Category Archives: News

Gov Okpebholo swears in three judges ignored by Obaseki

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 Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo on Monday swore in three High Court judges recommended by the National Judicial Council (NJC), but ignored by Godwin Obaseki’s administration.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Obaseki ignored the three judges when he swore in five out of the eight recommended judges by NJC in May.

The immediate past governor advanced no reason for his action.

Okpebholo, in his address at the event in Benin, said the exercise was in fulfillment of the pledges made during his inaugural speech to look into the case and right the wrong of yesterday.

“Eleven months after the recommendation of the NJC, only five of those recommended were sworn-in as judges by the immediate-past administration, leaving out three, even when they had all been cleared and recommended by the same NJC.

“No one should be discriminated against, marginalised or hated for personal reasons, or on account of not having a godfather.

Read Also: Okpebholo suspends Edo civil service recruitment

“As judges of the state High Court, they are expected to uphold high standard of conduct, ensure fair dispute resolution, uphold rights of citizens, and bring culprits to justice.

“During my swearing-in ceremony as Governor of Edo State on November 12, 2024, I acknowledged the critical role of the judiciary under the doctrine of separation of powers.

“Today we are gathered here to strengthen that role for the judiciary.

“The National Judicial Council in June 2023 recommended eight persons for appointment as Judges of the Edo State High Court,” he said.

The three judges are Maureen Osa, Okundamiya Godwin Jeff and Edoghogho Eboigbe.

Responding on behalf of the trio, Osa applauded the governor for the opportunity given them to serve as judges in Edo.

She applauded the governor for making their swearing-in a reality, just three weeks into office.

The new judge prayed for a successful tenure for the governor.

“We assure you that we will dispense justice without fear or favour,” she said.

(NAN) 

Oyakhilome’s Rhapsody of Realities now in 8,123 languages

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The President of the Loveword Ministry, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, says  the organisation has printed its daily Bible devotional, Rhapsody of Realities, into 8,123 languages and 4,000 dialects.

Oyakhilome  said on Monday in Lagos that the aim was to enable more people to  have access to the gospel of Jesus Christ.

He made the disclosure at the Rhapsody of Realities Reachout World Day Conference held at the Loveword’s Waterfalls Centre Oregun, Ikeja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the conference  was to recognise  Dec. 2 as a day for the organisation to reach many people  simultaneously with the gospel.

He described the gospel as light to the world saying, “With the myriad of challenges in the world, the spread of the gospel can foster peace  and halt challenges.”

Read Also: 32 visa-free countries Nigerians can visit this Christmas

According to him, the organisation aims to reach out to eight billion people globally with the Word of God through the devotional.

The  Leader of the Reachout Global Committee, organisers of the campaign, Rev. Tom Amenkhienan, said that the organisation had mobilised Church workers, ministers, organisations and partners to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ through distribution of  the devotional.

“Nations’ economies are failing, there is too much anguish in the land but there is light at end of the tunnel, and that light is the gospel of Jesus Christ.

“With the historical event of reaching out to the world simultaneously today with the gospel through the prayer book, God will  begin to change those global anxieties to peace,” he said.

Amenkhienan said that people could download a copy of the book online on www.rhapsodyofrealities.org.

In his remarks, a member of the committee, Pastor Lanre Alade, said that the devotional  had been printed in braille and sign language to reach the visually and hearing impaired.

(NAN)

32 visa-free countries Nigerians can visit this Christmas

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Christmas is a time for celebration, and what better way to celebrate than to explore the world? As a Nigerian passport holder, you have the privilege of traveling to several stunning destinations without the hassle of obtaining a visa. To make your holiday planning seamless, we’ve compiled a list of 32 visa-free countries Nigerians can visit this Christmas.

Whether you’re dreaming of pristine beaches, bustling cities, or serene landscapes, there’s something for everyone. Let’s dive into your options!

Why Travel Visa-Free?

