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Regional President of APM Terminals Africa-Europe, Igor van den Essen, disclosed this when he led other executives…

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The Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, arraigned one Adeyinka Nike Aderonmu before Justice E. U. Akpan of the Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja for fraud.

He is being prosecuted on a three-count charge, bordering on transfer and retention of funds suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities to the tune of N328, 558, 800 (Three Hundred and Twenty-eight Million, Five Hundred and Fifty-eight Thousand Eight Hundred Naira).

One of the charges reads: “That you, Adeyinka Nike Aderonmu, sometime in 2025, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, transferred Viju Water worth the sum of Three Hundred and Twenty-Eight Million, Five Hundred and Fifty-Eight Thousand, Eight Hundred Naira(N328,558,800), derived from an unlawful act and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(1)(c) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004 and punishable under Section 18(2) of the same Act.”

She pleaded “not guilty” to the charges, following which the prosecution counsel, F.A.I. Aesmebo, prayed the court for a trial date and for her to be remanded in a Correctional centre, while the defence counsel pleaded with the court to grant her bail.

Justice Akpan who observed that the defence counsel’s motion for bail was not in the court’s record ordered that the defendant be remanded in Suleja Correctional Centre, Niger State, and adjourned the matter till July 8, 2026, for commencement of trial.

The Abuja Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, May 12, 2025, arraigned Blessing Gozi-Anyaokei, Managing Director, Viscount Microfinance Bank before Justice Y. Halilu of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, for fraud.

She is being prosecuted on a two-count charge, bordering on illegal conversion and obtaining money by false pretence.

Count one reads: ”That you, Blessing Gozi-Anyaokei, sometime in 2022 at Abuja, within the Judicial Division of this Honourable Court, while being the Managing Director of Viscount Microfinance Bank was entrusted with the sum of Nineteen Million Naira (N19,000,000.00) by Ernest Terkula Jor for the purpose of investment, did dishonestly convert the same to your own use in violation of the mode in which the contract is to be discharged, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 311 of the Penal Code Act Cap 532 (Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (Abuja) 1990) and punishable under Section 312 of the same Act”.

Count two reads, “That you Blessing Gozi-Anyaokei sometime in 2022 at Abuja within the Judicial Division of this Honourable court while being the Managing Director of Viscount Microfinance Bank, was entrusted with the sum of Thirty Thousand United States of America Dollars) ($30,000.00) by Ernest Terkula Jor for the purpose of investment, did dishonestly convert the same to your own use in violation of the mode in which the contract is to be discharged, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 311 of the Penal Code Act Cap 532 (Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (Abuja) 1990) and punishable under Section 312 of the same Act.”

She pleaded “not guilty,” following which prosecution counsel, S.N Robert, prayed the court for a trial date.

Justice Halilu granted the defendant bail with two sureties, who must have landed property within Abuja. The defendant was also ordered to deposit her traveling documents with the court and must not travel outside the country except with the permission of the court.

The matter was adjourned till July 19, 2026 for commencement of trial.

Similarly, the Abuja Zonal Directorate of the EFCC on Monday, May 11, 2026, arraigned one Ugochukwu Daniel Ifeanachor before Justice J. O. Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja for fraud.

Ifeanachor is facing prosecution on a two-count charge, bordering on obtaining money by false pretence, advance fee fraud and money laundering to the tune of N20 million.

Count one reads: “That you Ugochukwu Daniel Ifeanachor, sometime in 2025 at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court, with intent to defraud, obtained from one Mr. Ezekwuche Chinedu Paul, the sum of N20,000,000.00 (Twenty Million Naira Only) under the pretence that the money is committed and for the purchase of 55 pieces all-in-one desktop computer system, a pretence he you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence, contrary to Section 1(1) (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act No.14 of 2006 and Punishable Under Section 1 (3) of the same Act.”

Count two reads: “That you Ugochukwu Daniel Ifeanachor, sometimes in 2025 at Abuja State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court, directly used the sum of N20,000,000.00 (Twenty Million Naira) in your Access Bank Account, bearing Account Name Daniel Ugochukwu Ifeanachor with account number 0095073052 which you knew that such fund is the proceeds of an unlawful act to wit: obtaining under false pretence and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18 (2) (d) of Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act.”

He pleaded “not guilty,” prompting prosecution counsel, Joyce Audu to request a trial date.

Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter till July 6, 2026 and ordered that the defendant be remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja, pending the commencement of trial.

First Green White Resources Centre, FGWR, has described the ongoing transformation at the Nigerian Meteorological Agency as a major institutional rebirth driven by reforms, staff welfare improvements, digital innovation, and strategic climate initiatives under the leadership of its Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Charles Anosike.

A statement signed by its founder and CEO, Mr Bonaventure Philip Melah titled, “Rebirth of Nigerian Meteorological Agency: Sustaining Climate Science For Action,” Melah wrote that “for the management of NiMet, the past two years and a few months have been marked by unprecedented achievements,” adding that workers are “counting the many bountiful harvests that are outcomes of the initiatives, policies, reforms and schemes” introduced under the current leadership.

According to him, one of the most significant milestones recorded by the management was the Federal Government’s approval of a new consolidated salary structure and revised conditions of service for NiMet workers, ending nearly 28 years without a review of the agency’s conditions of service.

The approvals, contained in a letter from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, take effect from June 1, 2026.

Melah noted that previous efforts by former managements to review workers’ conditions of service had failed due to bureaucratic bottlenecks, which he said left “the taste of ash in the mouth of the workers.”

He recalled that Anosike was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in December 2023 and has since introduced reforms covering infrastructure upgrade, digitalisation of weather and climate forecasting operations, early warning systems, and ICT modernisation.

He added that NiMet has invested heavily in staff training and professional development “to ensure that operations comply with international best practices and at optimal standards.”

He further noted that NiMet has become a preferred destination for young professionals across Nigeria and West Africa seeking careers in meteorology through its training institutions in Lagos and Katsina.

The institutions, he said, operate in line with global standards, with programmes designed to strengthen global capacity to “observe, understand and predict weather, climate and water-related phenomena.”

Melah added that the institutions recently secured accreditation from the National Board for Technical Education, with plans underway to upgrade them into polytechnics and postgraduate diploma-awarding institutions.

He also highlighted Anosike’s recent recognition at the 2026 Educational Excellence Award ceremony held at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti, where he was praised for “turning meteorological science into learning, training, and capacity that reaches classrooms, universities, and young professionals across the country.”

Melah noted that NiMet has strengthened early warning systems to provide more accurate and timely forecasts, adding that these systems are now reaching farmers, local governments, and disaster managers “in real time, often through digital platforms and mobile networks.”

He further wrote that the agency has introduced AI-powered forecasting tools and digital climate advisory services, ensuring that “no community is left behind” through translation of forecasts into local languages.

According to him, these reforms were made possible through partnerships with universities, development agencies, and private sector players aimed at expanding weather stations and training climate scientists.

One of the most recent collaborations, he said, was the Memorandum of Understanding signed between NiMet and the Central Bank of Nigeria on climate and economic data sharing.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Abuja, Anosike said: “Integrating weather and climate data into economic research is especially important in sectors such as agriculture, energy, and transportation,” adding that extreme weather events “can reduce agricultural productivity and threaten food security.”

He also linked the collaboration to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu, which prioritises food security through agricultural investments and mechanised farming.

Citing global reports, Anosike warned that climate change was worsening food insecurity across Africa, noting that millions across the continent continue to face rising hunger due to extreme weather patterns.

In his remarks, Dr. Mohammed Sani Abdullahi of the CBN said the partnership marked an important step in strengthening “timely and reliable data” for economic policy decisions, adding that such information is critical for inflation monitoring and agricultural sector planning.

Beyond institutional reforms, Melah said the agency has introduced several welfare initiatives for workers, including payment of inherited 45-month minimum wage arrears covering 2019 to 2022, furniture allowances, staff transport services, improved training programmes, retirement honour ceremonies, and stronger engagement with labour unions.

He concluded that the reforms had repositioned NiMet as a key institution in Nigeria’s climate governance architecture, while also calling on workers to demonstrate greater commitment, noting that “to whom much is given, much more is expected.”

Rebirth of NiMet: Anosike’s reforms transforming Nigeria’s climate agency — Centre 

The National Broadcasting Commission, today, received the leadership of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria, BON, at its Headquarters in Abuja, marking a significant step toward deeper industry collaboration.

The Organisations, led by the newly-elected Chairman, High Chief Tony Akiotu, were received by the Director General, Mr. Charles Ebuebu, who noted the strong ties between the two organisations. 

