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Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of Federal High Court, Abuja on Monday, May 18, granted bail in the sum of N5 million and one surety in like sum to social critic, Justice Chidebere also known as Justice crack who is being prosecuted by the Department of State Services (DSS) over alleged cybercrime offences linked to a viral video concerning the feeding of Nigerian Army.

Hearing of the bail application was stalled last Thursday as a result of disputes between two lawyers who claimed they have been contracted to represent Crack Insecurity Solutions Forum

However, on Monday, Justice Abdulmalik granted bail to Crack after the Federal government opened its case against the blogger by calling its first witness, Uruntu Douglas, an operative of DSS.

The witness told the court that he took the extrajudicial statement of the defendant when he was transferred to the DSS custody by the Nigeria Army Intelligence Defence Corp.

He said Crack gave his statement voluntarily and data was extracted from his phone which includes pictures he received from some soldiers who decried their welfare which he posted on his Instagram, Facebook, X, YouTube and TikTok account.

The pages of these accounts were tendered and admitted as exhibit

The DSS had, in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/253/2026, sued Crack, as sole defendant over alleged cybercrime offences linked to a viral video concerning the Nigerian Army.

Mark was alleged to have circulated a false information and publication of materials capable of causing public unrest.

Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has disclosed that six persons in the community suspected to be informants linked to the attack on the schools in Oriire Local Government Area have been arrested by the police and are currently under investigation.

Governor Makinde made this known during a press briefing.

He further revealed that another three persons of interest had been arrested by another security outfit in the state, adding that all intelligence gathered was being harmonised to ensure a thorough investigation into the incident.

The governor assured residents that government presence and security surveillance would remain in the affected communities to prevent a recurrence of the unfortunate incident.

The Nigerian Navy has sustained operational pressure against crude oil theft and illegal refining activities with the dismantling of a reactivated illegal refining cluster…

The post Navy dismantles illegal refinery cluster in Rivers–Bayelsa corridor appeared first on Tribune Online.

Gov. Seyi Makinde has confirmed the killing of one of the teachers and the arrest of six suspects related to the kidnapping incident at Ahoro-Esinele Community, Oyo State.

Makinde said this in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr Suleimon Olanrewaju, in Ibadan on Monday.

He expressed his condolences to the victim’s family and assured his government would explore both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to rescue others in the kidnappers’ den.

He equally sympathised with the family members of the tactical team of soldiers, Amotekun Corps and local vigilantes, who lost their lives in the rescue operation.

According to him, the operatives lost their lives when they ran into Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), planted by the abductors.

He stated that the wounded security personnel were responding positively to treatment and that the government would spare no cost in taking care of them.

He appealed to the victims’ relatives, religious bodies and other interested parties to exercise patience, promising that the government will rescue and reunite the victims with their families.

“So, please, there may not be quick fixes, but we will continue to endeavour to push ourselves to the limit to resolve this quickly.

“What we know right now is that seven teachers in all were abducted. And, unfortunately, we got a video this morning that one of the teachers, I understand, the mathematics teacher, was killed by the terrorists,” he stated.

Makinde, however, said the government has achieved some success with the operation, with some individuals already arrested in connection with the situation.

“Well, from the information available from the Commissioner of Police, about six individuals have been arrested within the locality.

“Some of them, we believe, are perhaps informants or people running logistics for the terrorists.

“Also, three individuals of interest have been arrested by another security outfit within the state,” he said.

The governor acknowledged the need to engage neighbouring states to curb the influx of terrorists into Oyo State.

“We must appreciate the fact that with the pressure on the terrorists and the bandits in the North-West and the North-East, they will keep moving southwards.

“So, we are talking.

“The Governor of Kwara has spoken to me, but the problem that we have is when you have pressure in one place, we must be prepared on this side to, also, either repel or neutralise terrorists fleeing the pressure point,” the governor added.

He also assured the citizens that they would be kept abreast of progress in the rescue operation through a daily briefing.

Oyo Students’ Abduction: Makinde Confirms Teacher’s killing, Arrest Of Suspects is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The Chairman of the Defence Industries Association of Nigeria (DIAN), Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Alaya, has called for urgent and sustained efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s local defence industry capabilities in order to enhance national security and reduce dependence on foreign military hardware. This was contained in a statement made available to Defence Correspondents in Abuja on Monday […]

The post We must strengthen Nigeria’s local defence industry capabilities — DIAN Chairman appeared first on Tribune Online.

A former leader of the Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN), Hon. Belusochukwu Michael Enwere, has withdrawn from the race for the Imo East Senatorial seat…

The post APC aspirant, Enwere, withdraws from Imo East Senate race appeared first on Tribune Online.

United States President, Donald Trump, has sparked reactions online after sharing an AI-generated image showing him walking alongside a grey alien at a military base as part of a flood of artificial intelligence-themed posts on his Truth Social account. In less than one hour and 15 minutes on Sunday afternoon, at least 19 AI-generated posts […]

The post Trump posts self picture walking with alien appeared first on Tribune Online.

