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Faruk Shuaibu, a business reporter with Daily Trust Newspaper, has been shortlisted for the West Africa Media Excellence Conference and Awards (WAMECA) 2025.

Shuaibu was nominated among 26 finalists for the award ceremony with an entry ‘Why Nigerians Ditched the eNaira’ under the Digital Public Infrastructure/Digital Public Goods Reporting category.

The category highlights how governments in Africa are using digital infrastructures to better the lives of their citizens.

The award is organised by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and the event will be held in Accra, Ghana from 9 to 11 October 2025.

In a statement, MFWA said it received 793 entries this year and were submitted by journalists from over 600 media outlets across 15 West African countries.

It said Nigeria emerged as the country with the highest number of submissions (335 entries), comprising 42% of the total.

Ghana followed with 101 entries, while Burkina Faso submitted 92 entries. 21 entries were received from Mali, while Niger recorded 4 entries. The remaining 10 countries in the subregion recorded a total of 230 entries.

‘This overwhelming response marks a strong return for West Africa’s biggest and most prestigious journalism event after a break in 2024. The call for entries, which opened on April 15, invited submissions of journalistic works published between January 1 and December 31, 2024. Entries were received across nine award categories, including Human Rights Reporting, Environmental Reporting, Investigative Journalism, Women Empowerment Reporting, and Digital Public Infrastructure/Digital Public Goods Reporting. Others include Anti-Corruption, Extractive Sector, Telecoms and ICT, and Illicit Financial Flows.’

Barcelona’s hopes of returning to the top of La Liga were dashed in stunning fashion as they suffered a humiliating defeat to Sevilla – their worst against the Andalusian side since a 4-0 loss in 1951.

Needing a win to reclaim first place from Real Madrid, Hansi Flick’s men were outplayed for long spells and slumped to their first league defeat of the season against a Sevilla team that had not beaten them in over a decade.

Former Barcelona winger Alexis Sánchez put Sevilla ahead from the penalty spot after Ronald Araújo clumsily brought down Isaac Romero. Romero doubled the hosts’ advantage soon after, finishing off a swift counterattack to send the home crowd into raptures.

Barcelona briefly threatened a comeback when Marcus Rashford volleyed home Pedri’s cross in first-half stoppage time. But the Catalans failed to build on that momentum, and their frustration deepened when Robert Lewandowski missed a crucial second-half penalty after Adnan Januzaj fouled Alejandro Balde.

Sevilla sealed the emphatic victory late on through José Ángel Carmona and Akor Adams, condemning Barça to a second straight defeat following their midweek Champions League loss to Paris Saint-Germain.

The result leaves Barcelona two points behind leaders Real Madrid, while Sevilla climb to fifth, with Atlético Madrid still to play Celta Vigo in Sunday’s late fixture.

Matchday 7 of the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) produced high drama and late goals across several centres, with Nasarawa United claiming a stunning 1-0 away victory over Bendel Insurance in Benin City.

The Solid Miners continued their impressive run of form, snatching all three points at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium courtesy of substitute Garba Mohammed, who came off the bench in the 60th minute and netted the winner in the 94th minute, silencing the home crowd.

It was Mohammed’s second goal of the season and secured Nasarawa United’s second consecutive away win, following their triumph over Bayelsa United in Yenagoa two weeks earlier.

Speaking after the game, Coach Mangut Mbwas credited motivation and team spirit for the victory.

‘It’s a thing of joy to get the maximum points, either home or away. After drawing their last home game, Bendel Insurance were all out, aggressively searching for the maximum points,’ he said.

‘But we kept on resisting and pushing toward the last minutes of extra-time, and we got the goal. I am so happy with the performance of my boys – all credits to them. We started slowly in the game, but we adjusted as the game progressed, and the changes we effected in the second-half made a lot of difference.’

Mbwas further highlighted the collective motivation driving the team this season:

‘We are highly motivated from all rounds, starting with self-motivation, the push from our sports-loving Governor, Engr. Abdullahi Sule, the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Kwanta Yakubu, and the Club’s Management led by Solomon Babanjah, not forgetting our wonderful supporters, the local Football Association and fans.’

Elsewhere, Shooting Stars continued their formidable home form, edging Plateau United 1-0 at the Lekan Salami Stadium, thanks to a 90+6-minute strike from Ismail Ayodele.

In Minna, Niger Tornadoes were held to a 1-1 draw by Kun Khalifat, with Abba Khalid giving the hosts the lead in the 42nd minute before Ugochukwu Akuta equalized in the 82nd.

