In 2022, a staggering 15,000 tonnes of oil seeped into the world’s waters due to tanker leaks. Amid this concerning statistic, new research highlights Nigeria’s position as the culprit behind seven major oil spills over the past century, ranking sixth globally. The Oil Spills Index, developed by Utility Bidder’s experts, offers insights into countries with the highest number of oil spills from 1903 to 2023. This index delves into not just the spill frequency but also the quantity of oil lost per incident and the evolution of global oil spill figures over the last half-century. Here’s what the research and…
Author: Adewale A.
In 2022, around 15,000 tonnes of oil infiltrated the world’s waters through leaked tankers, and with this in mind, new research has revealed that Nigeria is responsible for 7 major oil spills over the past century – the 6th most worldwide. As part of their Oil Spills Index – the experts at Utility Bidder have profiled the countries with the most oil spills between 1903 and 2023, as well as taking into account the countries with the largest amount of oil lost per spill, the change in global oil spill numbers over the past 50 years. Countries with the most…
In a significant legal development in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, a young undergraduate student from Rivers State University found himself on the wrong side of the law. Chika Eguma Ekwodu has been convicted and sentenced to two years in prison for impersonation and obtaining money by false pretences. The verdict was delivered by Justice P. I. Ajoku of the Federal High Court, Port Harcourt, on October 10, 2023. This case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of online fraud and the importance of upholding the law. Ekwodu’s conviction is based on two-count charges brought against him by the…
Praia, 13 October 2023 – The second and final day of the 8th edition of the ECOWAS Sustainable Energy Forum (ESEF 2023) was marked by decisive moments, consolidating its position as an essential platform for dialogue between the main national, regional and international actors in the West African energy sector. The Forum was also an opportunity to celebrate institutions that have played a key role in the development of renewable energy and energy efficiency with the ESEF 2023 Awards. These awards recognize the commitment and efforts made to build a more sustainable future through initiatives and innovations that promote sustainable…
Justice Mojisola Dada, presiding over the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, has set the stage for the final deliberations in the trial of Marco Antonio Ramirez, an American businessman, accused of a $1.2 million fraud. The court, which has been grappling with the intricacies of the case, has scheduled December 11, 2023, for the adoption of final written addresses, bringing this high-profile legal saga one step closer to its conclusion. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been pursuing a case against Ramirez, alongside his associated companies, USA NOW LLC, Eagle Ford Instalodge Group LP, and USA Now…
Justice I.O. Ijelu of the Special Offences Court, located in Ikeja, Lagos, has handed down a 16-year prison sentence to Anana Keneth Emeka for his involvement in computer-related fraud. Emeka, who resided at 567, Road 21, Mayfair Garden Estate, Awoyaya, Lagos State, was found guilty after investigations into the criminal activities of Osondu Victor Igwilo, a leader of the infamous criminal network known as “catcher.” Igwilo had been on the watch list of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) since 2018, until his arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on March 11, 2022. Anana Keneth Emeka was…
British Columbia-based Nigerian singer, Buwa returns 4 years later after his last triumph with his debut EP OLU, which offered pop-soul styles and a blend of compelling melodies. The singer has now unleashed his new single “It Don’t Matter”, to introduce his latest EP Just Call Me Buwa. “It Don’t Matter” tells a story of Buwa learning to accept life as it is in the present. And instead of focusing on what the future holds for him, he should live in the moment and bask in the goodness of the present. “I learned the hard lesson of accepting where I…
In a distressing tale of land grabbers and encroachment, the Kalejaiye family of Ogere Remo in Ogun State, Nigeria, finds themselves embroiled in a long-standing battle to reclaim their farmland. For years, this farmland was the lifeblood of the family, providing sustenance and a source of livelihood. However, their lives took a devastating turn when land grabbers, allegedly in collusion with Chinese nationals/investors, illegally seized their land, uprooted palm trees, and even employed the protection of military personnel to deter the family from reclaiming their property. According to the family, the land was purchased in the 1970s and for decades,…
There are currently 28,420 centi-millionaires in the world, more than double the number 20 years ago, and an increase of 12% compared to this time last year, according to the 2023 Centi-Millionaire Report released today by wealth and investment migration advisors Henley & Partners and featuring exclusive data from global wealth intelligence firm New World Wealth. This fast-growing global elite of highly influential super-wealthy movers and shakers boasts investable assets of USD 100 million or more. As outlined in the inaugural report last year, at a country level, most centi-millionaires (or ‘centis’) are concentrated in the USA (38%), followed by…
The cacophony of discordant voices on Bola Tinubu / Abubakar Atiku over the certificate matter is completely out of hand. This utter nonsense from armchair lawyers is heating up Nigeria dangerously. Please can we keep our opinions and views to ourselves awaiting a decision of the Supreme Court. Am so ashamed to see Lawyers on Television arguing one way or the other on the merits or demerits of the Chicago State University (CSU) matter. This is most unhelpful! I call out all media that tolerate this nonsense of adjudicating the CSU matter on TV and Newspapers. I urge the President…
