Author: Ifeanyi N.

The Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the final forfeiture of $1.426 million linked to the embattled former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele. Justice Ayokunle Faji delivered the verdict on Tuesday, granting the Federal Government ownership of the funds following an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The EFCC stated, “Of the total sum of $26,555,000.00 received by Donatus Limited, the balance standing in the said account as of today is $1,426,175.14. It is the balance in the account that the applicant seeks to forfeit to the Federal Government of Nigeria, which has…

As the world marks the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has called for more concerted efforts to prevent drug abuse and support those battling addiction. Obi emphasized the need for the government to address the menace of drug abuse and illicit trafficking through rehabilitation programs and stringent penalties for traffickers. In a statement issued on Wednesday via his X handle, Obi lamented that drug and substance abuse have led to high crime rates, moral decay, and various health hazards, significantly reducing productivity, especially among the youth. Citing…

Governors of Nigeria’s 36 states have scheduled an emergency meeting for today, Wednesday, to discuss the proposed new minimum wage. This development follows the Federal Executive Council’s (FEC) decision on Tuesday to step down the memo on the minimum wage. InfoStride News recalls that the 36 governors previously rejected the federal government’s proposed N62,000 minimum wage, stating that some states would need to borrow money to implement the amount. However, organized labour is insisting on a N250,000 minimum wage. According to reliable media outlets, Halima Ahmed, Acting Director of Media and Public Affairs for the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), disclosed…

Dr. Aisha M.Z. Anka, Zamfara State Commissioner of Health, has raised alarm over the high risk of maternal deaths faced by over 950,000 women in the state. The commissioner made this known during the opening ceremony of a five-day workshop aimed at preventing maternal deaths for health workers in the state. The workshop, held in Gusau, was organized by the Health for Life and Development Foundation in collaboration with the Zamfara State Ministry of Health and the Hospital Services Management Board, with support from the United Nations Population Fund. Dr. Anka highlighted that Nigeria accounts for 14 percent of global…

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has announced its readiness to commence the Orientation Course programme for the 2024 Batch ‘B’ Stream One set of Corps Members. In a statement signed by Eddy Megwa, NYSC Director of Information and Public Relations, it was revealed that all prospective Corps Members can access their call-up letters on their dashboards starting Tuesday. “Prospective Corps Members are to report to their various Orientation camps between Wednesday, June 26, and Monday, July 1, 2024. The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for Tuesday, July 2, 2024,” the statement read. The Director General, Brigadier General Y.B. Ahmed, advised…

The Federal Executive Council (FEC), presided over by President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday, approved the procurement of 33 Mikano CNG-powered vehicles at the cost of N1.99 billion to enhance the operations of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The approval was announced by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, during a press briefing at the end of the meeting. “The procurement of 33 Mikano motor vehicles, CNG-powered, is to boost the operation of NDLEA. The council considered and approved it,” Fagbemi stated. In addition, the minister disclosed that the council approved the procurement…

Bandits have launched a terror attack on Danbaza community in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State, abducting 47 people. The incident, which occurred on Monday morning, has left the community in fear and distress. According to Mustapha Danbaza, a resident of the village, eleven members of one family were among those kidnapped. Danbaza also noted that a few weeks ago, bandits attacked a commercial vehicle loaded with passengers in the same area, and nothing has been heard about the victims since. Maradun, the hometown of former governor Bello Matawalle, who is now the Minister of State for Defense, has…

As the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) prepares for its congress in Benue State slated for August 31, two chairmanship aspirants, Chief Patrick Ogbu, former Chairman of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), and party chieftain Chris Abah, have officially declared their intentions by picking up nomination forms. The aspirants were present at the state secretariat of the party in Makurdi to collect the forms, each costing N1 million. Speaking after obtaining his form, Chief Ogbu said, “Let’s work together to build a party that we can all be proud of, a party that truly serves our community and makes a positive…

Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has expressed confidence that he, Governor Alex Otti of Abia State, and other relevant stakeholders can resolve the party’s leadership crisis. Obi stated that the party’s National Executive Council (NEC), along with himself and Otti, will meet in accordance with the LP’s constitution to address the leadership issues. He also mentioned that the decision to retain LP’s National Chairman, Julius Abure, would be made collectively by the stakeholders. Obi made these remarks while addressing reporters after meeting with the Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) Transition Committee, headed…

A Former presidential candidate and veteran journalist, Dele Momodu, has congratulated celebrity couple Davido and Chioma on their wedding. Momodu, who is an uncle to Davido’s first baby mama, Sophia Momodu, extended his congratulatory message on behalf of the Momodu family. He prayed for God’s blessings on their union, wishing them “good health, prosperity, and unlimited happiness.” On his X handle, Momodu wrote: “On behalf of the Momodu family of Ihievbe, Edo State, I wish to send our heartiest congratulations to @davido and his lovely wife @chefchioma on this special day of their wedding. “May GOD almighty bless the union…

