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Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on Thursday, admitted additional evidence in the ongoing trial of the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, who is facing charges over an alleged $4.5 billion fraud.

Emefiele is standing trial on a 19-count charge bordering on receiving gratification and corrupt demand, filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

His co-defendant, Henry Omoile, is facing a separate three-count charge relating to unlawful acceptance of gifts by agents. Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to all charges.

At the resumed hearing, Justice Oshodi overruled the objections of the defence counsel, led by Senior Advocates of Nigeria Olalekan Ojo and Kazeem Gbadamosi, and admitted as evidence a bundle of documents extracted from the mobile phone of John Adetola, a former Executive Assistant to Emefiele.

Ruling on the admissibility of the materials, Justice Oshodi stated, ‘The court overrules the objection of the defence counsel and admits the documents as Exhibit G.’

Following the court’s ruling, the prosecution’s witness, Alvan Gurumnaan, continued his testimony and read out WhatsApp conversations contained in Exhibit G. The chats allegedly revealed that Omoile instructed Adetola to deliver $400,000 to ‘Oga,’ a term the witness said referred to Emefiele.

Led in evidence by EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), Gurumnaan testified that Adetola had confirmed during interrogation that the $400,000 was handed to a CBN official named Ayo, who served as Emefiele’s personal assistant.

‘John Adetola confirmed that he went to Lekki, Lagos, where he met Ayo and delivered the $400,000. He later proceeded to the CBN office in Lagos, where he handed the money over to Mr. Emefiele,’ Gurumnaan told the court.

He further alleged that another $200,000 was delivered through the same channel. ‘This time, Ayo personally handed the money to Emefiele in his office,’ the witness added.

According to Gurumnaan, a CBN contractor, Victor Oyedua, confirmed providing the $400,000 and $200,000 to Ayo as part of an arrangement to ‘settle management’ to facilitate payment for pending contracts with the CBN.

The prosecution also tendered additional documents obtained from the apex bank and a company letter dated February 24, 2024, which Justice Oshodi admitted as Exhibit H despite objections from the defence.

A Mi 10T smartphone belonging to Adetola, which was reportedly seized while still powered and in flight mode, was admitted as Exhibit I.

The EFCC further sought to tender statements allegedly made by Emefiele during investigation. However, the defence objected, claiming the statements were obtained under duress.

Following the objection, Justice Oshodi ordered a trial-within-trial to determine the voluntariness of the statements. He directed both parties to report on the progress of forensic inspection by November 21, 2025.

The case was subsequently adjourned till December 2 and 3, 2025, for continuation of trial.

Nigerian track and field star Blessing Okagbare had double reasons to celebrate as she turned 37.

The former Olympic medalist welcomed the arrival of her baby on her birthday, October 9, 2025.

Taking to her official X (formerly Twitter) page, Okagbare expressed her joy, describing it as her best birthday yet.

‘Best birthday ever. I get to celebrate it with my Oreofe. A very blessed 37th birthday indeed. Lord, you have always done it for me,’ she wrote.

Okagbare, who has long been celebrated for her achievements in athletics, now adds motherhood to her milestones, with fans and fellow athletes flooding her page with congratulatory messages.

As the 2027 general elections draw closer, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stands at a critical crossroads. After years of internal crises, factional battles, and dwindling influence, the party is gradually regaining its footing.

One man who has played a central role in this rebirth is the Governor of Bauchi State and Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed.

Governor Bala Mohammed has not only proven himself as a competent leader in Bauchi but also emerged as a unifying force within our party at the national level. At a time when disillusionment and rancor threatened to rip PDP apart, his calm but firm leadership at the Governors’ Forum helped stabilize the ship.

Governor Mohammed built consensus where there was discord, rallied governors to speak with one voice, and restored confidence in the PDP as a viable alternative for Nigerians.

