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MTN Nigeria has suspended its airtime and data advance service, Xtratime, following new compliance requirements introduced by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC). The company disclosed the development in a filing to the Nigerian Exchange Limited on Thursday, explaining that the suspension is part of efforts to align with the FCCPC’s Digital, Electronic, […]

The Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Dr. Zacch Adedeji, has disclosed that ongoing reforms have streamlined more than 60 tax laws into a simplified framework aimed at improving efficiency in tax administration and collection. Speaking on Thursday in Abuja at the inauguration of the Service’s Head Office, Adedeji said Nigeria’s tax system […]

Nigerian disc jockey, Florence Ifeoluwa Otedola, popularly known as DJ Cuppy, has shared insights into her evolving relationship preferences, stating that she now favours a low-key partner. DJ Cuppy, who is the daughter of Nigerian billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola, made the disclosure during an appearance on The Zeze Millz Show, where she explained that her […]

 

Nigerians from all walks of life have condemned the action of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) directing Nigeria’s telecoms to suspend the popular borrow airtime bouquet from its platform 

The *303# service offered by all the telcos, based on a short code approved by the NCC has not worked for some days now. 

The service allows telco customers to borrow airtime and/or data and pay later

Most consumers spoken to by CKN News condemned the action of the regulatory body which to them didn’t take into consideration the economic hardship being faced by average Nigerians 

Consumers have taken to social media platforms like twitter , Facebook Instagram , tiktok and other platforms to condemn what they called FCCPC insensitivity to their plights 

Many of them directed their anger towards the major telcos, especially MTN and Airtel without the inclination that the directive was from a government regulatory agency that ought to protect their interest instead of adding their burdens . 

They told our correspondent that FCCPC, which ordinarily should protect them is the one behind what has caused so much pain to those they should be protecting  

A circular obtained by CKNNews shows that the FCCPC under the leadership of Mr Tunji Bello, instructed the telcos to shut off the service. 

The regulatory agency’s letter titled Re:Failure of Compliance with the Digital, Electronic, Online or Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations (DEON Lending Regulations 2025 and Ensuing Enforcement’ referenced an earlier directive issued by the FCCPC to telcos on Thursday, November 13, 2025 to deal only with FCCPC approved Airtime Credit Services (ACS) providers.  

Consumers were not consulted, or considered; and the telcos were given no choice. 

Ordinary many Nigerians believeCommissionC has taken over the functions of the Communications Commission (NCC) which ordinarily should regulate the telcos. 

They are of the opinion that the FCCPC under Tunji Bello is throwing its weight around, playing games with regulation it should have no business with; and forcing telcos to do their bidding. 

The flimsy excuses given by the organisation doesn’t seem to assuage their anger and they call on the agency to reverse the directive immediately 

Most of them asked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to call Mr Tunji Bello to order immediately 

Meanwhile a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has granted an interim injunction restraining the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) from enforcing key provisions of its Digital, Electronic, Online and Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025, pending the determination of a substantive suit before the court.

Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa granted the order following an ex-parte application filed by the Wireless Application Service Providers Association of Nigeria (WASPA Nigeria), which is challenging the legality and applicability of the regulations.

The association had approached the court on April 14, 2026, seeking urgent judicial intervention to halt the implementation of what it described as ultra vires provisions of the regulatory framework, also referred to as the “DEON Consumer Lending Regulations.”

In the ruling, the court held that the applicant had demonstrated sufficient urgency and legal grounds to warrant temporary protection pending the hearing of the motion on notice for interlocutory injunction.

WASPA Nigeria, represented by senior advocate Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, argued that several provisions of the regulations impose obligations on its members operating in the telecommunications and digital services ecosystem.

The group further contended that the FCCPC lacked statutory authority to regulate technical and operational aspects of telecommunications services, which it said fall under the mandate of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

In its motion, WASPA urged the court to restrain the FCCPC from enforcing specific provisions of the regulations, including paragraphs 3, 7, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 24, 27, 29 and 32, as well as from imposing sanctions, penalties, or compliance directives on its members.

The court, after reviewing the supporting affidavit deposed to by Ayo Stuffman, granted interim reliefs preserving the status quo.

Specifically, Justice Lewis-Allagoa restrained the FCCPC from implementing or giving effect to the contested provisions of the regulations, taking enforcement steps against WASPA members, or issuing further directives under the disputed framework.

The judge also barred the commission from imposing sanctions or penalties on affected entities pending the determination of the substantive application.

The matter was adjourned to April 27, 2026, for hearing of the motion on notice.

The ruling represents a temporary setback for the FCCPC, which recently introduced the regulations as part of efforts to strengthen oversight of Nigeria’s fast-growing digital lending and fintech ecosystem.

The *303# telco service is a life-saver for many. As there have been no complaints against the service, consumers are at a loss to understand why the FCCPC instructed that the service be discontinued. 

The current situation demands a thorough dissecting and review of the operational methods of the FCCPC with a view to making it more responsive to the demands of consumers as Nigerians vehemently demand restoration of telcos airtime borrowing service.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, has secured the conviction of one Remilekun Temitope Balogun-Okedeyi for forging employment documents of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, to facilitate a fraudulent visa application.

