TodayPrice

Author: Chisom OZ

  • Naira rises to N1,618/$ in parallel market

    Naira rises to N1,618/$ in parallel market

    The naira yesterday appreciated to N1, 618 per dollar in the parallel market from N1,620 per dollar on Monday.

    But, the Naira depreciated to N1,604 per dollar in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM).

    Data published by the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, showed that the indicative exchange rate for the naira rose to N1,604 per dollar from N1,599 per dollar on Monday, indicating N5 depreciation for the naira.

    Consequently, the margin between the parallel market and NFEM rate narrowed to N14 per dollar from N21 Monday.

  • Unilorin student sets new global record in Mathematics

    Unilorin student sets new global record in Mathematics

    With a lecture spanning 31 hours, 42 minutes and 54 seconds, a 400-level University of Ilorin Mathematics Student, Kazeem Sanusi, has set a new Guinness World Book Record for the ‘Longest Mathematics Lesson’.

    The groundbreaking event, which was witnessed by representatives of the Guinness World Record, smashed the previous record of 26 hours of non-stop lessons.

    According to the statement issued by the University Director of Information, Kunle Akogun,”Kazeem performed the feat to the cheers of a captivated audience led by the University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, SAN; the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. Adegboyega Fawole; the Registrar, Mr Mansur Alfanla; the Dean of Physical Sciences, Prof. Abdullahi Alafara Baba; the Ag Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Alex Akanmu, and the Student Union President, Comrade Victor Agezeh, among others.

    “He is now eagerly awaiting official confirmation from Guinness World Record.”the statement said.

    “Congratulating the student prodigy, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Egbewole, said that the University is “immensely proud of the feat of Kazeem, and we will continue to encourage others to find their passion and pursue it.”

    “Prof. Egbewole expressed hope that with the provision of the enabling environment by the University Management for students to be the best they could be, others would be inspired by Kazeem’s feat to also break all ceilings and continue to write the name of the University in gold.”Akogun concluded in the statement.

  • Labour to FG: Unemployment fuelling kidnapping, militancy

    Labour to FG: Unemployment fuelling kidnapping, militancy

    ABUJA — THE Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, said yesterday that militancy, kidnapping and other social vices in the country would drastically reduce if the federal and the sub-national governments create jobs for the citizenry.

    It also advised that the government create sustainable and not casual jobs, which pay would not sustain a worker for a month.

    This is as the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, said President Bola Tinubu was committed to fulfilling his administration’s promise to build a Nigeria where members of the workforce could attain their full potential.

    Speaking at the official launch of the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme, LEEP, in Abuja, the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, said employment remained the best way to cope with social crisis in the country.

    While noting that people meaningfully engaged would not think of indulging in social vices, Ajaero said: “I want to acknowledge the programme today (yesterday), we in the labour movement identify with any programme that enhances employment. And employment is the best way to cope with our social crisis.

    “People that are engaged, people that are working will not think of other social crises. The level of militancy, kidnapping will be reduced to the barest minimum if we create jobs. And that is why the labour movement identifies with this.

    “If this is properly implemented, Nigeria will be heaven of sort. And I want to say, at any stage where the input of the labour movement is required, where our assistance is required, we’ll be there because it will benefit the people of Nigeria.

    “In the same vein, I pray that it will be a programme that will bring sustainable jobs, not casual jobs, not jobs that the wages will not be able to take you home.”

    While launching the LEEP initiative, the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, said the administration was up-skilling and re-skilling the citizens to prepare them for both jobs that are available and those ahead.

    He noted that the national initiative “is designed to expand employment opportunities, equip Nigerians with critical skills, and drive economic empowerment through innovation and technology.

    “LEEP is the fulfilment of the promise made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to build a national ecosystem where every Nigerian worker can reach his full potential, and where technology enhances, not threatens our labour market.”

    Shettima observed that the government could not have boasted of investing in the citizens unless it was committed to building a system that helped and encouraged their search for work as well as equip them to grow on the job.
    He stated: “The future of work in Nigeria is one that must compel us to rethink the dynamics of a rapidly evolving world. Across continents, the very idea of what constitutes a job is being redefined. Machines are replacing hands. Artificial intelligence is challenging intellects.