The importance of this achievement cannot be overstated. In Nigeria’s multiparty democracy, no political party can thrive without internal harmony. Bala Mohammed’s interventions gave PDP a fresh lease of life, convincing millions of our supporters across the country that the party still has the resilience and capacity to govern. It is therefore only logical that such loyalty, sacrifice, and leadership be rewarded.

Beyond party politics, Bala Mohammed’s record as governor speaks volumes. Under his stewardship, Bauchi has witnessed infrastructural renewal, improved healthcare delivery, agricultural support schemes, and a renewed commitment to education.

His governance style reflects pragmatism, inclusiveness, and a keen understanding of Nigeria’s diversity qualities that are indispensable in national leadership.

A shining example of his inclusive leadership is his accommodation of the Bauchi Christian community, both in government and in daily governance.

He has ensured their active participation in his cabinet, sponsored Christian pilgrims to Jerusalem, and hosted Christmas celebrations at the Government House acts that demonstrate his genuine commitment to unity and religious harmony.

He sees Christians in Bauchi as part of his family, and this rare leadership quality is what Nigeria needs at the national level.

Equally remarkable is his courage in addressing issues previous administrations avoided.

A case in point is his bold move to bring a permanent solution to the Tafawa Balewa Local Government crisis, a long-standing challenge that others chose to sidestep.

He has also tackled the lingering Bauchi water problem, effectively utilizing World Bank funds that had been left idle for years a testament to his foresight and managerial discipline.

Politically, Bala Mohammed’s stabilizing influence goes beyond Bauchi State. His strategic leadership kept the PDP safe from political undertakers who predicted its demise during the rise of the ADC.

Many who defected during the unveiling of ADC have since returned to the PDP a clear indication of his tactical acumen and political resilience. This is what true political calculation looks like.

He continues to play a key role in shaping the PDP’s national strategy, working to ensure that the party presents its best possible presidential candidate be it Peter Obi, Goodluck Jonathan, or other credible figures from the South showing that he prioritizes Nigeria’s unity and the party’s strength over personal ambition.

His decision to support zoning and sacrifice his own presidential aspiration for the sake of national balance underscores his patriotism.

Governor Bala Mohammed is also known for his confidence, eloquence, and fearlessness traits that earned him the traditional titles Kauran Bauchi and later of Daular Usmaniya.

He is the brain behind the formation of the Ministers’ Forum, where he supported the emergence of Kabiru Turaki (SAN) as a national leader. The forum continues to thrive as a space for policy dialogue and coordination among former ministers.

Let us also not forget his contributions to the historic Doctrine of Necessity, which helped bring stability to Nigeria during one of its most uncertain political moments.

His strong sense of nationalism is evident in the inclusivity of his projects whenever he commissions projects in Bauchi, he ensures that people from all parts of Nigeria are invited, fostering a spirit of unity.

Where there were no voices, Bala Mohammed’s voice always rings out in support of the people whether in debates over the tax bill or other national issues that affect ordinary Nigerians.

Even more telling of his character is his enduring loyalty to former President Goodluck Jonathan. Despite the change of power, Bala Mohammed has never spoken ill of his former boss a rare quality in today’s political landscape where opportunism often trumps loyalty.

The PDP has made mistakes in the past by sidelining loyal party men in favor of temporary expediencies. 2027 presents an opportunity to correct this. If the party is truly serious about reclaiming power and offering Nigerians a credible alternative, it must entrust critical positions to men of character, loyalty, and capacity.

Governor Bala Mohammed is such a man. His role in stabilizing the PDP after years of turmoil deserves recognition. Making him the Vice-Presidential candidate in 2027 would not just be a reward it would be a strategic masterstroke for a party that must blend experience with political stability to win back the trust of Nigerians.

The PDP must rise above sentiment and short-term politicking. It must be bold enough to recognize merit and loyalty. Bala Mohammed has earned it.

Nasiru Hanga writes from Kano State.

Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde said he may consider putting forward an individual from within his team as successor in the 2027 elections.

