Author: Our Reporters

Former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, has been on the run for 107 days since being declared wanted by the EFCC for alleged money laundering. Despite a warrant of arrest, Bello evaded apprehension with the help of armed men and police at his Abuja residence. The current Kogi State governor, Usman Ododo, also intervened to prevent his arrest. Efforts to arraign Bello and three other suspects have been hindered by his evasion. The PDP candidate for Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency claimed Bello was hiding in the state Government House, contradicting reports that he had fled the country. The EFCC continues to…

The Katsina State Police Command has implemented a 24-hour curfew in Dutsinma Local Government Area and a nightly 7pm to 7am movement restriction in the remaining 33 local government areas following violent protests. The decision aims to maintain public safety, prevent further unrest, and curb criminal activities. The police spokesperson mentioned that 50 hoodlums were arrested for damaging and looting government properties. Parents were urged to advise their children against unlawful activities, while youths were cautioned against being manipulated for violence. The authorities will conduct regular patrols to ensure compliance with the curfew, with strict actions against violators. The public…

Amidst nationwide protests in Nigeria against economic hardship, an unidentified man made a bold statement by protesting naked in Lagos State. The man was captured in a viral video walking the streets of Ojota with other protesters, chanting “Solidarity forever.” The #EndbadgovernanceinNigeria protest began on August 1, 2024, as a way for citizens to voice their frustrations over the country’s economic challenges. Despite a court order restricting protesters to certain areas, they defied the order and took to the streets, roads, and Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park to express their grievances. The Lagos State Police assured the safety and security of…

Violence Erupts at Federal College of Education (Technical) Akoka, Lagos Following the violent outbreak on Monday, the Governing Council of the Federal College of Education (Technical) Akoka, Lagos, has decided to indefinitely close the institution. Provost Dr. Wahab Azeez confirmed this decision in an interview with PUNCH Metro on Tuesday. The clash stemmed from a leadership crisis as students protested poor welfare and alleged mistreatment by the Provost. Reports of police intervention and arrests further escalated the situation, with conflicting accounts from various sources. State authorities stepped in to arrest suspects involved in attacking a government inspection team, aiming to…

Telecom Companies in Nigeria Begin Final Phase of SIM Card Disconnection Telecommunication companies in Nigeria have started disconnecting Subscriber Identity Module numbers (telephone lines) that are not linked to National Identification Numbers. Originally scheduled for April 15, 2024, the disconnection deadline was moved to July 31, 2024, after considering subscriber challenges and requests for extensions. Amid concerns raised on social media about premature disconnections, telecom operators stress the importance of linking phone lines to NIN. The president of the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers, Adeolu Ogunbanjo, was unavailable for comment. The ongoing NIN-SIM harmonization exercise aims to enhance security and…

Governmental Failures in Nigeria’s Energy Sector: An Expert’s Insight A recent dispute between the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority and Aliko Dangote has brought to light the challenges in Nigeria’s energy sector. Professor Dayo Ayoade from the University of Lagos sheds light on the government’s shortcomings in this area. Professor Ayoade highlights the lack of transparency in the industry and how selfish interests often override national priorities. He delves into the preferential treatment given to Dangote’s refinery, raising questions about fairness and monopolistic tendencies. The conversation also touches on the need for genuine reform in institutions like the…

The Cross River State House of Assembly has taken a stand against illegal mining activities by migrants in Okwa 1 and 2, and Ukwango communities in Boki Local Government Area. The lawmakers, led by Member Bette Obi, raised concerns about the encroachment of Fulanis in the area, who have been engaging in illicit gold mining, threatening the natural resources and safety of the residents. The Assembly called on the State Government to intervene and stop these activities, emphasizing the need to protect the communities and their resources. Members highlighted the negative impact of illegal mining, urging security agencies to take…

A businessman, Olabinjor Ajobor, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for defrauding George Ezomo of 12.5 million naira by the Federal High Court in Benin City. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission confirmed this in a statement on Tuesday. Ajobor was initially charged in 2018 and then re-arraigned in July 2023 on a three-count charge of obtaining money through false pretenses. The judge, Justice Chuka Obiozor, found him guilty and sentenced him to prison unless he pays the victim N12.5 million and a N500,000 fine. The prosecution presented evidence from three witnesses during the trial, leading to Ajobor’s…

The residents of Pakuro and Ajumoni communities in Ogun State are facing a serious issue with deteriorating roads in their areas. Leaders from these communities have spoken out about the poor conditions of the roads, appealing to Governor Dapo Abiodun for urgent intervention. In interviews with PUNCH Metro, residents expressed frustration over having to constantly patch up the roads themselves, hindering their ability to transport farm produce to nearby cities. The Chairman of Pakuro Community Development Committee, Olusegun Omolosho, highlighted the community’s struggle and emphasized the economic significance of the roads. The Chairman of Ajumoni area CDC, Jimoh Owolabi, also…

The Federal High Court in Abuja rejected a motion to prevent Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State from spending from the state’s consolidated revenue fund. The suit, filed by the faction of the Rivers State House of Assembly loyal to ex-governor Nyesom Wike, aimed to stop Fubara from accessing the funds due to his refusal to present the 2024 budget afresh as demanded by the pro-Wike lawmakers. Justice James Nwite declined to grant the motion ex parte and instead instructed the plaintiffs to notify Fubara and other defendants in the suit. The pro-Fubara factional Assembly countered the call by the…