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Kano State Governor denies diversion of N2 billion from local government funds to “godfather” Rabin Kwankwaso

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Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has dismissed as “false and baseless” allegations of financial misconduct made by a former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abdullahi Baffa Bichi, over the alleged diversion of N2 billion from local government funds.

Governor Yusuf’s remarks follow recent statements attributed to Bichi, in which he (Bichi) reportedly accused the current administration of misappropriating funds and alleged that a former governor of the state, Musa Kwankwaso, received illicit payments from the state treasury.

But the governor, who addressed 484 elected ward councillors at the Coronation Hall of the Government House on Sunday evening, said his administration remained transparent and committed to accountability.

“Everything we hoped for in this government, God has already done for us. We are all content, and no thief can be comfortable among us; as long as someone is a thief, they cannot stay here,” Governor Yusuf stated.

He described the allegations as an attempt to smear the reputation of his political mentor, Senator Kwankwaso, who he said has an impeccable record in public service.
“We thank God that our government is clean from top to bottom. It’s a government that pays attention to every aspect of development. The funds entrusted to us have been used judiciously,” he said.
Governor Yusuf expressed shock over the comments credited to Bichi, noting that the former SSG was once part of the administration and had been given the opportunity to serve the people.

“I am surprised to hear certain comments from someone who was once brought into this government, supported, and given a powerful position to serve both the people and the administration. Today, he’s out of government and making wild claims.
“I heard he said this administration, which is not even two years old, has stolen 10 times more than the previous government under (a former governor, Abdullahi) Ganduje. I wonder: does this statement come from someone thinking rationally?”

The governor also addressed claims that Senator Kwankwaso receives monthly payments from the state government, describing them as malicious fabrications.

“This same individual also claimed that our leader (Jagora) demands N2 billion monthly from the governor. This N2 billion, if allocated to the local governments, would do so much good.

“Jagora, a man of God who has served as a federal lawmaker, two-term governor, minister, senator, and twice a presidential candidate—someone who left office with the people of Kano begging him to return—left with a clean and commendable record,” he said.

“Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso is not a thief, and the people of Kano are proud of him. You and your allies will not tarnish his name,” the governor declared.
Challenging the credibility of the accuser, the governor questioned whether Bichi’s actions were in line with the values of a true Kano indigene.

Yusuf said, “You claim the governor was begging you for help, are you the governor’s father? Or is he your father? Did you appoint the governor, or did he appoint you?

“Are you the one sending requests to him, or is he begging you for favours? Clearly, something is wrong. The office you were given had no relation to the budget, if it did, let us know. No reasonable person would accept this behavior.

“I want to call on people who think this way to tread carefully. We even question whether such a person is truly from Kano because a true Kano indigene would never stoop so low as to insult our leaders and spread falsehoods against them.”

Former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has denied reports claiming he is in the custody of the EFCC

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Former Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kyari, has denied reports claiming he is in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), following an ongoing investigation into the alleged misappropriation of $2.9 billion allocated for refinery rehabilitation.

In a statement posted on Saturday via his X account (formerly Twitter), Kyari dismissed the reports as “clear mischief” and a calculated attempt by unnamed individuals to tarnish his reputation.

“Over the past few days, and particularly in the past two hours, I have been inundated with calls from concerned family and friends over claims by an online newspaper that I was in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

“This is clear mischief and a calculated attempt by the newspaper and its sponsors to achieve a desired outcome, which only they know,” the 60-year-old wrote.

Kyari, who was removed from his position following a presidential directive dissolving the NNPCL board and management, said he is currently taking a “well-deserved rest” after years of demanding public service.

“It should be stated that having served the NNPC and the NNPCL for 34 years—17 of those in management roles, and especially the last 5 years and 9 months—I had little time for leave, even for two weeks,” he noted.

While maintaining his innocence, Kyari expressed his readiness to account for his time in office, both before the Nigerian authorities and ultimately before God.

“I must emphasise that I served with the fear of God, knowing fully well as a Muslim that if I do not account before man, I will account before Allah.

“Having served in public capacity, I am willing and happy to account for my stewardship in this world,” he stated.

Kyari also urged the media to exercise restraint and avoid spreading unverified claims, warning that disinformation could harm investor confidence and the country’s international reputation.

