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  • Police confirm arrest of guard who allegedly defiled 4-yr-old

    The police command in Lagos State has arrested a security guard who allegedly defiled a four-year-old girl.

    The Command’s spokesman, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrest on his verified Twitter handle on Saturday.

    According to Hundeyin, the suspect is in police custody.

    “The suspect has been arrested and is still in custody.

    “A medical report that would ensure a conviction is being expected.

    “We don’t pander to emotions but deal with evidence to prove issues beyond reasonable doubt,” he said.

    The suspect was arrested after a person, identified simply as Omolomo, with Twitter handle @TheVawulence, reported the case through the handle.

    Omolomo had called on the police to intervene. 

  • 2,371 stranded Nigerians evacuated from Sudan- NEMA

    The Federal Government has so far evacuated 2,371 Nigerians stranded in war-torn Sudan.

    Director of Special Duties, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Dr Onimode Bandele gave the figure in Abuja on Saturday when 125 stranded Nigerians arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

    The batch was the 15th set of Nigerians airlifted by the Federal Government back to the country.

    They were airlifted from Port Sudan.

    Bandele, who welcomed the returnees on behalf of the Federal Government, said there were no more stranded Nigerian women and children in Sudan.

    He said arrangements were already made to airlift the remaining Nigerians stranded in Sudan who are mainly male, adding that another batch of evacuees would arrive later on Saturday.

    Representatives of the Ministries of Humanitarian Affairs, Foreign Affairs, NEMA, National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, among others were on ground to receive the returnees.

  • PHOTO NEWS: National Institute for Security Studies visits Gov Sanwo-Olu

    Pic 6 Gov. Sanwo-Olu receives delegation from National Institute for Security Studies in Lagos Pic.6.From left: Deputy Director, Directorate of State Security (DSS), Mrs Jovina Isiraojie; Deputy General Manager, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Mr Ahmadi Danjuma; Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and leader of the delegation, Director of Research, Estimate and Library Services, National Institute for Security Studies, Dr Adegboyega Kareem, during the visit of the delegation of the National Institute for Security Studies in Lagosto Gov. Sanwo-Olu at the Lagos House in Marina at the weekend.

  • Fire explosion rocks NSCDC office in Lagos

    Fire explosion on Saturday rocked the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) office in Alausa, Ikeja by ShopRite.


    The fire incident, which started around 4:30am, engulfed the whole office area, forcing officers on night duty scamper for their lives.


    An officer who spoke to Nigerian Anchor on condition of anonymity, said the fire broke out while they were asleep and that it must have been caused by some gallons of fuel stored at the office.

    Fire outbreak at the NSCDC office in Alausa this morning

    “We were on duty when the fire started so we had to wake some of our other colleagues who were asleep.

    A section of the NSCDC office in Alausa, Ikeja damaged by fire on Saturday morning

    “I think the inferno started from where we store fuel because there was an explosion from that area which spread the fire to all parts of the office.


    “We all first ran for our lives before we tried saving some of our personal stuff. Unfortunately, we lost everything in the fire. We thank God that no life was lost,” the officer said.


    As at the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from the NSCDC.

  • Gombe Govt seeks partnership with IsDB to boost private sector investments

    In furtherance of its commitment to woo more investments into the state, the Gombe State Government under the leadership of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has sent a special delegation to the ongoing Islamic Development Bank’s Private Sector Forum and Annual Meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

    The Gombe State delegation, led by the Chairman of the State’s Investment and Property Development Company, Dr. Umaru Kwairanga (Sarkin Fulanin Gombe) met with the IsDB’s Team comprising of Dr. Mansur Mukhtar, Vice President; Dr. Ahsaru Kibria, Country Manager; Mr. Mahmodou Alpha Bah, IsDB Nigeria Office; and Mr. Abdulkadir Baba-Ahmed, from IsDB VPs Office, Jeddah.

    The discussions between the two delegations centred around the ways through which the reputable financial institution will deploy its resources and expertise to support the Gombe State Government in critical areas of economic development.

    Specifically, the two teams discussed ways through which IsDB will actively participate in the next Gombe State Investment Summit (Goinvest 2.0) following the success recorded by the maiden summit held in December last year.

