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Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has warned that failure to return funds mistakenly deposited into a bank account to their rightful owners could attract between five and 10 years’ imprisonment.

The apex bank gave the warning on Thursday at its stakeholders’ meeting, tagged CBN Listens Programme, held at Jogor Event Centre, Ibadan, Oyo, describing the act as a financial offence punishable under the law.

It also warned against fraudulently obtaining another person’s banking information and urged customers to protect their account details from fraudsters.

The CBN further reminded bank customers of their right to seek redress when financial institutions violate their rights or fail to resolve complaints within the stipulated timelines.

According to the bank, customers may escalate complaints to the Director of its Consumer Protection and Financial Inclusion Department (CPFID) if their banks fail to acknowledge complaints within three days, provide a tracking number, or resolve the issues within the timelines prescribed by the Consumer Protection Regulations.

In his address, CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso, who was represented by Hakama Sidi Ali, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to maintaining financial stability and protecting customers’ rights.

Cardoso said the Federal Government’s economic reforms under President Bola Tinubu were aimed at strengthening the financial system, improving access to financial services and protecting depositors’ interests.

He described the CBN Listens Programme as a platform for direct engagement with stakeholders, saying feedback from individuals, businesses and institutions was essential to effective policy formulation and implementation.

‘The CBN Listens Programme is one of our flagship platforms for direct interaction with stakeholders across the country. It reflects our conviction that effective policy formulation and implementation must be supported by continuous dialogue, mutual understanding and constructive feedback from the people and institutions we serve,’ he said.

Cardoso said the theme of the meeting, Towards a Robust, Resilient and Inclusive Financial System for Sustainable Economic Growth, was timely as Nigeria continued to navigate changes in its economic and financial landscape.

He reiterated that the CBN remained committed to its mandate of ensuring monetary and financial system stability, restoring confidence in the economy and promoting sustainable growth.

According to him, recent reforms have focused on strengthening financial markets, improving transparency, deepening financial inclusion and positioning the country for long-term economic development.

The CBN governor said the reforms were designed to improve the resilience and integrity of Nigeria’s financial system while promoting inclusive growth and wealth creation.

Among the initiatives he highlighted were the introduction of the non-resident Bank Verification Number (BVN) to enable Nigerians in the diaspora to access local banking services, reforms to the foreign exchange market and the unveiling of the Nigerian Payments System Vision 2028.

He also cited the implementation of a 75 per cent cash reserve ratio on public sector deposits held in non-Treasury Single Accounts as part of measures to improve liquidity management and mitigate financial risks.

Cardoso further disclosed that the CBN had introduced the Nigerian Overnight Financial Rate in collaboration with the Financial Markets Dealers Association.

He said the benchmark was designed to align Nigeria’s monetary market infrastructure with international practices by providing a transparent, market-based reference rate for short-term financial transactions.

On financial inclusion, the governor said sustainable economic growth could not be achieved without expanding access to financial services, noting that inclusion could create economic opportunities, reduce poverty, support entrepreneurship and promote shared prosperity.

He said the CBN would continue to work with financial institutions, fintech companies, mobile money operators, development partners and state governments to extend financial services to underserved populations.

Cardoso added that the CBN Listens Programme provided an opportunity for the bank to explain its policies, clarify misconceptions, receive feedback and identify challenges affecting individuals, businesses and communities.

Former Osun State governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has described the passing of Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, as the end of an era.

In a statement on Thursday, Oyinlola described the late centenarian as a father figure to Yorubaland and a Nigerian nationalist whose death had deprived the nation of the wisdom and protective presence of a patriotic elder.

He commiserated with Fasoranti’s family, the government and people of Ondo State, and prayed for the repose of his soul.

Fasoranti died on Tuesday, October 20, aged 100. Born on May 11, 1926, he was an educationist and a prominent disciple of Chief Obafemi Awolowo whose political ideals shaped his decades of public service.

He served as Commissioner for Finance in the old Ondo State under Governor Adekunle Ajasin between 1979 and 1983, and remained a leading voice in Yoruba affairs through Afenifere.