    “Traditional employment structures are giving way to fluid, digital ecosystems. Yet, within this uncertainty lies a sea of opportunity, if only we are bold enough to sail it.”

    On what the administration intended to achieve with the LEEP, Shettima said: “The Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme, LEEP, is a well-considered response to a pressing national need. As jobs become increasingly vulnerable to technological disruption, our duty is not to lament but to prepare.

    “LEEP aims to provide comprehensive training that equips our people with the right skills to compete and contribute to today’s global economy.”

    Earlier in his remarks, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State pledged the support and commitment of governors to the successful implementation of the programme.

    He said if the scheme was religiously implemented, the economy would be significantly impacted through the reduction in unemployment and criminality and productive engagement of the citizenry.

    On her part, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mrs Onyejeocha, said the programme was aimed at expanding access to sustainable employment and stimulating vocational training, noting that the current unemployment statistics were a clear and imminent danger for the country’s future.

    She explained that while LEEP was an institutional shift targeted at enhancing training, upskilling and connecting Nigerians to sustainable jobs across different sectors, it would require the collaboration of all stakeholders for the scheme to be successful.

    In his goodwill message, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, said unemployment was among the severe social problems facing youths globally, either directly or remotely, with far-reaching consequences that had multi-faceted implications that could not be ignored. He said: “In Nigeria, this can be attributed to various reasons, which include economic instability due to recessions and depressions, inadequate quality education and training to match available jobs, as well as the difficult circumstances that businesses operate in, which are not conducive for creating new jobs.’’

    In his remarks, the Director General of the National Directorate of Employment, Mr Silas Agara, said LEEP was a bold step by the administration of President Tinubu to decisively address the challenge of unemployment in Nigeria and reposition employment in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration.

    He said LEEP was carefully articulated by the ministry of labour and employment, in collaboration with its parastatals, to, among other goals, equip young Nigerians with employability skills in the bid to create wealth and contribute to the economic development of the country by creating 2.5 million jobs in two years.

    The International Labour Organisation, ILO, Country Director for Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and ECOWAS Liaison Office, Ms. Vanessa Phala, described the programme as Nigeria’s commitment to shaping the lives of its youths.

    “This marks a turning point for our youths to contribute to the growth and development of this country,” she said.

  • Trump’s tariffs, global oil volatility harming Nigeria’s economy — NMDPRA

    Trump’s tariffs, global oil volatility harming Nigeria’s economy — NMDPRA

    ABUJA —THE Chief Executive Officer, CEO, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, NMDPRA, Farouk Ahmed, yesterday said that the inconsistent tariff policies of the United States, President Donald Trump, and the concomitant instability in global oil markets resulting to the are negative impacting Nigeria’s economy.

    Briefing State House correspondents, when he was featured on ‘Meet-the-Press’ briefing series, a special programme organised by the Presidential Media Team, at Aso Villa, Abuja, Ahmed said while the drop in petroleum product prices may benefit consumers, the broader economic consequences are severe for Nigeria, which heavily relies on oil exports.

    He said that there is a sharp drop in prices from $73 to $60 per barrel in a single day, as an example of how revenue inflows are being disrupted.

    The NMDPRA boss also noted that domestic challenges, including pipeline vandalism and reduced production, also contributed to compounding the problem.

    He said: “As consumers…we are happy that the price is coming down, but…as a nation, it’s not good for our economy because our revenue inflow is also impacted.

    “Most importantly, what is even destabilising the market is inconsistencies in the way President Trump also sends his policies. He moves today. Tomorrow, he reverses. So it’s been challenging to predict the next level,” Ahmed explained.

    Recall that the Organisation of Petroleum and Exporting Countries, OPEC, had recently issued reports indicating that Nigeria’s oil output has fallen to approximately 1.4 million barrels per day.

    Besides, the situation has worsened as a result of President Trump’s aggressive trade policies, including sweeping tariffs on goods from several nations, especially China, and threats of levies on other countries, have injected uncertainty into global markets.

    The NMDPRA CEO said: “Recently, as we all know, the global oil market, not only oil market, but the global economy has been a bit volatile, in the sense of the new American government’s policy of tariffs, not only targeted at China but the whole countries across the world.

    “Investors and traders in not only the oil and gas industry but in general economies of the world are moving left and right to the extent that some are doing day trading. That means you do your trading today. You close by the end of today because you never know what tomorrow’s policy will drive the market into.