The highly anticipated clash between Enyimba and Rivers United in Aba ended in a tense 0-0 stalemate, as both unbeaten sides canceled each other out.

Warri Wolves claimed a crucial away win, defeating Barau FC 1-0 in Bauchi through Justus Ohanu’s 29th-minute strike, while Abia Warriors secured a 1-0 victory over Kwara United in Ilorin, courtesy of Emeka Obioma’s 48th-minute penalty.

In Enugu, Rangers’ home match against Katsina United was abandoned in the 70th minute due to heavy rainfall and is set to resume Monday morning with the score at 0-0.

Meanwhile, Bayelsa United and Ikorodu City shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw, after Tosin converted a late penalty rebound to cancel out Emo James’ 26th-minute opener.

Matchday 7 Results

Bendel Insurance 0-1 Nasarawa United

Elkanemi Warriors 2-1 Kano Pillars

3SC 1-0 Plateau Utd

Tornadoes 1-1 Kun Khalifat

Enyimba 0-0 Rivers Utd

Barau 0-1 Wolves

Kwara Utd 0-1 Abia Warriors

Bayelsa United 1-1 Ikorodu City

*Rangers 0-0 Katsina Utd

*The game will continue 8am today from the 70th minute

Monday

Remo Stars vs Wikki Tourists

The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has launched an investigation into the alleged diversion of over N4 billion of state funds into the Dala Inland Dry Port project.

The probe focuses on claims that contracts worth billions of naira for infrastructure development at the port were awarded during the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, shortly after the state’s 20 percent equity in the project was reportedly transferred to members of his family in 2020.

The transaction allegedly stripped Kano State of its ownership stake and installed Ganduje’s children as directors and shareholders in the multi-billion-naira investment.

By the time the contracts were awarded, the state was said to have had no remaining stake in the project.

Chairman of the PCACC, Saidu Yahya, confirmed the development, saying the investigation followed petitions received from members of the public regarding the alleged diversion.

‘Yes, we received petitions from the public on the alleged diversion of over N4 billion of Kano State funds into the Dala Inland Dry Port by the immediate past administration of Governor Abdullahi Ganduje,’ Yahya said.

He said several individuals of interest had been invited, with one person arrested and later released on bail after providing useful information.

‘Investigation revealed that one of the parties is currently in Yola, Adamawa State,’ Yahya added.

The PCACC chairman stated that the case would soon be charged to court, noting that a prima facie case had been established against those involved.

World Habitat Day reminds us that housing is a basic human right, yet in many Nigerian cities, that right remains out of reach.

From people sleeping outside shops to drivers spending nights in their cars, the struggle for shelter has become part of daily life.

In this episode of Nigeria Daily, we explore the realities of homelessness in Abuja’s outskirts and hear what experts say can be done to change the story.

Before acquiring a property in Abuja, there are basic things to keep in mind concerning the rules regulating the real estate sector in the Federal Capital Territory.

Daily Trust reports that over the years, the real estate sector has grown to become one of the fastest growing sectors in the country with high Return on Investments (RoI).

This is because Abuja is a cosmopolitan city with individuals coming from different states and even outside the country in search of greener pastures

Subsequently, as th? population continu?s to grow, th?r? is higher demand for housing across different areas.

However acquiring a property in Abuja comes with a series of procedures as provided by the guidelines regulating the sector.

Daily Trust examines some of these provisions as provided by the Law governing the federal capital territory administration.

The process of acquiring property in Abuja involves several steps, including land ownership verification, documentation, and obtaining the necessary permits.

Land ownership verification

Before acquiring a property, it is pertinent to ensure that the seller possesses legal rights to the property.

As a buyer it is important to verify land ownership documents, such as the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) or Right of Occupancy, to prevent future legal disputes.

Subsequently, proper documentation is essential. This encompasses preparing a sales agreement, survey plan, and relevant documents. This section, requires a reputable real estate lawyer or agent.

Obtaining building permits/approvals

Depending on the property’s type and intended use, specific permits and approvals may be required. These could involve building permits, development approvals, or environmental impact assessments. Adhering to these requirements prevents complications during and post-transaction.

Engaging property lawyers

In order to ensure a seamless and secure transaction entails collaborating with experienced real estate agents and lawyers. Their expertise can guide you through the legal intricacies of property acquisition in Abuja.

These professionals offer insights, contract reviews, due diligence, and protection of your interests throughout the process.

Asides this, there are other legal and regulatory laws by agencies of government to ensure that Real Estate Business is conducted smoothly.

