Nigeria

Law Enforcement, News, Nigeria

Former EFCC Chairman Ibrahim Lamorde Passes Away at 61

Cairo, Egypt — Ibrahim Lamorde, the former chairman of Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has died at the age of 61. Mr. Lamorde passed away in Egypt, where he had traveled for medical treatment, according to a close associate who spoke to journalists on Sunday morning. Born on December 20, 1962, in Mubi, Adamawa State, Ibrahim Lamorde had a distinguished career in law enforcement. He attended Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology in 1984. Following his graduation, he joined the Nigerian Police Force in 1986. Mr. Lamorde's career in the Nigerian Police Force spanned over three decades. He retired as a Deputy Inspector General of Police in 2021. Throughout his service, he was recognized for his dedicat...
Gov. Yusuf Orders Arrest of Deposed Emir of Kano Aminu Ado Bayero
Judiciary, Law Enforcement, News, Nigeria

Gov. Yusuf Orders Arrest of Deposed Emir of Kano Aminu Ado Bayero

Kano, Nigeria — May 25, 2024 The Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has directed the immediate arrest of the deposed Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, accusing him of creating tension within the state. This directive comes just two days after Bayero's deposition by the governor. A press statement issued early Saturday morning by Mr. Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the spokesperson for the Governor, detailed the events leading up to the order. According to the statement, the former emir was allegedly smuggled into Kano city last night in an attempt to reclaim the palace forcefully. The statement, released at 7:00 AM in Kano, confirmed that the new Emir, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, arrived at the palace accompanied by the Governor, the Deputy Governor, the Speaker of the State As...
We Are Turning the Bend, the Worst is Over – Tinubu
Economy, News, Nigeria

We Are Turning the Bend, the Worst is Over – Tinubu

Abuja, Nigeria – In a bold call for action, President Bola Tinubu has emphasized the need for a more effective local government system to drive community development and deliver essential governance within Nigeria's federal structure. Speaking to a delegation of the Yoruba Leaders of Thought at the State House in Abuja on Friday, President Tinubu underscored the transformative nature of governance that addresses the critical needs of citizens. The President, in a statement by Presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale, reflected on the achievements and challenges of his administration over the past 12 months. "It has been challenging. It has been fulfilling as well. We took over, and we have stopped the bleeding. I can say categorically now that Nigeria is no longer bleeding. And it will not...
FG Halts Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Realignment Over Submarine Cables
Communication, Infrastructure, News, Nigeria

FG Halts Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway Realignment Over Submarine Cables

Lagos, Nigeria — The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially abandoned plans for the proposed realignment of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, citing the presence of critical submarine cables along the coastline as the primary reason for this decision. This announcement was made during the 3rd Stakeholders Meeting in Lagos by the Minister of Works, Dave Umahi. Key Concerns Over Submarine Cables Minister Umahi detailed that the planned diversion of the highway, which would have traversed through coastal areas, posed significant risks to the submarine cables. These cables are essential for the nation’s telecommunications infrastructure, and any disruption could lead to severe network outages across Nigeria. In response to these concerns, telecommunication companies had previousl...
Minister Makes U-Turn, Offers Gifts to 100 Orphaned Girls Ahead of their Mass Wedding
Human Rights, News, Nigeria, Religion, Women Empowerment

Minister Makes U-Turn, Offers Gifts to 100 Orphaned Girls Ahead of their Mass Wedding

In a move that has surprised many, the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, appears to have withdrawn her disapproval for the proposed mass wedding of 100 orphaned girls in Niger state. The Minister announced scholarships and provided various gift items to 100 orphaned girls in Niger State on Thursday. This initiative comes ahead of their mass wedding scheduled for Friday, sponsored by Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly. The minister, who initially opposed the mass wedding, citing violations of the Child Rights Act, addressed a press conference in Abuja, where she revealed her efforts to halt the wedding. "I have petitioned the Inspector General of Police and filed a lawsuit seeking an injunction to stop the wedding," Kennedy-Ohanenye stated. ...
Federal High Court Halts Reinstatement of Emir Sanusi and Abolishment of Kano Emirates
Judiciary, Justice, Legislature, Nigeria

