Category Archives: Featured

No jail attack in the last one year – Tunji-Ojo

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 The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, says that there’s no case of jail attack in the last one year across the 256 custodial centres in Nigeria.

Tunji-Ojo said this while briefing pressmen on the 2024 achievements of the ministry and its six agencies on Tuesday in Abuja.

He, however, said that what the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) experienced were jail breaks in Suleja, Niger state and Maiduguri, Borno State respectively.

He also said that the jailbreaks which occured in the two custodial centres were as a result heavy downpour and flood in the two states respectively.

He added that Suleja custodial centre was affected by the rain, bringing down a part of the wall of the building.

According to him, inmates escaped in Maiduguri Custodial Centre because of the flood that affected part of the custodial centre.

“But in the last year, we’ve not had any attack nor any external aggression. The Nigeria Correctional Service has been proactive in terms of intelligence and security of custodial facilities.

“For instance, Suleja jail break happened because of rain and that’s also because of the old walls. And for Maiduguri, it was due to the flood and these are forces of nature.”

Read Also: Police nab two over alleged kidnap, murder of aged woman

On other infrastructural improvements, the minister highlighted the ongoing renovation of decades-old correctional facilities and barracks in several states, including Sokoto, Kaduna, and Osun among others.

“We are presently constructing and rehabilitating our custodial centres, because a lot of our custodial centres are so old. I’ll give you an example.

“One was built in 1956, infact the one in Suleja, I think it was built in 1914 and the one in Nasarawa, I think it was built in the 1880s.

” So we have correctional centers that are 100 years old, 200 years old, 60 years old, 70 years old and many more, so, we need to intervene and as a responsible government, that’s what we’re doing,” he said.

Tunji-Ojo added that efforts to modernise facilities included the installation of CCTV surveillance systems in correctional centers, a move aimed at preventing security breaches such as jailbreaks.

“This is to ensure that what happened in Kuji years ago does not happen again, you know, and we have been able to do that.

“Real-time surveillance now allows us to monitor activities in these facilities and respond swiftly to threats,” he said.

(NAN)

Police nab suspect linked to kidnap of medical students in Benue

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The Zone 7 Police Headquarters in Abuja said it has arrested a suspect linked with the Aug. 2024 kidnap of 21 medical students in Benue.

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of zone 7, Mr Benneth Igweh said this during a media briefing on Tuesday in Abuja.

Igweh said the suspect and two others, now at large, were members of a gang that specialises in armed robbery and kidnapping in Benue and environs.

According to him, the suspect had confessed being a member of the gang responsible for the Aug. 2024 kidnap of 21 doctors in Benue.

He said the suspect had also confessed to have carried out several robbery operations along Adiga Road in Benue where he had snatched different motorcycles from travelers.

Igweh said the suspect who admitted selling the motorcycles and sharing the proceeds with his gang members, said he used a lot of charms for protection during his criminal operations.

The AIG said the suspect also confessed to selling his rifle to one retired soldier in Akpodo for N25,000.

Read Also: Police foil alleged terror plot, recover explosives, weapons in Kano

He said efforts were being intensified by the zone to ensure that the fleeing members of the gang were apprehended and prosecuted.

Similarly, Igweh said detectives attached to the Zone 7 Special Investigation Unit (SIU), recently arrested three suspects over theft of electric transformers, cables and motorcycles.

He said the arrest followed an intelligence report that criminal elements around FCT, Kaduna and Nasarawa States had stolen electric transformers, cables and motorcycles.

The AIG said the intelligence revealed that the items were assembled around the Kubwa and Bwari axis of the FCT.

“Detectives attached to the Zone 7 SIU moved swiftly, which led to the arrest of the three suspects behind an abandoned filling station in kagini area of Kubwa and the recovery of the transformers.

“Preliminary investigation reveals that the transformers are usually brought in very late at night and upon interrogation, the suspects said the transformers were brought to them by owners for repairs.

“Further investigation reveals that only three out of the recovered transformers were genuinely brought to them for repairs,” he said.

Igweh called on members of the public whose transformers were stolen to come forward with their proof of ownership to claim them.

(NAN)

Tinubu inaugurates multiple projects in Kogi

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President Bola Tinubu on Monday inaugurated projects executed by Gov. Ahmed Ododo in his one year in office.

Tinubu, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, lauded the Ododo for executing such a number of projects in a short time.

The president said that the projects would positively impact the lives of Kogi citizens.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the projects inaugurated include Zone 8-Zango Daji-Kaduna Junction road (9 km), Zone 8-Crusher Road (5.5 km), and 350-bed hostels for students at Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH).