    The Gombe delegation also sought the IsDB’s support for the Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park through Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission’s investor drive and for the bank to participate in the formal commissioning of the park which is coming soon.

    The Park Located in Dadinkowa, some 40km away from the state capital covers a thousand hectares of land and is provided with facilities and amenities like water, road network and power, guaranteeing a favourable atmosphere for industries to thrive.

    On the Gombe Green Sukuk, the IsDB assured to fully support the pre-development work, inventory aggregation, and the full implementation of the programme.

    In the area of Agriculture, the Bank through its agricultural team will directly support the livestock-value-chain and the anti-venom manufacturing plant in the state to reduce the devastating effects of snake bites and other related health risks on the people of the state.

    Balanga Dam, the second largest Dam in the state with a lot of potential is also set to benefit from the collaborative efforts. The Balanga Dam Project will be implemented with a detailed business plan and investor proposals thereby exploiting its full potential for the growth and development of Gombe State.

    The great Wawa-zange Grazing Reserve will also receive the needed attention. it is agreed that Gombe State will support MercyCorps to fast-track the development of the Business Case through the concession of the Project, putting the reserve to good use.

    The IsDB’s team assured of their group’s readiness to support the state in all the potential areas of investments and interventions, expressing confidence that the state has proven to be a dependable development partner.

    The Gombe State delegation had Dr. Ishiyaku Mohammed, Special Adviser to the Governor on Budget, Planning, and Development Partner Coordination; and Haj. Aisha Bako, Managing Director Onyx Consultant

  • Proliferation of boreholes caused by Water Boards’ failure – NIWRMC

    The failure of state water boards to provide water is the major cause for the proliferation of boreholes across the country, the Executive Director of Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission (NIWRC) Engr. Magashi Umar Bashir, has said.

    Bashir, who spoke during the working visit of the Minister of Water Resources in Abuja, pointed out that the NIWRMC, which is an agency under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources, is collaborating with borehole drilling association to curb the menace of rampant drilling of boreholes particularly in city centres.

    “The commission cannot stop people from drilling boreholes in their houses. That is why you have all this proliferation of boreholes everywhere. That is also due to the fact that the Water Boards cannot provide water to the people,” he said.

    The NIWRMC boss mentioned that through the Water Use Licence issued, the commission has generated N73,669,110 from the year 2020 till date.

    While announcing plans to increase its revenue, he explained that the commission’s current revenue represents almost 100 per cent increase in revenues generated between 2015 and 2019.

     “The commission is aware of the revenue deficit in the nation’s revenue needs and is determined to make sure that users of raw bulk water pay the appropriate charges.

    “In pursuit of our enhanced revenue generation agenda, the commission has issued demand notices with expected income of N826,215,000,” he added.

    He further reiterated the commission’s commitment to provide equitable and sustainable development, management, use and conservation of Nigeria’s surface and ground water resources through a water allocation plan for Upper Benue, Lower Benue, Lake Chad catchment areas.

    The Minister of Water Resources, Engr. Suleiman Adamu, hailed the Commission for its giant strides in discharging its regulatory duties despite the ferocious pushback of vested interest.

    Adamu pointed out that the Commission could have achieved more in terms of effective implementation of regulations of water resources if the Water Resources Bill had seen the light of the day.

    He expressed concern over the politicising of the Water Bill which according to him, the refusal of lawmakers to pass the bill has deprived the nation of the reforms needed in the water sector.

    He vowed to continue to pursue the bill till the very end, saying the independence of the NIWRC is crucial to harness the full benefit of the Commission.

    “The bill is trying to democratise the process of Water Resources in the country. We will not relent until we will get to the bottom of this. We will continue to operate within the framework of the existing laws for now. The antagonists of the Water Bill cannot change that,” he stated.

  • FCTA pledges to harmonise tax regulations

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has said that it is determined to harmonise overlapping regulations within the various secretariats, departments, and agencies (SDAs) that are militating against the ease of doing business in Abuja.

