Lagos lawyer, company docked for alleged N27m land fraud

A Lagos lawyer identified as Victor Azubike Awah has been arraigned on a six-count charge bordering on stealing , obtaining money by false pretence, using false documents and issuance of dud cheque to the tune of N27m.

Awa and his company, Sparkan Ives Limited, were arraigned before Justice O.A.OKunuga of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos.

One of the counts reads: ‘ That you, Victor Azubike Awah, sometime between October, 2024 and February, 2025 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of 27,000.000.00 (Twenty Seven Million) from Mrs. Onwuekwe Chioma Genevieve under the false pretence that you have a plot of land advertised for sale, which pretence you knew or ought to have known to be false thereby committed an offence Obtaining Money by False Pretence contrary to Section 1(1) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud related Offences Act No. 14 of 2006.’

The defendant pleaded ‘not guilty ‘ to the charges when they were read to him.

In view of this, prosecution counsel,A. M. Dambuwa, asked the court for a trial date and also prayed for the remand of the defendant in a Correctional Centre.

The defendant represented himself during the proceedings.

Justice Okunuga adjourned the case till December 17 and 18, 2025, for the hearing of the bail application and the commencement of the trial.

The judge also ordered that the defendant be remanded in the EFCC’s custody.

Airtel Africa foundation joins Forces with ITU, RISA and Cisco to empower Rwanda’s youth with digital skills

Kigali, Rwanda. In a landmark collaboration aimed at bridging the digital divide, the Airtel Africa Foundation on October 25, 2025 partnered with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the Rwanda Information Society Authority (RISA), and Cisco to launch a transformative initiative under the Digital Transformation Centres (DTC) programme.

The partnership seeks to advance digital inclusion across Rwanda by providing free Internet connectivity and digital skills training to underserved communities, supporting the country’s journey towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Under the initiative, ITU will deliver digital skills training content to the DTCs, alongside other regional capacity-building activities.

It will also facilitate networking opportunities to promote digital literacy, granting participants access to expertise and global best practices. Speaking to the press, Airtel Rwanda Managing Director, Mr Sujay Chakrabarti, said: “Today’s partnership between the Airtel Africa Foundation, ITU, RISA, and Cisco marks a significant step forward in bridging the digital divide and empowering Rwandan youth with digital skills.

This partnership is a powerful example of what happens when government, private sector, and international organisations come together to empower communities.” The Airtel Africa Foundation, through Airtel Rwanda, will equip DTC locations with routers, Wi-Fi, and data packages at no cost, ensuring that digital training and educational platforms are fully accessible to learners.

The initiative complements Rwanda’s ambition to become a knowledge-based economy and aligns with national programmes such as ‘Connect Rwanda’, which seek to broaden access to smartphones and digital services for marginalised communities. Ms Esi Asare Prah, Head of Programmes at Airtel Africa Foundation, on behalf of Dr Segun Ogunsaya, Chair of the Foundation, said: “This partnership reflects our commitment to supporting national development goals and closing the digital divide through meaningful collaboration.

We are honoured to partner with ITU to bring this vision to life and contribute to Rwanda’s journey towards becoming a digitally empowered society.” Dr Emmanuel Mannaseh, Regional Director for ITU, added: “Our partnership with Airtel Africa Foundation begins in Rwanda, where we are joining forces to strengthen digital skills in underserved communities and advance connectivity.

This initiative lays the groundwork for broader regional collaboration, as we aim to expand this work to other Digital Transformation Centres across Africa.” RISA CEO Mr Antoine Sebera emphasised the transformative potential of the programme, stating: “What we are seeing here today is partnership in action.

With 900 million people in Africa still unconnected, extra effort must be made to ensure that no one is left behind. These centres will play a vital role in educating the youth to leverage AI.

Digital transformation is driving the world, and Africa, particularly Rwanda, cannot be left behind.” .

Tope Alabi: How failed music project led me to my husband, Soji

Popular gospel singer, Tope Alabi, has revealed how a rejected music project unexpectedly led her to meeting her husband and longtime producer, Soji Alabi.