His statement comes amid a growing corruption probe by the EFCC involving at least 14 senior officials of NNPCL, including two former CEOs—Kyari and Abubakar Yar’Adua.

A letter dated 28 April 2025 revealed that the EFCC is investigating a case of abuse of office and misappropriation of funds connected to the rehabilitation of Nigeria’s three major refineries: Port Harcourt ($1.56 billion), Kaduna ($740.6 million), and Warri ($656.9 million).

As part of the investigation, the Commission has requested certified true copies of emoluments and allowances of the listed officials, both serving and retired.

Those under scrutiny include Ibrahim Onoja, Mustapha Magaji Sugungun, Abubakar Lawal Yar’Adua, Isiaka Abdulrazak, Umar Ajiya, Dikko Ahmed, Ademoye Adeniyi Jelili, Kayode Olusegun Adetokunbo, Efiok Michael Akpan, Jimoh Olasunkanmi, Bello Kankaya, and Desmond Inyama.

Sources within the Commission confirmed that over ?80 billion was discovered in the personal accounts of one of the former refinery managing directors, prompting further arrests and forensic scrutiny.

Peter Obi condemns the arrest of Martin Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, VDM

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The 2023 presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, on Sunday condemned the arrest of Martin Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), saying the action was carried out in a manner that left many Nigerians unsettled.

Obi said in a statement that the manner in which VDM was arrested closely resembled an abduction, “a disturbing method that not only creates fear but also risks being mimicked by criminal elements.”


He emphasised that if Nigerians begin to struggle to distinguish between legitimate arrests and unlawful abductions, “we will lose a vital layer of national security and accountability.”


“This trend is not new. We must recall that even our esteemed judges, the last line of defence for justice, have suffered similar indignities in recent years. When those who interpret the law are treated with such disregard, it is difficult to expect that ordinary citizens will feel protected under the law,” he said.

The LP chief lamented that the methods are beginning to affect the economy and business environment.

Obi said, “The backlash directed at GTBank, allegedly linked to the circumstances surrounding Mr. Otse’s arrest, has had serious reputational consequences. At a time when investor confidence is already fragile, we must do all we can to avoid actions that tarnish institutions or undermine the trust of both citizens and the international community.

“One cannot help but ask: was it impossible to invite Mr. Otse in a civil, transparent, and legal manner? Would that not have spared Nigerians, GTBank, and our national image the unnecessary shame and losses we now witness?”

He also stated that the alleged abduction of a NANS President raises critical questions about the independence of student leadership and the subtle erosion of young voices in democracy.

He said Nigeria’s youth should not feel coerced, silenced, or absorbed into political agendas that do not reflect their will, stressing that the oppression of young voices, whether through force, patronage, or intimidation, is a dangerous path that we must not normalise.

“We must return to a Nigeria where justice is done and is seen to be done without theatrics or abuse. A country where youth can speak freely, judges can serve with dignity, and institutions act responsibly. That is the Nigeria we must rebuild,” he said.

The governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, has disclosed that the state is one of the safest states in Nigeria

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The governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, has disclosed that the state is one of the safest states in Nigeria.

He said since assuming office in May 2023, the state has not witnessed any ethnoreligious crisis.

Mr Sani disclosed this during the distribution of 23 vehicles to traditional rulers facilitated by the speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.

He noted that traditional leaders played a key role in the success of the non-kinetic approach in tackling insecurity in Kaduna State by sharing intelligence with security agencies.

“They have been working day and night, sharing intelligence with security agents and ensuring that they are always close to our people at the community level and that is the reason why our non-kinetic approach towards addressing insecurity is working.

“Without the support of our traditional leaders, we would not have achieved security stability in Kaduna State. That is why today, we are not only supporting but encouraging you,” he said.

According to the governor, “The vehicles is to motivate you because we cannot achieve much without synergy between the traditional institution, religious leaders, community leaders and the relevant security agencies in Kaduna State, and the key to success is intelligence gathering and sharing.’’
While commending the speaker for the gesture, Mr Sani emphasised the need for synergy and collaboration amongst political office holders.
He recalled that when he was at the senate, he brought intervention worth over N20 billion in the state, adding that the Faculty of Engineering at the Kaduna State University will be more than N12 billion when completed.
“Despite the fact that we couldn’t complete it before we left the Senate, but one of the sons of Kaduna State, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank, Mohammed Sani Abdullahi Dattijo, is working closely with the Right Honourable Speaker to ensure that the project is completed. That is the synergy we are talking about,” he added.

“I’m happy that today, every local government is benefiting from the benevolence and support of the Right Honourable Speaker. That is governance. We have relegated politics,’’ he pointed out.”

Speaking earlier, Mr Tajudeen, said the distribution of vehicles is part of a broader collaboration with the governor, which aims to strengthen the role of traditional rulers in peacebuilding and governance.

“This event is a fulfilment of one of those discussions and shared commitments between myself and the governor to interact with, and provide tangible support to, our traditional leaders,” he said.
According to him, the vehicles were provided by  the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency, SMEDAN, adding that the latest tranche marks  the fourth phase of a wider distribution plan.

He added that a total of 23 vehicles have now being allocated, following an initial phase which was done during Ramadan, when vehicles were distributed to emirs, district heads, and senior traditional figures in Zaria.

“These vehicles are not just for ceremonial purposes,” Abbas said, adding that “they are meant to serve as essential working tools vehicles to aid our traditional rulers in reaching every part of their chiefdoms and emirates. This is critical in helping them maintain peace and ensure security throughout Kaduna State.”

The speaker also announced that the initiative has been captured in the 2025 federal budget, with plans to extend vehicle support and renovation of palaces across all three senatorial districts in the state.

“Starting with the emirates covering 11 out of the 23 local government areas of Kaduna State, such renovation projects have already been initiated. Not less than 10 district heads and emirates have benefitted within the past year,” he revealed.

The speaker disclosed that the ongoing constitution amendment will include provisions to grant traditional rulers a formal role in Nigeria’s governance structure.

“I want to assure you that the National Assembly will do everything humanly possible to carve out a prominent role for our traditional rulers beginning from 2026,” he said.

Lawmaker has condemned the arrest of Martins Otse, an activist popularly known as Very Dark Man, VDM

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Nnamdi Ezechi, a member of the House of Representatives who represents the Ndokwa/Ukwuani federal constituency, has condemned the arrest of Martins Otse, an activist popularly known as Very Dark Man, VDM.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that VDM was arrested on May 2 on allegations of cyberstalking the Guarantee Trust Bank, Abuja.
NAN reports that he visited the bank and complained about the alleged unauthorised deduction of funds from his mother’s account.

Mr Ezechi who described the arrest as unprofessional, called on the Nigeria Police authorities to prioritise professionalism in the discharge of their constitutional duties.
He stated that the police should have professionally invited him, as a law-abiding citizen, rather than applying a Gestapo-style approach.

“I, Hon Nnamdi Ezechi vehemently condemn the arrest of Very Dark Man at the Guarantee Trust Bank, Abuja.

“Very Dark Man, I know is not a criminal, and as such cannot be arrested like a criminal,” he said.

The lawmaker who called for VDM’s immediate release, advised banks especially GTB management to always protect their customers’ privacy.
Mr Ezechi stated that it was unethical for banks to disclose information about the movements or personal details of their customers, especially law-abiding individuals like VDM.

According to him, VDM is a human rights activist who fights for the rights of the oppressed and common people in society.

Boat users, operators and passengers travelling across Nigerian waterways no longer allowed without life jackets

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Adegboyega Oyetola, the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, has warned boat users, operators and passengers across the country against travelling on the Nigerian waterways without life jackets.

Mr Oyetola said this in a statement signed by Dr Bolaji Akinola, the Media and Communications Adviser to the Minister, after the distribution of 3,500 lifejackets on Friday in Bayelsa State.

Mr Oyetola said that the ongoing nationwide distribution of 42,000 lifejackets by the Federal Government was to enhance safety and curb boats mishaps.

“This distribution is part of a nationwide initiative that marks a continuation of the Federal Government’s concerted efforts to tackle recurring boat mishaps and ensure the safety of coastal and riverine communities.

“Water transportation plays a critical role in the daily lives of Nigerians, particularly in coastal and riverine communities.

“The life jacket distribution campaign is strategic, proactive and long overdue as it reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to preserving lives and promoting a safe marine environment.

“With these life jackets, we are empowering our waterways users, fishermen, traders, students and transport operators with the basic tools to survive and be safe.
“They are not for decoration, they are for your protection and safety is everyone’s responsibility,” he said.

Mr Oyetola urged water marshals at river banks to strictly enforce the no lifejackets, no movements rules, stressing that safety should not be compromised.
He also appealed to boat users to comply with the water safety measures, especially on the use of lifejackets.

He commended the state government for establishing its Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, highlighting the state’s vast network of rivers, creeks and strategic maritime position.

Mr Oyetola also commended the commitment of the government to the development of the Agge Deep Seaport.

According to him, the project is transformative and visionary, capable of reshaping the economic landscape of the state and the entire Southern Nigeria.

“The Agge Deep Seaport will serve as a major maritime gateway, facilitating international trade, reducing congestion at existing ports, creating jobs and boosting investments.

“It will also accelerate development in the Niger Delta and the Federal Government remains fully committed to this realization,” he said.

Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has urged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, to drop their ambitions

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Former spokesperson of Northern Elders Forum, NEF, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has urged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, to drop their ambitions.

Mr Baba-Ahmed, who recently gave similar advice to President Bola Tinubu, urged the duo to support the younger generation instead of going to the polls.

Mr Abubakar has taken shots at the presidential seats six times without success.
Mr Obi, on the other hand, served as a running mate to Mr Abubakar in the 2019 elections under the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, and also flew the flag of the Labour Party in the 2023 election.

But speaking during an interview with Channels TV on Thursday, Mr Baba-Ahmed, who recently resigned as presidential adviser, said: “If I had the chance, I’d tell Atiku the same thing. He’s done his bit. He’s been persistent. But now, he should play a fatherly role —help identify and support younger leaders.”

Mr Baba-Ahmed said he believes the opposition PDP could be competitive in the 2027 presidential election if it fields a younger, visionary candidate.

“If they present someone younger, with fewer skeletons, better health and fresh ideas, they could wipe the floor with the APC. This country is hungry for leadership with vision and empathy,” he said.
He stressed that regional origins should no longer dominate political considerations.

“It doesn’t matter where the person comes from. At this point, anyone still talking about North or South is missing the point. We need competence and vision.”

He also expressed doubts about the capacity of Messrs Abubakar and Obi , would have done better than the current Tinubu administration.
Mr Obi, he said: “I know him personally. I think he has good ideas about a lot of things.”

As for Atiku, he said while the former vice president has extensive experience, he is not convinced he would have offered better governance.

“All these people—the best service they can render to this country is to retire themselves,” he said.
“If they don’t, then Nigerians should retire them.”

Nigeria has introduced the fully digital e-Visa regime

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Nigeria has introduced the fully digital e-Visa regime and an automated landing and exit card system as part of major reforms under Nigeria’s 2025 Visa Policy.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Service Public Relations Officer, NIS, Akinsola Akinlabi, on Friday in Abuja.

The NIS said that the initiative was a collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Interior and the Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS.

The service said that the new development aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and took effect from May 1, 2025.

It added that the e-Visa application system is an end-to-end online platform designed to enhance national security, streamline application processes, and eliminate visa-on-arrival arrangements.

“The new e-Visa platform introduces 13 categories under the Short Visit Visa (SVV) class. The full details are available on the official portal: https://evisa.immigration.gov.ng,”.

The NIS said that applications would be processed within 48 hours or less, and successful applicants would receive e-Visas and QR codes via their registered email addresses.

The service also announced that the Visa on Arrival policy would be discontinued from May 1, 2025, and that visas issued under that policy remain valid only until May 30, 2025.

The service said the e-Visas were non-extendable, urging applicants to apply for visas that best match the duration and purpose of their visit.
“The new policy also introduces strict overstay penalties, effective September 1, 2025 and a daily fine of $15 will apply for all overstays.

“Foreigners who overstay for three months and above will incur a $15/day fine and a five-year entry ban.

“Also, those who overstay for one year and above will face the same fine plus permanent blacklisting from entering Nigeria.

“In addition to the e-Visa rollout, the government is replacing the manual embarkation and disembarkation forms with a fully automated landing and exit card system, available at: https://lecard.immigration.gov.ng.
“All inbound passengers, except Nigerians, are required to complete the electronic landing card online before boarding, while outbound passengers must complete the exit card before departure,” it said.

The NIS explained that the exit card system was synchronized with the Visa Processing Centre to enforce penalties, including automatic visa bans for non-compliance.

To ease the transition, it said, a three-month window period from May 1 to Aug. 1, 2025, has been granted.

“During this period, foreigners currently residing in Nigeria with expired visas may return to their home countries without incurring any penalties.
“We urge all stakeholders to comply with the revised immigration policies and timelines.

“The Nigeria Immigration Service remains committed to implementing a more efficient, transparent, and secure immigration system that aligns with global best practices,”.

FBI, DEA seek 90-day extension to release Tinubu’s records

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The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration have requested a 90-day extension from a United States District Court to produce documents relating to an alleged drug investigation involving President Bola Tinubu dating back to the 1990s.

The request was submitted on Thursday in a joint status report filed with the US District Court for the District of Columbia.
The case stems from a series of Freedom of Information Act requests by an American legal transparency advocate and founder of the platform PlainSite, Aaron Greenspan.
Greenspan is seeking the release of records connected to a Chicago-based drug ring and has named Tinubu along with three other individuals: Lee Andrew Edwards, Mueez Abegboyega Akande, and Abiodun Agbele.

The court, presided over by Judge Beryl Howell, had earlier ordered the FBI and DEA to provide a status update on the search and release of non-exempt documents by May 2, 2025.
However, in the latest filing, both agencies said they needed more time to complete their searches.
The report reads, “Aaron Greenspan (“Plaintiff”) and Defendants Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the only remaining defendants in this case, respectfully submit the following joint status report proposing a schedule to govern further proceedings, pursuant to the Court’s Order of April 8, 2025 (ECF No. 47).

“Pursuant to the court’s order, the defendants, FBI and DEA must search for and produce non-exempt records responsive to the plaintiff’s FOIA requests (FBI Requests Nos. 1588244-000 and 1593615- 000, and DEA Request Nos. 22-00892-F and 24-00201-F).

“The FBI and DEA have initiated their searches for responsive, non-exempt, reasonably segregable portions of records requested by the plaintiff and anticipate completing their searches in ninety days.”
Greenspan opposed the delay, arguing that the agencies had already delayed the process for years and that some documents had already been identified.

He proposed a much shorter deadline.

A South African court found a woman guilty of trafficking her six-year-old daughter who has been missing for more than a year

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A South African court found a woman guilty on Friday of trafficking her six-year-old daughter who has been missing for more than a year, in a case that has outraged the nation.

The two-month trial heard statements from various witnesses that Racquel “Kelly” Smith had revealed to them that she had sold her daughter Joshlin in February 2024, including claims she was paid 20,000 rand ($1,085).

Judge Nathan Erasmus said the evidence of 35 state witnesses led him to find that Smith, 35, and her two co-accused, a boyfriend and a mutual friend , were guilty on the charges of human trafficking and kidnapping.

“I have already found that on the evidence before me, Joshlin was exchanged,” he said.

“The evidence is from all scores there were payments, or at least the promise of payments,” he s,aid, accusing Smith of regarding her daughter, who was aged six when she disappeared, as a “commodity”.
The trial was held in a community hall in the small fishing town of Saldanha Bay, about 135 kilometres (80 miles) north of Cape Town, where the case sparked outrage.

Crowds had gathered outside the hearings, chanting: “We want Joshlin back” and Friday’s verdict was met with a burst of applause.
Many locals had joined the police in days of searches for the girl around their impoverished area.

“You are guilty of… trafficking in persons in relation to Joshlin Smith. On count two, you are also convicted of kidnapping,” Erasmus told the three accused, none of whom took the stand.
He adjourned the court for sentencing, which may run up to life sentences.

Smith initially drew sympathy after her daughter was reported missing. Photographs showing Joshlin’s striking green eyes, broad smile and brown pigtails flooded the media.

The case drew national attention, including from Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie, who offered a one-million-rand ($54,000) reward for her safe return.

