News Review

Popular Lagos socialite, Emeka Okonkwo, widely known as E-Money, was released on Tuesday evening after hours of questioning by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). E-Money was reportedly arrested on Monday night at his residence in the Omole area of Lagos and transported to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja. The arrest followed allegations of Naira abuse and defacing of foreign currencies, particularly for allegedly spraying U.S. dollars, an act said to violate the Foreign Exchange Act. A source within the EFCC confirmed the arrest, stating, “On Monday night, we arrested E-Money for Naira abuse and defacing foreign currencies. Preliminary investigations are ongoing, and he will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.” Advertisement Following his release, E-Money took to his Instagram handle, @iam_emoney1, to express gratitude. Sharing a video of himself dressed regally, he wrote: “No tension, everywhere good, I see all your love and sup...

Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday brought businesswoman Aisha Achimugu before the Federal High Court in Abuja, in compliance with a court order. Achimugu, flanked by two female EFCC officers, arrived at the court around 11:35 a.m. This follows Monday’s directive by Justice Inyang Ekwo, who had ordered the industrialist—accused of fleeing the country—to respond to the EFCC’s invitation by noon on Tuesday. Advertisement In his ruling, Justice Ekwo also instructed the EFCC to bring Achimugu back to court the following day for a report after her appearance at their office. NEWS REVIEW reported that, Achimugu was arrested by EFCC operatives upon her return to Nigeria around 5 a.m. and has since been in custody. Follow News Review on Facebook and X

Mr. Titus Odo, Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party (LP) in Enugu State, has defected to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Odo returned to the PDP on Wednesday alongside Prince Emeka Mamah, former Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs and State Coordinator of the Peter Obi Presidential Campaign during the 2023 elections. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that both men had left the PDP for the LP during the 2023 general elections. Advertisement They were received at the PDP State Secretariat by the party’s State Chairman, Dr. Martin Chukwunwike, who expressed delight at their return. Chukwunwike revealed that their defection followed a directive by Governor Peter Mbah to reconcile with aggrieved party members who left for various reasons. “We are happy to have them back. God is positioning our party strongly as we prepare for 2027,” the chairman stated, while also calling for unity within the party. Speaking at the event, Odo described his return as a homecoming, citing ...

NAFDAC Launches “Scan 2 Verify” and “Green Book App” in North-East to Combat Fake Drugs, Trains Healthcare Stakeholders in Gombe The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has introduced two mobile technologies— Scan 2 Verify and the Green Book App —to tackle the menace of counterfeit drugs in Nigeria’s North-East region. NEWS REVIEW reports that the tools were launched during a two-day sensitisation workshop held in Gombe, where stakeholders from various healthcare sectors were trained on how to use the apps to verify drug authenticity and promote public safety. Speaking on Wednesday, NAFDAC Director-General, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye—represented by the Director of Post-Marketing Surveillance, Bitrus Fraden—assured participants that all drugs registered with the agency are safe and only available through authorised channels. Advertisement Adeyeye explained that the Green Book App functions as a digital registry, listing certified medicines approve...

Nigerian Man Sentenced to Over 8 Years in U.S. Prison for Leading $6M Inheritance Scam That Defrauded 400+ Elderly Americans Through Fake Letters from 'Spanish Bank' A 36-year-old Nigerian national, Okezie Bonaventure Ogbata, has been sentenced to 97 months in a U.S. federal prison for masterminding a $6 million transnational inheritance fraud scheme that victimized more than 400 elderly and vulnerable Americans. Court records reveal that Ogbata was part of a criminal syndicate that mailed fake letters across the U.S., falsely informing recipients they were due multimillion-dollar inheritances from deceased relatives in Spain. Posing as a Spanish bank, the scammers instructed victims to pay bogus fees like taxes and delivery charges before receiving their "inheritance." Instead of receiving any funds, victims were tricked into wiring money through a laundering network that unknowingly involved other Americans. These intermediaries helped channel the stolen funds to...