Traveling visa-free offers the flexibility to explore new destinations without the stress of lengthy visa processes. It saves time, reduces costs, and ensures a smoother travel experience. For Nigerians looking to make the most of their Christmas holidays, these visa-free destinations provide the perfect opportunity to unwind, reconnect, and create unforgettable memories.

Here are 20 Visa-Free Countries for Nigerians in Africa

Africa is brimming with rich cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant communities. Here are the visa-free countries on the continent:

1. Benin – Experience the historic sights and vibrant markets.

2. Burkina Faso – Perfect for cultural enthusiasts.

3. Cape Verde Islands – Relax on pristine beaches.

4. Chad – A haven for desert lovers.

5. Comoros – Discover exotic marine life.

6. Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) – Explore Abidjan’s bustling city life.

7. Djibouti – A paradise for adventure seekers.

8. Ghana – Enjoy the warm hospitality and vibrant festivals.

9. Guinea – A great choice for ecotourism.

10. Guinea-Bissau – Famous for its serene islands.

11. Liberia – Explore Liberia’s pristine beaches.

12. Madagascar – A biodiversity hotspot.

13. Mali – Ideal for history buffs.

14. Mauritania – Perfect for a desert getaway.

15. Niger – Discover the Sahara’s majestic dunes.

16. Rwanda – Known for its mountain gorillas and clean cities.

17. Senegal – A mix of culture, history, and beach vibes.

18. Seychelles – A tropical paradise.

19. Togo – Vibrant markets and natural beauty.

20. Uganda – Ideal for wildlife enthusiasts.

Read Also: Full guide to detecting sextortion scams

    12 Visa-Free Countries for Nigerians Outside Africa

    For those who wish to venture beyond Africa, these destinations welcome Nigerian travelers without a visa:

    1. Barbados – Enjoy a Caribbean Christmas in style.

    2. Dominican Republic – A mix of history, beaches, and nightlife.

    3. Fiji – Escape to this dreamy island nation.

    4. Haiti – Discover vibrant culture and history.

    5. Iran – Experience rich Persian heritage.

    6. Kiribati – A quiet retreat for peace seekers.

    7. Micronesia – Perfect for diving and island hopping.

    8. Niue – Known for its stunning coral reefs.

    9. Palau Islands – Explore its untouched beauty.

    10. Samoa – A peaceful Pacific destination.

    11. Tuvalu – Escape to this lesser-known paradise.

    12. Vanuatu – An idyllic island getaway.

      5 Travel Tips for Nigerians Visiting Visa-Free Destinations

      1. Check Entry Requirements
      While these countries are visa-free, some may require additional documents such as proof of accommodation, return tickets, or sufficient funds.

      2. Plan Your Itinerary
      To make the most of your trip, research the top attractions, local cuisine, and cultural experiences in advance.

      3. Stay Safe
      Ensure you have travel insurance and familiarize yourself with the local emergency numbers and safety guidelines.

      4. Respect Local Cultures: Adhere to the customs and traditions of the host country for a warm reception.

      5. Travel Light: Pack only essentials, and make sure to include clothing suitable for the local climate.

      Why Choose These Destinations for Christmas?

      These visa-free destinations offer diverse experiences to suit every traveler’s taste. From the golden beaches of Barbados to the wildlife reserves of Uganda, you can immerse yourself in new cultures, enjoy scenic views, and experience Christmas like never before.

      Plus, the absence of visa requirements means you can plan a spontaneous trip without bureaucratic hurdles, making your festive season even more magical.

      Conclusion

      Traveling visa-free as a Nigerian passport holder opens up a world of possibilities, especially during the festive season. Whether you’re looking for an adventurous safari, a cultural immersion, or a relaxing beach holiday, these 40 destinations offer something special for everyone.

      So, pack your bags, grab your passport, and make this Christmas one to remember by exploring the beauty of these visa-free countries.

      Kidnappers abduct three in Anambra as police, JTF initiate operation to rescue victims

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      The Anambra Police Command and the security Joint Task Force (JTF) have launched a rescue operation for the three persons abducted on Tuesday at the Innoson showroom, Anambra.