Speaking on how their 25-year marriage began, Tope explained that her encounter with Soji came at a difficult period in her life and career.

‘I was already recording soundtracks for movies when I was paid ?200,000 by Highwaves Video Mart to produce an album,’ she said. ‘But when I got to Soji Alabi’s studio, I was told he no longer worked there.’

Determined to complete the job, she took the project elsewhere, but the client rejected it for poor sound quality. ‘They said it didn’t meet the standard they knew me for,’ she added.

According to her, she returned to Soji’s former studio to get his contact, only to find him there by chance. ‘I explained everything, and he agreed to help even when I couldn’t pay the full amount,’ she said. ‘We ended up completing the project with just ?10,000.’

Tope disclosed that her relationship with Soji was strictly professional at first, as she was then in an abusive relationship. ‘He was just a studio producer helping me out. But after I left that relationship, we became friends and eventually got married a year and a half later,’ she said.

The couple, who have worked together for over two decades, have remained one of gospel music’s most enduring partnerships.

Tanzania’s Bahati Female Band champions disability inclusion through music

Dar es Salaam. On the evening of Friday, October 24, 2025the Bahati Female Band demonstrated that when the entertainment industry provides space for people with disabilities, true artistry and magic emerge.

During the listening party for their five-track “Nithamini EP,” a product of the Nithamini Project, the all-female band used their music to deliver a powerful message on disability inclusion and equality. From the opening track, Sote ni Sawa (We Are All Equal), to the closing Mazingira (Environment), each song conveyed a profound narrative about society’s perceptions and treatment of people with disabilities.

The live performance transcended mere entertainment; it was a poignant and emotional experience. The audience was visibly moved, with some shedding tears, as blind singers and dancers performed with passion, while an artist with albinism took to the stage to highlight how society often overlooks or marginalises the talents of people with disabilities.

According to Pili Maguzo, director of Bahati Female Band, the Nithamini Project stemmed from personal experiences and a desire to confront discrimination against women with disabilities in the arts and beyond. “The idea came from the pain of what we’ve endured–how people react when you arrive late for a show with someone who has a disability.

They immediately assume you’ve come to beg. These perceptions hurt deeply,” Maguzo explained.

She added that the project extends beyond music, aiming to reaffirm the presence and value of people with disabilities within their families and communities. “If we don’t raise our voices now, then when will we? Music is our voice, and tonight, people are hearing what we’ve created,” she said.

The Bagamoyo Arts and Cultural Institute (Taasisi ya Sanaa na Utamaduni Bagamoyo, TaSUBa) and the National Arts Council (Basata) praised the initiative, noting significant progress compared to previous years, with more artists with disabilities actively participating in the creative sector. Dr Herbert Makoye, Principal of TaSUBa, highlighted the vital role that artists with disabilities play in society.

“People with disabilities hold an important place in our community, just like everyone else,” he said. “Through initiatives like this, we see how the arts can amplify inclusion.

At our institution, we have artists with disabilities and facilities designed to support them.” The event also hosted a panel discussion that shed light on the longstanding neglect of artists with disabilities, from major music festivals and studio sessions to collaborations with non-disabled peers.

Band member Irene Malekela shared her experiences: “Many people assume that a person with a disability can’t be an artist. But when they see us perform like this, it changes their mindset,” she said, emphasising that accessibility remains a significant challenge in most performance venues.

Determined to break barriers, the Bahati Female Band has made it their mission to prove that disability does not equal inability, and that talent knows no physical limitation. Founded out of pure love and compassion with just five members, the band has grown to over thirty women.

Since its official registration in 2000, Bahati Female Band has expanded its work beyond music, launching social campaigns such as efforts against teenage pregnancies and the Shika Ndoto (Hold on to Your Dream) initiative. Now, through Nithamini, they are amplifying messages of equality and inclusion.

Looking ahead, Bahati Female Band plans to transform into a fully-fledged NGO, continuing to harness the power of art not only as entertainment but as a tool for empowerment and social change. .