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Muhammed Bello, made this known at the opening of a two-day retreat on the harmonisation of revenue and promotion of ease of doing business in the FCT.

    Bello was represented by the FCTA Permanent Secretary, Olusade Adesola, at event, which was organised by the FCTA.

    He noted that Abuja, being the mirror of the country, must be a model in the ease of doing business agenda of the administration.

    “One of the biggest challenges we face is the need to harmonise revenue collection across the FCT.

    “As you are aware, there are currently multiple agencies and departments responsible for collecting various types of taxes and fees from businesses and individuals. This has created confusion, duplication, and inefficiency, within the system.

    “The FCT IRS was created to meet this challenge amongst others. However, despite its current efforts, we all must appreciate that there is a lot of room for improvement which I am sure this retreat will look into critically and recommend ways for advancement in this regard.

    “I have no doubt that we shall make significant progress in the collective revenue generation and business promotion drive,” Bello said.

    The retreat, according to Bello, brings together a broad spectrum of stakeholders to rub minds and exchange ideas on how best to ensure the FCTA attains the highest IGR-generating sub-national status.

    “As you all know, the uniqueness and dynamism of the FCT attracts people and businesses from all over the world. It is the seat of the Nigerian government, a budding centre of commerce and trade, and a hub for innovation and creativity.

    “However, as with any growing and evolving city, there are challenges that we must address to ensure that the FCT remains competitive, efficient, and attractive to investors and entrepreneurs.

    “The FCTA has, over the last few years, embarked on some reform programmes to encourage the establishment and growth of small and medium enterprises in the nation’s capital.

    “Amongst them is the implementation of a digital platform for the issuance of permits, licences, and approvals known as the FCT business portal, which will allow businesses and individuals to apply for and receive all necessary permits and licences online, without the need for physical visits to government offices.

    “In addition, we are working to streamline and simplify regulations and procedures for business registration, property registration, and land use planning. These will help to create a more transparent, predictable, and efficient regulatory environment for businesses,” the Minister added.

  • NAICOM issues guidelines to drive innovation of goods, services

    As part of its strategic objective to drive innovation of products and services, ensure operators are professional in the conduct of their businesses in line with best practices, the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) recently issued Insurance Regulatory Sandbox Operational Guidelines.

    NAICOM, in a statement signed by the Head, Corporate Communication and Market Development, Rasaaq ‘Salami, added that other guidelines issued are: the Market Conduct Guidelines for Takaful and Retakaful Insurance Operators and Enterprise Risk Management Framework for Takaful and Retakaful Operators in Nigeria.

    According to the guidelines made available to our correspondent, it is explained that the Regulatory Sandbox Operational Guidelines is issued in exercise of the powers conferred to NAICOM Act 1997 and the Insurance Act 2003.

    The guidelines stated that the  Regulatory sandbox refers to a consciously established relaxed regulatory environment for the testing of innovative products, services, business models, channels of distribution subject to regulatory discretions and set parameters that have potential of improving insurance inclusiveness and service efficiency in Nigeria.

    The guidelines outlined that it is aimed towards providing insurance institutions, other firms and persons the opportunity to test business models, products and services that will enhance efficiency in meeting consumers’ needs.

    It will also help to encourage innovation that will drive financial inclusion and positive competition, and to promote and deliver economic benefits, by lowering the cost of business operations.

    The guidelines stated that an applicant will be eligible to be considered for the sandbox after meeting some criteria.

    “Must demonstrate the potential to advance inclusive insurance – The proposed product, service or solution is genuinely innovative with clear potential to advance the objectives of Inclusive Insurance by improving accessibility, efficiency, security and/or quality in the provision of insurance services to consumers in Nigeria.

    “The Applicant shall be a registered business in Nigeria, the applicant must have a Fit and Proper Management and Leadership, must demonstrate that it has conducted sufficient diligence to understand the potential risks and/or legal and regulatory requirements for deploying the proposed insurance product, service or solution

    “The Commission will accept applications from the following categories of applicants: Insurers, Insurance Brokers, Loss Adjusters, any other applicant as the Commission deems fit,” it read.

