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Category: News

  • BankBox achieves groundbreaking 1,734% growth in 2024, revolutionising Nigeria’s payment landscape

    BankBox achieves groundbreaking 1,734% growth in 2024, revolutionising Nigeria’s payment landscape

    BankBox, Nigeria’s first portable payment device, in 2024 recorded an incredible 1,734% surge in usage.

    This trailblazing solution has revolutionized the payment landscape by providing businesses with a seamless, affordable, and innovative way to process transactions.

    Designed to meet the dynamic needs of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), Other Financial Institutions (OFIs), and service providers, BankBox combines portability, efficiency, and advanced technology to deliver an unparalleled payment experience.

    Its contactless feature allows businesses to process payments effortlessly, ensuring quick, secure transactions with just a tap. This capability aligns with modern consumer expectations, offering a frictionless payment experience that reduces wait times and enhances customer satisfaction.

    Simplified Contactless Payments with BankBox 

    BankBox makes processing contactless payments effortless. A simple card tap on the device is all it takes to complete a transaction. In line with Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) regulations, transactions under NGN15,000 are supported without needing PIN entry, making everyday payments quick and hassle-free.

    From shopping at local markets to dining at favorite restaurants, customers can now pay quickly—no delays or fuss. BankBox enables businesses to offer the seamless payment experience consumers demand.

    The portable device not only supports contactless transactions but is also compatible with cards from leading commercial banks and fintech companies, including:

    • Access Bank
    • Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank)
    • UBA
    • Zenith Bank
    • First Bank
    • Wema Bank
    • Providus Bank
    • Stanbic IBTC
    • KUDA
    • PalmPay
    • Opay
    • Raven

    By supporting transactions below NGN15,000 without requiring PIN entry, BankBox caters to the high-frequency, low-value payments that dominate everyday spending in Nigeria.

    The contactless functionality and compatibility across major banks and fintech platforms solidify BankBox’s position as a leader in driving Nigeria’s transition toward a cashless economy.

    Revolutionizing Payments across Industries 

    BankBox’s portable design is a game-changer for businesses across sectors. It supports mobile operators like petty traders, logistics companies, and ride-hailing services, as well as established businesses such as supermarket chains. With BankBox, businesses of all sizes can deliver unparalleled convenience.

    What Users Are Saying 

    BankBox has revolutionized payment experiences for millions of Nigerians, reflecting Raven’s unwavering commitment to financial accessibility and inclusion.

    More than just a device, BankBox embodies Raven’s vision for intuitive, reliable, and forward-thinking financial solutions. This innovation transcends convenience, reshaping how Nigerians interact with money and approach everyday transactions.

    Experience effortless, secure, and contactless payments today. The future is BankBox.

  • Lagos govt seals 9 businesses in Mushin, Amuwo Odofin, and Okota Isolo for noise, environmental violation

    Lagos govt seals 9 businesses in Mushin, Amuwo Odofin, and Okota Isolo for noise, environmental violation

    The Lagos State Government has sealed nine establishments across Mushin, Amuwo Odofin, and Okota Isolo for violating noise and environmental regulations, including a bakery, a hotel, a church, a conference center, and a spa, among others.

    The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) carried out the enforcement action as part of its ongoing efforts to reduce noise pollution, uphold environmental standards, and promote a healthier, more sustainable environment for all Lagosians.

    The disclosure was made in a statement posted on Monday via the official X (formerly Twitter) account of Tokunbo Wahab, the Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources.

    It emphasized that despite prior notices from LASEPA, the affected businesses were shut down for failing to meet required environmental standards.

    “In a decisive move to combat noise pollution and other environmental violations, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) @LasepaOfficial the week sealed several establishments across the state. The enforcement operation, which covered areas such as Mushin, Amuwo Odofin, and Okota Isolo, underscores LASEPA’s commitment to fostering a healthier and more sustainable environment for all Lagosians.

    It added, “These establishments were shut down for failing to comply with environmental standards, despite prior notices from the agency,” the statement read in part.