The real estate landscape in Abuja operates under a set of laws and regulations that shape property transactions and ownership. These laws include the Land Use Act and other agencies responsible for governing Real estate.

The land use Act governs land ownership and vests the government with control over all lands in Nigeria snd understanding its provisions is crucial as they significantly impact land transactions and ownership rights.

In Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Land Administration: The FCT Land Administration Department oversees the management of land, its allocation, and the issuance of Certificates of Occupancy (C of O) within Abuja and complying with their regulations is vital when acquiring and developing land.

Secondly, the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS): AGIS, a department of the Federal Capital Development Agency, manages computerized land information. The AGIS Resource Centre acts as a repository for spatially connected data and services in the FCT. It also computerizes the Cadastral and Land Registry for FCC, Area Councils, and Satellite Towns.

Reputable real estate agents aid in property selection, negotiations, and market insights. Meanwhile, seasoned real estate lawyers assist with land ownership verification, contract drafting, and compliance with legal requisites.

It is vital to understand the relevant laws, grasping the acquisition process, and partnering with reputable professionals can guarantee a seamless and secure transaction. By adhering to legal requirements and seeking guidance from experts, you safeguard your investment interests in Abuja’s real estate market.

Other essentials to know as a prospective property owner is to know who owns land, what happens when an R ot O expires and whether one can own a land forever.

Who owns th? land?

Th? F?d?ral Gov?rnm?nt of Nig?ria is th? sol? own?r of all land within th? F?d?ral Capital T?rritory (FCT), including Abuja. Unlik? many countri?s, absolut? land own?rship in Abuja by individuals, and indeed the entire Federal Capital Territory (FCT), is not possibl?.

Th? F?d?ral Gov?rnm?nt, acts as trust?? for all Nig?rians, holding all land. Individuals and ?ntiti?s can, how?v?r, acquir? a ‘Right of Occupancy’ for a sp?cific p?riod, typically 99 y?ars. This serves as a long-t?rm l?as? with sp?cific rights and obligations.

Also, one cannot own a land forever. Whil? you can’t own th? land its?lf, you can acquir? a ‘Right of Occupancy ‘ for a sp?cific p?riod, typically 99 y?ars. This Right of Occupancy grants you ?xclusiv? us? and d?v?lopm?nt rights ov?r th? land for the designated duration.

What happ?ns wh?n the right of occupancy expir?s?

Once the Right of Occupancy expires, you los? th? right to us? th? land as you desire. Th? land therefore goes back into the possession of the government. How?v?r, you can r?apply to hav? your right of occupancy r?n?w?d. Onc? th? gov?rnm?nt grants you that r?n?wal, the land is yours to use all over again for another 99 years

St?ps to Obtaining th? Right of Occupancy

S?curing your Right of Occupancy involv?s a multi-st?p proc?ss which include a formal application at the land Bureau in this case the Federal Capital Territory Administration through thr department of land administration. Secondly, one is expected to complete a survey plan, verify land status, pay applicable fees for approval, and finally, receive the Certificate of Occupancy or Right of Occupancy.

Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, is currently in the eye of the storm over his academic qualification. Following investigation by PREMIUM TIMES, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), disowned the Bachelor of Science degree certificate in the possession of the Minister, saying the politician did not complete his studies at the institution and was never issued a certificate.

According to PREMIUM TIMES, Simon U. Ortuanya, the Vice-Chancellor of UNN, stated that although Nnaji was admitted to the institution in 1981, he did not complete his studies and was never awarded a degree.

The platform added that authorities at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) also confirmed that the certificate of national service being paraded by Nnaji was strange to it and could not be authenticated.

Before Nnaji, some members of the Federal Executive Council were under the spotlight over similar issues. In this piece, we highlight some of such persons.

KEMI ADEOSUN

Adeosun’s case remains one of the most prominent certificate controversies to hit Nigeria’s political class, particularly during her tenure as Minister of Finance under President Muhammadu Buhari. Appointed in 2015, Adeosun was accused of presenting a forged NYSC exemption certificate. Investigations revealed that the document, dated 2009, allegedly bore the signature of a former NYSC Director-General who had already left office months earlier, casting doubt on its authenticity. The NYSC later confirmed that Adeosun applied for an exemption but stopped short of verifying the certificate she presented as genuine.

Under mounting public pressure, Adeosun resigned in September 2018, stating that she had obtained the document in good faith and was unaware it might be invalid. Her resignation triggered nationwide debate on integrity in public office and the selective enforcement of Nigeria’s NYSC law, which mandates one year of service for graduates under 30.