    The NAICOM spokesperson noted that the Commission expects all operators to ensure compliance with the new guidelines to the benefit of all stakeholders.

  • WAFU B Tourney: Danjuma picks Ajakaye, Onyenezide, Sebastine

    Head Coach Chris Danjuma has selected midfielders Taiwo Afolabi and Esther Onyenezide, and forwards Flourish Sebastine and Opeyemi Ajakaye in Nigeria’s 20-woman squad for the forthcoming WAFU B U20 Women Tournament taking place in Kumasi, Ghana.

    Danjuma, who steered the Nigerian girls to the last eight of last year’s World Cup in Costa Rica, has also picked goalkeeper Inyene Etim, defenders Comfort Folorunsho and Jumoke Alani, midfielders Chioma Olise and Blessing Emmanuel, and forwards Omowunmi Bello and Goodness Osigwe.

    Afolabi, Folorunsho, Ajakaye and Emmanuel were in the Nigeria U17 girls’ team that won the bronze medals at last year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals in India.

    This year’s tournament, scheduled for 20 May–4 June, pits the Falconets in Group B against the U20 girls of Niger Republic, Burkina Faso and Togo. Hosts Ghana will confront the U20 girls of Benin Republic and Cote d’Ivoire in Group A.

    Ghana and Benin Republic will lift the curtain on the tournament at the Baba Yara Stadium on Saturday, 20 May before FIFA World Cup quarter-finalists Nigeria take on Niger Republic and Burkina Faso tango with Togo on Sunday, 21 May.

    The Falconets will then play Togo on 24 May, also at the Baba Yara Stadium, before trading tackles with Burkina Faso Paa Joe Stadium on Sunday, 28 May.    

    FALCONETS FOR WAFU B U20 WOMEN’S TOURNAMENT

    Goalkeepers: Inyene Etim, Shukura Bakare, Chinyere Mgbechi

    Defenders: Jumoke Alani, Oluchi Ohaegbulem, Chidinma Ogbuchi, Comfort Folorunsho, Blessing Okpe, Monica Ameh

    Midfielders: Taiwo Afolabi, Chioma Olise, Chinyere Kalu, Esther Onyenezide, Blessing Emmanuel

    Forwards: Shukurat Oladipo, Goodness Osigwe, Flourish Sebastine, Omowunmi Bello, Opeyemi Ajakaye, Judith Okah

    FEDERATION CUP: ROUND OF 16 FIXTURES (MEN)

    Heartland FC (Imo) Vs Bendel Insurance (Edo) – Awka – 24/05/23 – 2pm

    Sunshine Stars (Ondo) Vs EFCC FC (FCT) – Aba – 24/05/23 – 2pm

    Warri Wolves (Delta) Vs Gombe United (Gombe) – Abuja Goal Project – 24/05/23 – 2pm

    Bendel Insurance Feeders (Edo) Vs Lobi Stars (Benue) – Awka – 24/05/23 – 4pm

    Plateau United (Plateau) Vs Ingas FC (Enugu) – Abuja Goal Project – 24/05/23 – 4pm

    Nasarawa United (Nasarawa) Vs Kwara United (Kwara) – Benin – 24/05/23 – 4pm

    FC Ebeide (Ekiti) Vs Rangers International (Enugu) – Asaba – 24/05/23 – 2pm

    Doma United (Gombe) Vs Edel FC (Anambra) – Abuja Area 3 – 24/05/23 – 4pm

    FEDERATION CUP: QUARTER-FINAL FIXTURES (WOMEN)

    Bayelsa Queens (Bayelsa) Vs Fortress Ladies (Ebonyi) – Calabar – 18/05/23 – 4pm

    Lakeside Queens (Ogun) Vs Edo Queens (Edo) – Owerri – 18/05/23 – 4pm

    FC Robo Queens (Lagos) Vs Nasarawa Amazons (Nasarawa) – Awka – 18/05/23 – 4pm

    Rivers Angels (Rivers) Vs Delta Queens (Delta) – Aba – 18/05/23 – 4pm

    FEDERATION CUP: ROUND OF 32 RESULTS (MEN)

