Author: Samuel Akpenpuun

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has given the Central Bank of Nigeria a 48-hour ultimatum to reverse the newly announced hike in Automated Teller Machine transaction fees, calling it “unlawful, unfair, unreasonable, and unjust.” In an open letter dated February 15, 2025, signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation urged CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso to immediately reverse the policy. The organisation argued that it would worsen the financial hardship faced by Nigerians, particularly low-income earners. Details of this letter were issued in a press release titled, “SERAP gives CBN 48 hours to withdraw ‘unlawful, unfair hike…

Amanda Anisimova clinched the first WTA 1000 title of her career with a 6-4, 6-3 victory over Jelena Ostapenko in a rain-interrupted Qatar Open final on Saturday. At 41 in the world, Anisimova is the lowest-ranked champion in tournament history and the first American to triumph in Doha since Monica Seles lifted the trophy in 2002. Ostapenko was coming off a resounding victory over three-time champion and world number two Iga Swiatek in the previous round but Anisimova gave the Latvian a taste of her own medicine, showcasing incredible ball-striking and precision. In the first WTA 1000 final to feature…

A shocking demolition incident in Enugu State has sparked nationwide outrage after reports emerged that a government-led operation razed a building while occupants were still inside. On February 14, 2025, residents of Enugu witnessed a harrowing event as demolition teams, allegedly under government directives, brought down a structure still housing individuals. Videos circulating on social media depict the chaotic scenes as residents scrambled to escape, with some reportedly trapped inside. The incident has drawn sharp criticism from human rights organisations and legal experts, who argue that such demolitions must adhere to strict legal and ethical standards. The Enugu State government,…

The 2025 edition of the annual 42km 2024 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon has been once again dominated by East African runners from Kenya and Ethiopia. Kenya’s Edwin Kibet on Saturday emerged winner in the men category, clocking a time of 2:14:06 to win the $50,000 price money. Kibet came third last year behind his compatriot Bernard Sang who won it with a time of 02:16:49 and another Kenyan Cheprot who came second. It is Kibet’s second win in the competition following his first victory in the 2023 edition. In the women’s category, Ethiopia’s Guta Meseret Hirpa emerged victorious clocking…

The whereabouts of Apetu of Ipetumodu, Oba Joseph Olugbenga Oloyede, is causing ripples in his domain, as residents and indigenes of the community are calling for the intervention of the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, in unraveling the mystery behind his disappearance. Oba Oloyede, a United States of America-based accountant and information system expert, was appointed new Apetu in July 2019. He succeeded Oba James Adegoke, who died on November 26, 2017. Newsmen learnt that the royal father had been regularly shuttling between Nigeria and his base in the US since his installation. However, since March 2024 that he left…

US President, Donald Trump has signed an executive order on Friday creating a “National Energy Dominance Council” that will be tasked with helping meet the vast electric power needs to win the AI race with China. “We’re going to be energy dominant like nobody else, and this doesn’t even discuss all of the electricity that we’re going to be producing for all of the AI plants,” Trump told reporters as he signed the order. “They need at least double the electricity we have right now,” he added. Trump’s Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, who also attended the signing, said,…

Rivers State Police Command has arrested a man simply identified as Michael for allegedly stabbing his friend, Uchenna, to death after accusing the latter of stealing his phone. It was gathered that the incident occurred at Egede Street in the Mile 2 axis of Diobu in Port Harcourt, last Wednesday. A source told our reporter that Uchenna visited Michael in his house located in the city centre, as both of them have been friends for years. On this occasion, when Uchenna visited Michael, they were together but after some time the latter could not find his mobile phone and started…

President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Afenifere leader and elder statesman, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, describing him as a fearless advocate for truth, justice, and democracy. Adebanjo, a prominent Yoruba leader and nationalist, passed away peacefully at his home in Lekki, Lagos, on Friday, February 14, at the age of 96, according to a statement issued by his family. In a personal condolence message released on Friday, Tinubu paid tribute to Adebanjo’s legacy, acknowledging his lifelong commitment to Nigeria’s progress and national unity. “His principled voice, which resonated through decades of political activism, will be deeply…

Fourteen persons were rescued following a devastating road crash at Ilaje, inward Iyana-Oworonshoki, along the Third Mainland Bridge. This was disclosed in a statement by the Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of the Lagos StateTraffic Management Authority, Adebayo Taofiq. He said that the accident occurred at the Iyana-Oworonshoki area of the bridge when the commercial bus rammed into the private car. Taofiq blamed the accident on excessive speeding by the commercial driver which led to a loss of control and the eventual collision. He said, “The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority has again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to…

A Forensic Analyst, Babagana Musa Mingali on Thursday, told Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, that the mobile phone belonging to Suspended Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Calabar, Prof. Cyril Ndifon, was empty when he analysed it. Babagana, a Chief Superintendent of Police who works in the office of the National Security Adviser, is the second Defence Witness (DW2) brought to court through a subpoena to give evidence in the case between Prof. Ndifon and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). Ndifon, alongside his lawyer, Samuel Anyanwu, is standing trial on four counts…