    The establishments sealed include:

    • Daily Bakery
    • Redeemed Christian Church of God
    • Gak Universal Allied Limited
    • Ideal Standard
    • Franjane Royal Suites
    • Golden Haven Resort & Suites
    • Festival Hotel Conference Center & SPA
    • FS Service Centre
    • Moulin Rouge Ventures at Olivia Mall

    The statement highlighted that the closure of the defaulting establishments reinforces LASEPA’s commitment to enforcing environmental regulations and safeguarding the well-being of Lagosians, with the agency assuring the public of its ongoing efforts to create a cleaner, quieter, and more sustainable Lagos.

    What you should know  

    The Lagos State government continues to enforce regulations addressing noise pollution and environmental violations across the state. Recently, several establishments in Gbagada, Ogudu, Ojodu, and Agidingbi were shut down for such violations.

    • Notably, Ile Iyan restaurant in Ikeja GRA was sealed for exceeding noise levels and failing to meet environmental standards. Donald Fast Food in Lekki Phase 1 was closed two months ago for operating as a nightclub in a residential area but reopened after committing to noise limits.
    • In October 2023, the Carizma Hotel in Abule Egba was sealed following repeated noise complaints from residents. Other closures include Silk Club in Ikoyi and Quilox Club in Victoria Island for excessive noise. These actions align with NESREA guidelines, which set noise limits of 55 decibels during the day and 45 at night in residential areas.
    • Additionally, establishments in Ikorodu, including bakeries, hotels, bars, and churches, were sealed for environmental violations. Markets like Mile 12, Ladipo, and Oyingbo were temporarily closed earlier this year but resumed after meeting environmental standards.

    Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has repeatedly emphasized that these actions are vital to public health and a sustainable environment for Lagosians.

     

  • Nigerian box office hits N8.76 billion towards blockbuster December

    Nigerian box office hits N8.76 billion towards blockbuster December

    The Nigerian cinema industry has achieved significant growth in 2024, with box office revenue reaching N8.76 billion year-to-date, reflecting a 59% increase compared to the same period last year.

    While ticket admissions have declined by 0.5%, higher revenue indicates increased average ticket prices and strong performance from high-grossing films.

    One of the standout contributors to this surge is newcomer Disney’s Moana 2, which is on track for an opening weekend surpassing N100 million.

    If achieved, this would set a new record for animated films in Nigeria, overtaking the N28.4 million debut of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse in 2023.

    The film’s strong performance highlights the continued appeal of family-oriented international titles.

    Nigerian productions continue to dominate the market, accounting for over half of 2024’s total box office revenue. Local films have maintained impressive momentum, with at least one title crossing N100 million in earnings each month.

    Funke Akindele’s upcoming Everybody Loves Jenifa, set for release on December 13, is one of the most anticipated titles this year. Akindele’s films have been major contributors to the industry’s growth, with her releases in 2023 alone grossing over N1 billion. Other December releases include Toyin Abraham’s Alakada: Bad and Boujee, Seven Doors, Thin Line, and Christmas in Lagos.

    December has become a key month for Nigerian cinema, a trend established by the success of The Wedding Party in 2016. That film held the record for the highest-grossing Nigerian film until it was surpassed by Omo Ghetto: The Saga in 2020. The tradition of releasing star-studded blockbusters during the holiday season has continued to drive audience engagement and boost revenues.

    Despite a slight dip in admissions compared to the previous year, the Nigerian film industry has leveraged its ability to produce consistent hits, both domestically and internationally. With major titles scheduled for release in December, the industry is poised for a record-breaking conclusion to an already remarkable year.

    Backstory  

    According to a presentation given by Moses Babatope, CEO of NILEgroup, the possibilities for a major turnaround for the industry.

    Babatope alluded to 2004 when there was only one cinema in Nigeria; now, we have about 90 cinemas and 325 screens across Nigeria and Ghana. While this is modest growth, it’s still far from matching our population or output as a content-creating industry,” he explained.

    Despite challenges such as foreign exchange pressures and rising costs, Babatope remains optimistic. “We hope to see attendance growth of 10-15% by year’s end. The resilience of cinemas in times of economic uncertainty is a clear indicator that there’s something fundamental about the Nigerian audience’s connection to the big screen.”