    “So the crude oil and petrol products market continues to have a downward trajectory because of these inconsistencies and policies of the government of United States, and the key aspect of it is the aspiration of the American President to ensure that the crude oil pricing, or the crude oil price come down to maybe below $50 a barrel, that’s why he encourages more exploration in his country.”

    Turning to the local implications, Ahmed acknowledged that while lower product prices benefit Nigerian consumers, the overall impact on the economy is negative.

    “So how does it relate to our own local industry regarding crude oil pricing, product pricing, demand and supply? We see a downward trajectory in terms of product pricing and crude oil pricing.

    “So we are happy as consumers of the derivatives of product pricing that the price is coming down, but when you look at it globally as a nation, it’s not good for our economy because our revenue inflow is also impacted.
    “If the crude oil price, like what happened some Fridays ago, where it dropped in one day from about $73 a barrel to $60, you can see that in terms of our crude oil production, our revenue is impacted severely,” he added.
    He urged stakeholders to prepare for prolonged uncertainty in the oil sector.

    According to him: “This volatility will continue because as recently as yesterday, when President Trump again exempted some sectors from tariff, particularly to China, like in terms of vehicular tariffing, you saw the market again started to go up.

    “So this is how it will continue to show, just to give you a general perspective of the oil industry.
    “We recently had a report from OPEC that Nigeria’s production has come down to about 1.4 million barrels a day.

    If we lose the price by $10, you can see the negative impact on our economy, national reserves, and the strength of our naira. Again, when you look at the products market, we are happy to say, “Oh, the price is coming down.”
    Ahmed also stated that imports of Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, also known as petrol have plunged from 44.6/ million/ litres a day in August/ 2024 to 14.7 millions per litre by 13/ April/ 2025.

    He said that local supply rose 670 per cent within that period, adding that after contributing virtually nothing in August, local plants delivered 26.2/ million litres per day in early April, a jump from the 3.4/ ml recorded in September, the first month with measurable output.

    He credited the surge to the phased restart of the Port/ Harcourt Refining Company in late November and incremental volumes from modular refineries.

    Despite the progress, combined supply crossed the government’s 50/ ml/day consumption benchmark only twice in the eight-month window—November (56/ ml) and February (52.3/ ml).

    He said that it slipped in March just below target at 51.5/ ml, and in the first half of April, it remained short at 40.9/ ml.

    Figures from the NMDPRA also showed the balance among the three sources of PMS —Oil Marketing Companies, Dangote Refinery and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited since last October.

    OMCs raised average daily imports from about 22/ million/ litres in October/ 2024 to roughly 30/ ML in December, settling in the mid 20s. They now account for 55 60/ per cent of all petrol on most days.

    Meanwhile, deliveries from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals rose steadily from 10/ ML/day in October to around 22/ ML in January and February before easing to 18/ ML by mid April/ 2025. The plant now meets about two fifths of national demand. From 24/ ML/day in October, the NNPCL volumes fell monthly, slipping to 1/ ML in January and zero recorded supply after February, Ahmed revealed in his slide presentation.

    The NMDPRA Chief argued that the Authority only grants import licenses relative to the country’s supply requirements.

    On refining operations, he explained that six licensed private and four public refineries currently produce 1.12 million barrels per day.

    Six licensed private plants account for 679,500/ bpd of the total. The Dangote single train complex refines 650,000/ bpd.

  • Plateau: Outrage grows over killings, Gov Mutfwang apologises

    Plateau: Outrage grows over killings, Gov Mutfwang apologises

    JOS — Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State yesterday apologised to the people of Bassa Local Government Area for the failure of government and security agencies to protect lives and properties, as condemnations trailed the killings.

    This is as a survivor of the attack lamented that his sister wouldn’t have died if she had not, out of fear, run out of her hiding.

    The governor’s apology came on a day former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, Presidential candidate of New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, in the 2023 elections, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, ex-governor of Plateau State, Jonah Jang, and the northern chapter of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, condemned the killings and tasked government to punish the perpetrators. Recall that no fewer than 52 persons were killed last Sunday night at Zike community of the LGA, barely two weeks after same number of persons were slaughtered in Bokkos Local Government Area of the state, bringing the total killed to 104.