"I Was Threatened, Coerced, and Made to Lie to the Police About Usifo Ataga’s Death – Chidinma Ojukwu Tells Lagos Court, Claims All Confessions Were Under Duress" Chidinma Ojukwu, the former 300-level Mass Communication student of the University of Lagos, on Tuesday told the Lagos State High Court that all statements she made to the police during her interrogation were false and made under duress. Ojukwu is standing trial for the alleged murder of Michael Usifo Ataga, the Chief Executive Officer of Super TV. Appearing before Justice Yetunde Adesanya at the Lagos High Court, Tafawa Balewa Square, she opened her defence and said fear prevented her from telling the truth during police questioning. “Because of the fear that the Investigating Police Officer, Mr. Bamidele, and his team put in me, I couldn’t say anything contrary to the narration he asked me to tell the Commissioner of Police,” she testified. Advertisement Ojukwu, alongside Adedapo Quadri and her sister, Chioma ...

Police Arrest 22 Suspected Kidnappers and Gun-Runners, Recover Cache of Arms in Nationwide Crackdown Across Six States In a major breakthrough in the fight against crime, the Nigeria Police Force has arrested 22 suspected kidnappers and gun-runners, recovering a cache of arms and ammunition during coordinated operations across multiple states. Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Muyiwa Adejobi, said the arrests were made following intensified intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling criminal gangs threatening national security. According to him, on April 25, 2025, operatives of the FID Special Tactical Squad (STS), in collaboration with the Taraba State Police Command, local hunters, and vigilante groups, apprehended four suspected kidnappers in Mararaban Abbare, Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State. The suspects—Shehu Ibrahim, Abdullahi Haruna, Yusuf Bello, and Mohammed Bako—were caught while planning an operation and were found in possession of two AK-49 rifles, one A...

Nnamdi Kanu’s Terrorism Trial Opens as DSS Presents Radio Biafra Equipment in Court The terrorism trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), commenced on Tuesday at the Federal High Court in Abuja, with the prosecution presenting several exhibits, including equipment allegedly used to operate Radio Biafra. During the hearing, Kanu distanced himself from violence, claiming his mission was for the peaceful emancipation of people in the South-East, South-South, and parts of Benue and Kogi states. He made this known in a written statement submitted to the Department of State Services (DSS) on October 15, 2015, which was read aloud in court. Kanu faces seven terrorism-related charges brought by the Federal Government. He was first arrested in Lagos on October 14, 2015, after returning from the United Kingdom. Granted bail on health grounds in 2017, he fled the country before being re-arrested in Kenya in 2021 and returned to Nigeria for trial. Adve...

“I Didn’t Report Ataga’s Death Because I Was Scared of Being Accused”—Chidinma Tells Court as She Details Events Before and After Super TV CEO’s Murder Chidinma Ojukwu, a 300-level student of the University of Lagos, on Monday told a Lagos State High Court that fear stopped her from reporting the death of Super TV CEO, Michael Ataga, to the police. Speaking before Justice Yetunde Adesanya at the court sitting in Tafawa Balewa Square, Chidinma explained that she panicked after discovering Ataga’s lifeless body. “I had read of incidents where people reported crimes and ended up being accused themselves,” she said. “I also thought of calling the gateman again while I was at the staircase of the apartment, but I ended the call out of fear.” Chidinma is standing trial alongside Adedapo Quadri and her sister, Chioma Egbuchu, on a nine-count charge including murder, theft, and forgery. They were arraigned on October 12, 2021. Advertisement Opening her defence on April 17, 2025, she gave a...

Former Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has disclosed that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is set to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), confirming growing speculation about the former presidential candidate’s political future. Okowa made the revelation on Tuesday during an interview on ARISE TV, where he also explained his own defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), alongside Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and other top PDP stakeholders in the state. “We discussed the coalition with Atiku, who is on his way out of the PDP, before we moved to the APC,” Okowa stated, adding that Atiku was already reconsidering his position within the party. Advertisement He cited months of consultations and deep dissatisfaction with the PDP’s internal issues as reasons for the mass defection. According to him, the party’s ongoing leadership tussles, disunity, and lack of a viable electoral strategy for 2027 made it impossible to remain. On Atiku’s proposed...

