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Court restrain Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and others from granting media interviews

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Court restrain Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and others from granting media interviews

The Federal High Court, FHC, in Abuja on Friday, restrained Sen. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan; the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and others from granting media interviews while the suit filed by Natasha is still pending before the court.


The new judge, Justice Binta Nyako, gave the order during the hearing of the suit filed by the suspended senator to stop the Senate from investigating her.


Justice Nyako ordered that no party or counsel in the suit should grant media interviews pending the hearing and determination of the case.

“There should be no press interview.by all parties and counsel as regard the subject matter of this case; no streaming or social media post as regard this case.

“There should be no TV interviews as regard this. There should be total media blockage,” the judge held.

On Thursday that the Chief Judge of FHC, Justice John Tsoho, had reassigned the case to Justice Nyako.

The development followed Justice Obiora Egwuatu’s withdrawal from the matter after citing allegations of bias reportedly levelled against him by the senate president, who is the 3rd defendant in the matter.

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Supreme Court nullifies judgment recognising Abure as LP national chair

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Supreme Court nullifies judgment recognising Abure as LP national chair

The Supreme Court has set aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal in Abuja recognising Julius Abure as the National Chairman of the Labour Party, LP.

In a unanimous judgment on Friday, a five-member panel of the apex court held that the Court of Appeal lacked the jurisdiction to have pronounced Abure National Chairman of the LP having earlier found that the substance of the case was about the party’s leadership.

The lead judgment was prepared by Justice Okoro and read by Justice Mohammed Idris.

It held that issue of leadership was internal affair of a party over which courts lacked jurisdiction and noted that Abure’s tenure had since expired.

The court allowed the appeal filed by Senator Ester Nenadi Usman and one other and held that it was meritorious.

It proceeded to dismiss the cross-appeal filed by the Abure faction of the LP for being unmeritorious.

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A popular commercial driver, Muihili Adebayo, has been abducted by armed bandits in Ondo, after killing his son and wife

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A popular commercial driver, Muihili Adebayo, has been abducted by armed bandits in Ondo, after killing his son and wife

A popular commercial driver, Muihili Adebayo, has been abducted by armed bandits in Ondo State, with the assailants killing his son and injuring his wife during the attack.

The incident occurred on Wednesday night at Adebayo’s residence in the Shagari area of Owo Local Government Area. 

Adebayo, who operates the Akure-Lagos route, was reportedly ambushed and taken away by the gunmen.

A neighbour who spoke to Daily Trust on Thursday disclosed that Adebayo’s wife was shot while resisting the kidnappers. 

He said one of their children was killed during the struggle.

“She is currently recovering in a private hospital, but the boy died on the spot. The mother sustained a bullet wound to her hand but managed to escape,” the source said.

The injured woman was later rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Owo, where she remains in a coma.

A family member, who requested anonymity, confirmed that the kidnappers have demanded a N20 million ransom for Adebayo’s release. 

The family has appealed to the government and the public for assistance.

Why Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed resigned as political adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

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Why Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed resigned as political adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Daily Trust reliably learnt that Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s political adviser, has resigned.

Impeccable sources in the presidency confirmed yesterday that the former spokesman of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) tendered his resignation about two weeks ago.

The sources said Dr. Baba-Ahmed did not provide details of the reasons for his decision, only stating that it was on personal grounds. However, as of the time of filing this report, it was unclear whether the presidency had accepted his resignation.

Baba-Ahmed was appointed Special Adviser on Political Matters in the Office of Vice President Kashim Shettima in September 2023.

Over the past 17 months, he has represented the presidency at several public forums, including a recent national conference themed “Strengthening Nigeria’s Democracy: Pathway to Good Governance and Political Integrity,” which was held from 28 to 29 January 2025 in Abuja.

Dr. Baba-Ahmed’s role in the presidency drew criticism at certain points. A notable criticism came from the current Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle.
In April 2024, Matawalle appeared to have taken aim at Dr. Baba-Ahmed, when he said northern appointees must not remain silent in the face of intimidation or misrepresentation of the Tinubu administration. 

His remarks came after Baba-Ahmed criticised Matawalle’s dismissal of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) as a “political paperweight”. That position by the minister was in reaction to the group’s statement that the North had made a mistake voting for Tinubu in 2023.
Baba-Ahmed had argued that the Tinubu administration would have been better served if Matawalle had highlighted his own achievements as a minister—along with those of other northern appointees—rather than attacking the NEF.
“Scathing criticism of NEF by the junior minister of defence, Matawalle, is ill-advised. He could have done a better job for this administration if he identified contributions of especially northern ministers and other appointees like me to improving security and reducing poverty in the North,” Baba-Ahmed wrote.