A former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has raised concerns about Nigeria’s rising debt-servicing obligations, warning that the country now spends significantly more on loan repayments than on critical sectors such as health, education, and poverty alleviation.

Obi reacted to reports that the Federal Government could spend about $11.6bn on debt servicing.

He argued that while borrowing is not entirely negative, the growing repayment burden raises concerns about how authorities utilise loans and whether they channel them into measurable economic growth and improved living standards.

He noted that debt servicing figures, estimated at between N17tn and N18tn depending on exchange rates, far exceed the combined budgetary allocations to healthcare, education, and poverty reduction.

He described the trend as a fiscal imbalance capable of undermining long-term national development.

The former Anambra State governor cited countries such as Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, and Indonesia as examples of economies that manage high debt levels by investing in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and innovation.

He argued that Nigeria’s borrowing history differs significantly, claiming that authorities have directed a large share of past loans toward consumption rather than productive development.

Obi said, “Nigeria’s debt stock has continued to rise under the current administration.

“Recent external borrowing commitments, including about $6bn in total external loans (comprising $5bn from First Abu Dhabi Bank in the UAE and $1bn via UK Export Finance through Citibank London), alongside a proposed $1.25bn World Bank facility and an additional $516m arranged through Deutsche Bank, bringing recent external borrowing commitments to approximately $7.8bn.

“Budgetary figures show that debt servicing, estimated at N17tn to N18tn depending on exchange rates, is nearly three times the combined allocations to health (N2.46tn), education (N2.56tn), and poverty alleviation (N865bn).”

Obi described the imbalance as a major fiscal concern, warning that debt obligations increasingly crowd out investments in human capital development.

He also expressed concern that authorities may not fully release or effectively utilise approved funds for key sectors.

Obi stressed that the key issue is not borrowing itself, but whether authorities convert borrowed funds into productivity, inclusive growth, and improved living standards.

He warned that without such outcomes, debt servicing could become a long-term structural burden on the economy.

Debt Servicing Overshadows Healthcare, Education, Obi Warns is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has continued its financial literacy drive for secondary school students across Nigeria, helping young people build practical money management skills.

The initiative, carried out in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as part of the 2026 Global Money Week celebration, reached thousands of students across the country’s six geopolitical zones.

The programme, themed ‘‘Smart Money Talks’’, was designed to help students understand basic financial concepts early and develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to make informed financial decisions in a complex economic environment.

Through interactive sessions in Lagos, Kano, Abuja, Adamawa, Ogun, Imo, and Akwa-Ibom states, students learned about prudent resource management, budgeting, responsible spending, saving culture, and productive use of money.

The initiative reflects FCMB’s commitment to promoting quality education, financial inclusion, and poverty reduction in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Speaking on the programme, FCMB’s Divisional Head of Corporate Affairs, Diran Olojo, said financial literacy remains a critical life skill for young people.

“This initiative goes beyond teaching money management. Financial literacy empowers people, promotes responsible behaviour, and supports long-term economic inclusion. 
We want to nurture a generation that is informed, self-reliant, and equipped to make sound financial choices.”

Olojo added that FCMB remains committed to investing in young Nigerians through initiatives that equip them to navigate life with confidence and responsibility.

In his lecture to students of Hasiyanda Secondary School, Kano, FCMB’s Zonal Head, North-west, Ali Yahaya, said:

“Understanding money is one of the most important life skills you can develop. 
Financial literacy helps you make informed choices, avoid costly mistakes, and build a secure future regardless of your background or income level.
 Saving is not just about setting money aside; it builds discipline, resilience, and long-term thinking.
 Developing good financial habits early can shape opportunities and improve your future.”

He further advised students to build and earn income responsibly through creative skills, holiday jobs, and online businesses. 
He also urged parents to teach their children effective financial management by saving consistently and spending wisely.

Global Money Week is an annual international awareness campaign aimed at ensuring that children and young people acquire the financial knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviours necessary to make sound financial decisions and achieve financial wellbeing.

Since 2014, FCMB has provided financial education to nearly 20,000 secondary school students across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. The programme also supports ongoing efforts to address low financial literacy levels in the country.

By continuing to support financial education initiatives, FCMB and the CBN are helping to raise a generation better equipped to make informed choices, manage resources responsibly and contribute meaningfully to society.

FCMB Helps Young Nigerians Build Money Management Skills

Several passengers sustained injuries on Monday morning after a Honda vehicle crashed into two commercial tricycles at the Federal Bus Stop along Ipaja Road in Lagos. The accident, which occurred around 8:50 a.m., involved a Honda car with registration number KTU 921 JY and left about 10 passengers with varying degrees of injuries. Eyewitnesses at […]

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