      In a statement on Wednesday in Onitsha, the  command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who confirmed the incident,   said that the victims were kidnapped in the evening at the Innoson motorcycle showroom on Owerri Road in Nnewi.

      Read Also: 16 governors set up minimum wage committees

      He said that the command had initiated operation for their rescue and had visited the scene of the incident and obtained useful information to assist the investigation.

      He urged anyone with useful information that could aid the investigation to come forward to the command’s headquarters, Awka, or the nearest police station.

      The command’s spokesman also said that persons with information on the abduction could call the toll free emergency number 112 or 07039194332.

      (NAN) 

      Yahaya Bello in court as judge frowns at rowdy supporters

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      Former Governor of Kogi, Yahaya Bello, billed to be arraigned at the FCT High Court, on Wednesday, took over crowd control of the court room when Justice Maryann Anenih walked out.

      Justice Anenih, who came in to take the plea of the former governor and his co-defendants, rose abruptly and announced not to come back until there is sanity in the court room.

      Shortly after the judge left the court room, Bello who sat in the front of the court room stood up and moved to the surging crowd.

      Read Also: JUST IN: Sanwo-Olu presents N3tr budget for 2025

      He immediately directed his followers and sympathisers to vacate their seats and leave the court room.

      His actions doused the tension without resistance, as the followers left the court room one after the other.

      To ensure sanity in the court room, the former governor sat at the entrance to the court room and ensured that non of his followers disobeyed the order of the court,

      Meanwhile, Kemi Pinheiro, SAN is leading the Federal Government legal team for the arraignment while Joseph Dauda, SAN, leads the legal team of the former governor in the 16-count charges.

      (NAN)

      15,000 applicants make list of Oyo Civil Service jobs

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      …To shortlist only 900

      Only 900 persons will be picked from the list of more than 15,000 who applied for recruitment into the Oyo state civil service, an official said on Friday in Ibadan.

      The Chairman, Oyo State Civil Service Commission, Alhaji Kamoru Aderibigbe, told newsmen that the ongoing recruitment process would see the applicants sitting for a computer-based test between Monday and Thursday.

      “The commission received 22,235 applications on its job portal but only 15,000 applicants met the vacancies’ requirements.

      “However, 900 from the 15,000 qualified applicants who will sit for the test (CBT) will be recruited into over 60 cadres across ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) in the mainstream of the state’s civil service,” he said.

      Read Also: JUST IN: Sanwo-Olu presents N3tr budget for 2025

      The chairman said the applicants who would participate in the test have been divided into two groups in examining for competence.

      “Those seeking employment as Education Officers, Environmental Health Personnel, Social Welfare and Youth Officers will sit for the test on Monday and Tuesday.

      “The others will sit for theirs on Thursday,” he stated.

      Aderibigbe further said the Commission had already sent invitation letters to successful applicants.

      “Where an applicant is yet to get such, he/she should continue to try and hopefully he will be invited if qualified,” he added.

      Aderibigbe also said the applicants were not expected to bring phones and other devices into the examination venues

      “Applicants are strictly to come to the examination centre at the indicated time on their individual invitation slips with printed copies of their application form and the invitation slip.”(NAN)

      FG confirms arrest of Simon Ekpa by Finnish authorities

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      The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the arrest of Simon Ekpa, a Nigerian-Finnish citizen and prominent leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on Thursday by the Finnish authorities.

      The ministry disclosed this in a statement by Kimiebi Ebienfa, the Acting Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Friday in Abuja.

      He said that Ekpa was arrested on charges of inciting terrorism and promoting violence.

      Ekpa, a Finnish politician and Biafran political activist, was reported to have in 2022 declared activation of Biafra Government in exile and himself leader in 2023 while in exile.

      “The ministry wishes to confirm the arrest of Ekpa, a Nigerian-Finnish citizen and prominent leader of the proscribed IPOB, by Finnish authorities on Thursday, Nov. 21.

      “He was charged with inciting terrorism and promoting violence. The Finnish District Court of Päijät-Häme ruled to detain him on probable cause for publicly inciting crimes with terrorist intent.