Read Also: Tinubu congratulates six Nigerian scientists, engineers on Biden’s honours list

Others are the demonstration farm, two faculties in the university, and some private health centres across the state.

Ododo, in his remarks, said the projects were a demonstration of his desire to improve the well-being of the people of Kogi.

The governor said that the projects, scattered across the state, were part of his campaign promises to the people who elected him into office.

He thanked his predecessors for laying a solid foundation for him to consolidate upon for the growth and development of the state.

NAN reports that Shettima was accompanied by the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Dr Umar Ganduje, and Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo.

NAN also reports that Shettima and his entourage were taken to the Government House, were they had some private chats with stakeholders in the state before moving to Muhammadu Buhari Square for the proper anniversary celebration.

(NAN)

BREAKING: Alleged N12.3bn fraud: Otudeko’s counsel protests in court

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Counsel to the Chairman of the Honeywell Group, Oba Otudeko, charged with N12.3 billion fraud, on Monday appeared before a Federal High Court in Lagos in protest of the charge.

Mr Bode Olanipekun (SAN) told the court that he was protesting  because the charge had not been served on Otudeko and two others charged along with him.

Olanipekun is the council to the three defendants.

Read Also: Alleged cybercrime: Court grants Speed Darlington to N20m bail 

The 13-count charge was  preferred by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Otudeko, a former Managing Director of First Bank Plc., Olabisi Onasanya; and a former board member of Honeywell, Soji Akintayo.

They were charged alongside a firm, Anchorage Leisure Ltd.

EFCC alleged that the defendants obtained the sum under false pretences.

Details shortly…

Nigeria ranks 5th in countries with cheapest Petrol in Africa

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The retail price of Premium Motor Spirit, (Petrol), increased to between N1030 and N1,150 per litre on Friday, January 17, following a hike by Dangote Refinery and ex-depot prices of the product.

Dangote Refinery had announced a fresh ex-depot price hike from N899 per litre to N955 per litre through an email sent to customers .

The email confirmed the new price regime, noting that marketers buying between two million and 4.99 million litres would now buy at N955/litre, while five million litres and above would buy at N950/litre.

This represents a N55 or 6.17 percent petrol price increase from N899.50/litre announced as a holiday discount for Nigerians last December.

Dangote Refinery’s petrol price increase had sparked different degrees of retail price adjustment across filling stations.

However, Nigeria is still one of the countries with the cheapest fuel in Africa, according to GlobalPetrolPrices.com.

Here are the top 10 African countries with the cheapest fuel at the start of 2025.

1. Libya

Libya remains the leader in the African fuel price rankings, with a litre of fuel costing $0.030. This low price is largely due to the country’s rich oil reserves, which make up a significant portion of its economy.

2. Angola

Angola follows closely with a price of $0.328 per litre. As one of Africa’s top oil producers, Angola has a large share of the global oil market.

The country’s reliance on oil exports helps maintain relatively low domestic fuel prices, providing an economic advantage for its citizens.

Read Also: Petrol price rises to N1,150 per litre after Dangote Refinery’s hike

3. Egypt

Egypt is another country where fuel remains affordable, priced at $0.336 per litre. The country has seen substantial investment in its oil and gas sector in recent years, and the government provides subsidies to maintain lower fuel prices for the public.

4. Algeria

Fuel in Algeria costs $0.339 per litre. The country’s vast oil and gas resources contribute to these low prices, and the government continues to subsidise fuel costs, which helps support local economic stability.

5. Sudan

Sudan’s fuel price is $0.700 per litre, which is still quite low compared to global standards. While Sudan faces economic challenges, it benefits from domestic oil production, though it has struggled with fluctuations in oil output and the impact of external factors on fuel prices.

6. Nigeria

Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer, offers fuel at $0.769 per litre. Despite being one of the continent’s top oil exporters, the country’s fuel prices are impacted by fluctuating global oil prices, governmental policies, and the local economy. While the price is relatively low by international standards, it reflects the challenges Nigeria faces in balancing domestic supply and demand.

7. Tunisia

In Tunisia, fuel is priced at $0.794 per litre. The country has limited domestic oil production but benefits from access to regional markets and government subsidies that help control fuel prices. However, economic pressures mean that prices may fluctuate over time.

8. Ethiopia

Ethiopia, with a price of $0.805 per litre, ranks eighth on this list. While the country is not a major oil producer, it imports most of its fuel, but government efforts to stabilise prices help keep costs low for consumers.

9. Liberia

Liberia’s fuel price is $0.829 per litre. The country relies on imports to meet its fuel needs, and while domestic production is limited, low prices are maintained through government policy and external trade agreements.