    The governor, who gave the apology at the palace of the Paramount Ruler of Miango community of the state, said: “I will tell you the truth, I have been crying since yesterday (Monday) because I had trusted God that all the arrangements were put in place, that this will not happen again. We have made investments in security. “But like all human arrangements, sometimes they fail. I want to admit that on Sunday night into Monday morning, we failed you. Please, forgive me.”

    He urged the people not to relent in their efforts to secure their communities and ensure that they complement security agencies’ efforts by providing vital information for intelligence gathering and expose the antics of the criminals.

    Governor Mutfwang, who was in the company of security chiefs and members of the state executive council, was in Zikke community to commiserate with the people on the death of over fifty persons killed in the attacks.
    In his remarks, the Paramount Ruler of Irigwe land, Ronku Aka, who is the Brangwe of Irigwe, urged government to come to the aid of the communities with the provision of social amenities in the area. The governor and the entourage also visited some of the families who lost their loved ones in the attack.

    The victims have been buried, even as members of the community demanded action to stem the rising wave of insecurity in the state.

    My sister got killed when she left our hiding place — Survivor

    A survivor of the attack lamented the palpable fear that prompted his sister to run out of their hiding place and got killed when the attackers invaded their home.“The survivor, Eric Danlami, said they were asleep when the invaders came into the hamlet at about midnight, as the sounds of gunshots and the pandemonium woke them.“His words: “We had retired to bed in the night without any form of suspicion of any kind of problems.

    At the time we heard the sporadic gunshots and movement of the people, we found a place to hide in one of the rooms, not knowing that the attackers had already entered our elder brother’s apartment at the boy’s quarters and slaughtered them, a family of five.“”His wife and first son survived and are currently in the hospital, but my sister, whom we were hiding together in a room, was afraid that they would enter the house.

    As she left the place we were hiding to go to another hiding place, she was sighted. They shot at her and she didn’t survive it.”

    IGP speaks of deployment of more personnel, resources

    The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who was also in the state yesterday, said the days of perpetrators of attacks on rural communities in Plateau State were numbered and assured the people of the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring adequate security in the state.“He said: “We condemn these acts of violence and recognise their devastating impact, especially on local farmers. In response, we have deployed more security personnel and resources to the affected areas and are working closely with other security agencies.

    ”Intelligence gathering efforts have also been intensified to identify and bring the masterminds behind these attacks to justice. We will work tirelessly until these issues are resolved. I assure you that these criminal elements will soon be outnumbered. I appeal to the people of Plateau to remain calm and peaceful.”

    PIDAN demands justice for victims

    Meanwhile, the President of Plateau Initiative for Development and Advancement of the Natives, PIDAN, the umbrella body of the 56 autonomous communities in Plateau State, Amb. Nanpon Sheni, at a media briefing, demanded justice for the victims through accelerated arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators.

    “The peaceful indigenous tribes of Plateau State have been subjected to sustained acts of genocide by terrorist groups connected to global terrorist networks. They perpetrate heinous acts such as rape of women and girls, assaults on houses of worship and kidnapping.

    “If these attacks remain unchecked, its ramifications for Nigeria’s stability, security and prosperity will be catastrophic. We call on the international community, the federal, and state governments and all stakeholders to acknowledge the gravity of the plight of Nigerians under this siege and take immediate action to push back terrorism.

    “We demand justice for the victims of terrorism and genocide through the accelerated prosecutions as promised by the President.

    Nigerians dying from Tinubu’s incompetence — Atiku

    Reacting to the killings, former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, blamed President Bola Tinubu’s administration for the recent spike in deadly attacks across the state, accusing the government of incompetence and failure to protect lives.

    In a strongly-worded statement posted on his official Facebook page yesterday, Atiku expressed deep sorrow over the killing of at least 52 persons in Zike community, Kwali district of Bassa Local Government Area, just days after a similar tragedy in Bokkos LGA, underlining what he described as “the worsening state of security in our country.

    “I am deeply saddened and alarmed by the resurgence of violent attacks in Plateau State.” Atiku wrote further.
    “It is regrettable and entirely unacceptable that these Nigerians had to lose their lives as a result of the incompetence of the Tinubu-led administration.

