Former Super Eagles Striker, Michael Eneramo Slumps, Dies

By

-

April 24, 2026

By Akinwale Kasali

The nation’s football enclave has, again, been thrown into mourning less than a week after it lost former President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Galadima. One of its finest attackers, Michael Eneramo has just passed on.

The ex-International slumped and died on the spot.

The 40-year-old was, reportedly, featuring at the Angwan Yelwa pitch in the Television area of Kaduna when the incident occurred.

The former international came on as a substitute in the second half before collapsing without any contact.

It was gathered that efforts to revive him proved abortive, as he was pronounced Dead On Arrival when hurriedly taken to the hospital.

The professional footballer had previously, played for several clubs, including Besiktas of Turkey, Tunisian side; Esperance, and Nigerian club, Lobi Stars of Makurdi.

Before his demise, he was running a football academy.

Reacting to his sudden demise, the official Super Eagles X handle paid tribute to the former International, posting his picture with the caption, “Rest in peace Michael.”

The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, is yet to announce his death and send their condolences to the family.

Plateau Cattle Breeders, Petition Gov Mutfwang Over Killing Of Cows

By

Suleiman Anyalewechi

-

April 24, 2026

0

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, MACBAN, has raised the alarm over what it described as incessant and large scale killing of their cattle through poisoning in parts of Barkin Ladi Local Council Area of Plateau State.

The Association has, therefore, petitioned the Plateau state Government and security agencies and asked that they take urgent steps to arrest the situation in the interest of peace and stability of the State.

In a strongly-worded petition dated April 23, 2026, by its Chairman, Ibrahim Yusuf Babayo, the Plateau State chapter of MACBAN, informed that its decision to cry out stemmed from the growing threat to the means of livelihoods of herders in the affected communities.

In the petition captioned “Urgent Complaint On Repeated Killing Of Cattle” and made available to the Media on Friday, April 24, 2026, the group cited separate incidents that occurred in close succession on April 18, 20, 22 and 23, across different communities within the Barkin Ladi Local Council of the State.

According to Babayo, while 10 cattle were allegedly poisoned in Rakung community on April 18, another was slaughtered on April 20, in the same area.

Between April 20 and 23, according to the petition, nine cows were allegedly poisoned behind the Lokojora area, with other incidents recorded along Nding area on April 22 and 23..

The group lamented that the spate of killings of cattle in the affected communities have severely disrupted their members means of livelihood as well as exacted serious economic consequences on them.

The MACBAN expressed serious concern and regret that despite reporting all the incidents to the appropriate authorities, no arrests have been effected.

MACBAN, however, called on its members to remain calm and law-abiding as well as refrain from any action that can inflame tension in the State.

It, also, urged security agencies and all the authorities concerned to launch an investigations into the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incidents as well as ensure that justice is served.

Meanwhile, the association has appealed to the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, to consider the possibility of mitigating the effects of the losses by coming to the aid of the victims.

Aba Landlords Hail Regular Power Supply, Honours Nnaji For Geometrics

By

Suleiman Anyalewechi

-

April 24, 2026

0

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The umbrella body of Aba landed property owners, Aba Landlords Protection and Development Association, ALPADA, has lauded the foresight and great sense of patriotism exhibited by former Minister for Power, Prof Bartholomew Nnaji, in siting the multi-billion dollar power generating plant- Geometric – in the commercial nerve centre of Abia State.

It described the presence of the first power generating and distribution outfit as a catalyst to the reclamation of the faded industrial and commercial fortunes of Aba.

The President-General of APALDA, Engr. Leonard Onyemesiri, who spoke on Thursday, April 23, 2026, when he led other executive members of the body to the corporate Headquarters of Geometric in Ossisoma area Aba to confer a meritorious award ” Ezi-Enyi ALPADA” on Nnaji, noted that the establishment of Geometric and its subsidiary, Aba Power Limited APLE, has brought succor to residents, as well as bringing back life to business activities in Aba.