But it took a turn when prosecutors alleged that Smith sold her daughter to a traditional healer, who was interested in her eyes and fair complexion.


The court heard that Smith, who has two other children, appeared unusually calm and unconcerned during the intense search for Joshlin.

DonJazzy gifts woman N6m for having N67 ‘unhealthy’ account balance

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Social media was set abuzz on Thursday when Nigerian music stars Michael Ajereh, aka Don Jazzy, and Crown Uzama aka Shallipopi, surprised fans with millions of naira in spontaneous giveaways following viral online interactions.

Don Jazzy gifted a woman, Adeyemi Adejoke Abidemi, a total of ?6 million after noticing that her account balance was “not healthy.”

It all started with a trending post on X.com that encouraged users to tag one celebrity to gift them ?1 million.

Adeyemi who tweets as #PopoolaJoke4 tagged #DONJAZZY, writing, “Make I tag #DONJAZZY. I dey always dream about him. Happy new month sir.”

The Mavin Records boss replied, “Akant namba,” prompting her to drop her GTBank details.
Minutes later, she posted a screenshot showing a ?1 million credit alert.

“Jesuuuuuusssssssss, this is huge,” she wrote. “Thank you so much for your incredible generosity. Receiving 1 million naira is beyond anything I expected, and I’m truly grateful. Your support means the world to me. God bless you abundantly sir.”

The surprise didn’t end there as Don Jazzy, moved by her previous balance of just ?67.29, responded, “Amen ooo. That your akant balance is not healthy. I don add another 5 million. More blessings ma.”

Adeyemi confirmed the receipt of the additional N5m with a screenshot of her account balance with N6m.

Excited about the massive top-up, she wrote, “Oluwa oo. I am deeply grateful for this extraordinary blessing. May the Almighty who used you to lift me reward you beyond measure. May your hands never lack, your heart always be at peace, and your generations forever enjoy divine favour. Thank you #DONJAZZY. May God continue to enlarge your coast.”

In response to a critic who questioned her previously low balance, she said, “None of my accounts get 1 naira, I can screenshot all for you, only GTBank get 67 naira.”

Meanwhile, Shallipopi also gifted a million naira each to two of his fans while promoting his song.


“Summer is coming, ready your shorts and bikinis. Don’t forget to take a lil speaker with you in case you wanna jam da Album,” he posted on X on Thursday.


A fan, Samuel Uchechukwu Ifesinachi who tweets #teslime_dmw replied, “Summer is coming, still broke as hell. Money to buy speaker no dey.”


Shallipopi responded, “Imma send u a million if you promise to get yourself a very big JBL.” Ifesinachi eagerly promised to do so, as he shared his account details afterwards.

Lagos Court has sentenced Bus Rapid Transit driver, Andrew Ominikoron, to death by hanging for the murder of 22-year-old Oluwabamise Ayanwola

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Justice Sherifat Sonaike of the Lagos State High Court, sitting at the Tafawa Balewa Square Annexe, has sentenced Bus Rapid Transit driver, Andrew Ominikoron, to death by hanging for the murder of 22-year-old Oluwabamise Ayanwola.


Ominikoron was arraigned on a five-count charge bordering on murder, conspiracy, and rape, in connection with the death of Ayanwola, as well as the sexual assault of Dr. Anosike Victoria and the rape of one Maryland Ojiezelu.


Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Sonaike ruled that the Lagos State Government, which prosecuted the case, had successfully proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
“For the death of Oluwabamise Ayanwola, you will be hanged by the neck until you are dead. May God have mercy upon you,” the judge declared in her pronouncement.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to all charges.


The convict was tried on a five-count charge, including conspiracy, rape, murder, and sexual assault, brought against him by the Lagos State Government.


According to the charges, the incident occurred on February 26, 2022, around 7 pm, near the Lekki-Ajah Conservation Centre, Lekki-Ajah Expressway, Lagos.

The prosecution said that Ominikoron had forcibly had sexual intercourse with Oluwabamise Ayanwole before murdering her.

The offences contravened Sections 411, 223, 260, and 165 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Bamise was last seen on February 26, 2022, after she boarded a BRT bus driven by Ominikoron in the Ajah area of Lagos.