NEM Insurance Plc, has posted a strong financial performance for the 2025 financial year, growing its gross premium income to N166.8 billion and proposing a dividend payout of over N7.5 billion
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A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief John Okiyi-Kalu (JOK), has officially submitted his nomination form to contest the 2027 governorship election in Abia State.
Okiyi-Kalu submitted the form after successfully undergoing screening by the party’s governorship screening committee, chaired by former Kaduna State governor, Ahmed Makarfi.
Speaking with journalists after the exercise, the former commissioner described the screening as smooth and successful, saying it reflected the standards of a “great party” like the PDP.
He said his ambition was driven by a desire to spread “prosperity people can see and feel” across Abia through industrialisation, improved education, healthcare and workers’ welfare.
“It is an honour for me to contest under a party I trust so much and have belonged to since 1999 without defecting despite trials and temptations,” he said.
Okiyi-Kalu submits PDP nomination form for Abia 2027 governorship election
The Sokoto State Executive Council has approved over N1.46bn for the procurement of official vehicles for the Office of the Governor, including three bulletproof Toyota Land Cruiser SUVs, two Land Cruiser Prado vehicles, and a coaster bus.
Briefing journalists on Wednesday after the council meeting, commissioners for Land and Housing, Youth and Sports, Finance, and Transportation—Barrister Nasiru Dantsoho, Engr. Mustapha Kofar Marke, Engr. Muhammadu Jabbi Shagari, and Hon. Bala Kokani—outlined the decisions reached.
They also announced approval of N438m for the purchase of six buses to strengthen the state’s mass transit system.
In addition, the council approved N733.2m for the renovation of the International Conference Centre and N340.5m for the procurement of two payloaders for the Ministry of Environment.
According to the commissioners, the council further endorsed contracts exceeding N5bn covering the renovation of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation camp, procurement of bulletproof vehicles, road rehabilitation, and other infrastructure projects across the state.
Specifically, N1.079bn was approved for the comprehensive renovation of the NYSC orientation camp.
For road infrastructure, the government approved N2.2bn for the rehabilitation of 36 roads across the state, while the Airport Road project received an additional N894.6m allocation.
The council also approved N398.6m for the development of a livestock centre aimed at boosting livestock production and related economic activities.
The commissioners said the approvals reflect the administration’s commitment to improving infrastructure, transportation, environmental sanitation, and public service delivery across Sokoto State.
Sokoto Approves N1.46bn For Governor’s Bulletproof SUVs, Other Vehicles is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
A United States federal court has sentenced a Nigerian-born former nonprofit chief executive, Dr Nkechy Ezeh, to 70 months in prison for orchestrating a $1.4 million fraud scheme involving taxpayer and donor funds meant for vulnerable preschool children.
The sentencing was announced in a press release on Wednesday by the Office of the US Attorney for the Western District of Michigan.
The sentencing was delivered by Chief US District Judge Hala Y. Jarbou, who also imposed a concurrent 60-month sentence for tax evasion and ordered Ezeh to pay $1.4 million in restitution and $390,174 to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.
Ezeh, 61, of Kent County, Michigan, was the founder and former CEO of Early Learning Neighborhood Collaborative, a West Michigan nonprofit that provided early childhood services in underserved communities.
She is also a former Associate Professor of Education and Director of Early Childhood Education Program at Aquinas College.
She was immediately remanded into federal custody after sentencing.
During the proceedings, Judge Jarbou described Ezeh as “a fraud and a thief,” adding that the scheme was “brazen and widespread,” and involved funds intended for some of the region’s most vulnerable children.
US Attorney for the Western District of Michigan, Timothy VerHey, said Ezeh diverted money meant for low-income children for personal use.
“Nkechy Ezeh’s greed is beyond reprehensible.
“She stole taxpayer and private-donor dollars meant for low-income children in our community. Instead of helping kids, she spent that money on herself.
“The stolen money could have supported hundreds of West Michigan children and their families. Judge Jarbou’s sentence was perfectly appropriate,” VerHey said.
According to court filings, Ezeh used stolen funds to finance personal expenses, including travel to Hawaii, Europe and Africa, as well as a family wedding.
Prosecutors also said she placed relatives on a “ghost payroll,” enabling them to receive hundreds of thousands of dollars for little or no work.
She was further accused of using intermediaries to transfer stolen funds to family members in Nigeria.
The nonprofit, ELNC, was funded by US federal programmes including Head Start, the Department of Education, and private donors. It provided meals, transport and support services to children in low-income communities.
Following the fraud, ELNC shut down in 2023, leading to the loss of funding for several preschools and the layoff of 35 employees.