A Sokoto State High Court has sentenced three members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) to death by hanging for criminal conspiracy, armed robbery and the killing of a man who was allegedly dispossessed of N260,000.

The convicts, Gaji Hassan, Abdullahi Goni Gudusu and Modu Bukar, were sentenced on Thursday after Justice Kabiru Muhammad found them guilty of the three offences.

The judgment followed their trial in suit number SS/78C/2026, titled The State vs Gaji Hassan and 2 Others.

According to a statement by the court’s Public Relations Officer, Nakwanta Muhammad Garba, the incident occurred on September 19, 2024, in Kagara village, Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The court heard that the defendants, allegedly armed with rifles, intercepted Babangida Nasiru and a female companion at about 4:30 p.m. and took them into the bush.

They allegedly collected N260,000 from Nasiru and kept him in their custody before he was later found dead with gunshot wounds to his chest and neck.

During the proceedings, the prosecution called two witnesses, including a surviving eyewitness whose testimony the court found credible.

The court rejected the defendants’ claim that they had released Nasiru, holding that they failed to provide a satisfactory explanation of how he died.

It also relied on the doctrine of last seen in evaluating the circumstances surrounding the killing.

The judge further ruled that the defendants’ confessional statements were admissible, dismissing their allegations of torture because the claims were not corroborated.

The court held that the surviving eyewitness’s testimony alone was sufficient to establish their guilt.

In imposing the sentences, Justice Muhammad cited the mandatory death penalty prescribed under the Sokoto State Penal Code Law, 2019.

He consequently ordered that each defendant be hanged by the neck until dead.

The court, however, informed the convicts that they had the right to challenge the judgment at the Court of Appeal within 90 days.

The statement announcing the judgment was dated October 22, 2026.

The All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council (APC-PCC) has cautioned the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, to refrain from seeking political capital from the outbreak of Ebola disease and the present administration’s response to it.

The spokesperson of the APC-PCC, Dele Alake, gave the admonition in a statement on Thursday night.

His response was on the heels of a statement by Atiku’s media aide, Phrank Shaibu, which challenged President Tinubu to account for the ?10 billion fund earmarked last June as an emergency fund to curtail the spread of the virus. The ADC presidential candidate also claimed that the confirmed case in Abuja exposed serious gaps in surveillance and the protection of health workers.

He further claimed ‘that patient arrived in Nigeria on October 5, developed symptoms on October 7 and sought treatment at a private hospital on October 11, but the government did not publicly confirm the case until October 20.’

The APC-PCC, however, picked holes in the allegations raised by the former Vice President.

The statement clarified that the ?10 billion the President approved for the Ebola emergency in June remains untouched, as the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and other agencies involved in surveillance have been spending other available resources.

On the claims of serious gaps involving health workers, Alake submitted that, for anyone infected with the virus, the incubation period ranges from 2 to 21 days, with symptoms typically appearing 8 to 10 days after exposure.

Alake stressed that ‘this is why it took the infected woman some days before reporting to the hospital, where several tests showed that the person had Ebola.’

The statement further advised the ADC presidential candidate and his media handlers to stop rumour-mongering and allow the task force assigned for the containment of the disease to perform its assignment.

The statement read:’ Alhaji Atiku Abubakar continues to foul up the political arena, with statement after statement dripping with insult and disrespect to the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

‘A statement credited to the former vice president on the latest public health issue opened with a title linking the President’s first name to Ebola and questioning how the Presidential Task Force spent the N10 billion approved for the emergency.

‘We believe linking and rhyming President Bola Tinubu’s name to Ebola only risks turning a serious health concern into a vehicle to ridicule the President of the Federal Republic.

‘The statement showed patent ignorance about the virus and why the traveller from Uganda was not detected on arrival at the Abuja airport.

‘For anyone infected with the virus, the incubation period ranges from 2 to 21 days, with symptoms typically appearing 8 to 10 days after exposure. An infected person cannot spread or transmit Ebola to others until they actively develop symptoms.

