Abuja-based lawyer Victor Giwa, who was declared wanted by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Apo earlier this week, has been arrested by operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in Lagos. Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the FCT High Court had on Monday, September 15, 2025, issued a bench warrant for Giwa and his co-defendant, Ibitade Bukola Olugbenga, after they failed to appear for their scheduled arraignment on charges of forgery and impersonation. Police sources confirmed that Giwa was picked up in Lagos on Friday, September 19, 2025, and is being held at the Zone 2 Police Headquarters. He…
Author: National Update
Nigeria’s creative industries are poised for rapid expansion as the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy has unveiled a groundbreaking Creative Economy Data Mapping Report—a first-of-its-kind study charting opportunities across the country’s vibrant cultural value chain. The report was presented on Thursday at the Creative Industries Economic Coordination and Investment Summit, hosted by the British Council in Lagos as part of 2025 Creative Economy Week. Senior Special Assistant for Media and Publicity at the Ministry, Dr. Nneka Ikem Anibeze in a statement indicated that from film and music to fashion, design, digital content, tourism, and cultural…
By Ola Awoniyi The tenth National Assembly, led by Distinguished Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, is now in the second half of its four-year tenure. From next year, electioneering ahead of the 2027 polls will take centre stage in national politics. Therefore, history beckons to the 10th Assembly to accomplish the remaining items on its Legislative Agenda before the heads of members fully turn to politicking. There is no doubt that much has been done. But more remains in the in-tray. The first two years produced landmark legislation but were also characterised by politics and drama typical of a Parliament. In…
To be more, is to know more; and to know more, is to be more. This expression is articulated by Socrates, Aristotle, and Albert Einstein in their statements about the relationship between knowledge, existence, and self-awareness. The core idea is that increased knowledge leads to greater understanding and a fuller sense of being. In attempting to take a position over Senator Natasha’s travail with Senate President Akpabio, it is within the province of rationality to visit the remote and immediate causes of the imbroglio. Akpabio is acknowledged to be a very close friend to Natasha’s husband, Chief Uduaghan. Akpabio confirmed…
The long-running courtroom battle over Nigeria’s stalled Mambilla Hydroelectric Project descended into another round of uncertainty on Thursday, as federal prosecutors abandoned a scheduled cross-examination of their star witness and instead rushed to amend charges against former Power Minister, Dr. Olu Agunloye. At exactly 10:20 a.m., inside Court 30 of the FCT High Court, Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie called the case—only for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to admit that its lead investigator, identified as PW3, was unavailable. In a surprise pivot, the prosecution requested permission to rewrite parts of its case, a move analysts say reflects nervousness over…
The National Industrial Court in Abuja has issued a restraining order preventing the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association from shutting down or disrupting production at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. Justice E.D. Subilim granted the interim injunction on Wednesday after hearing an ex-parte motion filed by Dangote Petroleum Refinery, MRS Oil Nigeria Limited, and MRS Oil and Gas Company Limited. The order temporarily bars NUPENG, its members, agents, and privies from embarking on any industrial action or strike that could cripple refinery operations, pending the determination of a motion on…
By Adamu Muhd Usman Social media—often called “new media”—has become a powerful force in Jigawa State’s politics. The speed, reach, and level of engagement among Jigawa citizens are striking. Ordinary people now use platforms like Facebook and X to debate governance, scrutinize policies, and hold leaders accountable. For Governor Umar Namadi (FCA), fondly known as Dan Modi, this is a reality he cannot ignore: his administration is being scored daily in the court of public opinion online. This is, at its core, healthy for democracy. Social media offers a direct and unfiltered channel for government feedback—if used responsibly. As someone…
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has sounded the alarm over the misuse of masquerade festivals, warning that criminals hiding behind cultural traditions to commit offenses will face swift prosecution. Commissioner of Police Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, said the Command has observed an unsettling trend: some masquerades—once regarded as cherished symbols of heritage and unity—are now being used to aid crimes, intimidate residents, traffic drugs, and even carry illegal firearms. “Masquerades are meant to bring joy and showcase our rich cultural identity, not serve as a disguise for criminal elements,” Azare told reporters on Wednesday. “It is disheartening to see…
Nigeria and China have taken steps to strengthen their defence partnership following a high-level meeting between Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, H.E. Alhaji Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, CON, mni, and China’s Minister of Equipment and Development, Air Chief Marshal Xu Xueqiang, during the 12th Beijing Xiangshan Forum on Thursday. The bilateral talks, held on the sidelines of the global security summit, focused on technology transfer, joint military production, and expanding defence cooperation between the two nations. Officials said the meeting highlighted Nigeria’s commitment to modernizing its armed forces through strategic partnerships, while China signaled its readiness to share expertise in defence technology…
By Ben Adaji As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), work round the clock to find solutions to neutralise the supposed tactics and strength of the opposition in preparation for the 2027 general elections, political pundits have identified lack of reward for loyalty as a major factor that could hinder Tinubu’s smooth path to victory. Our correspondents’ tour of the North-East geopolitical zone reveals that numerous APC chieftains and loyalists—who worked relentlessly for the victory of President Tinubu and APC during the 2023 general elections—have been completely forgotten or not considered for appointments…