Breaking: Senate Allows Senator Natasha Access To Her Office

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September 23, 2025

The Nigerian Senate has unsealed the office of Senator Natasha Uduaghan Akpoti, granting her access.

The move comes days after the Senate said Natasha , who is representing Kogi state in the National Assembly, would not be allowed to resume after her six months suspension expired two weeks ago.

The Godswill Akpabio-led Senate had cited the court cases regarding her suspension as reason for delaying her resumption.

By making a U-turn on the issue, not a few Nigerians have welcome the development saying the Senate did the right thing, in line with the mood of Nigerians.

More to come…..

Nigerian Senators Extend Holiday Amidst Problems Facing the Country

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James Orji

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September 23, 2025

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The Nigerian Senate would no longer resume today as earlier announced. The senator s have been directed to resume plenary session on October 7, 2025, according to a memo issued by Chinedu Akubueze, the Chief of Staff to Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

Akubueze, however did not give reasons for postponing the resumption date from today to early next month, in the memo sent to senators and seen by journalists in Abuja, on Tuesday.

The memo stated: “This is to respectfully inform Distinguished Senators that the resumption of plenary sitting of the Senate, earlier scheduled for Tuesday, 23rd September, 2025, has been shifted to Tuesday, 7th October, 2025. Any inconvenience this short notice may cause is deeply regretted. Distinguished Senators are kindly invited to note the postponement and adjust their schedules accordingly. Thank you for your kind understanding, and God bless.”

Not a few Nigerians however insist that the senators decided to postpone their holiday despite the current challenges facing the country, including security, economic and social problems faced by many Nigerians.

Those who said the country s currently under emergency point to the killings of some security personnel in Benue and Kogi recently as one of the reasons why the National Assembly should wake up to its responsibility.

The senanors’ action, critics insist, can be described as the thespian Caesar fiddling while Rome burnt.

Kano Gov Redeploys Commissioners

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James Orji

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September 23, 2025

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Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano state has reshuffled his cabinet. In the minor change to the cabinet, the state government said in a statement on Monday that some Commissioners have been moved to new portfolios as part of the government efforts to deliver effective service to the people of the state.

The change also affected some top members of the state civil service, the state said as Governor Yusuf plans to consolidate his administration more than two eyars after he came into office.

According to Sanusi Dawakin-Tofa, the governor’s spokesman who signed the statement the action was also carried out to strengthening governance in the commercial state.

Details of the cabinet reshuffle shows that the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Mustapha Muhammad, has now been redeployed to the Ministry of Environment as Permanent Secretary.

Also, the Commissioner of Humanitarian Affairs, who had been overseeing the Ministry of Transport in an acting capacity, is to return to his substantive role.

“All officials affected by the reassignments are to formally hand over the affairs of their offices to the most senior official in the ministry.

“The handing over and taking over exercise is to be completed immediately, with effect from Tuesday, September 23, 2025, before close of business,” the governor’s spokesperson said in the statement.

Obi Decries Killings Of Security Personnel, Demands Compensation For Families

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James Orji

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September 23, 2025

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Peter Obi, the 2023 Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, LP, has condemned the spate of killings of security men in the country, describing the incidents as “tragic” as security operatives are putting themselves in harm’s way in their quest to protect the citizens.

The major opposition leader in the country made the remark in a post he shared on X on Tuesday, calling on the federal government to ensure that the families of the deceased are adequately compensated to appreciate the sacrifice their loved ones paid to keep the country safe.

He said the wife and children left by the fallen heroes must be taken care of to appreciate their sacrifice and loyalty to the country, saying Nigerians are mourning as a result of the killings of the security personnel., stressing that government at both Federal and state levels must ensure that security forces are well equipped to be able to carry out their legitimate duties of protecting the country against criminal elements. .

Obi: “The country has been thrown into mourning yet again with the reported tragic killings of our security personnel. Our men and women in uniform have paid the ultimate price in the line of duty, dedicating their lives to the safety and stability of our dear nation.

“Our government must rise to the responsibility of ensuring that the wives, children, and parents of these fallen heroes are fairly compensated and supported. That is the least a grateful nation can provide. It is not charity, it is justice.

“To every fallen hero, may your soul rest in perfect peace. Your sacrifice and patriotism will never be forgotten. And to the families left behind, you are not alone. May God continue to provide you with strength and comfort.”

The magazine reported that some policemen and local vigilante personnel of the Benue State Tactical Team were brutally killed by suspected terrorists last Friday, after they were ambushed by the criminals. While some bodies have been recovered, security forces are still searching for other policemen believed to still be missing after the incident.

Recall that a similar attack had occurred on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, in Egbe, a town in Yagba West Local Government Area near the boundary with Kwara State, leaving three officers dead after an ambush at a security checkpoint.

Responding to the attacks, the Nigerian Police Force spokesman, Benjamin Hundeyin said the Force had immediately swung to action by arresting some criminals suspected to tbe complicit in the killings.

At least, six suspected criminals have been arrested in connection with the attacks, Hundeyin said in a statement.

According to him, “The Nigeria Police Force has arrested six suspects in an ongoing response operation in Benue State, following a deadly attack on Police Tactical Teams by suspected armed herdsmen and local militias at Agu Centre, Katsina-Ala/Ukum Local Government Area of the state.

“The attack, which occurred on Friday, September 19, 2025, resulted in the death of three police officers, while seven others are still missing.

“The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Innocent Ifeanyi Emenari, is currently leading the operation geared towards rescuing the missing officers and arresting the fleeing suspects.”

South West Vehicle Dealers, Protest, Accuse NCS Of Extortion, Illegal Seizure Of Vehicles

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Ayodele Oni

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September 23, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Tokunbo Vehicle Dealers in the South West have stormed the office of the Nigeria Customs Service, (NCS) in Akure, Ondo state, to protest alleged extortion, harassments and illegal seizure of their vehicles along the highways by custom Officers.

Car dealers from Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, and Oyo states on Monday in Akure, converged on the Ondo/Ekiti Customs Command headquarters in Akure, chanting solidarity songs and carrying placards with inscriptions such as: “We pay duty, stop the harassment,” “Customs – Uphold the Law, Not Extortion,” and “Release Our Vehicles.”Vehicular traffic was disrupted for hours as the demonstrators demanded an immediate end to what they termed illegal practices by Customs operatives.

According to the dealers, vehicles legally cleared at Lagos ports are still being intercepted on highways, subjected to arbitrary revaluation, and forced to pay additional unofficial fees.

They alleged that Customs officers often cite “watch lists” or internal directives as excuses to impound cars, even after statutory duties had been settled.

The dealers demanded free passage for duly cleared vehicles without repeated checkpoints, and called for an end to unofficial charges, inflated valuations, and bribes by operatives.

Addressing journalists after a meeting with the Comptroller of Customs for Ondo/Ekiti Command, Queen Obazee, the National Vice President (South West) of the Association of Motor Dealers of Nigeria (AMDON), Alhaji Ibrahim Bankole Adeniyi, said the protest was long overdue.

“We came here because of the way they embarrass us, the way they stop us on the road, the way they collect our cars and issue fresh bills after we have cleared them from the ports.

“We are from Ondo State, Ekiti state, Oyo state, Lagos State, Ogun State, generally the Southwest, we are here.

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“It’s an exploitation. Yes, they are collecting illegal money from us, which is wrong. Already they have collected money from the port before, and getting to our states, they are still demanding and collecting another money from us. That’s why we came here en masse, to fight for our rights” Adeniyi said

Adeniyi however, hailed the Comptroller Obazee for giving them attention, saying, though the Comptroller denied knowledge over the harassment and extortion and promised to look into their grievance as there was no such directives from her office

“She’s a very nice woman. She promised us many things, which she has been carrying out with immediate effect and She promised us that harassment and extortion will not be allowed by the command”

He said, “this meeting is a continuous one but we have reached a point and moving towards resolving this issues and I am sure we will resolve.

“But if they fail to resolve this issue with us, this protest will still continue. We gave them an ultimatum, and we wish they comply with us.

“‎So I want to appeal to our members to remain calm and resolve this difference once and for all. ‎We are stakeholders in Nigeria today. Talking about transportation, we are stakeholders.

“If our customers are complaining, cars that we sold five years ago being arrested again, you know it’s a slap on us. So they want to kill and drive us out of business. But to the glory of God, we sat down with the Comptroller and the meeting is positive.

“The Comptroller promised us that harassment and extortion will not be allowed by the command. The meeting was positive, but if nothing changes, this protest will continue. We are stakeholders in Nigeria’s economy, and we won’t allow our businesses to be destroyed,” Adeniyi stressed.

Also speaking, the Ondo State Chairman of AMDON, Mr. Jenyo Ogunlade, accused some officers of collecting between ₦200,000 and ₦1 million in illegal duties from dealers.

“We pay duty at Apapa and clear our vehicles, yet they still impound them and extort us heavily. They want to kill our business. We won’t relent until this injustice stops,” Ogunlade said.

The dealers however, vowed to sustain the protest until their grievances are addressed and sanity is restored to Customs operations on South West highways.

Kebbi LG Imposes Curfew As Miners’ Clash Claims Life

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Ayodele Oni

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September 22, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Yauri Local Government Council in Kebbi State has imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew following a violent clash between rival gold miners in Garin Katta community, which left several people feared dead and property destroyed.

The crisis, which began on Saturday, reportedly started after a miner was killed during a dispute over gold.

Relatives of the deceased were said to have launched a reprisal the next day, triggering a wave of attacks that quickly spiralled out of control.

Eyewitnesses said shops were vandalised and motorcycles set ablaze as residents fled for safety.

Security operatives have so far recovered the body of one victim, who has since been buried according to Islamic rites.

Announcing the curfew, Chairman of Yauri council, Abubakar Shuaibu, said the restriction, effective between 10 pm and 7 am, was aimed at curbing further violence and restoring calm.

Shuaibu disclosed that he had alerted the Police Area Commander and officials of the Department of State Services when the crisis first broke out.

He added that efforts were made to identify and hand over the killers, but some miners resisted, escalating the situation.

“Conflict is harmful, and God is displeased with those who instigate it. That is why we immediately sought military support and deployed security forces to safeguard lives and property,” the chairman said.

He further revealed that the violence flared again shortly after the victim’s burial when angry miners stormed parts of the town, attacking residents indiscriminately.

Security agencies have since intensified patrols in Yauri to enforce the curfew and restore calm.

Yauri, Shanga and Ngaski local governments located at the southern part of Kebbi are the major mining areas in the state.

Rivers: NASS Caucus Sues For Peace Between Governor And Lawmakers

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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September 22, 2025

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Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Speaker Martin Amaewhule

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Rivers State National Assembly caucus has urged all parties and stakeholders in the political configuration and governance structure of the state to prioritize peace, stability and economic progress of the state.

The caucus called on the people to rally behind Governor Similanayi Fubara

and the state Lawmakers in the spirit of total reconciliation and collective progress.

In a statement jointly issued by Senator Bari Mpigi, Rt Hon Ok Chinda, Rt Hon Dum Dekor, and Rep. Cyril Hart (caucus Secretary), the Federal legislators appealed to the Governor and the House of Assembly members to show unity and openness in their relationships in the overall interest of the growth and development of Rivers state.

“We note that though the invocation of emergency rule on March 18, 2025, elicited mixed reactions, members of the caucus are happy that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, being a democrat has taken the right decision for the resumption of all democratic apparatus in the state.

“Indeed, this further demonstrates his commitment to democratic norms, peace, unity and the development of Rivers state and the entire country”, the caucus stated.

The Federal Lawmakers particularly urged Governor Fubara and the State Legislators to demonstrate sincerity of purpose, unfeigned commitment , anchored on openness ,unity and focus as they navigate the state out of the ashes of political crisis.

They highlighted the importance of harmony and understanding in achieving meaningful development at this trying moment in the history of the state .

While appealing to the people to eschew bickering , propaganda and divisive politics, the caucus pledged its unflinching commitment towards a harmonious and progressive relationship of all stakeholders.

Nnamdi Kanu: Court Moves Judgment Down From October 10 To September 26, 2025

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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September 22, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

An Abuja Federal High Court has brought forward the date for the ruling on the no-case submission filed by the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

The Source reports that Justice James Omotosho had, during the last sitting of the court fixed October 10, 2025, for ruling on the matter after hearing arguments for, and against, the motion for a no-case submission from Kanu Agabi SAN, the lead counsel to the IPOB leader and Adegboyega Awomolo SAN,the lead prosecution counsel.

But in a move that has provoked widespread speculations among not a few observers of the seemingly unending trial of the IPOB leader, the Court, on Monday, September 22,2025, informed that the judgment will now be delivered on Friday September 26, 2025.

A notice from the Court Registrar stated that “the case between the Federal Government and Nnamdi Kanu has been moved from the general list to the hearing paper for determination of pending applications and ruling.

The notice which was addressed to Nnamdi Kanu’s lead counsel,” Kanu G Agabi & Associates, informed that the case will be heard at 9:00 am at the Federal High Court in Abuja on September 26, 2025.”