    ”The protection of lives and property is the primary responsibility of any government. Unfortunately, President Tinubu has failed these citizens and continues to fail them.”

    Beyond Plateau, the former vice president also decried the rising tide of terrorism in Borno State, citing statements from Borno State governor, Babagana Zulum, and the Shehu of Borno, which indicated growing losses in both lives and territory to insurgents.

    “These disturbing developments underscore the total collapse of the current administration’s security policy and architecture,” Atiku said.

    He further criticized the Federal Government’s failure to bring terrorists and bandits to justice, noting that some suspects arrested as far back as 2016 are yet to be prosecuted.

    He added: “If the same level of urgency and energy were devoted to the prosecution of terrorists as we have seen applied to the trials of political critics, we would have sent a clear and forceful message that crime has nsequences.’

    He also condemned the failure to prevent cross-border incursions by armed groups, labeling it a “national disgrace.”

    Perpetrators must be brought to book — Kwankwaso

    On hs part, the presidential candidate of New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, in 2023 election, Sen. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, called on the relevant authorities to ensure that perpetrators of the heinous killings in Plateau State were brought to book.

    He also urged the relevant authorities to rise to their responsibility to ensure the state was not allowed to become a hotbed of violence by ensuring that all lives and properties were protected.

    Kwankwaso in a post on his verified Facebook handle said: “I am saddened to learn of the attack on Zike community, Kimakpa, in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, which resulted in the death of 52 people and destruction of several properties.

    “This sad attack came after over fifty persons were killed within a week in attacks over five communities in the state.

    “It is important that Plateau State must not be allowed to become a hotbed of violence and wanton destruction again after the relative peace it has enjoyed in recent years.

    “The Federal Government must rise to its responsibility to ensure that all lives and properties are protected and the message of peace should be embraced by everyone in the state and beyond.

    Killings in Plateau, agenda by known group — Jang

    In his reaction, former governor of Plateau State and ex-senator representing Plateau North senatorial district, Jonah Jang, condemned the recurring spate of killings in the state, saying the attacks and killing of over 100 lives within two week was painful.“

    He advised President Tinubu to convene an expanded meeting with community leaders to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the situation in Plateau State, adding that such a meeting will provide a platform for stakeholders to share insights and experiences, and enable the President develop a more informed approach to tackling the problem.“

    In a statement issued in Jos yesterday, Jang said: “Let’s call a spade a spade, I offer my deepest condolences to the government and people of Plateau State in the wake of the recent wave of attacks that have claimed numerous innocent lives. ”These senseless killings have caused pain and suffering for our great state and its people, and we must take immediate action to put an end to this violence. “I commend Governor Caleb Mutfwang for his tireless efforts to find a lasting solution to this crisis. His dedication to the safety and well-being of Plateau citizens is truly commendable. I also applaud President Bola Tinubu for his determination to stop the senseless killings of innocent citizens.

    ”His commitment to protecting the lives of Nigerians, particularly those in Plateau State, is a positive step forward.

    “However, I believe it is important to address a misconception in the President’s recent statement directing Governor Mutfwang to resolve the ‘communal issue.’ This suggestion appears to stem from inaccurate briefings by his advisers.

    ”The attacks in Plateau State are not merely communal disputes; they are perpetrated by a known group with a specific agenda. It is crucial for the President to understand the true nature of these attacks in order to address them effectively.

    Additionally, I advise President Tinubu to convene an expanded meeting with community leaders to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the situation in Plateau State. Such a meeting would provide a platform for stakeholders to share their insights and experiences, as this will enable the President to develop a more informed approach to tackling this problem.

    The former Plateau governor urged the people of the state to remain strong and resist any attempts to undermine their existence.

    “As peace-loving and welcoming citizens, we have endured enough. It is time for us to defend ourselves against these aggressors and demand justice. I call upon the people of Plateau State to stay united, vigilant and proactive in the face of these attacks,” he said.

    Northern CAN condemns killings in Plateau

    Similarly, the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in Northern Nigeria, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Yakubu Pam, also strongly condemned the brutal killings in Bassa Local Government Area of the state.

    CAN in a statement signed by the chairman, Rev. Yakubu Pam, said the Christian body was deeply saddened and outraged by the senseless and barbaric attacks that claimed the lives of innocent and peace-loving citizens.