In 2021, a Federal High Court in Abuja ruled that Adeosun was not legally required to present an NYSC certificate to hold public office. The court held that she was ineligible for service when she graduated from a UK university in 1989, as she was then a British citizen. The ruling effectively cleared her of legal wrongdoing, though it did not address whether the certificate she used was forged.

While the judgment offered her legal relief, questions lingered over ethical accountability in government appointments. Adeosun has since maintained that she was a victim of misinformation and that, although the controversy was politically damaging, it vindicated her claim that she broke no law.

Former Minister of Communications Adebayo Shittu was accused of failing to participate in the mandatory one-year NYSC scheme after graduating from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1978. Unlike Adeosun, he was not accused of presenting a fake certificate; the allegation was that he never took part in the scheme at all.

Shittu, who served in the same cabinet as Adeosun, argued that his election to the Oyo State House of Assembly shortly after law school constituted a form of ‘higher service’ and therefore fulfilled his civic obligation in lieu of the NYSC.

However, the NYSC Act requires all Nigerian graduates under 30 to participate in the programme. Since Shittu graduated at 25, he was subject to the service requirement. He insisted he did not violate the law, noting that the Constitution does not explicitly list NYSC completion as a qualification for elective office. The NYSC, however, maintained that holding an elective position does not substitute for national service under the law.

HANNATU MUSAWA

Musawa, the current Minister of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy, was alleged to have still been a serving NYSC member when she was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2023. Critics argued that serving as a minister while completing NYSC violated the NYSC Act.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) filed a lawsuit seeking her removal on the grounds of violating the Act and asked the court to nullify her NYSC certificate. Civil society groups also challenged her eligibility, insisting that a corps member could not legally hold ministerial office.

In April 2024, however, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed the suit, ruling that the plaintiffs lacked the legal standing to bring the case. Musawa has consistently defended herself, saying she ‘did nothing wrong’ and that she had completed her NYSC in accordance with the law. Nonetheless, questions remain over whether her service was properly concluded and whether her appointment complied fully with statutory requirements.

OLUBUNMI TUNJI-OJO

olubunmi tunji ojo

olubunmi tunji ojo

Another recent high-profile case involved Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the current Minister of Interior and former member of the House of Representatives, who faced allegations of presenting a forged NYSC certificate during his ministerial screening in 2023. Reports claimed discrepancies in the dates and details of his discharge certificate, suggesting he might have completed his service while already serving as a legislator.

After weeks of public scrutiny, the NYSC clarified that Tunji-Ojo’s certificate was genuine. The Corps explained that he was first mobilised in 2006 but absconded, leading to his remobilisation in 2019. He was redeployed to the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Garki, Abuja, and later completed the programme successfully. The NYSC said his discharge certificate was produced in February 2023 after an earlier administrative omission delayed its issuance.

Despite the clarification, the overlap between his NYSC service and public office raised further questions. Civil society groups and opposition figures demanded additional investigations, but the Senate proceeded to confirm his nomination, citing the NYSC’s verification as sufficient proof of authenticity. Tunji-Ojo maintained that his documents were valid and that he had fully complied with service regulations upon remobilisation. His allies – including ethnic youth leaders and former schoolmates – defended him, describing the allegations as politically motivated.

STELLA ODUAH

Former Minister of Aviation and senator representing Anambra North, Stella Oduah, has also been embroiled in a long-running controversy over her NYSC status. The NYSC disclosed that Oduah was mobilised in the 1982/83 service year and deployed to Lagos State but allegedly absconded shortly after orientation, failing to complete the mandatory one-year programme. The Corps maintained that she was therefore never issued a discharge certificate.

Despite this, Oduah reportedly claimed in official documents, including her Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Form CF001, that she had completed her service, while also asserting that her certificate had been lost. She supported this with an affidavit and a police extract – claims later described by investigators as false.

In 2023, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed an eight-count charge against her at the Federal High Court in Abuja, accusing her of perjury, forgery, and making false declarations. The charges centred on alleged falsification of her NYSC credentials and the submission of misleading documents during her time as a public official.

Oduah has denied all allegations, describing them as baseless and politically motivated. Her lawyers argued that she was not properly served with the charges and that the EFCC filed the case without a prior investigation. The matter remains before the court, with the NYSC standing by its position that she did not complete national service and could not have been issued a valid certificate.

In a series of intelligence-led operations that lasted over three weeks across Lagos, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have successfully dismantled two major drug cartels behind six different consignments of cocaine concealed in the walls of stainless cups, body cream, and hair gel containers.