“Of a truth, and before the establishment of APLE company in Aba, electricity consumers wittinessd unnecessary stress and loss of income because of non,or epileptic supply of electricity in Aba and its environs.

“Both the small and medium scale industries were seriously affected due to irregular or non-supply of electricity for production.

“We all know Aba to be the Japan of Africa in terms of production and manufacturing of essential goods and services . Commercial activities were brought to a halt owing to lack of regular power supply.

“The situation led to high cost of living in Aba and its environs. In summary, Aba residents suffered huge economic losses estimated at several trillions of Naira, with many lives lost in the hospitals due to power outages”, Onyemesiri stated.

However, the Association expressed happiness that the coming on board of Geometric, and APLE has restored normalcy to business activities, and improved general living conditions of the people.

According to ALPADA, although Geometric and APLE are still work in progress, the power generating and distribution giant has significantly impacted the over all industrial ,and commerical fortunes of Aba, and its environs through improved power supply.

“We are proud of the progress APLE is making in the supply of regular electricity to its consumers ,as well as its mass pre-paid metering efforts, which is still in progress in its area of operations-the Aba Ring Fence” Onyemesiri added.

ALPADA, while appreciating the commitment of the APLE, and its parent body, Geometric, to their core mandate of serving as a catalyst to the industrial and commerical reengineering of Aba and its environs, applauded their efforts so far in resolving the huge power supply deficit that exited before now.

“Our visit is mainly to express our gratitude to you for sitting Geometric Power in Aba. To share our joy with you on the tremendous progress we have witnessed within the short period of its existence.

“To pledge our readiness and commitment to APLE company as partners in progress ,as well as to solicit your cooperation and assistance in core areas of benefits to ALPDA members” Onyemesiri noted.

Speaking after the formal presentation of the ALPADA meritorious award to the chairman/founder of Geometric Power, the founding President-General of the Association, Chief Alphonsus Udeigbo, assured of members commitment to collaborate with all relevant authorities and stakeholders to ensure that the equipment and operations of the outfit are not sabotage.

“Apart from the honour we have bestowed on the Chairman today in recognition of his service to God and humanity, we, as an association, will be intentional in providing information that will prevent attempts by some unscrupulous elements to sabotage this great investment that has been brought to us in Aba.

“We are honouring you today because of your outstanding contributions to the growth and development of Aba and Abia state in general”, Udeigbo stated.

Responding, Prof Nnaji, while appreciating the honour bestowed on him expressed immense gratitude to APALDA for identifying with the organization during one it’s darkest hours.

He recalled how ALPADA came to the defence of the company when it was having a running battle with the Transmission Company of Nigeria,TCN, over power allocation/sales from the national grid.

He described the early period of the operations of the company , when it had to buy bulk power at higher cost from TCN, and was forced by circumstances to service consumers at lower cost due to regulatory constraints as very difficult.

“When we were yet to start powering our plants during the early period our operations,we were relying on supply from the national grid.

However, the problem then was that as a private outfit, TCN was selling bulk power to us at a price higher than what the law permitted us to charge consumers.

“In essence, we were forced by circumstances to operate at a huge loss because much as we were determined to continue to service our customers, we were buying the bulk power at higher cost than we were allowed by law to sell.

“Yet, even at that difficult level, the TCN was threatening, at some point, to cut us off completely from the national grid . We immensely appreciate ALPADA for stepping in then to fight for us, until we successfully navigated the turbulence” Nnaji recalled.

He assured of a continuous improvement in service delivery , noting that APLE has remained on top when it comes to meeting the power supply needs of consumers.

Prof . Nnaji also promised to continue to work together with ALPADA for much more progress.

Oyo 2027: Group Raises Alarm Over, Demands Integrity in Governorship Race

By

Akinwale Kasali

-

April 24, 2026

0

By Akinwale Kasali

As the 2027 Election race Intensifies, a Civic Advocacy Group Oyo Defender, has alleged a plot by some politicians who are scheming ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Oyo State, to corrupt the process. It has, therefore, urging stakeholders to prioritize integrity and accountability in the selection of candidates.

The Group, in a statement signed by its Secretary, Adedosu Ifaponle, expressed deep concern over reported efforts to position a former Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Planning under the late former Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, as a leading contender in the upcoming election.

The group specifically referenced Bimbo Adekanmbi, who it said has been linked in public reports to an alleged ₦30 Billion financial matter involving anti graft agency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, while acknowledging the legal principle of presumption of innocence.

The Oyo Defender stressed that allegations of such magnitude must not be overlooked without thorough and transparent investigation.

According to the group, the timing of these political developments is troubling, coming at a period when citizens are increasingly demanding credible, transparent, and people-oriented governance.

It further argued that leadership at the Gubernatorial level requires not only administrative competence but also unquestionable integrity and public trust.

The Group stressed that the management of state resources is a sacred responsibility, thus, emphasizing that any aspirant to the state’s highest office must possess a clean record and a reputation beyond reproach.

Oyo Defender called on anti-corruption agencies to ensure that all pending allegations are comprehensively investigated and openly addressed, insisting that the electorate deserves clarity and accountability from those seeking public office.

It, also, urged political parties, civil society organizations, and voters to resist any attempt to impose candidates whose credibility is under serious scrutiny.

It warned that the 2027 election must not devolve into a contest shaped by political manipulation, but rather serve as a defining moment to restore integrity and rebuild public confidence in governance.

Reaffirming its stance, the group concluded that the future of Oyo State depends on leadership grounded in honesty, accountability, and genuine service to the people—not ambition overshadowed by controversy.

Court Bans Police, FRSC From Imposing Fines On Motorists

By

Akinwale Kasali

-

April 24, 2026

0

By Akinwale Kasali

The era of the Nigerian Police and officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, imposing fines on defaulting Motorists has come to an end following the ruling by a Federal High Court in Abuja, restraining both from imposing fines on motorists over Third-Party Motor Vehicle Insurance without a Court Order.

The ruling followed a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/291/2025 filed by activist-lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, against the Inspector-General of Police, the Attorney-General of the Federation, and the FRSC.

Justice Hauwa Yilwa, who delivered the judgment on Friday held that while both the Police and the FRSC have the power to enforce compliance with third-party motor insurance, they lack the legal authority to impose fines on alleged offenders.

The suit was initiated through an originating summons, brought pursuant to Section 17 of the Motor Vehicles (Third Party Insurance) Act, 1950, Sections 68(3) and (4) of the Insurance Act, 2003, as well as provisions of the Federal Road Safety Commission (Establishment) Act, 2007.

Adeyanju had asked the court to determine whether the police could enforce third-party insurance, impose fines without judicial backing, and whether such enforcement during routine stop-and-search operations violated constitutional rights.

He also sought a declaration on whether the power to enforce third-party motor insurance lies exclusively with the FRSC.

In addition to the declaratory relief, the applicant requested orders of perpetual injunction restraining the police from enforcing third-party insurance and from imposing fines without judicial backing.

He further urged the court to hold the Attorney-General of the Federation accountable for providing legal guidance on the scope of police powers under the relevant statutes.

However, in its judgment, the court distinguished enforcement and sanctioning powers.

Counsel to the applicant, Marvin Omorogbe, said the court upheld the authority of both the police and the FRSC to ensure compliance with motor vehicle insurance laws but firmly ruled against the imposition of fines by either agency.

According to him, the court held that “the police and the road safety may enforce” compliance but “outrightly lack the powers to impose fines on third parties or vehicle owners” in the course of such enforcement.

“The court went further to restrain the IGP, the Police Force and all their officers, including the FRSC, from imposing fines on motor vehicle users or Nigerian citizens,” Omorogbe said.

Reacting to the judgment, Adeyanju expressed satisfaction, noting that the suit’s central objective had been achieved.

“The sole reason why we came to court is that we wanted the court to make a positive declaration that the police and the road safety do not have the right to impose fines on any Nigerian over motor vehicle insurance. And we have succeeded,” he said.

He argued that the ruling would curb what he described as a pattern of extortion by enforcement agencies and restore confidence among motorists.

Adeyanju added that although the court declined to grant all the reliefs sought—particularly the request to strip the police entirely of enforcement powers—it nonetheless made a significant pronouncement on the limits of those powers.

He also urged Nigerians to take advantage of the judgment to assert their rights and seek legal remedies where necessary.

On the other hand, counsel to the defendants, Victor Okoye, said the judgment was only partly favourable to the police and signalled plans to challenge it at the Court of Appeal.

Okoye disclosed that the defence had raised a preliminary objection questioning the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the suit, arguing that the originating summons was incompetent and unsuitable for resolving contentious issues.

He relied on appellate authorities to stress that jurisdiction is fundamental to adjudication and must be determined before any substantive issues.

Despite this, he noted, the court proceeded to deliver judgment.

“We envisage that we will likely challenge the proceedings at the Court of Appeal to determine if the court ought to have determined a case where the originating summons is incompetent,” he said.

Okoye further argued that the suit was improperly constituted because the Inspector-General of Police was named as a party rather than the Nigeria Police Force as a corporate entity.

He also maintained that several issues raised by the applicant were contentious and should not have been initiated by an originating summons, which is typically reserved for non-contentious matters involving the interpretation of law.

Nevertheless, he acknowledged that the judgment affirmed the concurrent powers of the police and the FRSC to stop, search, and verify compliance with third-party insurance requirements.

Ondo Health Workers Set For Strike Over Shortage Of Personnel

By

Ayodele Oni

-

April 24, 2026

0

By Ayodele Oni

Medical Doctors and other Health workers in Ondo State have issued a strike notice to compel the state government to employ more personnel.

They lamented that gross understaffing of Doctors have led to serious overworked, fatigued and death of members including other Heath workers.

Arising from the Statutory Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) of the National Association of Government General Medical and Dental Practitioners (NAGGMDP) Ondo State branch, the union, observed that “the gross understaffing of Doctors in the State led to the fact that our members are seriously overworked, fatigued and exhausted in their places of work.

The union noted “That all Doctors who had promotion in 2024 have not been paid their promotion arrears from July 2024 to December 2024.

“That the Association should work in tandem with the Ondo NMA, our parent body, who had issued an ultimatum on several issues bothering on our members’ welfare to include:

“Immediate Implementation of the Consequential Adjustment of Salaries and the payment of all arrears from the effective date as provided by the circular.

“Immediate Implementation of the Consequential Adjustment of Salaries and the payment of all arrears from the effective date as provided by the circular.”

It further stated that failure to meet the above demands within the stipulated dates, the Association shall not be able to guarantee industrial harmony in the health sector.

The Leadership of the Association reiterated its commitment to the provision of essential Healthcare to the public but urged the State Government to urgently meet the above demands in order to avert an avoidable industrial action.

BREAKING: Court Orders Akpoti-Uduaghan To Pay N1bn Damages To Yahaya Bello In Defamation Suit

By

Akinwale Kasali

-

April 24, 2026

0

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Yahaya Bello

By Akinwale Kasali

Yahaya Bello, former Kogi State Governor has just made the sum of one billion Naira.

This is thanks to a Court Judgement by the High Court in Lokoja which awarded him the N1billion as damages against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, in a defamation suit filed by the former Governor.

The Court order is contained in the Certified True Copy, CTC, of the judgement, dated April 23, in Lokoja, Kogi State Capital.

Justice A.S. Ibrahim held that based on the preponderance of evidence, or balance of probabilities, judgment was entered in favour of the claimant.

While delivering his judgement in the suit marked, “HCL/16/2023”, he held that upon the conclusion of the suit, the two issues formulated for determination were resolved in favour of the claimant.