Matawalle fired back, insisting that government appointees had a duty to defend and promote the administration they served. “Dr Baba-Ahmed’s relationship and affinity with the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) is well known,” Matawalle said, adding that: “As an appointee of this administration, it is his responsibility to work for its success, protect and defend the government against unjust and vicious attacks from those who hide under ethnic and other primordial interests to heat up the polity for myopic reasons”.

Passengers escape fire incident on ferry in Lagos

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Passengers escape fire incident on ferry in Lagos

A LAGFERRY vessel conveying 19 passengers was involved in a fire incident in the early hours of Thursday. 

The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) said the incident occurred at approximately 6:45am at the Ipakodo Ferry Terminal in Ikorodu.

LASWA said the vessel, Igbega Eko, was en route to Victoria Island when the incident happened.

The agency said upon receiving the distress call, its emergency response team swiftly mobilised to the scene, working in close coordination with LAGFERRY, other boat operators and first responders to manage the situation effectively. 

“We are pleased to report that all passengers and crew on board were evacuated safely, though four passengers suffered minor injuries and are currently receiving medical attention,” the agency said. 

LASWA added that it is currently conducting thorough preliminary investigations into the cause of the incident, collaborating with LAGFERRY and other stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive assessment. 

“Safety is our utmost priority, and we are committed to implementing any necessary recommendations to enhance fire prevention measures throughout the Lagos waterways,” the agency said.


LASWA assured the public that all safety protocols remain intact and ferry operations are proceeding as scheduled.

Odumodublvck, has publicly asked the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to return the support he once gave him during the 2023 general elections

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Odumodublvck, has publicly asked the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to return the support he once gave him during the 2023 general elections

Nigerian rapper, Tochukwu Gbubemi Ojogwu, better known as Odumodublvck, has publicly asked the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to return the support he once gave him during the 2023 general elections.

The Abuja-born artiste made the call on Thursday, April 3, via his official X handle.
According to him, he supported Obi “with sweat and blood” and now expects the same energy in return, especially as he prepares to launch his upcoming music project, “The Machine”.
In his first post, he wrote, “@PeterObi hello Mr Peter Obi. I support you that year. Oya support me now. Oya do video dey talk the machine is coming. Abeg. Me and you never ever get problem before. Make e no start now.”

Shortly after, he followed up with another post, making his frustration clearer.
“The time wey I support Peter Obi na with sweat and blood, If he cannot give me a ‘common’ tweet then me and am go fight. I no dey hide my mouth. Make una dey talk una own. The machine is coming.”

The rapper, whose real name is Tochukwu Ojogwu, was one of the loudest voices in the creative industry backing Obi during the 2023 presidential race.

On March 2, 2023, Odumodublvck, in the second verse of the NATIVE Sound System single “Vex,” expressed his hope for Peter Obi to “save” him, indicating his political support for the candidate.
In May 2023, he turned down an offer to perform at Bola Tinubu’s inauguration, saying: “They did not do their research.”
As at time of filing this report, Peter Obi has yet to respond to Odumodublvck’s demand.

While some fans sympathised, many blasted the rapper for trying to pressure a political figure into promoting his music.
@African_unifier wrote, “I know you needed traffic for your new song but don’t ever try and use Peter Obi to chase your clout. I’m a top fan of yours but learn to respect.”

@societyhatesjay asked, “Omo you no get who dey advice you?”
@it_Rutie added, “Peter can never do this. Don’t you have people who advise you?”
@little_finger_c slammed the move, “So your political alignment is not based on conviction but ‘you do for me, I do for you’? Na madt you dey like this.”

@de_general joked, “We have street carnival in Lagos Island. Peter Obi should come o. We need him to show up o!”
@Onson_Atafi predicted doom, “Your album will flop.”
@yanjumoney said bluntly, “If that man use mistake endorse that…”

2025 UTME: JAMB releases mock notification slip for printing

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2025 UTME: JAMB releases mock notification slip for printing

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has said the 2025 UTME-Mock Notification Slip is now available for printing for candidates who registered to participate in the optional UTME-Mock exercise.

The Guardian reports that the UTME-Mock Examination is scheduled for Thursday, April 10, while the main examination commences on Friday, April 25, 2025.

JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, in a statement on Thursday, said the Notification Slip includes crucial information such as the examination date, venue (centre), time, and other essential details needed to successfully sit for the examination.

“Candidates are encouraged to print their Notification Slip starting from Thursday, April 3, 2025. This will allow ample time to make necessary logistical arrangements to access their assigned centres within the chosen examination towns,” he said.

“Candidates are strongly advised to print their slips and familiarise themselves with their examination centres at least one or two days before the examination date.”

He said this preparation will ensure a smooth experience on the day of the examination.

To Print the Slip, candidates are to visit www.jamb.gov.ng, Click on “2025 Mock Slip Printing”, enter the registration number and click “Print Examination Slip”.

Sanwo-Olu apologises to Lagosians over gridlock

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Sanwo-Olu apologises to Lagosians over gridlock

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has apologised to Lagosians over the severe traffic situation experienced on Wednesday and Thursday morning due to repair works on the Independence Bridge in the state.

Sanwo-Olu tendered the apology on Thursday while on an inspection visit at the bridge to see the work being done by the Federal Ministry of Works.

According to Sanwo-Olu, the decision to fix the bridge was made to prevent a disaster waiting to happen.

He said all the alternative routes will be cleaned up, adding that more traffic officers and security operatives will be deployed to the roads as it was done during the December period.

The governor appealed to Lagosians to keep obeying traffic rules, just as he advised the office to imbibe the work-from-home structure during the period the bridge undergoes repair.

Lagos was under lockdown by traffic Wednesday due to the shock closure of the bridge.

Victoria Island and Ikoyi were the worst hit by the Independence Bridge closure, with most streets witnessing heavy traffic from Wednesday evening till the early hours of Thursday.

Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, later directed the immediate reopening of the Independence Bridge in Lagos to vehicular traffic.

This directive follows the earlier closure of the bridge for planned maintenance and rehabilitation works, which caused slow and chaotic traffic around Lagos Island, Victoria Island and Ikoyi on Wednesday.

The ministry expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to the motoring public by the closure and appealed for their understanding and cooperation.

The Federal Ministry of Works clarified that the necessary repair works on the bridge would be carried out at a later time.

NNPCL increases petrol price to N950/litre

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NNPCL increases petrol price to N950/litre

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has raised the price of premium motor spirit, also known as petrol, to N925 per litre at its filling stations in Lagos and N950 per litre in Abuja, a few hours after the organisation witnessed a major administrative shake-up

The national oil firm raised the product’s price from the previous N880 per litre.
In Lagos, the price of petrol at the NNPCL stations around Fadeyi, Ago Palace Way, and Second Rainbow outlets increased to N925 per litre from N860 on Wednesday, while NNPC retail outlets in Federal Housing, Kubwa, increased their price by N70.

The Guardian investigations revealed that some of the NNPC filling stations around Ikotun increased fuel prices to N925/litre while other privately owned filling stations like God’s Decision sold for N1000/litre.
NNPC stations along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and Ikorodu Road now sell at N925 per litre, after initially displaying N930 per litre to customers.

This latest development mirrors ongoing shifts in Nigeria’s free-market fuel system and follows changes in market competition, supply costs, and global oil prices.
On March 19, NNPCL maintained that the decision to halt sales in naira was triggered by its move to avoid a mismatch between sales proceeds and crude oil purchase obligations, which are currently denominated in U.S. dollars.

This is coming after President Bola Tinubu appointed Mr. Bayo Ojulari to replace Mele Kyari as the NNPCL Group CEO early Wednesday, while also making changes to the NNPCL board.
Earlier in 2025, NNPC had sold petrol at N925 per litre in December 2024 before several price changes.

Lagos Government begins demolition of buildings

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Lagos Government begins demolition of buildings

The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has commenced the removal of illegal structures across the state following the expiration of the amnesty period granted by the State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu.

In a statement made available to newsmen, the agency said the exercise began in Ogudu GRAW, where its officials enforced compliance with the state’s urban planning regulations following the expiration of the amnesty period, which was extended to December 31, 2024, to allow property owners to regularize their documents.

According to the Permanent Secretary, LASBCA, Arc. Gbolahan Owodunni Oki, the enforcement drive aims to restore order to the state’s physical planning landscape and ensure the safety of residents. 
He stressed that the Lagos State Government had given ample time for property owners with illegal structures to obtain necessary approvals and comply with the state’s building regulations.