The operations led to the arrest of five suspects and, ultimately, the suspected arrowhead of the syndicate, Alhaji Hammed Taofeek Ode, who poses as a businessman and real estate developer.

A statement by Femi Babafemi, the Agency’s spokesperson, noted that the beginning of the end of the criminal syndicate’s operations started on September 16, 2025, when NDLEA operatives at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, intercepted 174 parcels of cocaine weighing 13.40 kilograms concealed in the walls of cocoa butter body cream containers. A cargo agent was promptly arrested. According to him, further investigations revealed Alhaji Hammed Taofeek Ode as the mastermind of the shipment.

He added that after weeks of intelligence, it was established that the drug baron had reported a dispute at the Zone 2 Headquarters of the Police in Lagos, after which the Agency sought the cooperation of the police to get the suspect into custody.

During his preliminary interview, Alhaji Hammed Ode admitted ownership of the consignment, which he claimed he bought for over N150 million.

Babafemi said the suspect claimed to be a businessman and estate developer, having returned from the United Kingdom in 2024.

According to him, he had lived for over 27 years in many European countries, including Austria, Netherlands, France, Germany, and Saudi Arabia, before settling in the UK.

In a like manner, five other desperate attempts by another criminal syndicate to export cocaine consignments to the United Kingdom were also thwarted by operatives of the MMIA Strategic Command of NDLEA.

The unravelling of the gang started on September 26 following the seizure of 2.10kg of cocaine concealed in the walls of hair cream containers at the export shed of the Lagos airport.

According to the NDLEA’s spokesperson, the arrest of a cargo agent led to the arrest of the consignor, Smith David Korede, a furniture maker, on Tuesday, September 30, at his 3, Arowojobe Street, Mafoluku, Oshodi, Lagos, base where another consignment of 1.40kg of cocaine meant for export to the UK was recovered from him.

”That same day, another consignment of 1.00kg of cocaine with a similar mode of concealment, also going to the UK, was intercepted at the export shed of the airport. The cargo agent arrested in connection with the 1.00kg cocaine also identified Smith David Korede as the consignor, bringing to three the number of seized cocaine consignments linked to the suspect,” Babafemi added.

The Ondo State Police Command says it has nabbed 10 suspects in connection with the attempted murder of the monarch of Igoba community, Akure North Local Government Area of the state, as well as an armed robbery attack on the community.

DSP Olushola Ayanlade, the command’s spokesperson, made this known in a statement at the weekend in Akure.

Ayanlade said the suspects were arrested following the attack on one Mrs. Ogunoye Oluomo and the attempt to assassinate the community’s traditional ruler, Oba Adinlewa John, on October 2 at about 11:30 am.

According to him, on the said date, a group of hoodlums armed with firearms, knives, charms, and other dangerous weapons, invaded Igoba community with the intent to wreak havoc.

The spokesperson explained that in the course of the suspects’ violent activities, Oluomo was viciously attacked, injured, and dispossessed of her belongings.

Ayanlade said the assailants further advanced to the traditional ruler’s palace in an attempt to assassinate him. Fortunately, Oba John narrowly escaped the life-threatening assault, he added.

‘Upon receipt of the distress call, the Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, Cy Adebowale Lawal, promptly directed all necessary operational assets and manpower to the area,’ he said.

A middle-aged man identified only as TJ has reportedly murdered his wife, Queen, in Edo State.

It was gathered that the incident happened last Tuesday in Auchi, the administrative headquarters of Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.

The man was alleged to have killed his wife at night with an axe and absconded after committing the crime.

A source told Daily Trust that the suspect, who hails from the Akoko-Edo Local Government Area of the state but resides in Auchi, celebrated the birthday of his two-year-old son alongside his wife just before the unfortunate incident.

He said there was no inkling indicating that there had been a misunderstanding between the couple before the killing.

He said, ‘On Monday night, we went to sleep, but the man and his wife were not seen by neighbours at dawn, who thought the couple might still be enjoying their sleep.’

‘But later, only their two-year-old boy came out of the room with a bloodstain on his body.’

He said the bloodstain attracted neighbours to the boy, but they discovered no injury on him, adding that his mother did not answer after repeated calls.

‘People then went into the room only to discover the lifeless body of the woman in a pool of blood with her throat slit, while the husband was nowhere to be found,’ the source added.

He said it was later learned that the husband absconded to an unknown destination after killing her.

He said the matter was reported to the police in Auchi, who had begun a manhunt for the suspect.

Meanwhile, the spokesperson of the police in the state, CSP Moses Yamu, said the suspect has since been arrested by the command.

He said he has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID).