Home Blog Page 88

Oba Joseph Oloyede, the Apetu of Ipetumodu in Osun State, has been sentenced to 56 months in U.S. Prison for fraud

NewsWireNGR
-
0
Oba Joseph Oloyede, the Apetu of Ipetumodu in Osun State, has been sentenced to 56 months in U.S. Prison for fraud

Oba Joseph Oloyede, the Apetu of Ipetumodu in Osun State, has been sentenced to 56 months in prison by a U.S. federal court for orchestrating a multimillion-dollar COVID-19 relief fraud.

The 62-year-old dual U.S.-Nigerian citizen, who resides in Ohio, was also ordered to pay over $4.4 million in restitution and serve three years of supervised release after his prison term.

U.S. District Judge Christopher A. Boyko handed down the sentence on Tuesday, and Oloyede was further required to forfeit his Medina, Ohio, home and an additional $96,006.89 in proceeds investigators had seized.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio, Oloyede, together with his co-conspirator Edward Oluwasanmi, engaged in a scheme from April 2020 to February 2022 to exploit emergency COVID-19 loan programmes provided by the Small Business Administration (SBA) under the CARES Act.

“From about April 2020 to February 2022, Oloyede and his co-conspirator, Edward Oluwasanmi, conspired to submit fraudulent applications for loans that were made available through the U.S. Small Business Association (SBA) under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act,” the statement said.

Both men pleaded guilty in April to wire fraud and tax fraud charges. Court records indicate that Oloyede, a tax preparer,and owner of multiple businesses and a nonprofit, used these entities to submit false loan applications. 

He obtained approximately $1.7 million in SBA funds for his entities, while Oluwasanmi secured $1.2 million for his own businesses.

Investigators also found that Oloyede submitted fraudulent PPP and EIDL applications in the names of some of his clients, receiving 15–20% of the loan amounts as kickbacks without reporting the income to the IRS. The misappropriated funds were used to acquire land, build a home, and purchase a luxury vehicle.

“In total, Oloyede caused the SBA to approve 38 fraudulent applications, amounting to $4,213,378 in disbursed loans and advances,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.

Oluwasanmi, also 62 and from Willoughby, Ohio, was sentenced in July to 27 months in prison. He was ordered to pay over $1.2 million in restitution, forfeit a commercial property purchased with fraud proceeds, and surrender more than $600,000 held in financial accounts.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office highlighted the collaborative investigation by the Department of Transportation Office of the Inspector General, the FBI Cleveland Division, and IRS-Criminal Investigations under the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee Fraud Task Force. 

“This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Edward D. Brydle and James L. Morford for the Northern District of Ohio,” the statement added.

The conviction underscores the U.S. government’s commitment to holding individuals accountable for exploiting federal relief programmes during the pandemic.

For marketing and advertising, or publishing your promotional content, contact us at [email protected]

Full List: Pots confirmed for 2025/26 Champions League draw

NewsWireNGR
-
0
Full List: Pots confirmed for 2025/26 Champions League draw

A new chapter of European football is about to begin, as the pots for the Champions League 2025/26 draw take shape. 

After PSG lifted the trophy last season, all eyes now turn to the new campaign — where dreams will be renewed, rivalries reignited, and fresh stories written on the grandest stage of them all.

So far, 32 teams have secured their place in the League Phase. On Tuesday, Kairat Almaty, FK Bodø/Glimt, and Pafos joined the original 29 qualifiers, leaving just four remaining spots to be decided on Wednesday. The official draw is set for Thursday, August 28.

The seeding for the four pots has also been outlined, based on UEFA coefficients. However, the final composition may shift depending on the outcomes of the remaining qualifiers.

(Clubs marked with an asterisk are still involved in qualifying. Should they fail to advance, other teams will move up accordingly.)

Pot 1 (Champions League winner + 8 top UEFA coefficients)

  • Real Madrid
  • Manchester City
  • Bayern Munich
  • Liverpool
  • PSG
  • Inter Milan
  • Chelsea
  • Borussia Dortmund
  • Barcelona

Pot 2

  • Arsenal
  • Bayer Leverkusen
  • Atlético Madrid
  • Benfica*
  • Atalanta
  • Villarreal
  • Juventus
  • Eintracht Frankfurt
  • Club Brugge*

Pot 3

  • Tottenham Hotspur
  • PSV Eindhoven
  • Ajax
  • Napoli
  • Sporting CP
  • Olympiacos
  • Slavia Praha
  • FK Bodø/Glimt
  • Olympique Marseille

Pot 4

  • Copenhagen*
  • Pafos
  • AS Monaco
  • Ferencváros*
  • Galatasaray
  • Kairat Almaty
  • Union Saint-Gilloise
  • Athletic Club
  • Newcastle United

For marketing and advertising, or publishing your promotional content, contact us at [email protected]

Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, LAUTECH says the College of Health Sciences remains closed as its indefinite strike enters its 26th day

NewsWireNGR
-
0
Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, LAUTECH says the College of Health Sciences remains closed as its indefinite strike enters its 26th day

The Nigerian Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) states that the College of Health Sciences remains closed as its indefinite strike enters its 26th day.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Nigerian Association of Medical and Dental Academics (NAMDA) LAUTECH Chairman, Prof. Michael Olamoyegun and Secretary, Dr. Ayobami Alabi.

The association accused the university management of failing to implement the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and pay arrears owed since January 2025.

Olamoyegun stated that despite multiple meetings with management, where they presented documentary evidence and payment tables, the association was met with promises but no tangible action.

He added that the delay was wasting students’ time and stalling their medical education and clinical training, blaming the management for undermining staff welfare and the future of the profession.

He stressed that members had shown restraint for years but could no longer endure silence and neglect, insisting that the strike would continue until demands were met.

The association urged the Oyo State Government, the Governing Council of LAUTECH, and stakeholders to intervene urgently, warning that all academic and clinical services would remain suspended indefinitely.

For marketing and advertising, or publishing your promotional content, contact us at [email protected]

A police officer serving in Rivers State was flogged for using hard drugs in a hideouts for drug users

NewsWireNGR
-
0
A police officer serving in Rivers State was flogged for using hard drugs in a hideouts for drug users

A police officer serving in Rivers State and two other youths have been nabbed and flogged for alleged use of hard drugs.

The incident happened at Nkpolu Community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state.

It was gathered that following reports of high drug use and abuse in the area, youths of Nkpolu community declared NoDrug Abuse Campaign in the area.

It was gathered that within the week, the youth leadership in the move to sanitise their community of drug use had arrested and disciplined many of the users caught in the act.

Saturday, the youths stormed one of the hideouts for drug users and arrested three people, including a police officer serving in the state.

The police officer, who gave his name as Joshua Eyong, serving in a division within Obio/Akpor LGA, was flogged alongside the other suspects.

Eyong, who displayed his service identity card to the youths, did not dispute the claims of the youths, who caught them.

Speaking, Owhonda Chamberlain, the Youth President of Nkpolu Community, said the three people were picked in line with their resolve to end drug abuse in their community.

Chamberlain regretted that most of the youths of their area have lost their houses to drug use, adding that drugs are impacting negatively on their youths, hence the move to end the menace.

He said: “There is a campaign going on in our community headed by the youths of Nkpolu, following the powers given to me as the youth president to ensure that there is no drug in our community.

“We discovered that some of our children do not have homes. We found out that the property that their parents struggled to acquire, they are selling it for drugs. What they do is that after taking drugs worth N3 million, they sell their house for N4 million.

“The drug dealer will now give them N1 million. Nkpolu has decided that there will be no drug dealer, no drug smoker in our community again. If you want to take drugs, go to Rumuaghorlu, go to hotels. It should not be something that should be done here.”

When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of the state Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, said the police saw the development in a video on a social media platform.

She noted that the police officer involved in the development has denied involvement in drug use, noting that an investigation has been launched into the incident.