10. Gabon

Gabon, with a price of $0.944 per litre, rounds out the top 10. As an oil producer with significant reserves, Gabon benefits from relatively low fuel costs compared to other countries on the continent. However, fuel prices are still higher than those in nations with larger oil production capacities.

Petrol price rises to N1,150 per litre after Dangote Refinery’s hike

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The retail price of Premium Motor Spirit, (PMS), has increased to between N1030 and N1,150 per litre following a hike by Dangote Refinery and ex-depot prices of the product.

Dangote Refinery on Friday announced a fresh ex-depot price hike from N899 per litre to N955 per litre.

Dangote Refinery through an email sent to customers confirmed the new price regime, noting that marketers buying between two million and 4.99 million litres would now buy at N955/litre, while five million litres and above would buy at N950/litre.

This represents a N55 or 6.17 percent petrol price increase from N899.50/litre announced as a holiday discount for Nigerians last December.

Dangote Refinery’s petrol price increase had sparked different degrees of retail price adjustment across filling stations.

The spokesperson of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Chinedu Ukadike, confirmed that the product may sell above N1,100 per litre across members’ filling stations nationwide.

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“Commuters will likely pay over N1,150 per litre at faraway locations, while locations close to the depot will pay N1,100. This is because we will add about N50 logistics costs. Currently, ex-depot prices have increased to N980.

“This change is immediate because crude oil price increase, too, is immediate,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the president of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria, Billy Gillis-Harry, said although it is too early to project petrol retail price after Dangote Refinery’s upward price review, it is certain that the product would cost more.

“Because right now, we still have an obligation with the MRS to be selling at N935, and some of us bought products there.

So, if they change their prices because of the Dangote price, then the conversation will be different.\

“After the price of buying, there must be the price of logistics. Once that is computed, we can then look at what is the most humane profit margin,” he stated.

Some filling stations in the federal capital territory, Abuja, had already effected at least a N50 adjustment to their petrol prices.

For instance, those selling on Friday morning at N980 per litre have increased to between N1040 and N1,155 per litre.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) retail outlets still sell petrol at 965 per litre as of Friday evening.

Five UK work visa routes for AI talent 2025

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The UK on Thursday said it will likely evaluate changes to its visa policies to attract highly skilled Artificial Intelligence (AI) professionals from overseas.

This move by the UK aligns with its broader strategy to position the country as a global leader in AI, as outlined in the recently published AI Opportunities Action Plan.

The plan features 50 recommendations aimed at enhancing AI adoption and bolstering economic growth.

The AI Opportunities Action Plan published this week sets out 50 recommendations on how the government should harness the technology and position the UK as a world leader in AI.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer endorsed the plan, stating the government’s intent to implement the recommendations.

Talented AI professionals and graduates from institutions not on the HPI eligibility lists can enter the UK through other visa routes, including:

Read Also: 10 major changes made to UK work visa in 2024

Here are the top work visa routes for AI talent

1. The Skilled Worker route – The most commonly used immigration route for foreign nationals seeking to work in the UK, a Skilled Worker visa may be granted if you have a confirmed job offer with a licensed UK sponsor.

2. The Innovator Founder route – This unsponsored visa is for foreign nationals who wish to come to the UK to set up and run an innovative business. The business idea must be something that’s different from anything else on the market, and you must have your idea assessed by an approved endorsing body.

3. The Global Talent route – An unsponsored immigration route designed to attract the best and brightest talent from around the world. A Global Talent visa allows you to live and work in the UK if you are a leader or potential leader in the fields of academia or research, arts and culture or digital technology.

4. The Scale-up Worker route – This visa allows talented professionals to come to the UK to do an eligible job for a fast-growing UK business (sometimes called a ‘scale-up business’). Your UK employer must meet specific eligibility criteria in order to sponsor Scale-up Workers.

5. The Government Authorised Exchange route – A temporary visa for workers coming to the UK for work experience, job shadowing or training, to take part in an overseas government language programme, or undertake research or a fellowship through an approved exchange scheme.

The government’s acceptance of these recommendations mean it could soon become easier for employers to bring in highly sought-after AI talent from anywhere in the world.

FULL LIST: Wike revokes 568 land allocations over unpaid C-of-O fees

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has revoked the allocation of 568 plots of land in Abuja’s Maitama II, Cadastral Zone A10, due to non-payment of Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-O) fees.

The minister in a public notice, explained that the allottees of the plots of land in Maitama II, Cadastral Zone A10, Abuja, failed to pay for their Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) bills after the expiration of the grace period granted by the minister.

According to the Minister, the revocation is in line with Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978, which allows the withdrawal of land allocations when the terms of the grant are not met.

The notice added that only those who had not made full payments by January 15, 2025, would be affected by the decision.

Read Also: Wike named 2024 THISDAY, Arise TV Minister of the Year

The notice read, “The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) wishes to inform the allottee(s)/title holder(s) of plot(s) of land in Maitama II, Cadastral Zone A10, Abuja, who have failed to pay for their Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) bills after the expiration of the grace period granted by the Honourable Minister, Federal Capital Territory, that their Right of Occupancy to the land/property has been withdrawn, pursuant to the provisions of Section 28 of the Land Use Act of 1978 for contravention of the terms of the grant which obligated the title/interest holders to settle all bills.

“The general public is, however, invited to note that allottees/title holders who have completed their payments on or before 15/01/2025 are not affected by this publication.

“For ease of reference, the names of the allottees/title holders whose titles have been withdrawn are: For further information, kindly visit AGIS Website: https://agis.fcta.gov.ng/ or FCTA Website: www.fcta.gov.ng.”

Here is the list of 568 land revoked by Wike over unpaid C-of-O fees

FULL LIST: Six Nigerian scientists, engineers on Biden’s honours list

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Six Nigerian scientists and Engineers in Diaspora have been named among the 400 Presidential Early Career Award recipients for Scientists and Engineers in the United States.

The prestigious recognition which was established by former President Bill Clinton in 1996, is the highest honour bestowed by the United States government on outstanding scientists and engineers in the early stages of their careers.

This year’s awardees, announced by President Joe Biden on January 14, 2025, are employed or funded by 14 participating United States government agencies.

Read Also: Biden grants Cyprus access to 3 U.S. military programmes

Here are six Nigerian scientists, engineers on Biden’s honours list

1. Azeez Butali, Gilbert Lilly Endowed Professor of Diagnostic Sciences, College of Dentistry, University of Iowa;

2. Ijeoma Opara, Associate Professor of Public Health (Social and Behavioral Sciences), Yale School of Public Health, Yale University;

3. Oluwatomi Akindele, Postdoctoral researcher at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.

4. Eno Ebong, Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, and Biology at Northeastern University;

5. Oluwasanmi Koyejo, Assistant Professor of Computer Science at Stanford University;

6. Abidemi Ajiboye, Executive Vice Chair of the Case School of Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University.

FG knocks Emir Sanusi over unconstructive remarks on laudable policies

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The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, says the Federal Government does not need the stamp of approval from Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II of its laudable policies that is making life better for Nigerians.

This is contained in a statement  by the minister on Thursday in Abuja.

According to the minister, Sanusi, like any other Nigerian,  has the inalienable right to express opinions either in form of commendation or criticism on how the government is being ran.

“However, we find it amusing that a leader, more so, one from an institution that ennobles forthrightness, fairness, and justice would  publicly admit to shuffling off saying the truth because of personal interest hinged on imaginary antagonism.

“It is pertinent to state that Nigeria is at a pivotal juncture where bold and decisive actions are necessary to tackle entrenched economic challenges.

“This administration has implemented transformative reforms, not because they are easy but because they are essential for securing Nigeria’s long-term stability and growth, as he,  Sanusi had consistently advocated.

“The temporary pains currently experienced from these inevitable decisions, as Sanusi himself acknowledged, are necessary consequence of decades of irresponsible economic management,  more than anything else.

Read Also: Seyi Tinubu: An Inspiring Tale of a ‘Good Samaritan’

“These reforms are already delivering measurable progress. The unification of exchange rates has bolstered investor confidence, which has contributed to increased foreign reserves and strengthened Nigeria’s ability to shield itself from external economic shocks.

“The removal of the fuel subsidy has freed up significant resources, allowing for greater investment in critical sectors such as infrastructure, education, and healthcare.”

The minister expressed  disappointment, that reforms,  widely recognised as essential by global experts including  Sanusi himself, are now being subtly condemned because of shift in loyalty.

Idris stressed that Sanusi has a unique responsibility to contribute constructively rather than undermine reforms aimed at collective progress.

“We urge the Emir to rise above personal interests and partisan undertones and prioritise the greater good of Nigerians.

“Rebuilding Nigeria requires unity, focus, and sacrifice from all stakeholders. As a government, we urge esteemed leaders to refrain from rhetorics that undermine public trust.

“Instead,  they owe it a duty to champion the collective goal of a prosperous Nigeria. This is a critical time for our country, what is needed is collaboration, not unnecessary distractions

“President Bola Tinubu’s administration remains resolute in its mission to lead Nigeria toward economic inclusivity, sustainability, and shared prosperity.

“This administration is open to constructive dialogue with all well-meaning stakeholders, while remaining steadfast in putting the interests of Nigerians above all else,” Idris said.

(NAN)