     

  • EFCC records historic asset recovery with seizure of 753 units of duplexes, others in Abuja Estate

    EFCC records historic asset recovery with seizure of 753 units of duplexes, others in Abuja Estate

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has achieved its largest asset recovery to date with the final forfeiture of a 150,500-square-meter estate in Abuja, containing 753 duplexes and other apartments.

    The statement from the commission on its official X page revealed that the property is linked to a former high-ranking government official, who is currently under investigation by the EFCC.

    The ruling, delivered by Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie on December 2, 2024, follows a successful application for the final forfeiture of the estate, located on Plot 109 Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, Abuja.

    Justice Onwuegbuzie disclosed the respondent failed to justify retaining the property, which is suspected to have been acquired through unlawful activities.

    “The respondent has not shown cause as to why he should not lose the property, which has been reasonably suspected to have been acquired with proceeds of unlawful activities. The property is hereby finally forfeited to the federal government,” he stated 

    The forfeiture was made under the commission’s mandate to ensure that individuals engaged in corruption and fraudulent activities are deprived of the proceeds of their crimes.

    The ruling relied on Section 17 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act No. 14, 2006, and Section 44(2) B of the 1999 Constitution.

    Asset recovery 

    The road to the final forfeiture began with an interim order issued on November 1, 2024. The property was built by a former high-ranking government official currently under investigation by the EFCC.

    The Commission described the asset seizure as a critical step in depriving the individual of the proceeds of their alleged crimes.

    EFCC Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, while addressing the House of Representatives Committee on Anti-Corruption stated that recovering illicit assets is a complex process, essential to the anti-corruption fight, as depriving suspects of their crime proceeds prevents them from using those resources to resist investigations.

    “If you understand the intricacies involved in financial crimes investigation and prosecution you will discover that to recover one billion naira is war.

    “So, I told my people that the moment we start an investigation we must also start asset tracing because asset recovery is pivotal in the anti-corruption fight; and one of the potent instruments that you can deploy as an anti-corruption agency for an effective fight is asset tracing and recovery.
    If you allow the corrupt or those that you are investigating to have access to the proceeds of their crime, they will fight you with it.

    “So one of the ways to weaken them is to deprive them of the proceeds of their crime. So, our modus operandi has changed simultaneously. The moment we begin an investigation, we begin asset tracing. That was what helped us to make our recoveries,” Olukoyede stated.

    What you should know 

    The EFCC Establishment Act empowers the Commission to investigate and recover properties acquired through illicit means.

    Section 7 of the Act states: 

    “The EFCC has the power to cause investigations to be conducted as to whether any person, corporate body or organization has committed any offence under this Act or other law relating to economic and financial crimes and cause investigations to be conducted into the properties of any person if it appears to the Commission that the person’s lifestyle and extent of the properties are not justified by his source of income.” 

    This recovery represents a milestone in the EFCC’s operations and is viewed as a testament to the government’s commitment to combating corruption. The EFCC described the process as following due procedure, with the asset recovery aligning with its operational mandate and legal frameworks.

    Abuja Estate, EFCC, EFCC historic asset recovery, Ola Olukoyede

  • NAFDAC uncovers fake alcohol site in Lagos, destroys N30 million worth of products

    NAFDAC uncovers fake alcohol site in Lagos, destroys N30 million worth of products

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has uncovered a counterfeit alcohol production site on Offin Road, Balogun, Lagos Island, following a public complaint.

    The site, a shop converted into a fake alcohol manufacturing hub, was raided on Monday.

    Assorted counterfeit beverages were destroyed on-site, while packaging materials, empty bottles, and repackaged drinks were seized.

    NAFDAC revealed in a statement shared via its official X handle, that the estimated value of the destroyed and confiscated items exceeds N30 million.

    The agency announced that it has initiated further investigations and advised consumers to purchase alcoholic beverages only from reputable vendors.

    It also urged the public to report suspicious products or activities to the nearest NAFDAC office.

    More Insights 

    Todaypriceng recently reported that NAFDAC dismantled illegal alcohol packaging operations at Article Market in Abule-Osun, Lagos State.

    • During the raid, over 50,000 counterfeit branded labels and packaging materials for fake alcoholic beverages, valued at approximately N2 billion, were confiscated.”
    • Also, the agency has shut down another counterfeit alcoholic factory in Abuja and Kaduna.
    • While intensifying its campaign against counterfeit alcohol, NAFDAC dismantled an illicit production operation in Lugbe, Abuja about a few weeks ago.
    • The raid uncovered large quantities of fake alcoholic beverages and expired ingredients with altered dates, underscoring NAFDAC commitments to clamping down on dangerous, substandard goods.
    • In the operation led by Shaba Mohammed, director, of NAFDAC’s Federal Task Force and its enforcement teams, the agency seized the counterfeit alcoholic beverages and equipment used in repackaging these products in reused bottles.

    “This operation is part of a broader effort to target hotspots for counterfeit goods,” said Mohammed. “Lugbe has become a focal point for producing and distributing these fake alcoholic products, with bottles labeled to mimic popular brands and expiration dates altered to deceive consumers. 

    The confiscated products have been packed in residential settings, where counterfeiters relied on imitation packaging materials to produce fraudulent versions of popular alcoholic drinks. Tamanuwa Andrew, deputy director of investigation and enforcement for NAFDAC in Kaduna, reported similar findings in Wuse Market and Mararaba, a community bordering the FCT and Nasarawa.

    “We’ve seen an increase in unregistered herbal remedies and pharmaceutical products alongside counterfeit alcohol,” said Andrew.” Our surveillance is ongoing, intending to clear these products from the markets and protect public health ” 

  • CBN Debunks Claims of Phasing Out Old Naira Notes by December 2024

    CBN Debunks Claims of Phasing Out Old Naira Notes by December 2024

    The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has refuted reports suggesting that the old series of N200, N500, and N1,000banknotes will cease to be legal tender by December 31, 2024.

    In a statement released on Thursday, the CBN, through its acting Director of Corporate Communications, Sidi Hakama, confirmed that the Supreme Court’s order extending the use of the old naira notes indefinitely still stands.

    The CBN emphasized that discussions in various forums about the discontinuation of these notes were false and intended to create confusion in the nation’s payment system.

    “The attention of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been drawn to discussions at different fora suggesting that the old series of the N200, N500, and N1,000 banknotes shall cease to be legal tender on December 31, 2024. We wish to state categorically that such claims are false and calculated to disrupt the country’s payment system,” the CBN said.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the order of the Supreme Court of Nigeria on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, granting the prayer of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to extend the use of old Naira banknotes ad infinitum, subsists.

    “Similarly, the CBN’s directive to all its branches to continue to issue and accept all denominations of Nigerian banknotes, old and re-designed, to and from deposit money banks (DMBs) remains in force.

    “It will be recalled that the Supreme Court ordered that the old series of N200, N500, and N1,000 banknotes shall continue to be legal tender alongside the redesigned versions. Accordingly, all banknotes issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) will continue to remain legal tender indefinitely.”

    CBN advised Nigerians to continue to accept all naira banknotes — old or redesigned — for their day-to-day transactions.

    “We, therefore, advise members of the public to disregard suggestions that the said series of banknotes will cease to be legal tender on December 31, 2024,” the apex bank said.

    “We urge Nigerians to continue to accept all Naira banknotes (old or redesigned) for their day-to-day transactions and handle them with the utmost care to safeguard and protect their lifecycle.”

  • Osun APC suspends Aregbesola over alleged anti-party activities

    Osun APC suspends Aregbesola over alleged anti-party activities

    The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has announced the suspension of former governor and ex-Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, over allegations of anti-party activities.

    The suspension, which takes immediate effect, is pending the outcome of disciplinary proceedings initiated by the state’s party leadership.

    The decision followed a request from the Ilesa East Local Government APC Executive Committee, which petitioned the state party chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, to take action against Aregbesola, citing his alleged involvement in actions that undermined the APC.

    The committee, in a letter, accused Aregbesola of promoting factionalism and colluding with opposition parties, among other allegations.

    Responding to the request, the Osun State APC Executive Committee notified the party’s national leadership, represented by APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, of its decision to suspend Aregbesola and to establish a disciplinary panel to investigate the charges.