    Heartland FC (Imo) 2 Essien Ayi FC (Cross River) 1

    Ahudiya (Abia) 0 Bendel Insurance (Edo) 1

    Standard FC (Kaduna) 0 Sunshine Stars (Ondo) 2

    EFCC FC (FCT) 1 Akwa United (Akwa Ibom) 1 (9-8 after penalties)

    Warri Wolves (Delta) 0 3SC (Oyo) 0 (4-3 after penalties)

    Mighty Jets (Plateau) 0 Gombe United (Gombe) 2

    Osun United (Osun) 1 Insurance Feeders (Edo) 2

    Cynosure FC (Ebonyi) 0 Lobi Stars (Benue) 2

    Plateau United (Plateau) 2 Enyimba FC 2 (3-2 after penalties)

    Ingas FC (Enugu) 1 El-Kanemi Warriors (Borno) 1 (9-8 after penalties)

    Nasarawa United (Nasarawa) 3 DMD FC (Borno) 2

    Ikorodu City (Lagos) 1 Kwara United (Kwara) 3

    FC Ebedei (Ekiti) 4 Igbajo FC (Osun) 0

    Rangers Int’l (Enugu) 2 Kano Pillars (Kano) 0

    FR Ebunuja (Imo) 0 Doma United (Gombe) 4

    Edel FC (Anambra) 1 Mailantarki FC (FCT) 0

    FEDERATION CUP: ROUND OF 16 RESULTS (WOMEN)

    Bayelsa Queens

    Fortress FC (Edo) 2 Honey Badgers (Benue) 1                     

    Heartland Queens (Imo) 0 Lakeside Queens (Ogun) 0 (2-4 after penalties)

    Edo Queens (Edo) 5 Maureen Mmadu FC (Abia) 0

    Robo Queens (Lagos) 3 Royal Queens (Delta) 0 (W/O)

    Nasarawa Amazons (Nasarawa) 2 Naija Ratels (FCT) 1

    Rivers Angels (Rivers) 1 Osun Babes (Osun) 0

    Moje Queens (Kwara) 0 Delta Queens (Delta) 7

  • Fresh suit seeks to stop Tinubu’s swearing-in on May 29

    *Plaintiffs apply for restraining order against CJN

    With barely 17 days to the scheduled swearing-in of the President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, five residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have approached the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court for an order to halt the ceremony.

    The plaintiffs, in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/578/2023, applied for an order, restraining the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, any other judicial officer and/or any other authority or person from swearing in any candidate in the February 25 presidential election as President or Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, until it is judicially determined with finality or in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution that such candidate has fulfilled the requirement of Section 134(2) (b) of the Constitution.

    They further want a declaration that, “the plaintiffs and other FCT residents have a legal interest and constitutional rights to be heard on the question of whether a President-elect must secure at least 25% of votes cast, on the first ballot, in the FCT, Abuja.”

    “A declaration that no state of the country is at the same time the FCT for any propose whatsoever, including, in particular, under section 134 (2) (b) of the Constitution.

    “A declaration that no candidate in the February 25 presidential election in the country may validly be declared elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria without that candidate obtaining at least 25% of the votes cast in the FCT, Abuja.

    “A declaration that no candidate in the February 25 presidential election may validly be sworn in as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, without such candidate having obtained 25% of the votes case in FCT, Abuja.

    “A declaration that following the February 25 presidential election and until a successor is determined in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution and sworn in, the term of office of his Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, GCON, as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria subsists and endures in accordance with the provisions of section 135 (1) (a) of the Constitution”.

    As well as, “An order setting aside or suspending any declaration and/or issuance of a Certificate of a Return to any candidate in the February 25 presidential election in the country as having been elected, save and except it is judicially determined with finality that such candidate fulfilled the conditions stated in section 134(2) (b) of the Constitution.

    The five plaintiffs behind the suit, who identified themselves as “registered voters of the FCT, Abuja are; Anyaegbunam Okoye, David Adzer, Jeffery Uche, Osang Paul and Chibuike Nwachukwu.

    The Attorney-General of the Federation and the CJN were cited in the matter as 1st and 2nd defendants, respectively.