      “The Finnish authorities alleged that Ekpa used social media platforms to spread separatist propaganda, incite violence and encourage illegal actions, which had caused significant disruptions in the South-East of Nigeria.

      Read Also: JUST IN: Simon Ekpa arrested in Finland over charges of terrorism

      “Finnish investigators had also linked him to incidents of violence in Nigeria, which were believed to have been fueled by his online activities.

      “The arrest of Ekpa follows sustained diplomatic pressure by the Nigerian government on Finland, to take action against his activities, linked to violence and instability in the South-East of Nigeria.”

      It explained that the request for action featured during high-level engagements between the two countries.

      It described the arrest of Ekpa as a significant development in tackling the activities of IPOB and neutralising the influence of transnational actors, and their impact on national security.

      “The ministry will continue to monitor the legal proceedings and provide further updates as the case progresses,”he said.

      (NAN)

      Fubara prays Appeal Court to vacate order stopping Rivers’ allocations

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      Gov. Siminalayi Fubara, on Friday prayed the Court of Appeal to set-aside the judgment that barred the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) from releasing monthly allocations to Rivers .

      The governor, through his counsel Yusuf Ali, SAN, prayed a three-member panel of the appellate court led by Justice Hamma Barka, to vacate the high court order which he said was issued in bad faith.

      He urged the appellate court to allow his appeal marked CA/ABJ/CV/1303/2024, and nullify adverse orders that Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court made against the state in the judgment she delivered on Oct. 30.

      Fubara’s plea came on a day the Justice Barka-led panel consolidated five other appeals that arose from the said judgment of the high court.

      The appeals were marked as: CA/ABJ/CV/1277/24, CA/ABJ/CV/1196/24, CA/ABJ/CV/1287/24, CA/ABJ/CV/1293/24 and CA/ABJ/CV/1360/2024.

      Aside Fubara, other appellants in the matter are the Rivers State Government, the Accountant-General of Rivers State and Zenith Bank Plc.

      The lower court had restrained the CBN from further allowing the Rivers government to draw funds from the consolidated revenue account.

      The restraining order followed a suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/984/24, which was brought before the court by the Martins Amaewhule-led faction of the Rivers House of Assembly.

      Read Also: EFCC arraigns REA director Garba Bulkwang for alleged N223.4m fraud

      Defendants in the matter are the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Zenith Bank Plc, Access Bank Plc and the Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF).

      Others are Fubara, the Accountant-General of Rivers; Rivers Independent Electoral Commission, RSIEC; Chief Judge of Rivers, Hon. Justice S.C. Amadi; Chairman of RSIEC, retired Justice Adolphus Enebeli and the Government of Rivers .

      The appellants, through their respective counsel, urged the appellate court to allow their appeal.

      Similarly, the The Martin Amaewhule-ledfaction of the Rivers State House of Assembly, through their team of lawyers led by Mr. J. B. Daudu, SAN, asked the court to dismiss the appeals and affirm the high court’s judgment.

      After all the parties adopted their briefs of argument on , the panel reserved its judgment till a date that would be communicated to the parties.

      The factional members of the Rivers Assembly loyal to the immediate past governor of the state and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike, had persuaded the lower court to withhold all federal monthly allocations meant for Rivers state.

      They predicated their case on the ground that gov. Fubara refused to comply with an order of court that directed him to represent the 2024 Appropriation Bill of the state, before them.

      Gov. Fubara had insisted that the Amaewhule-led group had since ceased to be lawmakers in the state.

      He alleged that, having defected from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, which sponsored their election, to the All Progressives Congress, APC.
      (NAN)

      EFCC arraigns REA director Garba Bulkwang for alleged N223.4m fraud

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      The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned the Director of Human Resources Management of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) Mr. Sulieman Garba Bulkwang before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja for fraud.

      According to a statement on the agency’s official X page on Friday, Bulkwang is being prosecuted on a five-count charge bordering on criminal diversion of funds and money laundering to the tune of N223,412,909 (Two Hundred and Twenty-three Million, Four Hundred and Twelve Thousand Nine Hundred and Nine Kobo).