How Sales Manager, two others allegedly stole N33.5m goods in Lagos

A sales manager, Obinna Nwonwu, has been arrested and arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate’s Court for allegedly stealing goods worth N33,547,000 belonging to his employer, Nonsman Global System Limited.

Two other men, Kingsley Onyetachi (37) and Chibike Okonio (32), were also arrested and charged alongside Nwonwu for allegedly receiving the stolen items, fully aware that they were stolen property.

According to the police, Nwonwu was entrusted with the management of his employer’s warehouse but allegedly diverted goods valued at over N33.5 million while his boss was away on a business trip.

Upon returning, the complainant discovered that a substantial portion of his stock was missing and his sales manager had vanished.

Following the discovery, the complainant petitioned the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 2 Command, AIG Adegoke Fayoade, who ordered a manhunt for the fugitive manager. Investigators eventually arrested Nwonwu and recovered part of the stolen property.

During interrogation, he allegedly confessed to the crime and identified Onyetachi and Okonio as the receivers of the stolen items.

The defendants were arraigned before the Tinubu Magistrate’s Court, Lagos Island, on a three-count charge of conspiracy and stealing, offences contrary to and punishable under Sections 411, 287, and 328(1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Police prosecutor, DSP Francis Igbinosa, told the court that the offences were committed on 4 September 2025 at 27, Awolowo Way, Ikeja, adding that the suspects were tracked and arrested through intelligence gathering.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. Chief Magistrate M. Owunmi granted them N10 million bail each, with two sureties in like sum. They were, however, remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Facility pending the fulfilment of their bail conditions.

The case was adjourned to 2 December, 2025 for mention.

Nigerian Breweries records ?1.04trn revenue in 9 months

Nigerian Breweries Plc has reported group revenue of ?1.04 trillion for the nine months ended Sept. 30, 2025, a 48 per cent growth compared with ?703 billion recorded during the same period in 2024.

The company confirmed this in a statement on Saturday, contained in its unaudited financial results.

The company’s cost of sales rose from ?495 billion in 2024 to ?627 billion in 2025.

Marketing, distribution, and administrative expenses increased by 38 per cent from ?184 billion to ?254 billion due to expanded brand and sales activities.

Mr Uaboi Agbebaku, Company Secretary and Legal Director, said the firm’s performance reflected resilience amid challenging macroeconomic conditions.

He said the company achieved strong topline and operational growth despite high inflation, rising input costs, and pressure on consumer spending.

Agbebaku noted that the company consolidated its market leadership through product premiumisation, competitiveness, and enhanced route-to-market strategies.

He said the Group’s revenue grew by 47 per cent, supported by pricing adjustments and strong performance of its premium portfolio.

Operating profit improved significantly, driven by cost management and supply chain efficiencies, while net profit rose by 157 per cent due to lower finance costs.

He added that the 2024 Rights Issue programme contributed significantly to the Group’s positive turnaround in profitability compared to the previous year.

Agbebaku stated that the third quarter of 2025 saw a seasonal demand decline and a one-off impairment charge linked to the integration of Distell Wines and Spirits Nigeria Ltd.

He said these factors led to a net loss in the quarter.

However, he expressed optimism that a rebound was expected in the final quarter due to festive season demand.

Agbebaku said the Board expected the full-year results to remain positive.

He appreciated shareholders for their unwavering support, which had enabled the company to navigate challenges and maintain a path towards sustained growth.

Ned Nwoko speaks on taking another wife

Senator Ned Nwoko has dismissed rumours claiming he has taken another wife, following the circulation of a viral video showing him with a young woman.

In a statement shared on his official Instagram page, the Delta North senator described the reports as ‘false’ and ‘mischievous.’

‘A video recently brought to my attention shows a young woman who visited with her team under the Peace Ambassadors initiative, led by Ambassador Dr. Adejo Sule, and it is now being circulated online with false claims attempting to affiliate me with her,’ Nwoko said. ‘It is unfortunate what social media has become, a space where moments are easily twisted for clout and misinformation.’