A former bookkeeper at the organisation, Sharon Killebrew, who was identified as a co-conspirator, was earlier sentenced to 54 months in prison for her role in the scheme.
US authorities said the case highlights the abuse of federal grants and its impact on vulnerable communities, particularly children in low-income neighbourhoods.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and the Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigation unit, while Assistant U.S. Attorney Clay Stiffler prosecuted the case.
Kabiru Umar, popularly known as Kabiru Sokoto, has appealed against the judgment that convicted him of terrorism-related offences connected to the 2011 bombing of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Madalla.
His lawyer, Don Akaegbu, confirmed the development in a statement, saying the appeal followed a review of the court proceedings and the judgment delivered by the Federal High Court in Abuja on December 20, 2013.
According to the legal team, an application for extension of time was also filed due to delays in initiating the appeal process.
The lawyers stressed that the charges against their client did not allege that he carried out or planned the church bombing.
“It is important, in the interest of accuracy and fairness, to clarify that: The charges upon which our client was tried and convicted did not allege that he carried out or masterminded the bombing of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, Madalla. Rather, the relevant count alleged that he had information about the incident and failed to disclose the same to law enforcement authorities.
“The distinction between direct participation and alleged prior knowledge is significant in law and forms a central issue in the pending appeal.”
The statement added that the appeal raises questions about the evidence used in securing the conviction and how the trial court handled the defence presented by Umar.
The legal team further said the appeal would examine “whether the conviction was supported by admissible and credible evidence and whether the evaluation of the defence by the trial court was consistent with established legal principles.”
The lawyers also argued that criminal responsibility should only be determined through charges and evidence presented before the court.
The statement also revealed that while in custody, Umar earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the National Open University of Nigeria.
“This reflects a continued effort toward self-improvement despite the circumstances. The purport of the appeal is to enable our client establish and prove his innocence in accordance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the statement added.
Kabiru Sokoto appeals conviction over 2011 Madalla church bombing case
Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, has narrated how his principal almost sacked him because of Lagos State House of Assembly member, Desmond Elliot.
He said he almost lost his job during the Lagos Speaker Mudashiru Obasa impeachment saga.
Recall that lawmakers of the Lagos State House of Assembly had said that Obasa was impeached to save the integrity and sanctity of the House of Assembly and Lagos State.
The lawmakers, while jointly addressing journalists at the Assembly Complex, said: “It’s just a change of baton. It is only death that is constant, so change is inevitable.”
However, with President Tinubu against the impeachment, the Speaker was restored and peace returned to the Assembly.
Addressing members of the All Progressives Congress on Thursday, Gbajabiamila said, “I almost lost my job as Chief of Staff last year because of Desmond Elliot. Mr President called me to his house in Abuja during the Lagos Speaker Obasa saga.
“He said, ‘I hear this Desmond is your boy, the one we gave you,’ and I said, ‘Yes, sir. He is one of the people causing problems in the Lagos House of Assembly.’
“Immediately, I told the president that Desmond wasn’t part of them, but the president replied and said that, from the intelligence he received, Desmond was part of them.
“After that meeting, I called Desmond and told him what the president said, and asked him to leave the group if he was part of them. Three days later, the DSS DG called me and said there was a problem.
“He said your name is being mentioned, that you’re the one behind the impeachment saga and that you’re supporting Desmond.
“I spoke to the DSS DG and told him I had spoken to Desmond and he denied being part of the group. I then asked Desmond to make a public statement denying his involvement in the impeachment saga, but till today, he hasn’t done it.”
How I almost lost my job as Tinubu’s Chief of Staff because of Desmond Elliott – Gbajabiamila
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has warned Nigerians against investing in illegal online investment schemes being promoted across social media platforms, saying many of them show characteristics of Ponzi and prohibited investment operations.
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Troops of the Headquarters, 14 Brigade Operation Udo Ka, in coordination with other security agencies, have conducted a precise intelligence-led operation in Abia State, resulting in the rescue of a kidnapped male victim.
The operation, carried out by troops of the 145 Battalion working alongside Operation Crush and the Anti-Cultism Unit of the Nigeria Police Force in Umuahia, led to the rescue of one Mr Onyebuchi Nwaoha, who had earlier been abducted by armed men.
The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 14 Brigade Nigerian Army, Captain Mazinho Attah, disclosed this on Thursday, saying that the operation was part of the ongoing Eastern Sanity II.
According to Captain Attah, the rescued victim and some arrested suspects are currently in custody for further investigation, with efforts underway to identify and dismantle additional criminal networks operating in the area.
He noted that troops across the brigade’s operational areas have sustained a heavy presence along major roads and vulnerable communities, including the ABSU–Okigwe–Ihube Road, Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, and several communities in Umunneochi, Bende, Isiala Ngwa, Ukwa East, Ukwa West, Umuahia, and Arochukwu Local Government Areas.
He emphasized that the ongoing operations are targeted at frustrating the activities of IPOB/ESN and other criminal groups, while also preventing illegal activities such as the unauthorized use of explosives by unlicensed operators.
In a related development, the statement said that troops stationed at Osisioma swiftly responded to reports of a shooting incident around Brass Street in GRA, Aba, and discovered the lifeless body of an unidentified man.
“Upon arrival, troops discovered the lifeless body of an unidentified man lying by the roadside after he was reportedly attacked by unknown gunmen.
“The body was later evacuated by emergency responders, while investigations and efforts to apprehend the assailants remain ongoing,” the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, said.
He further said that troops carried out coordinated night patrols and stand-to operations around strategic locations, which were reported calm and secure during the period under review.
“Patrols were also extended to flashpoints and surrounding communities, including Isiugu, Akanu-Ukwu, Ameakpo, Nguzu, Arochukwu, Bende, and other adjoining areas, with troops working in collaboration with other security agencies to maintain law and order,” Captain Mazinho Attah said.
President Bola Tinubu has urged the All Progressives Congress (APC) to ensure fairness, unity and internal democracy as the party begins its nationwide primaries.
Tinubu, who is currently participating in the Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, said all aspirants must be given a “level playing field” in the process.
Quoting him, “…I am pleased to witness this historic moment in the annals of our party. The party we formed just like yesterday is gearing up for its fourth election cycle. It is a source of pride for me, and I believe for all our distinguished leaders and teeming members.”
Tinubu said the APC is built on “the firm principles of progressive politics, consensus democracy, and personal devotion and sacrifice,” adding that those values must guide the conduct of the primaries.
“We founded the All Progressives Congress (APC) on the firm principles of progressive politics, consensus democracy, and personal devotion and sacrifice. This principle of selflessness and devotion has seen us go through each election cycle and come out firmer together. We must consolidate on it as we go into the primaries tomorrow,” the President stated.
He described the primaries as more than candidate-selection exercises, saying they reflect the party’s unity and strength.
“The primary elections, kicking off with those for House of Representatives aspirants tomorrow and culminating in the presidential primaries on May 25, 2026, are not mere exercises to produce our standard bearers. They are a referendum on our unity, resilience and strength as a party. They present an opportunity to renew the bond and ideals that we share,” he said.
Tinubu acknowledged ongoing efforts within the party to produce consensus candidates, describing the approach as positive for internal cohesion.
“I am aware that, in line with the provisions of the Electoral Act (2026) and our party’s constitution, leaders at various levels have initiated conversations to produce consensus candidates. It is a commendable option that would help in reducing rancour and bad blood among party members,” he said.
The president, however, stressed that where consensus fails, members must embrace peaceful competition.
“Election is an essential ingredient of democracy. Where consensus fails, I urge us all to go into the primaries as brothers and sisters. All participants in the primaries, as contestants or voters, must keep the peace and be ready to play as sportsmen and women in the overall interest of the party and our country,” Tinubu said.
He warned against divisive politics and urged both winners and losers to act with restraint.
“We cannot afford rancorous conduct or the debasement of our democracy and party unity. In every contest, there will be a winner and a loser. I urge the winners not to gloat in victory and the losers to show sportsmanship by taking things in their stride and preparing for another time,” he said.
Tinubu also called on party leaders to ensure fairness across all levels of the primaries.
“To the party leadership, our governors, and other leaders, I urge you to be fair and just. You must rise above sentiment to offer all aspirants a level playing field that guarantees participation without let or hindrance,” he said.
He further appealed for inclusion of women and young people in the process, saying their participation remained essential to the party’s future.
“The inclusion of women and youth is dear to my heart. I appeal to voters in the primaries and leaders at all levels to give special consideration to our women and youth in the contest. We cannot afford to relegate the two significant demographics of our population,” he stated.
Tinubu also cautioned security agencies to remain neutral during the exercise.
“Lastly, the Police and other security agencies must remain professional and avoid acting as interlopers during this exercise. Your duties strictly centre on ensuring peaceful exercise. Nothing more,” he said.
He wished party members success in the primaries and expressed optimism about the APC’s prospects in the general elections.
Tinubu Demands Level Playing Field As APC Begins Primaries is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
TCN Osogbo Region, in collaboration with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has carried out a joint enforcement operation against illegal encroachment and unauthorised activities within TCN’s Right of Way (RoW) corridors in Osun State.
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