‘This is why it took the infected woman some days before reporting to the hospital, where several tests showed that the person had Ebola.

‘On accountability, the Atiku camp should note that the N10 billion the President approved for the Ebola emergency in June remains untouched, as the NCDC, FAAN, and other agencies involved in surveillance have been spending other available resources.

‘The agencies deserve applause for mounting a robust surveillance at entry points to avert Ebola spread whenever it lands on our shores.

‘This surveillance network tipped off the government about the index case and led to contact tracing of the patient’s 44 contacts.

‘A responsible opposition will applaud the Task Force for being responsive. But the Atiku camp always goes for cheap shots at the government.

‘In this vein, we consider his allegation that a ministerial briefing is intended to discourage attendance at campaign rallies or voting speculative. Vice President Atiku cannot make such a serious allegation without verifiable evidence, especially in the thick of electioneering. In any way, the press conference did not raise this issue, except to appeal to the public to comply with the Task Force’s announced protocol.

‘We advise Atiku Abubakar and his hirelings to avoid politicising public health issues. A time like this demands that all Nigerians, including the opposition, rally around the health authorities and professionals, communicate responsibly, avoid rumour-mongering, and follow the protocols advised by the Task Force to ensure Ebola does not become a national epidemic.

‘Nigerians deserve, first of all, protection from the deadly disease. ‘

The Association of Community Health Practitioners of Nigeria (ACHPN), Oyo State Chapter, has elected Mr Hezekiah Adebiyi Awojobi as its new chairman, with a pledge to improve members’ welfare and strengthen primary healthcare delivery across the state.

Awojobi emerged at the association’s 2026 State Delegates’ Congress held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan, following the completion of the tenure of the outgoing chairman, Comrade Olushola-Jimoh Tolulope Adebanke.

The congress, themed ‘Transforming Community Health Leadership through ACHPN for Excellence, Unity and Greater Impact,’ brought together practitioners and stakeholders to discuss leadership, professional development and the future of community health practice in Oyo State.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr Muideen Babatunde Olatunji, represented by the State Coordinator for Neglected Tropical Diseases, Mr Tunji Oladoyinbo, commended community health practitioners for their contributions to disease prevention, child health, immunisation and health education.

He described the practitioners as frontline healthcare workers who play a critical role in delivering primary healthcare services at the grassroots.

He urged them to demonstrate the impact of their work through evidence-based reporting, stressing the importance of showing how their contributions were advancing the state’s healthcare system.

The National President of ACHPN, Comrade Kabir Yahaya Ahmed, represented by the association’s Assistant General Secretary, Comrade Donnish Oluwasegun Oriola, commended the outgoing State Administrative Council for its service and contributions to the growth of the association.

Oriola charged the incoming leadership to build on the achievements of its predecessors by promoting transparent governance, accountability, members’ capacity development and stronger collaboration with government and other stakeholders.

He also appreciated Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, for recognising the community health profession through the appointment of one of its members as a Permanent Secretary and for providing employment opportunities for community health practitioners in the state.

According to him, such measures could strengthen the healthcare workforce, expand access to primary healthcare and improve the delivery of essential health interventions at the grassroots.

He further urged the new executive to promote unity, strengthen internal democracy, uphold professional ethics and prioritise members’ welfare.

Oriola said effective leadership required humility, transparency and a commitment to collective progress, encouraging members to work together to secure greater professional recognition and improve healthcare outcomes across Oyo State.

In her valedictory address, the outgoing chairman, Adebanke, highlighted the achievements of her administration and urged the new executive to sustain the progress recorded during her tenure.

Adebanke, who also serves as Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Ibarapa Zone, emphasised the need for integrity, transparency, unity and accountability in the association’s affairs.

She described the peaceful transition of leadership as a significant milestone, noting that the process had taken place without the disagreements and crises that had characterised previous transitions.

‘For the first time, we are witnessing a peaceful transition of leadership without the usual disagreements, crises, and confusion that have characterised previous transitions,’ she said.