    These repeated acts of violence are not only a violation of human dignity and the sanctity of life, but they are also a direct threat to the peace and unity of our state and the nation at large.“’Northern CAN stands in solidarity with the grieving families and the entire people of Bassa LGA in this moment of pain. We call on security agencies to act swiftly and decisively to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

    ”We also urge the government at all levels to take proactive steps to protect vulnerable communities and prevent further loss of lives.”

    Rev. Dr. Yakubu Pam reiterated that the time had come for all stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, security operatives, and community-based organizations, to unite in purpose and work together to end the cycle of violence that had plagued Plateau State for far too long.“”We pray for peace, healing, and justice. Plateau must not bleed again,” Rev Pam added.

    he chaos; our governors try to make a point about needing unity, but targeting Anyanwu seems more like a proxy war or witch hunt against FCT Minister, Wike rather than a principled stand.

  • Interpol joins EFCC in crackdown on N1.3tn CBEX fraud

    Interpol joins EFCC in crackdown on N1.3tn CBEX fraud

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched a full-scale investigation into a suspected N1.3 trillion crypto fraud linked to the now-defunct digital investment platform, CryptoBank Exchange (CBEX).
    The EFCC confirmed it is partnering with the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL) to track both local and international culprits behind the scam.

    CBEX, reportedly operated by foreign nationals in partnership with Nigerians, abruptly collapsed on Monday, leaving thousands of investors locked out of their accounts. Many woke up to find their balances wiped out, with the platform demanding additional deposits before access could be restored.

    EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale said the commission had already initiated a probe before the collapse, following intelligence reports.
    “We had our intelligence before the incident. We were already working on it, but now that the scheme has collapsed, the major actors and their collaborators will be brought in,” he said on Tuesday.

    He assured Nigerians that the EFCC is committed to exposing and dismantling Ponzi schemes like CBEX, highlighting that several similar operations are also under active investigation. “Additionally, there are similar frauds across the country that people are unaware of, and we are working to uncover them. We are on the local collaborators while we are partnering INTERPOL to trace the foreign operators,” Oyewale added.

    Although the exact scale of losses is yet to be officially verified, unconfirmed reports estimate the stolen funds at over $847 million (about N1.3 trillion), with both Nigerian and foreign investors affected. CBEX, which promised 100% returns within 30 days through online trading, began restricting withdrawals on April 9, 2025.

    In a move widely seen as a red flag, the platform began demanding deposits of $100 to $200 from users to “verify” accounts before allowing withdrawals — a tactic that lured even more unsuspecting victims before the final crash.

    The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently warned against unregistered trading platforms, emphasizing that the new Investment and Securities Act, 2025 makes it illegal to operate such platforms without proper licensing. SEC Director-General Dr. Emomotimi Agama urged prospective operators to seek registration to avoid sanctions.

    Meanwhile, CBEX’s collapse has sparked public outrage. In Ibadan, Oyo State, angry investors stormed the platform’s office in Oke Ado, vandalising the premises and carting away furniture in protest. Security forces, including the Nigeria Police and Operation Amotekun, were deployed to restore order.

    CBEX had been aggressively promoted on social media and among peer networks, luring thousands with the promise of high returns. Reports indicate the platform changed its domain multiple times between January 2024 and February 2025 — a tactic investigators now see as part of a deliberate effort to evade regulatory scrutiny.

  • Police declare Ihuoma Julia Nneji, daughter of ABC transport owner, wanted

    Police declare Ihuoma Julia Nneji, daughter of ABC transport owner, wanted

    The Nigeria Police Force has declared Ihuoma Julia Nneji, a daughter of Frank Nneji, the founder of the popular ABC Transport, wanted over alleged cybercrime.

    Miss Nneji was declared wanted on Tuesday night by the Office of the Nigeria Police Force National Cyber Centre (NPF NCCN), Abuja, as posted on the Force’s official Facebook page.

    According to the ‘wanted’ post, the police listed her offences to include “criminal defamation, injurious falsehood and cyberstalking”.

    Further findings by MCC News show that the daughter of the ABC Transport owner allegedly engaged herself and friends in cyberbullying and blackmailing an Abuja businessman (name withheld) from August through September 2024.