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has renewed its call for constitutional amendments to allow Nigerians living abroad, inmates, and certain essential workers to vote in future elections. This was part of a wide-ranging set of electoral reform proposals presented by the commission on Monday in a document titled “Issues and Contentions in the Electoral Legal Framework: An Overview from INEC’s Submission.” INEC recommended that sections of the 1999 Constitution and the 2022 Electoral Act be amended to enable early, special, Diaspora, and out-of-country voting. The move, according to the commission, is to promote inclusivity and ensure every eligible Nigerian has the opportunity to vote, regardless of location or circumstance. Advertisement “Amend Sections 12 and 45 of the EA 2022 to provide for early/special and related forms of voting,” the commission stated. This would include provisions for Nigerians on essential services, election workers, those in incarceration,...

Prominent business executive and socialite, Aisha Achimugu, has declared a hunger strike while in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following her arrest by operatives of the agency. Her legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Mr. Chikaosolu Ojukwu, disclosed on Tuesday in Abuja that Achimugu was arrested around 5 a.m. at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport upon her return from London. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the EFCC had, in March, declared Achimugu wanted over allegations of criminal conspiracy and money laundering. A Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice I.E. Ekwo, had on Monday ordered her to report at the EFCC office on Tuesday and to appear before the court on Wednesday. Advertisement According to Ojukwu, Achimugu had returned voluntarily to honour the EFCC’s invitation and had formally informed the court of her intention to visit the commission. “In line with the court’s directive, our cl...

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has emphasized the need for electricity distribution companies (DisCos) in Nigeria to uphold fairness, transparency, and accountability in their dealings with consumers. This call was made by the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of FCCPC, Mr. Tunji Bello, during the Electricity Consumer Forum held in Sango Ota, Ogun State, in collaboration with the Sango/Ota Area Community Development Committee (SACDC). Mr. Bello was represented at the event by Mrs. Bridget Etim from the Commission’s Ibadan Office. Advertisement According to the Commission, the three-day forum is convened under Sections 17, 127, 130, and 151 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018 to bridge communication gaps between electricity consumers and service providers. “Electricity is not just a commodity; it is a critical service that drives daily life, business activities, and national development,” Etim said. She acknowledged challe...

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday arrested businesswoman Aisha Achimugu at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. Sources revealed that Achimugu was picked up around 5 a.m. shortly after arriving from London. She had been declared wanted by the EFCC in March over allegations of criminal conspiracy and money laundering. Her arrest came a day after the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice I.E. Ekwo, ordered her to report to the EFCC on Tuesday and appear before the court on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. Advertisement Confirming the arrest, her lawyer, Chief Chikaosolu Ojukwu, said, “Aisha Achimugu, who arrived voluntarily into the country from London, was arrested by the EFCC around 5 a.m. on Tuesday.” Ojukwu condemned the action, describing it as a breach of a court order. “In light of what transpired in court on Monday, my client returned based on the undertaking before the court to honour the EFCC’s invitation, but was arrested a...

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has strongly condemned the resumed trial of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, describing it as a gross violation of Nigeria’s constitution, international law, and a clear act of judicial terrorism. In a statement issued yesterday by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Mr. Emma Powerful, the group decried the Federal Government’s continued prosecution of Kanu, insisting it is a mockery of natural justice and a breach of legal and human rights. “We call on all lovers of freedom, justice, and the rule of law within Nigeria and across the world to rise against this travesty and demand the immediate and unconditional release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” the statement read. Advertisement Kanu's trial is set to continue today at the Federal High Court in Abuja. IPOB maintained that the trial defies both local and international legal standards, pointing to Kanu’s 2021 “extraordinary rendition” from Kenya without due process as an act of kidnapping and a vio...