The Federal Government has pledged to ensure that none of its 256 custodial centres across the country suffer the same fate as the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Suleja, which was compromised on April 24. Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made this vow after inspecting the ongoing 3,000-capacity Custodial Centre in Karshi, Abuja, and both the old and new custodial centres in Keffi, Nasarawa State. Tunji-Ojo reiterated his commitment to relocating some custodial facilities that face the challenge of urbanization. InfoStride News recalls that on April 24, heavy rainfall destroyed the walls of the Suleja Custodial Centre, resulting in the…

The Bauchi State Government has announced that despite being on the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) watch list, the state has not recorded any cases of cholera in 2024. In a telephone conversation with the media, Commissioner of Health, Dr. Adamu Umar Sambo, clarified that while the NCDC included Bauchi among the states that reported cholera cases this year, there have been no confirmed cases in the state. “Although the NCDC announced that Bauchi is among the states that recorded cholera this year, we do not have any confirmed cases yet,” Dr. Sambo stated. “Thirty suspected cases were recorded…

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has launched an armed Aviation Security (AVSEC) unit at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos to combat touting and illegal activities. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the launch on his X page. He stated that the new unit is mandated to arrest and prosecute touts and other suspected criminals operating within airport premises. Keyamo emphasized that this initiative aims to ensure a safer and more secure environment for passengers and airport users. He also mentioned plans to replicate the unit at other international airports across the country. “As part…

Political leaders in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State have staged a protest in support of Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The protest is led by Ogundu Chinda, Minority Leader of the House of Representatives; Martins Amaewhule, former Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly; and George Ariolu, former Council Chairman. The demonstrators are urging the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to maintain a police presence in the councils and resist any intimidation efforts. The protest, which is taking place along Ikwerre Road, has caused significant traffic congestion. Last week, IGP Kayode Egbetokun…

On Monday, an Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan ordered the remand of three men, Kehinde Olagbemiro (55), Kunle Oguntoye (45), and Morakinyo Mukaila (57), in a correctional facility over allegations of armed robbery and murder. The defendants, whose addresses were not disclosed, are charged with conspiracy, armed robbery, and murder. Magistrate Maruff Mudashiru did not take the pleas of the defendants, citing lack of jurisdiction. He instructed the police to forward the case file to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice. The case was adjourned until September 2 for mention. Prosecutor Inspector Femi Oluwadare told the court…

At least two people were feared dead on Monday after heavy rainfall caused severe flooding at Trademore Estate in Lugbe, along the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport Road. The estate, home to numerous civil servants and other residents, has perennially been affected by flooding. In a video documenting the flood, a resident urgently called on the Federal Government and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, for immediate assistance, reporting that two individuals had been swept away by the floodwaters. This incident follows a prediction from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) on Sunday, which forecast thunderstorms and hazy weather conditions from…

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has been elected Chairman of the Southern Governors Forum. Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, was elected Vice Chairman. This decision followed a meeting of the Southern Governors Forum in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Monday. The meeting, which lasted about five hours, saw the attendance of 13 governors and three deputy governors from southern states. Among those present were: – Governor Dapo Abiodun (Ogun) – Governor Godwin Obaseki (Edo) – Governor Seyi Makinde (Oyo) – Governor Alex Otti (Abia) – Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos) – Governor Ademola Adeleke (Osun) – Governor Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi) – Governor…

Yunusa Tanko, spokesman of the defunct Obi-Datti presidential campaign council, has hailed the unification of the Labour Party’s (LP) Deputy Chairman, Lamidi Apapa, and National Chairman, Julius Abure’s factions as a positive development. Tanko noted that the decision by both factions to set aside their differences and collaborate suggests a shared common purpose. “Politics is dynamic, and anything can happen at any time,” Tanko told media outlets. “If they have decided to work together, they may have a common purpose, and if it’s in the interest of everybody, why not?” He added, “If it’s for the interest of everybody, it’s…

The Edo State House of Assembly on Monday announced the recall of Mr. Bright Iyamu, one of three lawmakers suspended on May 6 over an alleged plot to impeach the Speaker and other principal officers. According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Iyamu (PDP-Orhionmwon South) was suspended along with Donald Okogbe (PDP-Akoko-Edo II) and Adeh Isibor (APC-Esan North-East I). Announcing the lifting of Iyamu’s suspension during plenary, Speaker Blessing Agbebaku stated that Iyamu had shown remorse for his actions. Following Iyamu’s recall, other lawmakers appealed to the Speaker to consider lifting the suspension on the two remaining lawmakers. However, the…

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has launched an investigation into the gruesome murder of retired Brigadier General Uwem Harold Udokwe of the Nigerian Army. According to verifiable media outlets, General Udokwe was murdered by gunmen suspected to be armed robbers in the nation’s capital on Saturday. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the FCT, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed in a statement that the deceased was attacked and killed at his Sunshine Homes Estate residence around 3 am on Saturday. “Upon receipt of the report of the incident, the FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Benneth C. Igweh, ordered…