He explained that the meeting was purely official and that the photos taken during the visit were being misinterpreted.

‘During the visit, photographs were taken with members of the delegation, as is customary whenever I receive guests,’ he said. ‘It is therefore mischievous and malicious for anyone to exploit such gestures to fabricate false narratives.’

Nwoko also clarified that he has no personal relationship with the woman in question and warned those spreading the rumour to stop or face legal action.

‘I strongly caution individuals, groups, or media outlets spreading this fabricated story to desist immediately,’ he warned. ‘Any further propagation of this false narrative will attract appropriate legal action. The Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 remains in full force and applies to anyone involved in the deliberate spread of falsehood or defamation in cyberspace.’

The clarification comes amid social media speculation about the lawmaker’s marriage to actress Regina Daniels, with some users suggesting he had secretly married another woman.

Tears flow as gospel singer Dare Melody remembers his late wife

Gospel musician Damilare Odunuga, popularly known as Dare Melody, has paid a heartfelt tribute to his late wife, Adedoyin Mary Odunuga, on the first anniversary of her passing, describing her as the heartbeat of their family and declaring that no woman can ever take her place in his life.

The singer posted an emotional message on Instagram, sharing how deeply he and their children still feel her absence.

Alongside her picture, he reflected on the sorrow and emptiness that her death has left behind.

‘One year ago, we bid farewell to my beloved wife, the heartbeat of this family and the love of my life. Your departure left an unfillable void, a stark emptiness where your vibrant spirit once danced,’ he wrote.

Dare Melody went on to express how every day has been a reminder of her love, strength, and the joy she brought into their home.

He added that although time has passed, the pain remains fresh, and their children continue to miss their mother dearly.

‘No woman can ever take your place in my heart. May your soul rest in perfect peace. Myself and our lovely kids miss you terribly,’ he added.

Adedoyin Odunuga died in October 2024 and was laid to rest in Eruwen, Ikorodu, Lagos, in the presence of family, friends, and members of the gospel muic industry.

Eyitayo Jegede heads PDP Convention Screening Committee

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has appointed a former Ondo State governorship candidate, Eyitayo Jegede as the chairman of the committee that will screen all aspirants for national offices in its forthcoming National Convention scheduled for Ibadan, Oyo State.

Former PDP governorship candidate in Edo State, Asue Ighodalo was appointed as the secretary of the 13-member committee, according to a post on the social media platform of the party on Saturday.

Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, the governor of Adamawa State who is also the chairman of the PDP National Convention Committee, NCOC, signed the statement.

‘The NCOC notes and expects that the exemplary conduct and strict adherence to rules and regulations during this very crucial assignment will justify the confidence reposed by the Party on members of the Committee,’ Fintiri said in the statement.

See the full statement by the party below

The National Convention Organizing Committee (NCOC) has approved the appointment of the following Party members to serve on the National Convention Screening Committee to screen all aspirants for national offices in the upcoming 2025 PDP Elective National Convention scheduled for Saturday, 15th to Sunday, 16th November 2025 in Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital.

The screening exercise is scheduled for Tuesday, 28th October, 2025.

Members of the National Convention Screening Committee are;

1. EYITAYO JEGEDE, SAN – – CHAIRMAN

2. HON. MOHAMMED L.S. DIRI, SAN – DEPUTY CHAIRMAN

3. MR. ASUE IGHODALO, ESQ – SECRETARY

4. BARR. JACOB OTORKPA – DEPUTY SECRETARY

5. EMMANUEL ENOIDEM, SAN – – MEMBER

6. H.E. PRINCE OLAGUNSOYE OYINLOLA -MEMBER

7. CHIEF MRS. ADUKE MAINA – MEMBER

8. IYOM JOSEPHINE ANENIH – MEMBER

9. H.E. ACHIKE UDENWA – MEMBER

10. HAJ. MARYAM INNA CIROMA-MEMBER

11. HM. FELIX HASSAN HYAT- MEMBER

12. HM. ZAINAB MAINA – – MEMBER

13. CHINEDU NWACHUKWU – MEMBER/ADMIN SEC (0701 019 8845)

The NCOC notes and expects that the exemplary conduct and strict adherence to rules and regulations during this very crucial assignment will justify the confidence reposed by the Party on members of the Committee.