In a momentous gathering at the Yewa Frontier Hotel in Ilaro-Yewa, Ogun State, the Inspector-General of Police, Ag. IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun PhD, NPM, was honoured with the prestigious Yewa Special Award for his outstanding contributions. The event, held on Saturday, 7th October 2023, brought together esteemed Yewa indigenes, royal dignitaries, and distinguished guests to celebrate the remarkable achievements of IGP Egbetokun. The Yewa Special Awards and Reception served as a platform to recognize individuals who have made significant impacts on the Yewa community and beyond. IGP Egbetokun, with his remarkable career and dedication to public service, was a natural…
The Assistant Commander of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ahmed. M. Ghali, serving as the Zonal Commander in Port Harcourt, has delivered a stern caution to students of the Federal Government College in Obi/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State. Ghali emphasized the severe and far-reaching consequences of engaging in internet fraud and urged students to steer clear of such criminal activities. This warning was issued during a One-Day Sensitization Lecture held in Port Harcourt on Friday, September 29, 2023. The lecture was organized by Cot Cyber Consults, representing the international health insurance firm AXA. Addressing the students…
In a significant legal development, Justice O.O. Abike-Fadipe of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, has ruled that businesswoman Portia Emilia and her company, Savanah Crest Investment Limited, must enter their defences in an alleged N110 million fraud case brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The defendants were re-arraigned on March 16, 2023, facing amended five-count charges that include conspiracy to steal, obtaining money and property by false pretences, stealing, and retaining stolen property. One of the counts specifically alleges that Portia Anthony Emilia and Savanah Crest Investment Limited, “sometime in 2018 in Lagos,…
In a significant operation aimed at curbing cybercrime, the Enugu Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has apprehended 32 individuals suspected of engaging in internet fraud. The arrests were made simultaneously during sting operations conducted in Awka, Anambra State, and Enugu township, Enugu State. The suspects, whose identities have been revealed, include Stanley Okechukwu, Chukwudi Michael, Nnaife Onyedika, Nnamdi Christian, Pascal Akachukwu, Ekeme Christian Luke, Denis Chidozie, and Ebuka Mmaduka. The list continues with Ekene Excellent, Emmanuel Okochi Osita, Akunne Prince Ikenna, Igwe Nnaemeka Shedrack, Nonso Henry Ozo Ekwe, Ebuka Obike Boniface, Goodluck Ameachi Ifeanyi, Hillary…
In a unified effort to bolster the fight against corruption and financial impropriety in Nigeria, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the National Judicial Institute (NJI), and key stakeholders have issued a resounding call for comprehensive legislation to address the issue of unexplained wealth within the country. This imperative plea emerged from a Communique jointly issued on Thursday, October 5, 2023, at the conclusion of the 5th EFCC-NJI Capacity Building Workshop for Justices and Judges, held at the NJI headquarters in Jabi, Abuja. The Communique underscores the urgent need for the enactment of legislation to combat the possession of…
In a significant legal development, businessman Kolawole Erinle has been sentenced to a substantial twelve-year prison term for his involvement in a $1.4 million fraud. The verdict was delivered by Justice R. A. Osodi of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos. Erinle, along with his company, Rinde-Remdex Nigeria Limited, initially faced charges before Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja on March 11, 2022. Although he initially pleaded “not guilty,” the trial was inconclusive due to Justice Taiwo’s retirement, necessitating the reassignment of the case to Justice Osodi. On October 28, 2022, Erinle was re-arraigned before…
In a significant legal development, Ahmad Abubakar Ahmad has been sentenced to a staggering 87 years in prison for his involvement in criminal activities amounting to N325,800,000 (Three Hundred and Twenty-Five Million, Eight Hundred Thousand Naira). This verdict was handed down by Justice Malami Dogondaji of the Sokoto State High Court on Thursday, October 5, 2023, following Ahmad’s admission of guilt to 12 counts of charges related to criminal breach of trust and obtaining money by false pretence. One of the charges reads: “That you Abubakar Ahmad Abubakar sometime in October 2022 in Sokoto within the Judicial Division of the…
In a surprising turn of events in the ongoing legal battle involving Nigerian artist Azeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has issued a production warrant. This dramatic development occurred during the court proceedings on Friday, October 5, 2023. Naira Marley is currently facing a slew of charges, numbering 11 in total, brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). These charges primarily revolve around conspiracy and credit card fraud. During the recent court session, the defendant’s counsel, Olalekan Ojo, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), informed the court that Naira…
FXC Intelligence releases an in-depth report analysing trends in cross-border payment startups, with emphasis on companies launched since the beginning of 2022. Geographically, there was a stronger presence of payment startups in emerging markets than among lists of larger, more established cross-border payments companies. Lagos, Nigeria, came in joint second with New York in terms of cities with the most cross-border payment startups founded since the start of 2022. 7% of startups were founded there, underpinning its growing importance as a payments hub. While the traditional dominance of the US and Western Europe remained, there was a stronger presence of…
BudgIT has released its second-quarter evaluation report of the States Fiscal Transparency League (SFTL) for the second quarter of 2023. The States Fiscal Transparency League aims to sustain the progress achieved through the World Bank’s States Fiscal Transparency, Accountability, and Sustainability (SFTAS) program by monitoring how effectively states uphold fiscal transparency, accountability, accessibility, and proficient management of public finances. For 2023’s second quarter, an evaluation of all 36 Nigerian states revealed that nine states made significant progress by adhering to the STFAS guidelines, 23 states exhibited moderate performance, and four states performed poorly. Compared to Q1 2023, Jigawa State secured…