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has called on members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to remain united and focused on securing a second term for President Bola Tinubu in 2027. Speaking on Monday as a guest on Politics Today , a Channels Television programme, Keyamo emphasized that President Tinubu needs a second term to fully implement and complete his economic reforms. Advertisement “The most profound thing I will say here today is that every single APC member in this country today should be concentrating on the re-election of President Bola Tinubu, irrespective of whether it affects your personal interest or not,” he said. Keyamo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, warned that it would be “tragic” for another administration to abandon the current fiscal and economic policies introduced by the Tinubu-led government. He noted that Nigeria had suffered in the past due to inconsistent and incomplete reforms. Follow News Review on Facebook and X

The Labour Party (LP) Chairman for Akoko-Edo Ward 1 in Edo State, Okasime Olowojoba, has been kidnapped along the Auchi-Benin-Ibillo Road. Olowojoba, a realtor, was abducted on Saturday while traveling from Auchi to Igarra after picking up his children who were set to resume school. The incident reportedly occurred at a notorious bad spot near Sasaro, an area known for frequent kidnappings. Sources said the kidnappers initially seized all the occupants of Olowojoba’s vehicle, including his househelp and children, but later freed the househelp and the children, taking only Olowojoba into the bush. A close family member told NEWS REVIEW on Sunday that the kidnappers were demanding a ransom of N50 million for his release. Advertisement “Valentine Olowojoba, the Ward 1 Chairman of the Labour Party, went to Auchi to pick his children after the holidays. While returning to Igarra, he was kidnapped," the family source said. "There was no network service in the area that day unti...

Warri Refinery Shuts Down Barely a Month After NNPCL Declared It Operational, Sparking Outrage Over $897 Million Repair Costs and Raising Fresh Integrity Concerns Operators and industry experts have raised alarm over the integrity and operational efficiency of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) following the shutdown of the Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company (WRPC) barely a month after it was declared operational. A report obtained by NEWS REVIEW from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) revealed that the Warri refinery, which reportedly consumed $897.6 million in maintenance costs, ceased operations on January 25, 2025, due to safety concerns in its Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) Main Heater. The shutdown came weeks after former NNPCL Group CEO, Mele Kyari, declared the refinery operational on December 30, 2024. Experts described the situation as “disheartening,” especially given the extensive resources pumped into...

Singer Shallipopi has voiced his disappointment over the poor organisation of the 17th Headies Awards after a controversial incident during the ceremony on Sunday night in Lagos. In a now-viral clip, Shallipopi walked onto the stage after being announced as the winner of the Best Rap Single category for his song 'Cast' featuring Odumodublvck. However, no plaque was presented to him, leading to confusion and widespread criticism of the event’s management. On Monday, the artiste took to his X (formerly Twitter) account to express his frustration, vowing not to attend future editions of Nigeria’s biggest music awards show. Advertisement In a follow-up post, Shallipopi further distanced himself from the rap genre, suggesting that the award should have been given to a "real" rapper. He wrote in Pidgin English: "The next one if una see me make I bend. I nor go even lie for una sef, I nor want that award give the real rappers wey dey the category, me Shallipopi I no...

The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has criticised former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over remarks he made about Nigeria during a recent appearance at Johns Hopkins University in the United States. In a statement issued on Sunday, Sanwo-Olu accused Obi of making “disparaging comments” about Nigeria, urging prominent citizens to project a positive image of the country abroad rather than "de-market" it. “He made unflattering remarks not just about the Nigerian government but about Nigeria itself," Sanwo-Olu said. "When prominent Nigerians travel overseas, they ought to promote Nigeria. It is not about supporting the government, but about true patriotism." Advertisement Responding directly to Obi’s criticism of the federal government’s economic policies, Sanwo-Olu defended President Bola Tinubu, stating that Tinubu had a proven record of reducing poverty during his tenure as Lagos State governor from 19...