No Hidden Nukes: ABU dismisses allegations of secret weapons programme

The Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has dismissed as false a social media video alleging that the institution is involved in developing a Nuclear Weapon for Nigeria.

Malam Auwalu Umar, Director Public Affairs Directorate of the university disclosed this in a statement issued to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Zaria.

The director described the viral AI-generated video as misleading, aimed at misinforming the public about Nigeria’s peaceful nuclear energy programme.

He said the video falsely claimed that Nigerian scientists in the 1980s secretly enriched weapons-grade uranium in Kaduna and that ABU researchers obtained centrifugal equipment from the AQ Khan network in Pakistan.

The institution’s image-maker added that the information was baseless, unfounded and unsubstantiated.

Umar said most of the ABU scientists at the Centre for Energy Research and Training (CERT) were still undergoing training abroad as at 1980s and could not have participated in uranium enrichment.

The director said ABU had no connection with the AQ Khan network and had never received any equipment for the construction of a centrifuge or nuclear device.

He added that by 1987, the only nuclear facility at the university was a 14 MeV Neutron Generator, which became operational in 1988.

‘Nigeria’s first nuclear reactor (NIRR-1) was established much later in 1996 under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Technical Cooperation Programme and commissioned in 2004,’ he said.

Umar said Nigeria’s nuclear activities had always been open and pursued strictly for peaceful purposes, in line with the country’s obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the Pelindaba Treaty, which prohibit the development of nuclear weapons.

He reaffirmed that: ‘The Centre for Energy Research and Training, established in 1976, operates

By Mustapha Yauri

Zaria (Kaduna State), Oct. 25, 2025 (NAN) The Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has dismissed as false a social media video alleging that the institution was involved in developing a Nuclear Weapon for Nigeria.

Malam Auwalu Umar, Director Public Affairs Directorate of the university disclosed this in a statement issued to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Zaria.

The director described the viral AI-generated video as misleading, aimed at misinforming the public about Nigeria’s peaceful nuclear energy programme.

He said the video falsely claimed that Nigerian scientists in the 1980s secretly enriched weapons-grade uranium in Kaduna and that ABU researchers obtained centrifugal equipment from the AQ Khan network in Pakistan.

The institution’s image-maker added that the information was baseless, unfounded and unsubstantiated.

Umar said most of the ABU scientists at the Centre for Energy Research and Training (CERT) were still undergoing training abroad as at 1980s and could not have participated in uranium enrichment.

The director said ABU had no connection with the AQ Khan network and had never received any equipment for the construction of a centrifuge or nuclear device.

He added that by 1987, the only nuclear facility at the university was a 14 MeV Neutron Generator, which became operational in 1988.

‘Nigeria’s first nuclear reactor (NIRR-1) was established much later in 1996 under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Technical Cooperation Programme and commissioned in 2004,’ he said.

Umar said Nigeria’s nuclear activities had always been open and pursued strictly for peaceful purposes, in line with the country’s obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the Pelindaba Treaty, which prohibit the development of nuclear weapons.

He reaffirmed that: ‘The Centre for Energy Research and Training, established in 1976, operates in collaboration with the IAEA and international partners from the U.S., Russia, and China.’

Umar further explained that the center has never engaged in any secret weapons programme.

‘ABU has always pursued peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology for national development.

‘ABU’s founder, Sir Ahmadu Bello, had demonstrated early interest in peaceful atomic research following his visit to the Museum of Atomic Energy at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in the U.S. in 1960, two years before ABU was established.

‘The management, therefore, restated its commitment to advancing science and technology for the benefit of humanity and to upholding Nigeria’s international obligations on the peaceful use of nuclear energy,’ he said. (NAN)