    Following the alleged online blackmailing, social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, aka Verydarkman, on September 24, 2024, in a strong warning video post, gave Miss Nneji 24 hours to retract her blackmailing post and apologise to the businessman, threatening to go after her with evidence if she refuses to tender an apology within the given time frame.

  • Onana faces date with destiny as Man Utd chase Lyon win

    Onana faces date with destiny as Man Utd chase Lyon win

    Andre Onana faces a potentially make-or-break match for his Manchester United career against Lyon in the Europa League on Thursday as the English giants battle to keep their season alive.

    The Cameroon international goalkeeper made himself the main talking point ahead of the first leg of the quarter-final in France, which ended in a 2-2 draw, boldly claiming United were “way better” than their opponents.

    That prompted a salty reply from former United midfielder Nemanja Matic, now with Lyon, who labelled him “one of the worst goalkeepers in Manchester United’s history”.

    Onana was given a hostile reception by fans in France and his words came back to haunt him when he was at fault for both of the goals United conceded.

    United manager Ruben Amorim dropped him for Sunday’s trip to Newcastle, bringing in back-up goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, but the game ended in a 4-1 defeat, with the Turkey international at fault for the fourth goal.

    Amorim now has a potentially season-defining decision to make — does he bring Onana back in or pick Bayindir again?

    The stakes are high. Defeat at Old Trafford would effectively end United’s season, with nothing left to play for in the Premier League.

    Victory would keep them on track to win the Europa League, which would be a passport into the lucrative Champions League for next season.

    United, with Erik ten Hag then at the helm, paid around £47 million ($62 million) to sign Onana from Inter Milan in 2023 as a replacement for David de Gea.

    Ten Hag, who had previously worked with the goalkeeper at Ajax, talked up his ball-playing skills.

    The 29-year-old has shown flashes of brilliance with his glove work during his time at Old Trafford and has occasionally demonstrated his ability with the ball at his feet.

    But he has lacked consistency and has developed an unwanted reputation as a calamity ‘keeper.

    – Error count –

    According to Opta figures from before the latest round of matches, since the start of last season no Premier League goalkeeper had made more errors leading to goals in all competitions than Onana (eight).

    To compound matters, former Spain international De Gea, who was allowed to leave on a free transfer, is now starring for Italian club Fiorentina.

    Amorim defended Onana after last week’s draw at Lyon and explained his decision to leave him out at Newcastle.

    “Sometimes you have to push the player to play again, sometimes you have to let them disconnect a little bit, but (on Monday) he is going to be in training to prepare for the next one,” he told Sky Sports. “I felt it was a good time for Andre to disconnect.”

    He added: “So it was a normal situation. You have to manage everything and sometimes people just look at the physical aspect, but the mental aspect is really, really important.”

    The picture with Onana is nuanced.

    On the one hand, he has the worst minutes-per-goal-conceded ratio of any United goalkeeper with 10 or more Premier League appearances.

    But Opta figures last week showed that since the start of the 2023/24 Premier League season, only Everton’s Jordan Pickford (8.7) had prevented more goals than Onana’s 7.5, based on the sports analytics company’s expected goals model.

    What is beyond doubt is the importance of Thursday’s match at Old Trafford.

    United are an embarrassing 14th in the Premier League with just six matches left and could conceivably end up in 17th spot, just above the relegation places.

    That would be their lowest finish since they were relegated from the top division in the 1973/74 season.

    Amorim still has a chance to end United’s turbulent campaign with a European trophy, which could prove transformative as he rebuilds.

    But whether Onana remains central to his plans both in the short term and the long term remains to be seen.

  • Biden slams Trump ‘destruction’ in first post-presidency speech

    Biden slams Trump ‘destruction’ in first post-presidency speech

    Joe Biden, in his first major speech since leaving the White House, railed Tuesday against his successor Donald Trump’s frenetic government overhaul, claiming the “hatchet” effort put Americans’ retirement benefits at risk.

    “Fewer than 100 days, this administration has done so much damage, and so much destruction — it’s kind of breathtaking it could happen that soon,” Biden told a conference of disability advocates in Chicago.

    “They’ve taken a hatchet to the Social Security administration, pushing 7,000 employees out the door,” said the former president, referring to the national agency which pays out retirement and disability benefits.

