Author: Atoyebi Adenike

By Atoyebi Nike The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the conviction and sentencing of 15 foreign nationals, including 11 Filipinos, two Chinese, one Malaysian, and one Indonesian, over charges of cyber-terrorism and internet fraud. The convictions were secured before Justices Yellim Bogoro and A.O. Owoeye of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, following the defendants’ arraignment on Friday, May 30, 2025. The convicted individuals include Winnie De Jesus, Kayceelynn Remorin, Irish Chna, Darwisa Esmael, Kimberly Nisperos, Savien Cire Renovilla, Zeng Zerong, Guo Bin, Jessa Sanchi, Jhena Sarmiento, Rain Torida, Rex Jose Dilag (aka Madison), Tan Soon…

By Atoyebi Nike Inflation in the eurozone dropped to 1.9% in May from 2.2% in April, falling below the European Central Bank’s (ECB) target for the first time in eight months. The decline, largely driven by lower energy prices, clears a path for possible interest rate cuts. The ECB is now expected to shift from curbing inflation to supporting growth, especially as the region faces new trade threats from the United States. President Donald Trump has announced steep tariff increases on steel, aluminum, and autos. A proposed 20% tariff on all European Union goods remains on hold until July 14,…

By Atoyebi Nike Senator Jibrin Wowo, Chairman of the Unity and Reconciliation Committee of the APC in the FCT, has praised President Bola Tinubu’s leadership over the past two years. He said the President had made bold moves that brought visible changes to the economy, education, and infrastructure. Wowo said Tinubu’s leadership had helped deepen democracy and renew public trust in governance. He highlighted the completion of the Mabushi Bridge, which he said had eased traffic for residents from Zuba, Kubwa, and Bwari. He added that road upgrades around the Nicon Junction area had improved access to Gwarinpa. According to…

By Atoyebi Nike More than 200 inmates escaped from a prison in Karachi after a series of earthquake tremors caused panic late Monday night. Officials say the jailbreak is one of the largest in Pakistan’s history. Zia-ul-Hasan Lanjar, Sindh’s provincial law minister, said prisoners were allowed into the courtyard after tremors were felt inside the facility. “There was panic here because of the earthquake tremors,” Lanjar told reporters. “It became difficult to control a crowd of up to 1,000 people.” The escape began just before midnight and continued into the early hours of Tuesday. Police say some inmates overpowered guards…

By Atoyebi Nike At least 43 people have been reported dead in fresh attacks across Benue State. The violence, which occurred on Sunday evening, adds to a growing toll of insecurity in the region. Suspected herders invaded Tse Antswam, a community near Naka in Gwer West Local Government Area. The attackers opened fire around 7 p.m., leaving many casualties. A local pastor was among the victims. Reverend Timothy Kume, chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) in Benue, confirmed the incident. He told Punch that the number of casualties was still unclear. “It’s not that I don’t have the…

By Atoyebi Nike Nigerian businesses maintained a cautiously optimistic outlook in May 2025, marking the fifth consecutive month of growth, according to the latest Business Confidence Monitor released by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), in partnership with Stanbic IBTC. The Current Business Performance Index for the month stood at +9.78, indicating mildly positive activity across the economy. However, the figure reflects a slight decline from April’s performance, which recorded a stronger index of +12.29. The NESG survey, which draws from the views of business managers across sectors, evaluates short-term expectations on core economic indicators including investment levels, pricing trends,…

By Atoyebi Nike The Director General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, has expressed profound condolences to families affected by the devastating flood in Niger State, which has left over 150 people dead and thousands displaced. The flood, which occurred on May 29, is suspected to have been triggered by the release of water from the Kainji Dam. Entire communities were submerged, leaving survivors without homes, food, medical care, or access to clean water. In a statement released by the institute, Dr. Ochogwu described the disaster as heartbreaking and called for urgent humanitarian assistance.…

By Atoyebi Nike The Federal Government has officially launched a nationwide Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiative aimed at equipping over five million Nigerian youths with industry-relevant and globally competitive skills over the next few years. Announcing the programme at a launch event in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the initiative is part of efforts to address the high youth unemployment rate, which currently stands at 53 percent. “With a population of over 220 million and a youth demographic accounting for 70 percent, Nigeria must invest in practical, globally competitive skills to drive productivity…

By Atoyebi Nike The Nigerian Catholic Priests Association (NCPA), Makurdi Diocese, has issued a powerful call to action, urging youths in Benue State to rise in defence of their faith, ancestral farmlands, and communities in the face of rising violence and deadly attacks. Speaking during a pastoral gathering on Sunday, the chairman of the association, Rev. Fr Joseph Beba, condemned the recent wave of killings and persistent insecurity that has left several communities in fear and mourning. “Our people can no longer sleep in peace. Our churches, farms, and homes are under siege. This is no longer acceptable,” Fr. Beba…

By Atoyebi Nike The Federal Government has declared Friday, June 6, and Monday, June 9, 2025, as public holidays to commemorate this year’s Eid-ul-Adha celebration. Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the announcement in a statement released on Monday. Speaking on behalf of the government, he congratulated the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria and across the world on the occasion. The declaration was contained in a statement signed by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani. The minister urged Muslims to reflect on the core values of Eid-ul-Adha—sacrifice, faith, and obedience—as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him). He…