    The resolution, dated October 22, titled “Resolution Suspending Rauf Aregbesola for Anti-Party Activities and Constituting a Disciplinary Committee,” was signed by Osun APC Chairman Lawal and Secretary Kamar Olabisi.

    The document, obtained on Tuesday in Osogbo, outlined the allegations and Aregbesola’s suspension based on Article 21 of the APC Constitution.

    “Following complaints of anti-party activities leveled against Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola by the Ilesa East Local Government Executive Committee, the State Executive Committee (SEC), after reviewing the allegations and in accordance with the powers vested in it by Article 21(3)(vi)(c) of the party’s Constitution, hereby suspends Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola from the party pending the outcome of an investigation,” the statement partly read.

    The charges against Aregbesola include, factionalizing the APC by forming the Omoluabi Caucus splinter group; allegedly collaborating with opposition parties to destabilize the APC in Osun State; publicly criticizing party leaders, including President Bola Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande, and former Osun governor Gboyega Oyetola; refusing to participate in or support APC activities within the state; and refusing to vote for the party since the 2019 general elections.

    The committee will deliver its findings and recommendations to the state executive within 14 days.

    It also issued a formal notice to Aregbesola, inviting him to appear and defend himself against the allegations.

    Reaffirming its commitment to party discipline, the Osun APC urged members to avoid actions that could harm the party’s unity and electoral prospects.

    “The party will not hesitate to enforce disciplinary measures on any member found violating the party’s constitution or engaging in anti-party conduct,” the committee said.

    In a follow-up letter dated October 24 and signed by Osun APC Disciplinary Committee Secretary, Waheed Adediran, the former governor was given 48 hours to respond to the allegations in writing.

    His response, the committee noted, would be essential for its investigation into the six charges levelled against him.

  • JUST IN: Tinubu, Dangote, others hold talks on naira-for-crude policy

    JUST IN: Tinubu, Dangote, others hold talks on naira-for-crude policy

    President Bola Tinubu is currently receiving a briefing from the Implementation Committee on Crude Oil and Refined Products Sales in Local Currency at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The Minister of Finance, Mr Wale Edun, who chairs the committee, is leading the small delegation comprising the Chairman of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, and the Group CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mr Mele Kyari.

    Our correspondent spotted the committee members arriving at the Council Chamber at minutes last 02:00 pm.

    In early October, the Federal Government began implementing a policy to sell crude oil to the Dangote Refinery in naira rather than U.S. dollars.

    This followed the Federal Executive Council’s approval which, the FG says, will stabilize fuel prices domestically and strengthen Nigeria’s currency by cutting down on the need for dollars in crude oil transactions.

    The move also allows the NNPC to supply crude oil in local currency, with Dangote’s refinery as the pilot for this strategy.

    By trading in naira, the government aims to improve the availability of petroleum products and decrease import-related costs.

    The Dangote Refinery, which requires significant crude supplies annually, is expected to reciprocate by providing petrol and diesel in naira, simplifying currency transactions and lessening the economic strain of fuel imports.

    The FG said the approach will reduce FOREX demands by up to 40 per cent as key institutions, including the Central Bank of Nigeria and AfreximBank, support the transition.

    However, in September, the NNPCL and the Dangote Refinery were embroiled in pricing disputes.

    The NNPCL claimed it bought petrol from Dangote at a high price of N898 per litre, a rate that Dangote’s representatives called “misleading,” stating that official pricing terms were yet to be finalised.

    At Tuesday’s meeting, President May likely intervene in the simmering dispute between the two companies.

  • Minister invites cybercrime experts to shape Nigeria’s policing policy

    Minister invites cybercrime experts to shape Nigeria’s policing policy

    The Minister of State for Police Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has promised to extend an invitation to two authors, Dr Tombari Sibe and Prof. Christian Kaunert, to join the Federal Government’s Committee on National Policing Policy.

    The duo of Sibe and Kaunert recently launched a book titled ‘Cybercrime, Digital Forensic Readiness, and Financial Crime Investigation in Nigeria’.