Oki added that several notices had been served before this final enforcement action was taken. “Unfortunately, some residents have refused to comply, and the Agency has no option but to enforce actions to reclaim public spaces and prevent building collapses.”
“The enforcement drive is expected to continue in other parts of the state, as the government intensifies efforts to sanitize the built environment to rid the metropolis of unapproved structures, prevent environmental degradation, and ensure the safety of its residents,” Oki enthused. 

The agency reiterated its commitment to maintaining a well-structured and safe urban environment in line with Governor Sanwo-Olu’s Developmental Agenda. 

LASBCA further warned property owners and developers across Lagos State to ensure adherence to building regulations to avoid facing similar enforcement actions in other areas of the state. 

The agency assured that all affected buildings had been duly marked and issued notices months in advance, with clear directives on compliance requirements.

NCAA warns airlines against deporting Nigerians during international travels – here’s why it matters

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NCAA warns airlines against deporting Nigerians during international travels – here’s why it matters

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has warned airlines against selling tickets to Nigerians on international travels without proper visa documents.

The warning comes as passengers complained about airlines selling tickets to passengers, only to airlift them halfway to their destinations and deport them back to Nigeria.

The Director, Consumer Protection and Public Affairs, Michael Achimugu, in a statement, said such actions, which involve the refusal of boarding and entry at intermediate and transit stops to some Nigerians due to visa and travel restrictions are causing significant distress to passengers and tarnishing the reputation of the aviation industry in Nigeria.

He said the NCAA finds such practices unacceptable as it is the responsibility of airlines to inform passengers about any potential barriers to their admissibility at their destination before the commencement of travel.

“Passengers should not be put in a position where they are denied entry or returned to Nigeria only on arrival at intermediate/transit stops,” he stated.

“In line with the provisions of Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 Part 19.21.1.1, all airlines and their agents must ensure that passengers are informed of any potential admissibility issues or travel restrictions in advance of their departure,” he said.

“Airlines must take appropriate measures to screen and provide passengers with accurate, up-to-date information regarding their travel documents and visa requirements before issuing a ticket and proceeding to board them.

“Any airline found to be engaged in such practices will be subject to regulatory action, including but not limited to fines, suspension of flight operations, or other measures deemed appropriate.”

Achimugu said the authority expects the cooperation of all airlines in maintaining the integrity and professionalism of the aviation industry, as well as ensuring the well-being of Nigerian passengers.

Senator Ishaku Elisha Abbo has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of running the Nigerian Senate like a personal empire

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Senator Ishaku Elisha Abbo has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of running the Nigerian Senate like a personal empire

Senator Ishaku Elisha Abbo has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of running the Nigerian Senate like a personal empire and targeting senators who oppose his views.

Speaking on Arise TV on Wednesday, Abbo claimed that Akpabio orchestrated the removal of five senators, including himself.

The former Adamawa North senator alleged that Akpabio had privately informed him of the planned ousting.

“He told me that five senators would be removed. I asked how he knew, and he said, ‘I am the Senate President. I know.’ True to his words, five of us were removed. I had no idea that I was one of them,” Abbo stated.
Abbo, who supported Senator Abdulaziz Yari’s bid for Senate President, said Akpabio attempted to win him over with personal appeals and financial incentives.

“He came to my hotel room around 2 AM, asking for my support. I told him I was already committed to Yari. Later, at a meeting at Transcorp Hilton, $10,000 was being distributed, but I refused to take any money,” he said.
He further accused Akpabio of denying him travel reimbursements, blocking his participation in an international parliamentary assignment, and withholding his official vehicle after he was removed from office.
“Every other senator who was removed by the courts got their vehicles, but I was excluded. This is the level of vindictiveness displayed by Akpabio,” he said.
He said, “Now, let’s look at Senator Ali Ndume. When he raised concerns about the way things were being run in the Senate, he was removed as Chief Whip and stripped of his position as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations.

“I also moved a motion to amend the Senate Standing Rules so that only senators who had served at least one term could contest for Senate leadership. But what did Akpabio do? He rewrote the rules to allow first-term senators to become leaders of both the majority and minority caucuses—just so he could control them.

“Do you know that in Akpabio’s house, senators serve him tea?”
“Well, I am telling you now. And I told him, ‘You are no longer a governor. These senators are our colleagues, not your commissioners. They are not here to serve you tea,’” Abbo alleged.
“I have always defended the integrity of the Senate. The issue is the leadership, not the institution itself.”

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