      The statement reads: He is being prosecuted on a five-count charge, bordering on criminal diversion of funds and money laundering to the tune of N223,412,909 (Two Hundred and Twenty-three Million, Four Hundred and Twelve Thousand Nine Hundred and Nine Kobo).

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

      “Count one of his charge reads: That you SULEIMAN GARBA BULKWANG, while being the Director of Human Resources Management of the Rural Electrification Agency, REA within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did counsel one Umaefulem Donatus Chibueze, the Managing Director of Cees Assist Resources and Brainstask Value Resources (consultants to REA) to transfer the sum of N138,123,969 (One Hundred and Thirty-eight Million, One Hundred Hundred and Twenty-Three Thousand, Nine Hundred and Sixty Nine Naira) out of the sum of N279,330,000.00 (Two Hundred and Seventy-Nine Million, Three Hundred and Thirty Thousand Naira) paid to the consultants by REA, when you knew that the said sun of N138,123,969.000000 constituted proceed of unlawful activity and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 21 (a) of the Money Laundering Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022 and punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act.

      “Count two reads “That you SULEIMAN GARBA BULKWANG while being the Director of Human Resources Management of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) sometime in July, 2023 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court indirectly converted the sum of N45,000,000.00 (Forty Five Milion Naira) being part of the money cumulatively paid to the bank accounts of Dammy Gold Programme Ltd, World Class Business, Green Haven Company And De-Sam Rose – Base Ltd by consultants to REA when you know that the said sum of N45,000.000 .00 constituted proceed of unlawful activity and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(b) (b) and punishable under Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

      “He pleaded “not guilty” to all the charges after they were read to him and in the absence of defence counsel.

      “The prosecution counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN prayed the court for a trial date and for the defendant to be remanded in a correctional center.

      “Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter till February 3, 2024, for the defendant’s bail application and ordered that he be remanded in Kuje Correctional Center.”

      Police nab two over alleged kidnap, murder of aged woman

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      The Police Command in Enugu State has detained two suspects from Akpugo community in Nkanu West Local Government Area for alleged conspiracy, kidnapping and murder of a 70-year-old woman.

      The Command’s Spokesman, DSP Daniel Ndukwe made this known in a statement on Friday in Enugu.

      Ndukwe said that the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad had detained Ikechukwu Okoye, 33, and Juliet Ogbodo, 39, who are both lovers.

      Ndukwe said that the suspects were accused of the kidnapping, murder, and burying of their kinswoman, Mrs Mary Nwatu in a shallow grave sometime in September 2024.

      “Preliminary investigations revealed that the victim was reported missing on Sept. 15, 2024, after all efforts to locate her proved unsuccessful.

      “On Oct. 5, 2024, Ikechukwu Okoye, identified as the principal suspect and a kinsman of the victim, began contacting her children, demanding a ransom of N6m.

      Read Also: JUST IN: Simon Ekpa arrested in Finland over charges of terrorism

      “Upon his arrest, which followed credible intelligence reports, Okoye confessed to kidnapping Mrs Nwatu on Sept.14, 2024, around 8a.m.

      “He stated that the children of the aged woman came to look for their mother when he kidnapped, murdered, and buried her in a shallow grave inside an uncompleted building in a neighbouring compound,” Ndukwe said.

      The command’s spokesman said that Okoye also confessed to demanding a ransom from the victim’s children, initially asking for N6m which was later negotiated to N3m.

      Ndukwe said that he eventually received payment of N20,000 which was for him to allow the children to hear their mother’s voice via the phone before further payments.

      “On her part, Juliet Ogbodo, who is Okoye’s intimate girlfriend, confessed to being aware of the crime but failed to report it to the police or any other relevant authorities.

      ‘The victim’s remains have been exhumed and deposited at a mortuary for preservation and autopsy.

      “The suspects, along with any other individuals found complicit in this heinous crime will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations,” he said.

      (NAN)