For marketing and advertising, or publishing your promotional content, contact us at [email protected]

In Ekiti, a woman, Modupe Alasin has died after she was beaten by her husband in Efon Alaaye, over lateness to farm

NewsWireNGR
-
0
In Ekiti, a woman, Modupe Alasin has died after she was beaten by her husband in Efon Alaaye, over lateness to farm

A woman simply identified as Modupe Alasin has died after she was mercilessly beaten by her husband in Efon Alaaye, Ekiti State over lateness to farm.

According to a witness who pleaded anonymity, the woman screamed and begged for mercy as the husband flogged her repeatedly.

After a few minutes, the man ordered the woman to get water from the nearby stream but she slumped and died beside it as a result of weakness.

When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of Ekiti State Police Command, SP Sunday Abutu confirmed the incident, saying the husband had been arrested for further investigation.

For marketing and advertising, or publishing your promotional content, contact us at [email protected]

Peter Obi stands a chance of securing the presidential ticket of the PDP, if he returns to the party – Abba Moro

NewsWireNGR
-
0
Peter Obi stands a chance of securing the presidential ticket of the PDP, if he returns to the party – Abba Moro

The lawmaker representing Benue South senatorial district, Abba Moro, has said the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, stands a chance of securing the presidential ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, if he returns to the party.

Moro, who is the Senate Minority Leader, made this statement on Tuesday while responding to questions in an interview on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television.

When asked about the possibility of Peter Obi returning to the PDP, the lawmaker said, “But you know, in politics, nothing is certain. I’ve always said that in politics, two plus two is not four, and so, these are matters of interest. And when it comes to existential interest from a community of persons within a geopolitical zone, it is possible.

“As a party we are yet to speak to Peter Obi; some people are already talking to him, and he stands a chance of getting the party’s ticket if he returns.

“The conversation is predicated on the belief by such individuals that if Peter Obi comes back and is the most favoured candidate, the most supported candidate, and becomes a candidate, the PDP will make an impact in the 2027 general elections.”

For marketing and advertising, or publishing your promotional content, contact us at [email protected]

Bala Mohammed says he gave up his Presidential ambition to allow PDP Zone ticket to the South

NewsWireNGR
-
0
Bala Mohammed says he gave up his Presidential ambition to allow PDP Zone ticket to the South

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has expressed satisfaction with the zoning of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, presidential ticket to the South.

Mohammed, who is the Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum, said he gave up his ambition to allow the PDP zone its presidential ticket to the South.

Addressing journalists yesterday, the governor said he was part of the decision-making regarding the zoning.

He said: “I’m very satisfied with the resolution because I’m part of it, from the arrangement, strategy, and delivery.

“It’s an all inclusive decision for us to have our NEC in Ibadan, Oyo State and sustain the existing zoning formula in the party offices and to zone the presidential office to the South South so that we can have some sanity, understanding, and unity.

“I’m calling on Nigerians to know that politics is not about personal interest, it’s about self actualization within the framework of party decisions, manifesto, and national development.

“Everything is predicated on sacrifice not interest and of course we must always give allowance, respect each other, and power comes from God.

“So we are always available as governors, NWC, BoT to work towards making sure that PDP is a darling of Nigerians so that we can give everyone the political space or allowances to come and actualize their aspirations.”

For marketing and advertising, or publishing your promotional content, contact us at [email protected]

Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, says the union is prepared for “mother of all strikes”

NewsWireNGR
-
0
Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, says the union is prepared for “mother of all strikes”

Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, says the union is prepared for “mother of all strikes” until their demands regarding the 2009 agreements with the Federal Government are implemented.

The University of Calabar (Unical) chapter stated this at a news conference on Tuesday in Calabar.

The chapter’s chairman, Dr Peter Ubi, said it was time for the Federal Government to fulfill the lingering agreements conceived to lift the standard of university education in the country.

He said the industrial action would begin once the national body declared the same after the Aug. 28 meeting. Ubi listed the demands to include the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement, sustainable funding for Nigerian universities, and the revitalization of universities.