Justifying the decision, the Governor said although the final decision on who take over after him lies with the people, suggesting a candidate from within his team, who would have been evaluated to have good understating of all that his administration is doing will be a sure path to a building on the roadmap for sustainable development beyond 2027.

The Governor spoke on Thursday at the Stakeholders’ Consultative and Engagement Meeting on the 2026 Budget at the Ogunlana Hall, International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.

He said: ‘If we put anybody forward in our team, what it means is that we have evaluated that individual. It wouldn’t be about the individual per se. If within the team, we have a roadmap for continued development of Oyo State 2027 and beyond and we have people within that team that have already bought into it, that would be the best path forward.

‘Having said that, the decision on who would be the next governor rests with the people of Oyo State. We will make our own submission to the people, because Oyo State has gone beyond stunt politics. Maybe it used to happen in the past. Now, Oyo State people will ask you questions.’

Afrobeats singer Adekunle Gold has described his creative partnership with his wife and colleague, Simi as seamless and collaborative.

In a recent interview, he explained how Simi effortlessly contributes to some songs by adding to the chorus while mixing it in the studio.

According to him, their process involves mutual input, with Simi often enhancing his tracks with backups or adjustments during mixing, even without him present.

Similarly, he said he provides feedback on her songs, making their collaboration smooth and intuitive.

Adekunle Gold said, ‘My partnership with Simi is very seamless. When I write. So, Don Corleone, when I made the song, I think she was listening to the chorus when I made it, and she just said, well, she has an idea, that she wanted to add something to it. I’m like, okay, go for it.

‘And then she just went, go Kunle, and that was it. I’m like, oh, this is smart. And that’s it.

‘And we’re just in the studio right there, because she was mixing the song. She mixed the song at first, right? She was mixing the song and then she just added to it. Sometimes one of the benefits I enjoy is when I send my song to Simi to mix, you know, she does like some. I don’t have to be there.

‘She just does some backups, things that the song needs, and then that’s it. It’s just very easy. When she writes the songs, when she sends to me, I tell her what I think she should add to it, and that’s easy’.

Addressing claims about Simi prioritising his career over hers, Adekunle dismissed the speculation, emphasising that both he and Simi are unaffected and content with their dynamic.

‘All of these things don’t faze me, nor my wife or anything. We’re good’, he said.

No fewer than 500 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Sakwaya Ward, Dutse Local Government Area of Jigawa State.

The mass defection, which added to the growing wave of opposition members joining the APC across the state’s 27 local government areas, was celebrated by party supporters.

Receiving the new members, Special Adviser to the Governor on Labour Matters, Comrade Abdullahi Tsoho Garba, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to citizens’ welfare and the consolidation of Governor Malam Umar Namadi’s development agenda.

Garba highlighted the governor’s inclusive approach to governance, emphasizing progress in infrastructure, human capital development, and service delivery – all aimed at building a prosperous Jigawa State.

He assured the defectors of continued access to the dividends of democracy under the Namadi administration.

Also speaking, the member representing Dutse Constituency in the State House of Assembly, Hon. Tasiu Soja, welcomed the new entrants and pledged equal opportunities and fair treatment within the party.

Speaking on behalf of the defectors, former PDP chairman of Sakwaya Ward, Malam Danazumi Yakubu, said their decision was driven by Governor Namadi’s purposeful and people-centered leadership.

‘We joined the APC to contribute our quota to building a prosperous Jigawa under Governor Namadi’s realistic 12-point agenda. The mission is on the right track, and we don’t want to be left behind,’ Yakubu stated.

Prominent among the new APC members are PDP stakeholder Alhaji Garba Dankwashan (Sarkin Fawa), Ward Secretary Abdulrahim Zobiya, Women Leader Hajiya Mariya, Youth Leader Kabiru Jidawa, and the polling unit chairmen of Gadarawa and Sabon Gari.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Dr Wale Edun, on Thursday, assured Nigerians that the Federal Government is working to sustain growth in the 46 sectors of the economy towards lifting millions of Nigerians out of poverty.

