Author: Festus Adeloye

Embattled former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, has urged the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja to bar the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission from calling additional witnesses after 10 had testified in his ongoing procurement fraud trial. Emefiele’s lead counsel, Matthew Burkaa (SAN), contended that since EFCC listed only 10 witnesses in the proof of evidence it filed in court, it should not be allowed to call additional witnesses. But the EFCC’s prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), opposed the application, asserting that further testimonies were necessary to ensure a fair and thorough presentation of…

President Bola Tinubu on Monday in Abuja signed into law a bill establishing the Federal University of Environment and Technology (FUET) in Ogoni, Rivers State and pledged more support for the community. According to a statement signed by the President’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, Ogoni town of Tai will host the university. He said that during the signing ceremony at the State House, President Tinubu said the establishment of the university will further empower Ogoni citizens and provide more opportunities for participation and development. “Today marks a significant milestone in our national journey towards environmental justice, education and sustainable development. “The…

Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Chief Press Secretary to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, has denied rumours of a rift between his Governor Seyi Makinde and Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. The denial follows escalating tensions within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which remains divided over leadership issues. Despite ongoing factionalism, Makinde and Wike have maintained their alliance. The two, alongside other governors, opposed the PDP’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in the lead-up to the 2023 elections, forming the G-5 bloc. Currently, the party is embroiled in a dispute over the future of Umar Damagum, the acting National Chairman.…

Afrobeat star Davido has congratulated his colleague Tems on her victory at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, where she won Best African Music Performance. Davido shared his praise on social media, applauding Tems for her success in a highly competitive category that included strong contenders such as Yemi Alade, Asake, Burna Boy, and himself. Tems clinched the Grammy with her hit song “Love Me Jeje,” marking her second win. She previously earned a Grammy for her contribution to Future’s chart-topping single “Wait For U.” The Best African Music Performance category was dominated by Nigerian artists, with other nominees including Yemi…

Canadian sports fans booed the US national anthem at basketball and ice hockey games over the weekend in response to US President Donald Trump’s new tariffs. The jeers came during an NBA game between the Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday, and NHL matches between Canadian teams and US visitors in Ottawa and Alberta on Saturday. Trump’s announcement on Saturday declared a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, and 10% on Chinese imports. Energy imports from Canada, such as oil and gas, will face a lower 10% tariff. In retaliation, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and…

Nigeria and Africa face growing economic pressures as US President Donald Trump introduces new tariffs. Starting tomorrow, the US will impose a 25% tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada, and a 10% tariff on Chinese goods. In retaliation, Canadian President Justin Trudeau announced that Canada will impose tariffs on “$155 billion worth of American goods,” including $30 billion immediately and $125 billion in 21 days. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said, “I have instructed my economic secretary to put together a response that included both retaliatory tariffs and other measures in defence of Mexico’s interests.” China has vowed to challenge…

The Kano State Government has extended the deadline for the ongoing recertification of Certificates of Occupancy by two months. The exercise, which began on November 25, 2024, was initially set to conclude on Friday, January 31, 2025, and will now continue until April 1, 2025. This extension of the deadline was contained in a statement on Friday by the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Land and Physical Planning, Muhammad Yahuza. He commended the public for their overwhelming response to the recertification exercise. He, however, acknowledged concerns regarding the initial timeframe and assured property owners that the extension would…

A South Carolina man convicted of murder is scheduled to be put to death by lethal injection on Friday, the first execution in the United States this year. Marion Bowman Jr, 44, was sentenced to death in 2002 for the murder the previous year of Kandee Martin, 21, a high school friend. Martin was shot to death and her body placed in the trunk of her car, which was set on fire. Bowman, who was 20 years old at the time, has acknowledged that he sold drugs to Martin but denied any involvement in her murder. “I am so sorry…

After months of speculation, Senator Ned Nwoko, representing the Delta North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has officially resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Nwoko cited deep divisions and factionalisation within the PDP as the primary reasons for his decision to leave the party, stating that the growing factions had become irreconcilable. In a letter addressed to the Chairman of the PDP in Ward 8, Aniocha North Local Government Area, Delta State, Nwoko made his resignation public. The letter read: “I write to formally resign my membership from the People’s…

The UEFA Europa League knockout play-off draw was finalised on Friday, setting up thrilling clashes as teams battle for a place in the next round of the competition. The draw sees FC Twente taking on Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt, while Turkish giants Fenerbahçe face Anderlecht in a highly anticipated fixture. Meanwhile, Belgian side Union SG will go head-to-head with Ajax, and PAOK is set to clash with FCSB. Dutch outfit AZ has been drawn against Galatasaray, while Midtjylland will face a tough challenge against Real Sociedad. Hungarian side Ferencváros will take on Viktoria Plzeň, and in one of the standout ties…