A statement from one of IPOB’s lawyers, Aloy Ejimakor, on Monday, also highlighted the change in the date of the court’s sitting.

Writing on his official site , Ejimakor stated “The scheduled ruling on Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s no-case submission has been abridged from 10th October, 2025 to Friday 26th September 2025.”

The Source further reports that the outcome of the no-case submission will determine whether Kanu will be a free man or continue to face his trial for terrorism and other related Offences.

If the trial Judge upholds his application, the IPOB leader will walk away a free person.

However, if otherwise, he is expected to file a formal defence to the Federal Government’s earlier charges against him.

Kanu has been standing trial since 2021, following his rendition from Kenya to Nigeria.

Police Arrest Abductors Who Collected N10m, Murdered Victim In Rivers State

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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September 22, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Rivers State Police Command has announced the arrest of three suspects in connection with the kidnap and killings of their victims.

The arrest of the suspects was sequel to an intelligence-driven operation conducted by operatives from the Anti-Cultism Unit of the state Command Emohua Annex.

The suspects on September 2, 2025, abducted the duo of Onwuli Jude and Nwabueze Nchekwube along School Road in Igwurata-Atali.

Regrettably however, they proceeded to kill one of the victims, Nchekwube after collecting a ransom of N6.9 million.

A statement by Grace Irenge-Koko, the spokesperson for Rivers State Police Command, on Monday, September 22, 2025, said that the suspects who were arrested in Obio/Akpor and Ikwerre Local Councils of the state, also admitted to kidnapping one Mercy Chinyere at the same spot on September 6, 2025.

However Chinyere was lucky to be released after the sum of N 3.5 million was paid as ransom.

Irenge-Koko named the suspects as Hassan Mohammed from Wandigah town in Mandagali, Adamawa state, Bello Abubakar from Roundabout Maura Sokoto State and Yusuf Ahmed who hails from Hazari local council of Bauchi State.

According to the Police Spokesperson, the suspects, during interrogation , confessed to being behind several high-profile kidnappings in Rivers state.

“Exhibits recovered from the suspects were one G-3 rifle with breech number 10398, one magazine, one itel phone belonging to Humphrey Wagbara, a kidnapped victim, three short daggers ,one Jack knife, and one stainless steel short knife.

“The suspects and exhibits are presently in custody while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate”, the police stated.

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, while commending operatives for their dedication and professionalism , reaffirmed the Command’s commitment towards ensuring adequate protection of lives and properties of residents.

Sterling Holdco Opens N88bn Public Offer To Raise Capital

By

James Orji

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September 22, 2025

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Sterling Financial Holdings Company (Sterling Holdco) Plc, has commenced a public offer worth over N87 billion as part of the plan to beat the March 2026 recapitalisation set by the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The holdco, the parent company of Sterling Bank, said it’s offering 12.581 billion ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at N7 per share, to the public between September 17 and September 30 this year to raise the capital.

Speaking on the offer, Yemi Adeola, Chairman of the financial service provider, said the public offer was in line with shareholders approval, saying “I am pleased to report that we have completed two rounds of capital raise. In 2024, we completed a N75 billion private placement and N28.79 billion right issue, which was significantly oversubscribed by our shareholders.”

He stressed that the two banking arm in the holdco, have taken bold steps to comply with the capital requirement. According to him, Alternative Bank has already met its regularoty capital requirement while Sterling Bank requires N43 billion to meet CBN’s recapitalisation requirement.

According to Adeola, the company has also raised over N10 billion from a Special Placement which is awaiting CBN and other regulatory approval to become working capital.

“The net proceeds from the offer will be applied towards the full recapitalization of Sterling Bank Limited, with a focus on expanding digital banking channels, strengthening and upgrading our technology infrastructure, and driving business growth across the Retail & SME, Commercial, and Corporate segments. A portion of the funds will also be allocated to the capitalization of our new asset management subsidiary, SterlingFI Wealth Management to support its business expansion, while the remaining will be deployed towards better positioning the Holdco to pursue further strategic expansion and revenue diversification, he said”

Adding that “While the Nigerian economy continues to present both challenges and opportunities, we are confident in our ability to navigate volatility while capturing growth given our proven board and management capability, diversified business model, and disciplined risk culture.

“Our strategy remains focused on deepening market share in key segments, enhancing customer experience through technology and service excellence, and maintaining prudent capital and liquidity buffers.”