Justice Nwosu-Iheme of the FCT High Court, Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, on Monday sentenced Peter Nwachukwu, husband of late gospel singer Osinachi, to death by hanging. Nwachukwu was convicted of culpable homicide in connection with his wife's death on April 8, 2022. The court ruled that the prosecution successfully proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. The defendant was arraigned on June 3, 2022, by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation on a 23-count charge, including culpable homicide, spousal battery, criminal intimidation, and cruelty to children. Advertisement During the trial, the prosecution called 17 witnesses, including two of the deceased’s children, and tendered 25 documents as evidence. Nwachukwu, in his defence, testified personally, called four witnesses, and submitted four exhibits. Before sentencing, his counsel, Reginald Nwali, pleaded for leniency, while prosecution counsel, Mrs. Aderonke Imala, urged the court to uphold the law. Justice Nwosu-Iheme ...

NDLEA Uncovers Major Drug Cartel in Lagos Hotel, Seizing Over N1bn Worth of Drugs and Arresting Multiple Suspects in Nationwide Operations Operatives from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have uncovered a major drug cartel operating undercover in a hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos. During a raid on the five-storey property, known as The Hook Hotel, Caesar Hotel, and Caesar Lounge, NDLEA agents seized illicit substances worth over N1 billion. The operation, which took place between Friday, April 25, and Saturday, April 26, led to the recovery of 589 bags of Canadian Loud, a potent cannabis strain weighing 417.3 kilograms, with an estimated street value of N1,042,500,000. Advertisement Three suspects—Eze Ayitu, Ofuokwu Samuel, and Emmanuel Ameh—were arrested, while two others, Noble Philip and his partner Kenneth, remain on the run. The raid also uncovered several items suspected to be proceeds of illicit drug trade, including luxury vehicles such as a Toyota Prado Land...

VATICAN CITY — Catholic cardinals are preparing to fix a date for the conclave that will elect a new leader for the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, following the death of Pope Francis. Since Francis, aged 88, passed away on April 21, dozens of red-hatted “Princes of the Church” have been gathering at the Vatican. So far, little is known about who might emerge as the next pontiff. "If Francis was the pope of surprises, this conclave will be too," Spanish Cardinal Jose Cobo told El Pais newspaper on Sunday, noting that many cardinals are meeting for the first time and come from beyond Europe. Francis was laid to rest on Saturday in a ceremony attended by 400,000 people, including world leaders, royalty, and pilgrims. On Sunday, crowds visited his marble tomb at the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, where the "pope of the poor" chose to be buried outside the Vatican walls. Advertisement Among those seen as potential successors are Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Filipi...

The 17th edition of the prestigious Headies Awards, themed ‘Back to Base’ , made a vibrant return to Nigeria after two years abroad, lighting up the Landmark Event Centre in Lekki on Sunday night. Hosted by the charismatic Nancy Isime and veteran broadcaster IK Osakioduwa, the ceremony celebrated outstanding achievements across Nigerian and African music, honouring artists, producers, and creatives who made remarkable contributions over the past year. The night featured electrifying performances from top acts including Qing Madi, L.A.X, Odumodublvck, Kcee, Shallipopi, Flavour, and Tanzanian singer Juma Jux  who not only thrilled with his performance but also clinched the Best East African Artiste award. In a heartfelt moment, Kcee received a Special Recognition Award for his 26-year contribution to the Nigerian music industry. The emotional high point of the night came as late singer Mohbad was posthumously honoured with the Best Street-Hop Artiste award for his hit "Ask Abo...

Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Sends Sarcastic 'Apology' to Senate President Akpabio, Reigniting Tensions Over Alleged Gender Bias, Harassment, and Retaliation in the Senate Suspended Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP, Kogi Central), has reignited controversy in the National Assembly with a scathing, satirical letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio. In a tone dripping with irony, Akpoti-Uduaghan “apologized” for the “grievous crime” of maintaining dignity and self-respect in the Senate. Mocking what she described as expectations of submission, she wrote:  "How remiss of me not to understand that my refusal to indulge your... ‘requests’ was not merely a personal choice but a constitutional violation of certain men’s entitlement." Advertisement Addressing systemic sexism in the legislative body, she continued:  "Please find it in your magnanimous heart — somewhere buried deep beneat...