osinubi’s voice carried both humility and wonder.

He admitted being overwhelmed by the turnout.

‘I can’t thank everyone enough,’ he said, smiling.

‘At one point, I looked back and asked myself – is this really a Monday? I’m deeply grateful.

‘My prayer is that each of you will also live to be celebrated.’

Reflecting on the evolution of journalism, the former Punch helmsman spoke candidly about generational shifts in the media landscape.

‘Every generation faces its own challenges,’ he said.

‘Ours had no computers or digital tools, but we made the best of what we had.

‘This new generation isn’t lazy – they’re just working with different circumstances.

‘The media will always evolve, and each era must find its own rhythm.’

The thanksgiving was not only a tribute to Osinubi’s longevity but to his legacy – a career that spanned decades of fearless reporting, newsroom leadership, and quiet mentorship.

Among the dignitaries present were former Chairman of Punch Nigeria Limited, Chief Ajibola Ogunsola and his wife, Iyabo; Publisher of Vanguard Newspapers, Chief Sam Amuka-Pemu; President, Nigerian Guild of Editors, Eze Anaba; Managing Director of Punch Nigeria Limited Mr. Adeyeye Joseph; as well as former Punch Editors Bola Bolawole, Gbemiga Ogunleye and Azu Ishiekwene.

Others were Convener of the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME), Lanre Idowu; Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Togo and Editor-in-Chief of The Guardian, Mr. Debo Adesina, among others.

They all gathered in quiet celebration of a man whose pen, principles, and presence have left an indelible mark on Nigerian journalism.

Kano Pillars have suspended their Technical Adviser, Evans Ogenyi, following a string of disappointing results in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

The club announced the decision yesterday via their official social media channels after the Sai Masu Gida fell 1-2 at home to newly promoted Barau FC in Kano – their fourth defeat of the campaign.

Providing clarification, Pillars confirmed a temporary technical reshuffle to guide the team pending further notice.

‘So far, the Sai Masu Gida have played eight matches, recording two wins, two draws, and four losses,’ the club statement read.

In the interim, former captain and Assistant Coach Gambo Muhammad will lead the team alongside goalkeeping coach Suleiman Shuaibu, with Garzali Muhammad (Kusa) from Junior Pillars offering ad-hoc support.

Currently sitting 18th on the NPFL table, Pillars will look to bounce back when they host Niger Tornadoes on October 24.

Normalcy returned to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Tuesday, after the fracas between security operatives and protesters calling on the government to free Nnamdi Kanu.

On Monday, major roads were barricaded in the city centre to prevent the protest by supporters of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The protest disrupted movement and halted several early morning activities across key parts of the city.

However, on Tuesday morning, our correspondent who went round the city, confirmed that business, commercial, and social activities resumed.

The heavy presence of police and other security personnel that dominated the streets on Monday was still there to maintain law and order.

The protesters had vowed to continue their demonstrations until Nnamdi Kanu is released from detention.

Kanu has been in custody since 2021, following his arrest in Kenya and subsequent extradition to Nigeria.

Activist Omoyele Sowore led the march on Monday despite a court order and police warning.

Protesters chanted, ‘Free Nnamdi Kanu now,’ ‘It’s our constitutional right to protest,’ and ‘Don’t tear gas us,’ before the police shots eventually dispersed them.

Some shouted: ‘Tear gas cannot stop us,’ as they fled the scene.

The #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest began near Transcorp Hilton and other areas in the Federal Capital Territory.

Police arrived early and fired tear gas to disperse protesters and onlookers. Operatives were positioned along major routes to Aso Rock, with heavy security at Eagle Square, Unity Fountain, and the Three Arms Zone.

Our correspondent reported that all access roads to the Federal Secretariat and the Three Arms Zone were barricaded.

Security operatives blocked entry to Unity Fountain, the protest take-off point, and denied access to motorists and pedestrians.

Heavily armed personnel patrolled the area, leaving both Unity Fountain and the Three Arms Zone inaccessible.

A combined team of soldiers and police officers fired tear gas at a crowd gathered near the Nigeria Union of Journalists secretariat in the Utako area of Abuja.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has condemned the arson attack on its Ekiti Secretariat, demand justice and an independent investigation.

A statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, on Tuesday in Abuja, said the attack occurred hours before the party’s reconfiguration and affirmation ceremony in the state.

Abdullahi described the attack as a deliberate effort to sabotage its activities and intimidate members ahead of the ceremony.

He explained that unknown persons set the building ablaze early morning on Oct. 20.

The party described the incident as criminal and anti-democratic, adding that the attack was meant to instill fear and undermine free political association ahead of Ekiti’s governorship election.

He said the building was set to host a vital ceremony for reaffirming leadership at ward, local government, senatorial, and state levels.

‘The is not an isolated incident. It called attention to a rising wave of attacks on our members and facilities across different parts of Nigeria.

‘Since July, when ADC was adopted by the opposition coalition, violence against its structures has reportedly increased, suggesting a clear, disturbing pattern of coordinated intimidation.

‘In Kaduna, ADC leaders were attacked during an inauguration on August 30. In Lagos, party officials were assaulted in Alimosho during a mobilisation exercise.

‘Kebbi saw similar violence, where the convoy of ADC leaders was attacked in Birnin Kebbi. In Kogi, the secretariat in Dekina was targeted by vandals.

‘In Edo, threats have reportedly come directly from the state government. These incidents are collectively alarming, pointing to systemic hostility toward the party nationwide,’ Abdullahi said.

The ADC insisted that the attacks were a threat to Nigeria’s democracy and the constitutional rights of all citizens to participate freely in politics.

Abdullahi called on security agencies to investigate all attacks and swiftly prosecute those responsible.

The party also urged INEC, international observers, and civil society to pay close attention to the quiet war being waged against the party.

Abdullahi confirmed that, ‘in spite of the arson, the Ekiti affirmation ceremony would go on in a hall or under a tree.’