ICPC said the conviction followed investigations into a visa fraud scheme in which the defendant falsely presented herself as an employee of NAFDAC, using forged employment and promotion letters, an identity card, and an introduction letter purportedly issued by the agency.

The case, filed under Charge No. ID/27346C/2025 (FRN v. Remilekun Temitope Balogun-Okedeyi), originated from a petition by the British Deputy High Commission that exposed a visa racketeering syndicate allegedly led by Olusegun Ojo Adigun.

Further investigations, according to ICPC, revealed that the syndicate was linked to at least sixteen visa applications and specialised in facilitating travel to the United Kingdom using falsified supporting documents.

“At the centre of the case was the defendant’s deliberate misrepresentation of her employment status,” the Commission said.

ICPC said that its findings established that Balogun-Okedeyi was never employed by NAFDAC, rendering all documents attributed to the agency, false and misleading.

In addition to the forged NAFDAC documents, the defendant also submitted a falsified bank statement allegedly issued by Chanelle Microfinance Bank for the period of January to July 2025. Investigations, however, confirmed that she did not operate any account with the bank.

Following the investigation, the defendant was charged with a six-count charge bordering on forgery and provision of false information, contrary to Sections 13 and 17 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

The matter was heard before Honourable Justice Mojisola Dada of the Ikeja Special Offences Court, Court 13.

During proceedings, the defendant, through her counsel, Grace Adenubi (Esq.), sought a plea bargain arrangement, which was agreed to by the Commission.

The charge was subsequently amended to a one-count information, to which she pleaded guilty.

The prosecution team—Yvonne William-Mbata, Roseline Eze, and Oluwayemisi Pereira—presented evidence through an investigator, Onyemauchechukwu Ezike, who tendered documentary exhibits before the court.

In her judgment, Justice Dada sentenced the defendant to one year imprisonment, with an option of a fine of N500,000 payable to the Federal Government within seven days.

The court further ordered two days of community service to be carried out outside the court premises and directed the defendant to enter into a bond of good behaviour to be recorded in the Lagos State Judiciary database.

The conviction highlights the Commission’s resolve to clamp down on the falsification of official documents, particularly the impersonation of government institutions such as NAFDAC for fraudulent purposes.

Woman jailed for forging NAFDAC employment letter to obtain UK visa

The Rivers State Judiciary has responded to criticisms over the decision of Justice Chinwendu Nwogu to jail a lawyer, Mrs Lovinah Ugbana Benjamin, for three days for contempt of court.

This reaction followed a statement by the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, titled ‘Judges Must Not Bully Lawyers Or Abuse Power To Punish For Contempt As a Tool For Intimidation Of Lawyer’, which raised concerns about how the judge handled the case.

A statement signed by the Chief Registrar of the Rivers State High Court, David D. Ihua-Maduenyi, said it was important to clarify what really happened and correct what it described as misleading information.

According to the statement, Mrs Benjamin, who was representing the defendants in the case, tried to mislead the court in her final written address by presenting facts and evidence that did not exist.

“The Learned Counsel when confronted by the court, admitted that what she stated in her final written address was not true and she was unapologetic,” the statement read.

The statement further explained that the judge followed due process before finding her guilty of contempt.

It added that although the law allows up to three months’ imprisonment for such an offence, the judge reduced the sentence to three days after pleas from lawyers.

Ihua-Maduenyi also disagreed with the NBA’s position that such matters should always be referred to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee, LPDC, saying that is not a fixed rule.

He explained that the lawyer’s actions amounted to contempt committed in the face of the court, which a judge has the power to punish immediately.

The statement further revealed that the lawyer had already been released before the NBA issued its press statement.

It said leaders of the NBA Port Harcourt Branch visited the judge, apologised, and asked for her release after understanding the full details of the case.

“The judge having accepted the apology signed a production warrant and upon her production in court and oral application by Mrs. Cordelia U. Eke, discharged her unconditionally that same morning,” the statement noted.

The statement expressed surprise at the NBA’s position, describing it as harsh and rushed.

It noted that the NBA had called for the lawyer’s immediate release, a probe of the judge and possible disciplinary action, and a boycott of the judge’s court if the lawyer was not freed within 24 hours.

The statement noted that either the full facts were not properly communicated to the NBA’s national body, or they chose to ignore them and unfairly portray the judge in a bad light.

“The Rivers State Judiciary find the position of the NBA National on the subject very offensive and embarrassingly raising a feeling of acrimony against the Judge in particular, and the High Court bench of Rivers State in general,” the statement read.

It defended Justice Nwogu, describing him as a respected judge with a clean record and high integrity.

While it criticised the NBA’s statement, the statement still acknowledged the association’s concern and assured that the working relationship between judges and lawyers in Rivers State remains strong.

“The Bench and the Bar in Rivers State remain veritable partners in the administration of justice,” the statement affirmed, adding that the incident will not damage their relationship.

Rivers judiciary defends judge, tackles NBA over jailed lawyer

The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has warned members of the public following the activities of fraudsters.
It said criminals are impersonating the NDA Commandant, Major General Oluyemi Thomas Olatoye, across multiple social media platforms.

