Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

Nigerian Court Adjourns Binance Tax Evasion Case To May 12. A Nigerian judge has postponed the tax evasion case against Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, to 12 May 2025. The adjournment follows a request from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to serve court documents to Binance via email, citing the company’s offshore registration and lack of a physical office in Nigeria. The FIRS has filed a lawsuit seeking $79.5 billion in damages for alleged economic losses attributed to Binance’s operations in the country, along with $2 billion in back taxes. Authorities allege that Binance’s activities have contributed…

British High Commission Clarifies Status Of Alleged UK Soldier Arrested In Delta State. The British High Commission has denied claims that Micah Polo, a man arrested in Delta State for alleged illegal arms procurement, is a serving member of the UK military. A coalition of Niger Delta stakeholders and civil society organizations had petitioned the High Commission to investigate Polo, who was reportedly identified as a major in the British army. However, the High Commission stated that Polo is not a serving member of the UK Armed Forces. While he did serve in the UK Armed Forces Reserves, he…

Saudi Ministry Of Interior Announces Penalties For Hajj Permit Violators. The Saudi Ministry of Interior has announced strict penalties for individuals who attempt to perform Hajj without a permit, as well as those who facilitate such violations. The penalties, which will be enforced from Dhul-Qi’dah 1 to Dhul-Hijjah 14, aim to ensure that pilgrims adhere to the regulations governing the holy pilgrimage. According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), individuals attempting to perform Hajj without a permit will face fines of up to SAR 20,000 (approximately $5,332 USD). Additionally, those who apply for a visit visa for individuals who…

Controversy Erupts Over Naval Operation At Rivers State Deputy Governor’s Residence. A dramatic turn of events has unfolded in Rivers State, where the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.), has faced criticism for ordering naval personnel to the residence of suspended Deputy Governor Professor Ngozi Odu. The operation, which took place in the early hours of April 25, saw the removal of three vehicles, sparking widespread condemnation. According to eyewitnesses, the naval officers carried out the operation in a commando-style raid, taking away two Toyota Hilux vehicles and one Toyota Hiace bus. However, the Senior Special Adviser on…

Court Of Appeal Upholds Conviction Of Professor Peter Ogban For Election Rigging In Favour Of Senator Akpabio. The Court of Appeal in Calabar has upheld the conviction of Professor Peter Ogban, a lecturer at the University of Calabar, for rigging a senatorial election in favour of Senator Godswill Akpabio. Ogban, a professor of Soil Science, was sentenced to three years in prison by a State High Court in Uyo in 2021 for announcing fake election results. The Court of Appeal not only affirmed Ogban’s conviction but also expressed dismay at his role as a university professor in the fraudulent…

Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno Hints At Defection From PDP. Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has sparked speculation about his potential defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to another political platform. Speaking at a constituency outreach meeting in Ikot Akpankuk, Ukanafun Local Government Area, Governor Eno likened the PDP to a faulty aircraft, suggesting he might consider switching to a different party. “If you wanted to travel with Ibom Airline, and on the verge of taking off, it developed a fault that won’t enable it to fly, won’t you board the next available plane to take you…

Suspended Rivers State Governor Fubara Meets With Wike Seeks Reconciliation. Suspended Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has paid a courtesy visit to Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike at his Abuja residence. The meeting, which took place on April 18, aimed at seeking reconciliation between the two political leaders. Fubara’s visit followed a meeting with President Bola Tinubu in London, where they discussed the ongoing political tension between Fubara and Wike. The Rivers State Governor was accompanied to Wike’s residence by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and former Ogun Governor Olusegun Osoba. According to sources, Fubara showed…

GTBank Increases SMS Transaction Alert Fee. Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) has announced an increase in its SMS transaction alert fee from ₦4 to ₦6 per message, effective May 1, 2025. The bank cited a recent rise in telecommunication tariffs by service providers as the reason for the adjustment. In a message to customers, GTBank explained that SMS alerts sent to international phone numbers would attract higher charges due to varying telecom costs. The bank emphasized the importance of transaction alerts in helping customers monitor account activity. Customers who no longer wish to receive SMS alerts have the option…

INEC Unveils Six Digital Tools To Enhance Election Transparency And Efficiency. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has launched six innovative digital tools designed to improve the transparency and efficiency of elections in Nigeria. The commission introduced the new applications during a one-day retreat in Lagos State. INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu stated that the tools are part of the commission’s broader strategy to leverage technology in managing and conducting credible elections. The digital tools aim to transform key aspects of the electoral process, from voter registration to the collation of results. The six digital tools unveiled by…

Nigeria Calls For Fairer Global Order At BRICS Meeting. Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to fostering a fairer and more inclusive global order. Speaking at the BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Tuggar emphasized the need for reforms that reflect contemporary realities and empower the Global South. Tuggar expressed gratitude to the Brazilian government for its hospitality and to the BRICS bloc for conferring upon Nigeria the status of Partner Country. This designation demonstrates the bloc’s dedication to promoting inclusive multilateralism. The Minister highlighted BRICS’ potential as…

Defendant In Super TV CEO Murder Trial Alleges Coercion By Police, Says Statement Were False And Made Under Duress. Chidinma Ojukwu, a former University of Lagos student accused of killing Super TV Chief Executive Officer Usifo Ataga, has testified in her defence before a Lagos State High Court. Ojukwu claimed that statements she made during police interrogation were false and obtained under duress. Ojukwu, who is standing trial alongside Adedapo Quadri and her sister Chioma Egbuchu, told the court that she was forced to narrate a story dictated by the Investigating Police Officer (IPO), Bamidele. She alleged that she…

NNPCL Sacks Refinery Managing Directors In Major Restructuring. The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has removed the managing directors of its three major refineries, Port Harcourt Refining Company, Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company, and Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company, as part of a broad restructuring initiative. Several senior executives, including Bala Wunti, former Chief of National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), were also affected. The move is aimed at revamping operations and improving efficiency within the company. Although NNPCL spokesperson Olufemi Soneye did not provide an official comment, sources confirmed the changes. The restructuring includes the early…