“The interview granted by the defendant on 4/11/2022 on Arise TV programme of ‘The Morning Show’ is defamatory to the claimant’s character and reputation.

“The said interview of 4/11/2022 in which the defendant described the claimant as a murderer, killer, perpetrator of evil acts, and a terror to the people of Kogi State was without justification.”

The Court also gave “an order of perpetual injunction against the Defendant, [her] agents, privies or associates”, restraining them from further issuance of the defamatory statements or words against the claimant on TV or radio stations.

“The sum of one billion naira (N1,000,000,000) only (is) awarded as damages against the Defendant and in favour of the Claimant,” the court said.

It would be recalled that

Bello had sued Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan who is representing Kogi Central Senatorial District at the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly for defamation of character.

The Defendant’s Counsel, Johnson J. Usman, SAN, had challenged the jurisdiction of the Court, saying that the suit was an abuse of Court process.

Bello’s Counsel, Friday Ekpa, however, countered that, saying that none of the cases before the FCT High Court was against the person of Alhaji Yahaya Bello.

After the High Court ruled that it had jurisdiction to entertain the case, Akpoti-Uduaghan appealed the ruling.

The Court of Appeal, in the appeal number, “CA/ABJ/CV/626/2024”, however, dismissed the appeal for lacking in merit and affirmed that the Kogi State High Court had jurisdiction to entertain the case.

The legal team of the Senator, as at the time of filing this, has not indicated if it would appeal the judgement or not.

Unity Bank: ‘Cost Of Climate Change’; Experts Proffer Solutions

By

Tosin Olatokunbo

-

April 24, 2026

0

Leading Climate innovation experts have warned that climate change poses a direct and existential threat to people, businesses and economies saying sustainable solutions are required for building resilience in affected communities.

The experts, therefore, called for increased investment in the green economy and the adoption of frontier technologies as critical pathways to driving economic resilience and reducing the impact of climate change on vulnerable populations across Africa.

They made the call at a webinar hosted by leading commercial Bank in the country, Unity Bank to commemorate this year’s Earth Day, themed “The True Cost of Climate Change and Who Pays?”.

The bank said the experts and stakeholders gathered to examine the human, economic, and institutional costs of climate change, while spotlighting practical solutions to address its growing impact.

The webinar featured Chinwe Udo-Davis, Founder and CEO of Instollar, and Oluwatosin Ajide, Programme Manager at the Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre, both of whom provided insights into the drivers of climate change and the pathways to mitigation and adaptation.

In his opening remarks, Unity Bank’s Head of Strategy and Innovation, Ibukun Coker, emphasised the urgency of addressing climate risks from both a societal and business perspective.

According to him, “Climate change is no longer a distant or abstract challenge. It is an existential threat with direct consequences for individuals, businesses, and economies. At Unity Bank, we recognise the role institutions must play in incorporating sustainability in project financing, supporting businesses and promoting solutions that build resilience in communities where we operate.”

Speaking during the session, Udo-Davis highlighted the disproportionate burden which climate change places on underserved communities and the need for inclusive solutions.

“The true cost of climate change is not evenly distributed. Communities with the least resources are often the most affected, whether through energy poverty, environmental degradation, or limited access to sustainable alternatives. Addressing this imbalance requires intentional investment in clean energy solutions that are both accessible and scalable.”

Ajide underscored the importance of coordinated, system-wide approaches in tackling climate challenges, particularly through innovation and policy alignment.

“Climate change is fundamentally a structural problem, and its solution requires a paradigm shift: from innovation and policy to financing and implementation. Stakeholders must work collaboratively to drive solutions that are sustainable and inclusive.”

The session also explored emerging opportunities in climate technology, renewable energy, and ecosystem financing, reinforcing the role of innovation and cross-sector collaboration in building long-term resilience.

Unity Bank continues to demonstrate its commitment to advancing sustainability-focused dialogue and supporting initiatives that promote responsible growth and environmental stewardship.