Federal High Court Halts Reinstatement of Emir Sanusi and Abolishment of Kano Emirates

Kano, Nigeria – The Federal High Court in Kano has issued an ex-parte order preventing Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf from reinstating Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II. This order will remain in effect until a substantive suit challenging the reinstatement is resolved. The court's decision also temporarily halts the abolishment of four Kano emirates: Bichi, Gaya, Karaye, and Rano. This development follows a bill passed by the Kano State House of Assembly on Thursday that supported the reinstatement of Emir Sanusi and the dissolution of the aforementioned emirates. Justice A.M. Liman, who presided over the case, directed all parties to maintain the status quo ante pending the determination of the suit. The suit was filed by Sarkin Dawaki Babba and Aminu Babba-Dan’Agundi, seeking to prevent the re...
CBN Mandates Reapplication for Bureau de Change Licenses
Economy, Finance, Nigeria

CBN Mandates Reapplication for Bureau de Change Licenses

Abuja, Nigeria – May 23, 2024: In a move aimed at restructuring the foreign exchange market, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed all Bureau de Change (BDC) operators in the country to reapply for new operational licenses. The CBN's directive requires compliance by June 3, 2024, to continue participating in forex operations. This announcement follows the introduction of revised Regulatory and Supervisory Guidelines for BDC Operations in Nigeria earlier this year. As part of these reforms, the CBN has set new minimum capital requirements: N2 billion for tier 1 BDC operators and N500 million for tier 2 operators. The circular, signed by Haruna Mustafa, Director of the Financial Policy and Regulation Department at CBN, outlines comprehensive reforms intended to enhance the ro...
Breaking News: Sanusi Lamido Reinstated as Emir of Kano
Judiciary, Legislature, News, Nigeria

Breaking News: Sanusi Lamido Reinstated as Emir of Kano

Kano, Nigeria – In a dramatic turn of events, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II has been reinstated as the Emir of Kano, LEADERSHIP has authoritatively gathered. This decision follows the Kano State House of Assembly's resolution to dethrone the current Emir and dismantle the four new Emirates established under a controversial 2019 law. Though an official announcement is yet to be made, credible sources confirm that Sanusi II has been reinstated and is expected to return to Kano on Friday. According to these inside sources, “So certainly with the passage of the Bill, Sanusi automatically stands reinstated. No need for confirmation, the thing to do is wait for the Governor to assent to it.” See Also: Kano State House of Assembly Dissolves Newly Created Emirates, Paves Way for Sanusi’s Return ...
Kano State House of Assembly Dissolves Newly Created Emirates, Paves Way for Sanusi’s Return
Legislature, News, Nigeria

Kano State House of Assembly Dissolves Newly Created Emirates, Paves Way for Sanusi’s Return

Kano, Nigeria – In what may be described as a major move, the Kano State House of Assembly has dissolved the four newly created emirate councils in the state, leaving only the Kano Emirate. This decision followed extensive deliberations on the floor of the House during a plenary session on Thursday. The Kano State Emirates Council Amendment Bill was brought to the floor for consideration, and it swiftly passed through its second and third readings on Thursday morning. The bill's approval marks a significant shift in the state's traditional leadership structure, which had been altered under the administration of former Governor Abdullahi Ganduje. Deputy Speaker Muhammad Butu elaborated on the rationale behind repealing the law, stating that it was essential to restore the lost glory ...
Atiku Vows to Continue Presidential Bids: “I Will Keep Contesting”
Elections, News, Nigeria

Atiku Vows to Continue Presidential Bids: “I Will Keep Contesting”

Abuja, Nigeria - Atiku Abubakar, Nigeria's former vice-president, has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to pursuing the presidency, declaring his intention to "keep contesting" as long as he remains healthy. The 77-year-old veteran politician made this statement during an interview on the Hausa service of the Voice of America in Abuja. Abubakar, who represented the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 presidential election, will be 81 years old by the next election in 2027. Despite his age, he remains resolute in his ambition to lead Nigeria. “Of course, I will keep contesting again and again as long as I am alive and healthy,” Abubakar said, underscoring his enduring political resolve. Having made six attempts at the presidency, Abubakar has been on the ballot as a pres...