Edun spoke when he led some members of the economic team of the present administration to an interactive session with the Senate Committee on Finance.

The Senate also gave Edun two weeks to make available to it, performance reports on the 2024 and 2025 capital budgets.

In his opening remarks before the session resolved into a closed door session, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Sanni Musa (APC – Niger East), noted that the

fiscal pressures confronting the country presently called for ‘frank discussion, coordinated responses, and above all, renewed discipline in public financial management.’

Over the years, according to him, the country made commendable progress in strengthening its budget frameworks.

‘But recent realities – declining revenues, rising debt service costs, and unpredictable oil receipts – demand a fundamental rethink of how we plan, allocate, manage, and communicate transparently, so that we can all understand where we are.

‘Our focus must now shift from an envelope-based budget to a performance and priority-based system, where every Naira is linked to a measurable outcome.

‘Fiscal sustainability can no longer be a slogan. It must be the guiding principle of our budget processes and decisions.

‘We must also address revenue leakages, improve expenditure efficiency, and strengthen coordination between the Ministry of Finance and the Budget Office. Greater transparency and accountability will restore public confidence and ensure that monetary allocations translate into tangible developmental impacts.’

He reiterated the commitment of the Committee, to support the ongoing fiscal reforms; to working collaboratively with the Ministry and the Budget Office; and to ensuring that what happened in 2024 and 2025 will not happen in 2026.

‘Our budgets must truly reflect national priorities and deliver measurable results for the Nigerian people,’ he said.

He said the meeting became necessary for the Minister of Finance to brief the Committee on the 2024 national budget – ‘which is an Appropriation Act and therefore, the law of the land.’

‘Where are we in its implementation? We are in October, the last quarter of the year. We should already be preparing for the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), which by law ought to have been presented by now.

‘The reason for convening this meeting, therefore, is to know the status of the 2024 and 2025 budgets and to understand progress toward the 2026 MTEF and national budget. We will soon begin planning for the 2026 budget.’

In his response, Edun said that major distortions in the economy are being corrected and with declining inflation.

He said the economy witnessed a 4.23% growth in the second quarter, noting that the focus of the present administration is to sustain present economic growth with the aim of lifting millions of Nigeria out of poverty.

Edun said: ‘At this point in time, we all agree that we have an economy where major distortions are being corrected – an economy that is stabilising, with inflation beginning to decline and growth accelerating across sectors.

‘In the second quarter of 2025, the economy grew at 4.23%. However, when you disaggregate that growth, you’ll see that the job-creating industrial sector grew by over 7%, specifically 7.45%. That is significant because it doubles the population growth rate and helps generate income to lift people out of poverty.

‘Against that backdrop, our focus remains on sustaining broad-based growth across all 46 sectors of the economy to lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty.

‘With regard to the 2024 and 2025 budgets, we have maintained relatively high levels of performance, particularly under the capital component, which runs until the end of this year. We are committed to ensuring full implementation of the 2025 capital budget as well.

‘As the Chairman rightly noted, we must put an end to the culture of budget overruns and repeated extensions of capital implementation. That is a collective commitment.’

Supporters of Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, have congratulated Professor Joash Amupitan on his appointment as the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The group, under the aegis of the Obidient Movement, expressed optimism that Amupitan’s leadership would usher in a new era of credibility and transparency in Nigeria’s electoral process.

In a statement jointly signed by Yunusa Tanko, National Coordinator, and Nana Kazaure, Director of Strategic Communications and Media, the movement commended President Bola Tinubu for the appointment and extended its warm felicitations to the new INEC chairman.

‘As we reflect on the experiences of past INEC chairmen, we are hopeful that your tenure will mark a significant milestone in the electoral history of Nigeria,’ the statement read.