In a statement signed by the academy’s Public Relations Officer, Major Reuben Kovangiya, it said the fraudsters falsely claim to offer contracts and other opportunities in the name of the NDA Commandant, with the aim of defrauding members of the public of their resources.

It disclosed that the scammers are using fake accounts on platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, and X to deceive unsuspecting individuals.

“The Academy wishes to unambiguously state that these accounts are fraudulent schemes designed to deceive and exploit innocent persons,” the statement said.

It cautioned that any engagement with such fake accounts is at the individual’s risk, stressing that the NDA will not be held liable for any losses incurred.

The academy said that all its official communications are disseminated strictly through its verified channels, including its official website, recognised social media handles, and reputable national newspapers.

It also emphasised that the commandant does not conduct official business or communication via personal social media accounts or unofficial online platforms.

It urged the public to remain vigilant, avoid interacting with suspicious accounts, and promptly report any fraudulent activity to the relevant authorities.

NDA alerts public to online scams using commandant’s identity

Nollywood actor Yul Edochie has shared advice on how men should handle disrespect in marriage…..

The Lagos State Government has taken delivery of an additional set of 24-car trains aimed at strengthening operations on the Lagos Red Line and expanding passenger capacity along the corridor.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu disclosed this on Thursday and noted that the new rolling stock is expected to improve service efficiency and significantly reduce waiting times for commuters, as the state continues to invest in rail transportation.

“We have received a new set of 24-car trains to reinforce the Lagos Red Line fleet. This will increase capacity, shorten wait times, and enhance the overall commuting experience for residents. Our goal remains to build a transport system that is efficient and dependable for all,” the governor said.

The Red Line, inaugurated in February 2024, spans approximately 37 kilometres, linking Agbado in Ogun State to Oyingbo on Lagos Island. The route passes through major districts such as Ikeja, Oshodi, Mushin, and Yaba, offering a vital mass transit option across some of the state’s busiest corridors.

Developed as part of Lagos’ comprehensive rail master plan, the Red Line operates alongside the standard gauge track of the Nigerian Railway Corporation and connects with the Lagos Blue Line at designated interchange points, supporting the state’s drive toward an integrated, multimodal transport system.

Since its inauguration, the line has recorded increasing patronage, reflecting growing demand for faster and more reliable alternatives to road transport in a city long affected by traffic congestion.

The initiative forms part of broader efforts by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority to expand rail services and improve connectivity across the state. Authorities are also exploring plans to extend the Red Line beyond its current endpoints and integrate it with bus rapid transit and water transport networks.

Lagos acquires new trains to boost red line operations

The Niger State Government has announced plans to strengthen immunization efforts across 10 local government areas identified as having a high burden of zero-dose children, with the aim of reaching affected communities within the next eight months.

Zero dose children are infants who have not received any routine vaccinations, specifically missing the first dose of the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis-containing vaccine (DTP1) in their first year.

Speaking at a Socialization Meeting on the Republic of Korea (ROK)–United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) partnership grant for the maintenance and strengthening of immunization and essential health services in the selected LGAs, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Murtala Bagana, attributed the challenge largely to insecurity and the presence of hard-to-reach communities.

The Commissioner, represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Abdullah Imam, commended UNICEF and the Republic of Korea for their support.

He urged the benefiting LGAs which include Bida, Chanchaga, Edati, Gurara, Katcha, Kontagora, Mariga, Rafi, Suleja, and Wushishi to take ownership of the programme to strengthen routine immunization and outreach services at both facility and community levels.

According to him, “As a state, we are doing everything possible to ensure insecurity is curbed. We can all see its negative impact, and everybody is worried.”

“It is not enough to plan for zero-dose cases; we should plan to eliminate them entirely. Every child that is not immunized is exposed and poses a risk to others,” he added.

The Executive Director of the Niger State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Inuwa Junaidu, noted that the state faces significant challenges, including insecurity and banditry due to its proximity to Zamfara, Kebbi, Kogi, and Kaduna States.

He further explained that a rapid assessment was conducted to identify LGAs contributing most to the zero-dose burden.

“With support from the Korean Government and UNICEF, we are working to ensure that all zero-dose children are identified and vaccinated within the eight-month period,” he said.

Junaidu added that the plan includes identifying, enumerating, and vaccinating eligible children in order to reduce the zero-dose burden to the barest minimum in the state.

In his goodwill message, UNICEF Health Specialist from the Kaduna Field Office, Dr. Ahmed Tsofo, said the success of the programme would depend on strong collaboration with the state government.

“UNICEF will stand shoulder to shoulder with you to ensure the success of this project,” he said.

He noted that Nigeria bears the highest global burden of zero-dose children, estimated at 2.1 million, with states including Adamawa, Bauchi, the FCT, Lagos, Niger, and Ogun among the most affected.

He added that the coverage gaps have contributed to repeated outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases such as diphtheria, measles, and cholera, with insecurity remaining a major barrier to reaching vulnerable children.

Immunization: Niger, Korea, UNICEF to tackle high burden of zero-dose children