CBN Hikes ATM Card Fee

By

Tosin Olatokunbo

-

April 24, 2026

0

The Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, has scrapped the N50 monthly charges by commercial banks on the Automated Teller Machine, ATM debit/ credit cards as maintenance cost. But foreign denominated credit/ debt card owners will still be charged a flat rate of $10 per year, the apex bank said.

Also, the Yemi Cardoso-led CBN has increased the issuance and replacement fee for ATM cards to N1,500 from N1000.

The apex bank made this known in its Exposure draft of the Guide to Charges by Banks and Other Financial Institutions, OFIs, in Nigeria 2026.

According to circular signed by the bank’s Director Financial Policy and Regulation Department, Rita Sike, said the review in the charges is part of its efforts to promote innovation and financial inclusion in the nation’s banking system.

: “ATM card Issuance/Replacement charges for regular/basic debit/credit card is N1, 500. “Charges for Premium Debit/Credit/Hybrid Card are negotiable Virtual cards at no charge. “Merchant Service Charge (MSC) (charge to be borne by the merchant). There shall be no charge to the cardholder paying the merchant,” CBN said

Adding, “All card transactions done by cardholders at a merchant location shall be free of charge to the cardholder, i.e. the MSC shall be borne by the merchant. The MSC payable by a merchant (0.5 percent) subject to a cap of N10,000 shall be the same irrespective of the technology or payment methods.”

Meanwhile, analysts insist that has not in anyway helped the customers, saying the CBN used one hand to take away the N50 monthly ATM maintenance fee, while imposing a higher fee of N1, 500 for the collection new ATM or to replace a lost card. Which is which, some customers are asking the CBN Governor?

Adelabu Speaks Out: Senator Ali Is Not Tinubu’s APC Candidate In Oyo

By

Tosin Olatokunbo

-

April 24, 2026

0

The immediate past Minister of Power and All Progressives Congress, APC governorship aspirant Adebayo Adelabu has rebuffed some persons making the claim that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has endorsed a particular aspirant for next year’s governorship election in Oyo state. The suggestion is not true, he said.

The former minister made the comment amidst suggestions that the president and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja have both endorsed Senator Sarafadeen Ali, who’s among the aspirants gunning for Governor Seyi Makinde’s job under the APC.

According to him, the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja did not also endorsed the particular APC aspirant, saying all the aspirants have been directed to contest the primary for the party’s ticket, or participate in consensus arrangement in accordance with the party’s decision.

Adelabu made the remark on Thursday while addressing his supporters in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, saying the governorship ticket in the state has been thrown open by the leadership of the party, urging his supporters to discountenance the rumour.

He said President is the leader of all in the country, and will not pull his weight behind a particular aspirant in deference to other aspirants in the party who want to contest for the party’s sole ticket for the 2027 governorship election.

He added that the Olubadan as the ‘father” of all will not contemplate supporting a particular aspirants at the expense of other aspirants who are eyeing the Agodi Government House, by contesting under the APC.

“President Tinubu has not endorsed any consensus candidate, and the gubernatorial contest is open to whoever is interested. Asiwaju is the President of Nigeria, overseeing 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. He is the President of 774 Local Governments. He is the President of almost 3,000 wards. So, he will not endorse or have a special interest in anyone,” he said.

Adding that “He (Tinubu) said we should all go and meet as a party, reach consensus among ourselves as a party with critical stakeholders on the ground, and if it’s not possible for us to reach consensus, then we go for a direct primary.

“On Olubadan endorsing an aspirant, I take the report as a rumour, and I don’t believe in it. Olubadan is the father of all, irrespective of status or political affiliations.”

The Minister, the magazine recalls resigned his position in the Federal Executive Council, FEC, on Thursday in other to pursue his governorship ambition.

His resignation followed rumour that he had given up the ambition after rumour spread that Senator Ali has been endorsed by President Tinubu to fly the APC governorship election next year.