The union also demanded payment of the outstanding 25-35 per cent wage award, three months’ salary arrears, promotion arrears for over four years, and the non-remittance of third-party deductions.

“The government made promises on these issues, and regrettably, we are here today to inform the Nigerian public that these undisputed issues have not been resolved for several years now.

“ASUU has tried several ways and strategies of resolving the conflict in the education sector.

“Unfortunately, government, in its characteristics, has paid deaf ears to our demands and has constantly pushed our union to embark on strike.

“In this regard, ASUU has to embark on strike to press the Federal Government to do the needful,” he stated.

Meanwhile, the Unical chapter has called for a halt for the establishment of private universities in the country.

Commending the government for the halt in establishing federal university, he said extending same to state and private universities would curtail proliferation of universities without standard.

“We have 72 federal universities, 159 private universities, bringing the total to 339 universities, giving each state and the FCT an average of nine universities, excluding polytechnics and colleges of education.

“We are also appealing that the moratorium be extended to private institutions.” he asked.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Federal Government had imposed a seven-year moratorium on the establishment of new federal universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.

NAN reports that the Federal Government cited the proliferation of under-utilised institutions, overstretched resources, and a drop in academic quality.

It also reports that the decision was approved at Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, following a presentation by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa.

NAN reports that the Federal Executive Council, however, approved nine new universities in 

For marketing and advertising, or publishing your promotional content, contact us at [email protected]

President Bola Tinubu has ordered a temporary ban on the export of raw Shea Nuts, with immediate effect

NewsWireNGR
-
0
President Bola Tinubu has ordered a temporary ban on the export of raw Shea Nuts, with immediate effect

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Abubakar Kyari, says President Bola Tinubu has ordered a temporary ban on the export of raw Shea Nuts, with immediate effect.

Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant, SSA, to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja. 

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Vice-President Kashim Shettima is, at the moment, presiding over an implementation meeting with critical stakeholders on the Presidential directive.

For marketing and advertising, or publishing your promotional content, contact us at [email protected]

Derailed Abuja-Kaduna Train Service, AKTS and negligence

NewsWireNGR
-
0
Derailed Abuja-Kaduna Train Service, AKTS and negligence

Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC, says 618 persons have been evacuated from the derailed Abuja-Kaduna Train Service, AKTS.

The Managing Director of NRC, Dr Kayode Opeifa, gave the figure in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.

The AKTS derailed at about 11.09 a.m., at KM 49 between Kubwa station and Asham station.

“Following the derailment of the Kaduna-bound Abuja–Kaduna Train Service earlier today at Asham, Kaduna State, the NRC wishes to provide an update on the situation.

“A total of 618 persons comprising 583 passengers, 15 NRC crew members, one medical personnel, eight cleaners, and 11 catering staff were successfully evacuated from the train.

“Out of this number, seven passengers sustained varying degrees of injury and were immediately transported by ambulances to hospital facilities by medical personnel mobilised to the site,” he said.

The NRC boss added that the remaining passengers were conveyed safely back to Idu and Kubwa stations aboard a rescue train dispatched from Idu for that purpose.

“All have since returned safely to their destinations,” he said.

Mr Opeifa said that in line with NRC’s commitment to passenger welfare, its third-party ticketing company had been directed to immediately issue refunds to all passengers onboard the affected train.

“Furthermore, the process of investigation into the incident has commenced under the supervision of relevant authorities, including the Federal Ministry of Transport.

“Meanwhile, all Abuja–Kaduna Train Services (AKTS) have been temporarily suspended pending recovery of the site, further clearance and official announcement of service resumption.

“We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused and thank our esteemed passengers and the general public for their understanding,” he said.

Former senator who represented Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has attributed the derailment of the Abuja–Kaduna passenger train to negligence of the authorities.

The incident left several people injured and carriages overturned.