‘To the glory of God, this development demonstrates that we have become more united, mature, and progressive, with the support of our members and representatives.’

She urged the incoming executive to maintain high standards of integrity and transparency, build on the achievements of the outgoing administration and take the Oyo State chapter to greater heights.

In his acceptance remarks, Awojobi, who served as state secretary under the outgoing executive, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the association and pledged to work with other executive members to improve practitioners’ welfare and strengthen community healthcare services.

He expressed confidence that collective effort and commitment would enable the new administration to empower members to provide better healthcare services to communities across the state.

Describing his emergence as ‘a great opportunity, a blessing from God, a call to leadership, and a call to service,’ Awojobi prayed for the wisdom and strength to discharge the responsibilities of his office.

‘We promise to improve the welfare of our members and provide better support that will enhance their service delivery, particularly in community healthcare,’ he said.

Earlier, the guest lecturer, Mr Gideon Fatokunbo, delivered a lecture titled ‘Rejigging Responsibility in Leadership: A Necessity in Repositioning Community Health Practice in Nigeria.’

Fatokunbo stressed that responsible leadership was essential to advancing community health practice, urging practitioners to uphold professionalism, accountability, integrity and transparency.

He also emphasised the importance of collaboration with other healthcare professionals, noting that community health practitioners must be able to demonstrate the value of their contributions when engaging with government and other stakeholders.

‘When we sit at the table with the government, we must be able to present evidence of the work we do and demonstrate how our contributions are helping to improve healthcare delivery across the state,’ he said.

The congress ended with renewed calls for unity, accountable leadership and professional development as the association’s new administration begins its tenure, with members expected to work collectively towards strengthening community health practice and primary healthcare delivery in Oyo State.

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has raised concern over the risk of cross-border transmission of Ebola following Nigeria’s confirmation of an imported case, as health authorities investigate the source of the infection and trace people who may have been exposed.

Africa CDC epidemiologist, Dr Wessam Mankoula, speaking during a virtual press conference, said the case involved a woman in her 40s who reportedly arrived in Abuja from Uganda on October 3 and developed symptoms four days later.

The woman visited several health facilities before being admitted to hospital on October 11, where she was initially treated for malaria. Ebola was suspected on October 19, and the diagnosis was confirmed by Nigeria’s National Reference Laboratory on October 20. Her condition was reported to be stable.

Mankoula said Nigerian authorities had initially identified 44 high-risk contacts and were continuing investigations to identify additional people who might have been exposed, including healthcare workers.

He said Nigeria and Uganda were working together to establish the source of the infection, with investigators examining the woman’s travel history and possible exposure before her arrival in Nigeria.

The Africa CDC official also disclosed that investigators were examining a possible link between the Nigerian case and cases reported in Kenya, as both patients reportedly departed from Entebbe, Uganda, on October 3. He cautioned, however, that no connection had been confirmed.

In Kenya, Mankoula reported nine confirmed Ebola cases, including one death, while eight other patients were in isolation and receiving treatment. Authorities had identified 135 contacts, of whom 118 were quarantined. Eight additional cases were traced to people already on the contact list.

He said nine contacts had travelled abroad, prompting notifications to destination countries through the International Health Regulations system.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) remained the worst-affected country, with 9,704 confirmed cases and 4,687 deaths recorded as of October 20, according to figures presented during the briefing. More than 2,500 people had recovered.

Mankoula said the outbreak, declared in May, had spread to 67 health zones, with Ituri and North Kivu accounting for 94 per cent of reported cases.

He identified gaps in contact tracing as a major challenge, saying more than 80 per cent of cases in the DRC were being reported among people who had not been identified on existing contact lists. More than 60 per cent of cases were also being detected in communities.

According to Mankoula, the average interval between symptom onset and notification of health authorities was about four days, against a target of fewer than two days. In some cases, the delay reached nine to 11 days.

He warned that the decline in reported cases from epidemiological week 37 should be interpreted cautiously, as reporting delays, insecurity, community resistance and operational difficulties could affect the figures.