‘We look forward to reforms that will enhance the credibility, freedom, and fairness of our elections, particularly as we approach the 2027 General Elections.

‘We wish you a successful tenure and pray for God’s guidance and protection as you navigate the challenges of this critical office. Congratulations once again, and we look forward to a new era of electoral excellence under your leadership.’

The Renewed Hope Student Housing Project, a flagship initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, is set to deliver over 38,400 world-class student hostel bed spaces across 24 tertiary institutions before the end of next year.

The project – a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) spearheaded by the Federal Government in collaboration with Family Homes Funds Limited (FHFL), the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), and Africa Plus Partners Nigeria Limited – aims to improve students’ living standards and revitalize infrastructure across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education nationwide.

According to the project promoters, each Renewed Hope Student Hostel will feature 1,600 bed spaces, comprising 400 ensuite rooms equipped with study tables and chairs, four reading rooms, a common room, cafeteria and restaurants, laundromat, grocery shops, salons, and public toilets.

Construction has commenced in six institutions across the country. In the North, the project is ongoing at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi; and FCT College of Education, Zuba. In the South, work is progressing at Sikiru Adetona College of Education, Science and Technology, Ogun; Akwa Ibom State University; and College of Education, Warri.

The hostels at Akwa Ibom State University and College of Education, Warri are nearing completion and are expected to be commissioned soon. Each 1,600-bed facility, built to international standards, will provide safe, affordable, and modern living spaces designed to support academic excellence.

FHFL Managing Director, Mr. Abdul Mutallab Mukhtar, described the upcoming commissioning as a ‘landmark achievement’ for Nigeria’s higher education system.

‘By providing modern, safe, and affordable hostels, we are ensuring that students have the right environment to live and learn while reducing the stress and risks associated with inadequate accommodation,’ he said.

Beyond the six active sites, construction is set to begin in eight more institutions across all six geopolitical zones, moving the programme closer to its goal of ensuring decent accommodation for every student in public tertiary institutions.

With Nigeria’s public tertiary student population exceeding 2.1 million – and fewer than 15 percent currently having access to on-campus housing – the Renewed Hope Student Housing Programme stands out as a transformative, job-creating, and investment-attracting intervention designed to boost academic performance and economic growth nationwide.

‘As commissioning in Warri and Akwa Ibom approaches and progress continues nationwide, the Renewed Hope Student Housing Programme is steadily reshaping the face of campus life in Nigeria. Family Homes Funds remains committed to delivering safe and affordable hostels across the six geopolitical zones, ensuring that more students can look forward to studying and living in an environment that supports their growth and success.’

He further said, ‘Those nearing commissioning by December 2025 include : College of Education , Warri , Akwa Ibom State University. Under construction, with commissioning set for September 2026 are: Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, Sikiru Adetona College of Education Science and Technology, Fct College of Education , Zuba and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

‘The next phase, which starts October 2025 with October 2026 as set date for commissioning include: Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Ebonyi State University, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic, Federal University , Lafia, Benue State University , Makurdi, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University and Gombe State University.’

Music video director Praise Onyeagwalam, popularly known as Director Pink has opened up on why she abandoned her dream of becoming an actress.

The award-winning cinematographer said she gave up on acting because of the humiliation and sexual exploitation faced by many aspiring actors in Nollywood.

In a recent interview with Hip TV, Director Pink recounted her experience at auditions, noting that long queues and inappropriate calls from filmmakers discouraged her from continuing.

‘I wanted to be an actress but the humiliation was too much. Long queues, shady ‘come to this location’ calls. I said, ‘No.’ That’s when I chose to be my own boss,’ she said.

She explained that her decision to switch careers led her into music video directing, a path that also comes with challenges but one she is willing to make sacrifices for.

Director Pink further urged aspiring music video directors to embrace patience and delayed gratification, stressing that it took years for those currently at the top of the industry to achieve their status.