    Wearing a blue suit and tie, and standing in front of American flags, the 82-year-old Democrat spoke for around a half-hour, displaying at times the signs of aging that prompted him to abandon his re-election campaign last year.

    He stumbled over some sentences as he read from a teleprompter and struggled to get through winding off-the-cuff anecdotes, cutting himself off with a favorite phrase, “anyways.”

    President Trump, in a jab at Biden, posted a short video on social media of one of the rambling anecdotes, without comment.

    Biden’s choice of topic, Social Security, aimed to ramp up pressure on Trump over his rampaging government overhaul efforts.

    He highlighted staff reductions at the agency that Trump and his billionaire aide Elon Musk have pushed as part of their “Department of Government Efficiency,” saying the Social Security “website is crashing” and hindering retirees from getting their benefits.

    The program, which more than 65 million Americans rely on, is colloquially known in Washington as the “third rail of politics” for its sensitivity to voters.

    Many Americans “literally count on social security to buy food, just to get by,” Biden said, and “many of these beneficiaries, it’s their only income. If it were cut or taken away, it would be devastating, devastating for millions of people.”

    He bashed Trump’s commerce secretary, former hedge fund manager Howard Lutnick, over a recent remark in which he said “fraudsters” would complain about a missing check, but not his mother-in-law.

    Biden scoffed at that characterization, saying “what about the 94-year-old mother living all by herself — who doesn’t have a billionaire in the family?”

  • Attempted murder: Court revokes bail of co-defendants in trial of traditional ruler

    Attempted murder: Court revokes bail of co-defendants in trial of traditional ruler

    An Oyo State High Court in Ibadan, on Monday, revoked the bail granted to two co-defendants in the alleged attempted murder trial of Oba Solomon Akinola, the Oloko of Oko.

    Akinola, the two co-defendants whose bails were revoked, Chief Sunday Aderinto and Adejare Adeleru, are facing a 27-count charge including land grabbing and attempted murder.

    Other defendants in the matter are Chief Jimoh Asimiyu, Timothy Aderinto, Matthew Akintaro, Rafiu Ganiyu, Samson Ogunmola, Zachiaus Adeleru, and Kamorudeen Ajibade.

    Also arraigned are Raji Rasaq, Mutiu Arowosaye, Oyeyemi Oyelekan Olusegun Oyelekan and Sheriff Adio.

    Justice Kareem Adedokun revoked the bail of the two defendants after he was informed by the prosecutor, Mr Isa O Abdulazeez, that the duo were among those that launched a fresh attack on the Aagba Community on April 5.

    The judge stated that bail could be revoked when a defendant facing trial commits a fresh offence.

    He ordered the two defendants to be remanded to Agodi Correctional Facility.

    Adedokun further issued a bench warrant on Timothy Aderinto, the fourth defendant; Matthew Akintaro, the fifth defendant; Rafiu Ganiyu, the sixth defendant; Samson Ogunmola, the seventh defendant; Zacheus Adeleru, the ninth defendant; and Sheriff Adio, the 15th defendant, for their absence in court.

    The judge stated that Akintaro, popularly called Paimo, who had been constantly absent during court proceedings on the excuse of being mentally unstable, must be brought to court either dead or alive.

    He subsequently adjourned the case until May 13 for the definite hearing of the case of the defense.

    Earlier, the Prosecutor, Abdulazeez, had told the court that a fresh attack was launched on Aagba Village, which led to the burning of no fewer than nine houses, including the house of Alagba of Aagba, Oba Joshua Adesola.

    He further alleged that the incident claimed the life of a 70-year-old woman, Madam Rachael Bamidele, and destroyed many other properties

    In his response, the Defence Counsel, Hakeem Sabana, said that he was not aware of the fresh attack, adding that he was no longer representing the first, second, third, and seventh defendants.

    The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that the people of Aagba and Tropical Farm Limited instituted a case against the defendants in November 2023 over the alleged invasion of their community.

    It was alleged that the invasion was on the order of Oba Akinola.

    The Inspector General of Police (IGP) had directed the police to investigate the matter and handed the investigation to the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), who ordered the Oyo State Ministry of Justice to take over the prosecution.

    The defendants had pleaded not guilty to the 27-count charge bordering on alleged attempted murder, assault, robbery, stealing, and land grabbing.