On treatment and vaccination, Mankoula said 762 participants had been recruited for therapeutic trials in the DRC, against a target of between 1,500 and 2,500. A separate study examining remdesivir for post-exposure use had enrolled 577 participants out of a planned 1,000.

He said the DRC had received 70,000 vaccine doses, with 50,000 allocated for compassionate use and 20,000 planned for a Phase 3 Solidarity trial. The briefing reported that 13,531 frontline and healthcare workers had been vaccinated under the compassionate-use programme.

Mankoula also raised concerns over funding for the response, noting that pledges of approximately $3 billion had been reported, alongside discrepancies between donor-reported disbursements and the amounts accounted for by implementing organisations.

Figures presented during the briefing indicated that donors had reported disbursing more than $900 million to implementing organisations, while reports from those organisations accounted for about $200 million. The resulting difference of roughly $700 million required clarification and was not established as missing money.

He said improved financial tracking was necessary as response teams continued to require resources for protective equipment, treatment centres, testing and personnel.

Mankoula also highlighted preparedness efforts involving South Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi and the Central African Republic. According to the briefing, South Sudan had reported no confirmed cases since the beginning of the outbreak.

He stressed the importance of surveillance, prompt reporting, contact tracing, community engagement and cross-border coordination as affected countries work to contain the outbreak and reduce the risk of further transmission.

The developments have placed renewed attention on Nigeria’s capacity to detect suspected infections promptly, trace contacts and coordinate with neighbouring and affected countries as investigations into the imported case continue.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is featuring in digital learning activities in Nigerian schools as UNICEF, Airtel Africa and the Federal Government intensify efforts to expand access to technology-driven education across the country.

Students and teachers demonstrated the use of digital learning tools, including AI, during visits by a joint delegation to Government Senior College, Agege, and St George’s U.N.A. Primary School in Lagos.

The visits formed part of efforts by the partners to assess progress in expanding access to free digital learning, strengthening teachers’ capacity and equipping young people with skills for employment and entrepreneurship.

Led by Garreth Spillane, Chief of Staff to the Chairman of Airtel Africa, the delegation also visited Yaba College of Technology, where young people showcased digital skills acquired through Passport to Earning and the Youth Agency Marketplace (YOMA).

The platforms are designed to develop digital, employability and entrepreneurial skills while opening pathways to mentorship, internships and livelihood opportunities.

According to a joint statement issued by the partners, the initiative has connected nearly 2,000 schools across Nigeria, reaching approximately one million students and more than 20,000 teachers.

More than 19,000 teachers have received digital literacy training under the programme.

The partnership also seeks to reduce the cost of accessing educational resources through zero-rated access to selected digital learning platforms.

These include the Nigeria Learning Passport, the Federal Ministry of Education’s Inspire and Ignite platforms, the Digital National Education Management Information System and YOMA.

The Nigeria Learning Passport alone has more than 2.5 million registered students and nearly 100,000 registered teachers, according to the statement.

In Abuja, the delegation met with the Office of the Vice President and the Federal Ministry of Education to discuss priorities for improving digital education, including reliable connectivity, quality learning content, teacher training, inclusive design, stronger data systems, child online safety and sustainable financing.

UNICEF Deputy Representative in Nigeria, Rownak Khan, said free digital learning could help bridge the digital divide and provide children and young people with the knowledge, skills and opportunities needed to shape their future.

She said the partnership was supporting teachers and creating pathways from learning to earning, stressing that girls, children with disabilities and those in underserved communities must be among the first to benefit.

Spillane said connectivity could create transformative opportunities when students had access to quality digital learning and teachers were equipped to use digital tools effectively.

He reaffirmed Airtel Africa’s commitment to working with UNICEF and governments to connect schools, remove data-cost barriers and support teachers across the continent.

The Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’idu Ahmad, said transforming education required strong partnerships aligned with government priorities and learners’ needs.

She emphasised the need to strengthen teachers’ capacity, expand access to quality digital content and protect children online to ensure digital learning reached every child, regardless of location.

