Author: statereporter
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has strongly denied allegations that it distributed N54 billion in forfeited assets connected to former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele. The commission described the claims as baseless and unfounded. In a statement released on Wednesday, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale labeled the accusations as “false and infantile,” asserting that no official within the commission participated in any such activity. Oyewale emphasized that the legal framework governing asset recovery and management in Nigeria, as outlined in the EFCC Act 2004 and the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act 2022, categorically precludes…
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has issued a directive requiring all telecommunications companies (telcos) to block stolen subscriber identification module (SIM) cards within five minutes of receiving a report from subscribers. This new mandate is part of the NCC’s efforts to enhance consumer protection and improve service standards across the telecommunications sector. In a recently released publication titled “Quality of Service Business Rules” issued in August 2024, the NCC outlined several new guidelines aimed at improving customer service and ensuring better accountability from telcos. According to the commission, any further usage of a stolen SIM card should not be chargeable…
The opposition Peoples Democratic Party has thrown its weight behind the call for former President Goodluck Jonathan to join the presidential race for 2027. In the past few weeks, there has been a growing rumour that northern elites and politicians are not happy with President Bola Tinubu’s administration and subtly yearning for a change of government in the next election. Four days ago, Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, also lent his voice to the agitation, vowing to jettison his presidential ambition if Jonathan agrees to contest. Mohammed gave his blessing at an event organised by a non-governmental organisation, Save…
The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has declined an invitation from the Nigeria Police Force, citing prior engagements. The rejection was contained in a letter from Ajaero’s lawyers, Falana and Falana Chambers, addressed to the Inspector General of Police, Statereporters gathered. The letter stated that the police invitation, which was received yesterday, came too late, as Ajaero had already committed to another engagement. The letter read in part: “We are solicitors to the Nigeria Labour Congress and its President, Joe Ajaero… We have the instructions of Ajaero to inform you that he is unable to honour…
American actress and singer, Jennifer Lopez has filed for divorce from Ben Affleck, TMZ reports. The Hollywood couple gave love a second chance when they tied the knot in Las Vegas on July 16, 2022. However, on Tuesday, August 20, Lopez, 55, filed for divorce from Affleck, 52. Lopez filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court and listed April 26, 2024 as the date of separation. She filed for divorce herself without using a lawyer and is technically self-represented. The singer did not say if there was a prenuptial agreement, and sources told TMZ there is none. Lopez and Affleck…
The 2024/2025 UEFA Champions League season marks a significant change in the competition’s format, introducing a more intense and competitive structure. What is the New UEFA Champions League Format? UEFA Champions League 2024/2025 Match Schedule Phase Matches (League Stage): Knockout Rounds: Key Dates for UEFA Champions League Draws Final Venue: Allianz Arena Important Notes As the tournament enters its 70th campaign, UEFA has implemented a new format that replaces the traditional group stage, aiming to enhance the competition’s excitement and unpredictability. Here are details of the new format, the match schedule, and key dates for this season. What is…
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has supported the call for former President Goodluck Jonathan to join the 2027 presidential race. Recall that the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed vowed to jettison his presidential ambition if Jonathan indicates any interest to contest. Some northern elites and politicians who are displeased with President Bola Tinubu’s administration have also called for Jonathan’s return to the presidency. Reacting to the development during an interview with Punch, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Ibrahim Abdullahi, said the position of the Bauchi governor and northern elites resonated with the opposition party. He said,…
The Federal Government has established a 10-member inter-ministerial committee to implement the Supreme Court’s recent ruling granting financial autonomy to local governments. The committee, chaired by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, aims to ensure local governments receive direct funding from the Federation Account, bypassing state governments. The Supreme Court’s July 11 verdict declared it unconstitutional for state governors to hold onto funds meant for local governments, ordering direct payment to the latter. The committee’s members include representatives from various ministries, agencies, and stakeholders, tasked with ensuring compliance and effective implementation of the ruling. The committee’s…
The Court of Appeal sitting in Abuja has ordered former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, to present himself for arraignment. The court in its verdict on Tuesday, August 20, also restrained him from taking further action until he is arraigned. Additionally, the court has set aside the judgment previously delivered by the Kogi State High Court. Bello’s whereabouts have been unknown since the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, attempted to arrest him during a raid from his residence in Abuja, a few months ago. Governor Usman Ododo had scuttled attempts by EFCC’s operatives to arrest Bello from his residence…
Maria Branyas Morera, the world’s oldest living person, has passed away at the age of 117, her family announced on Tuesday. Branyas, who was born in the United States and lived through two world wars, died peacefully in her sleep at the Santa Maria del Tura nursing home in Olot, northeastern Spain. Guinness World Records had recognized Branyas as the world’s oldest person in January 2023, following the death of French nun Lucile Randon at the age of 118. Branyas’s remarkable life spanned over a century, and she had become an inspiration to many. In a poignant message on her…