    Sibe, who is a lecturer in the Department of Computer Engineering at Rivers State University, is a cybersecurity/digital forensic expert with over two decades of professional experience in Information Technology consulting, while Kaunert is a professor of International Security in the School of Law and Government, Dublin City University, Ireland.

    The minister insisted that experts like Sibe and Kaunert were needed in the committee, which he said was under formation.

    He said the authors would provide inputs on cybersecurity frameworks for the Nigeria Police Force.

    The minister, who was represented by his Senior Technical Adviser on Policy and Strategy, Mike Imafidor, during the book launch, said the ministry was focused on driving police reforms through the integration of advanced technologies.

    The minister said, “Another significant element is the development of a national policing policy, with the committee currently being formed.

    “The aim is to establish a framework for technology integration, avoiding isolated systems that are difficult to connect and ensuring smooth interoperability. The goal is to create a policy that guarantees the sustainability of these technological efforts.”

    Sibe, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Tuesday and sent to newsmen, confirmed the development, saying the book addressed the country’s unique challenges and presented a comprehensive plan for forensic readiness to fill a gap in the country’s cybersecurity infrastructure.

    He said, “Most often, we look at human forensic capabilities only from a budgetary perspective—how much do we have in the budget? How much can we plan for building this registry? But we often don’t take a long-term view in terms of building financial readiness, operational readiness, or any other kind of readiness we need.

    “A key outcome of this study is to establish a clear, articulated roadmap for building forensic readiness. Another important contribution is identifying knowledge, skill gaps, and training needs.”

    “We spoke to some of the top cybercrime investigators in this country, and special thanks go to the agencies that contributed. This allowed us to pinpoint the specific gaps that need to be filled.”

    He said that the book further discussed cryptocurrency, artificial intelligence, and blockchain and highlighted the challenges and opportunities of such technologies.

    Providing more insights on why they authored the book, Sibe added, “Nigeria has witnessed a surge in cybercrime incidents, and this has been quite disturbing.

    “Apart from the financial loss suffered by victims of cybercrime, Nigeria as a nation also suffers from reputational damage.”

  • JUST IN: Protest rocks INEC over demand for Ondo REC redeployment

    JUST IN: Protest rocks INEC over demand for Ondo REC redeployment

    Scores of demonstrators from Ondo stormed the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Abuja on Tuesday, demanding the immediate redeployment of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, from the state.

    Waving banners and placards with messages such as “Mahmood: Redeploy Babalola Now” and “We Don’t Want a Repeat of Edo Fiasco,” the demonstrators blocked the entrance to the national secretariat, demanding a meeting with INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, to voice their concerns.

    The protest comes a week after the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, made a similar request, citing concerns over Babalola’s alleged links to the ruling All Progressives Congress. Speaking at a Peoples Democratic Party campaign rally in Akure, Makinde argued that Babalola’s background in Ondo may compromise the neutrality of the electoral process.

    Supporting the governor’s stance, Ayo Adeyemi, Leader of the demonstrators and Convener of the Ondo Youth League, told journalists that while they had no personal issues with the REC, they could not risk any potential bias in the upcoming election.

    Adeyemi stated, “Redeploying Babalola is in the best interest of our people and INEC to ensure a free and credible election.”

    He added, “We urgently demand that INEC redeploy Ondo Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, from the state. We respect her accomplishments, especially as a woman who has risen to such a prominent position. But for a free and fair election in Ondo, we can’t have Babalola overseeing the process. She grew up here, knows nearly everyone in the public sector, and is highly familiar with the state.
    Babalola hasn’t done anything wrong; we simply want her reassigned to another state to avoid any possible conflict of interest.”

    “We’re not here to criticise INEC’s operations; we just want an unbiased REC to oversee the upcoming governorship election.”

    Responding to the protesters, INEC National Commissioner, Major General Modibbo Alkali (retd), commended them for their orderly conduct.

    Alkali assured them that the commission would consider their concerns regarding Babalola’s position.

    “We appreciate seeing you come here well-organised. INEC operates impartially, without alignment to any political party or candidate. We function under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he

    said. “We’ve received your letter, and INEC will consider it thoroughly. Rest assured, your concerns will be analysed and addressed by the commission chairman.”