The initiative is part of a five-year Airtel Africa-UNICEF partnership operating across 13 African countries. The partnership has connected more than 3,000 schools, provided zero-rated access to over 60 learning platforms and reached more than 2.5 million children across the continent.

The partners reaffirmed their commitment to expanding digital learning opportunities and improving educational outcomes through collaboration with governments and other stakeholders.

The family of the late Afenifere leader and elder statesman, Pa Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti, has announced 17 December 2026 for his funeral service and interment.

Fasoranti, a foremost nationalist and respected Yoruba leader, died at the age of 100.

In a burial announcement signed by Dr Taiwo Fasoranti on behalf of the family, the Christian wake-keeping service will hold on Wednesday, 16 December, at 4:00 p.m. at his residence within the Omolere Nursery and Primary School Compound.

The funeral service is scheduled for Thursday, 17 December, at St David’s Cathedral, Ijomu, Akure, Ondo State, at 10:00 a.m., with interment to follow immediately at the church cemetery.

The family said a reception for guests would take place at the deceased’s residence immediately after the interment.

An outing and thanksgiving service will subsequently hold on Sunday, 20 December, at St David’s Cathedral, Ijomu, Akure, at 10:00 a.m.

The family called for prayers and the presence of well-wishers as it prepares to honour the memory of the late elder statesman and patriot.

President Bola Ahmd Tinubu has appointed former Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Bichi, as chairman of the Governing Board of the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS), Abuja.

The appointment was announced in a statement signed by Lilian Omo-Odigwe, Director of Coordination and Liaison at the National Institute for Security Studies on Thursday.

Bichi’s appointment takes effect on October 22, 2026, for an initial four-year term, in accordance with Section 4 of the National Institute for Security Studies (Establishment) Act, 2019.

The appointment was approved by Tinubu following a recommendation by the current Director-General of the DSS, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi.

Bichi succeeds A. A. Gadzama, who previously served as chairman of the institute’s governing board.

Before his new appointment, Bichi served as DSS director-general until August 2024, when he handed over leadership of the intelligence agency to the incumbent director-general.

He began his career in the Security Division of the Kano State Cabinet Office before his transfer of service in 1984.

His appointment is expected to bring his experience in intelligence, security administration, operational leadership and institutional training to the governance of the NISS.

Suspected hoodlums have vandalised the secretariat of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu – Kehinde Olaosebikan Grassroots Movement (PBAT-KO Movement), situated at CICU Building, Olomi-Olojuoro Road, Oluyole Local Government Area, Ibadan, Oyo State.

The secretariat was vandalised, with campaign banners, boards and other materials destroyed and windows shattered.

The attack was discovered by members of the movement who visited the office after the incident.

The PBAT-KO Movement was established late last year by Alhaji Kehinde Olaosebikan, a former Chairman of Oluyole Local Government and Chairman of the Media and Publicity Committee of the Tinubu/Shettima APC Presidential Campaign Council, Oyo State, in 2023, as a hub for grassroots mobilisation for the second term of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Since its establishment, the movement has been mobilising across Oluyole Local Government and beyond with the aim of improving on the votes garnered by President Tinubu in 2023.

Conducting journalists round the building, the Publicity Secretary of the movement, Comrade Femi Omolola, said the movement remained resolute despite the attack.

According to him: ‘We are undaunted. We are totally committed. Nothing can stop us in our stanch decision to give our very best in support of the President. The convener of PBAT-KO movement and our leader, Alhaji Kehinde Olaosebikan and all his followers are totally committed to tripling the votes of President Tinubu in the election and nothing is stopping us.

‘President Tinubu is not just the best among the candidates; the President is the most suitable leader to lead this country. He has in the last three years laid a very solid foundation for a prosperous and great Nigeria.

‘We are confident that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will give us the Nigeria of our dream. in addition to his unmatched sterling qualities, President Tinubu is contesting on the ticket of the most formidable and best organised party in Africa, the APC.

‘We are certain that President Tinubu would make a mincemeat of all his opponents on the 16th of January, 2027.’