Reacting to the incident in a post on his X handle on Tuesday, Mr Sani said passengers have consistently raised concerns about security and safety on the corridor.

He added that commuters had long complained about the condition of the tracks but were ignored.

“The Abuja-Kaduna train that derailed today is a direct result of negligence by the authorities concerned. For months, passengers have repeatedly complained about their experience on the track but were ignored.

“The expansive bush between Kaduna and Abuja is not a place to be treated lightly,” he added.

For marketing and advertisement, or publishing your promotional content, contact us at [email protected]

University of Abuja join the nationwide protest demanding payment of withheld salaries, arrears of wage awards

NewsWireNGR
-
0
University of Abuja join the nationwide protest demanding payment of withheld salaries, arrears of wage awards

Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, University of Abuja chapter, has joined the nationwide protest demanding payment of withheld salaries, arrears of wage awards, and implementation of a renegotiated agreement.

Dr Sylvanus Ugoh, Chairman of UniAbuja ASUU, told journalists on Tuesday in Abuja that the government had failed to address critical issues affecting the university system in spite of the union’s patience.

He said the protest aimed to draw attention to the growing hardship faced by academic staff across the country.

According to him, lecturers have remained on the same salary structure since 2009, in spite of government promises of periodic reviews every three years.

Mr Ugoh recalled that the 2009 agreement, which was due for renegotiation in 2012, was only revisited in 2017 and concluded in February 2025 under the Yayale Ahmed-led committee.

He added that, since the report’s submission, there had been no further communication from the government regarding its implementation.

“Lecturers are finding it increasingly difficult to cope, with several deaths among academic staff linked to stress and poor welfare ”he said.

According to him, the government currently owes lecturers three and a half months’ salaries and one year’s arrears of the 25 and 35 per cent wage awards.

He added that arrears of staff promotion benefits had also not been paid.

For marketing and advertisement, or publishing your promotional content, contact us at [email protected]

Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has said that the five South-East states will totally deliver their votes en bloc for President Bola Tinubu in 2027

NewsWireNGR
-
0
Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has said that the five South-East states will totally deliver their votes en bloc for President Bola Tinubu in 2027

Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has said that the five South-East states will deliver their votes en bloc for President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

Mrs Onyejeocha expressed the optimism during an interactive session with newsmen on the sideline of the ongoing 18th edition of her free medical and surgery outreach at Nkeiruka Onyejeocha Medical Centre, Amuda-Isuochi in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia.

She said that 2027 would witness a significant improvement on Tinubu’s 2023 performance in Abia and South-East in general because of his current sweeping reforms across the country.

According to her, Tinubu will surely come back by God’s grace in 2007, because the reforms that he has embarked on are not something that will just cut short after four years.

“For them to endure, have root, for people to enjoy them, we have to support him to do eight years.

“So, we are supporting our president and I know that he will get 100 per cent votes in the South-East in 2007.

“Abia is a progressive state and I know that my party, the APC will do well in the state,” she said.

Mrs Onyejeocha, a former House of Representatives member from Umunneochi/Isuikwuato Federal Constituency, said that the free medical outreach was borne out of her passion and commitment towards improving the wellbeing of her people.

She said that the initiative was meant to support individuals struggling with various health challenges, particularly those in rural areas and underserved communities.

She further said that this year’s edition, which started on Monday, was supposed to be a week-long event, but had been extended by a few days, to be able to attend to the large number of persons that turned out.

Mrs Onyejeocha said: “It’s not like, oh you are helping the government, I’m helping myself because a healthy community is a wealthy community.

“If you have a lot of people that are sick, you are not going to get much because every weekend you are attending burials, you are losing much.

“The government is doing well.

“But if I had represented my people in the past and I’m today a minister, I should be adding value to what government is doing because it cannot do it alone.”

The outreach featured free cervical cancer screening, laboratory services, dental services, surgeries for hernia, hydrocele, cataract, lipoma and others.

For marketing and advertisement, or publishing your promotional content, contact us at [email protected]

1...878889...4,398Page 88 of 4,398