Chief Akiotu traced the long-standing relationship between the two organisations back to the NBC’s inception in 1992, praising the Director-General for his consistent support of BON initiatives.

During the interactions, several critical issues were raised regarding the future of Nigerian broadcasting:

The Chairman, BON, requested a formal partnership with the NBC to enhance the training of operational staff across broadcast stations nationwide. He also called for collaboration between the Commission and BON to ensure that there is minimal post election crises in 2027.

The DG, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to working closely with BON’s leadership, He addressed areas of concerns and pointed out the need for regular meetings between the two organisations. 

The visit ended with a commitment by the DG, NBC, and the Chairman, BON, to have further engagements, so as to chart a way forward for the Broadcasting Industry in Nigeria.

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has recommended the appointment of 12 new Justices of the Court of Appeal, suspended two serving judges for judicial misconduct, upheld the compulsory retirement of eight Imo State judges over age falsification, and adopted a new policy permitting eligible retired public servants to be appointed into the judiciary.

The decisions were reached at the Council’s 111th meeting held on May 13, 2026, under the chairmanship of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.

In a statement issued by the NJC’s Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Babalola-Ogedengbe, the Council said the recommendations and disciplinary measures were aimed at strengthening judicial integrity, improving justice delivery, and ensuring accountability within the judiciary.

12 new Appeal Court Justices recommended

The Council recommended 12 judges for elevation to the Court of Appeal and forwarded their names to President Bola Tinubu for approval.

The nominees are Justices Abdulhammeed Mohammed Yakubu, Monisola Oluwatoyin Abodunde, Raphael Ajuwa, Elias Ojie Abua, Mbalamen Jennifer Ijohor, Sabiu Bala Shuaibu, James Kolawole Omotosho, Emeka Nwite, Dauda Njane Buba, Sanusi Kado, Enikuomehin Ademola, and Julcit Veronica Dadom.

The NJC also recommended Christine T. Clement Ende for appointment as Judge of the Benue State High Court, while Ibrahim Abdullahi Yakubu and Bala Salisu Daura were nominated as Kadis of the Katsina State Sharia Court of Appeal.

According to the Council, the appointments were intended “to fill vacancies arising from the elevation and retirement of judicial officers across various levels of the judiciary and to strengthen the capacity of courts for effective justice delivery.”

The Council disclosed that the selection process involved public scrutiny, assessment of petitions and complaints from stakeholders, as well as interviews conducted by a nine-member committee in line with the 2023 Revised NJC Guidelines and Procedural Rules for Appointment of Judicial Officers.

NJC clears retired public servants for judicial appointments

The NJC also adopted a policy affirming that retired public servants are eligible for judicial appointments, provided they satisfy specific conditions.

The decision followed deliberations over petitions challenging the eligibility of Yakubu and Daura, who had previously retired from public service.

The Council stated that the 1999 Constitution does not bar retired public servants from appointment to the bench, citing the Court of Appeal decision in Ayoola v. Baruwa (1999) as judicial precedent.

Under the new policy, retired public servants seeking judicial appointment must have at least 10 years left before reaching the mandatory retirement age for judges.

They are also required to disclose criminal convictions, provide complete employment history, declare current employment obligations, and disclose their financial status, including any financial embarrassment.

The Council explained that the policy was designed to “ensure optimal institutional investment in judicial training and to promote continuity, stability and efficiency within the judiciary.”

Acting Imo Chief Judge gets extension

The NJC extended the appointment of Ijeoma O. Agugua as Acting Chief Judge of Imo State for another three months, from March 26 to June 26, 2026.

The Council said the extension would allow time for the completion of the process of appointing a substantive Chief Judge for the state.

The NJC also commended Ononeze-Madu for refusing to be sworn in contrary to constitutional procedure, describing the action as “a demonstration of institutional integrity and respect for the rule of law.”

It further urged the Imo State Judicial Service Commission to expedite action on the appointment of a substantive chief judge to safeguard judicial independence and ensure stability in the state judiciary.

Appeals of 8 retired Imo Judges rejected

The Council rejected appeals filed by eight judges of the Imo State judiciary seeking reversal of their compulsory retirement over age falsification.

According to the NJC, the affected judges failed to provide fresh evidence capable of overturning the earlier sanctions imposed on them.

The judges are Justices B.C. Iheka, K.A. Leaweanya, Okereke Chinyere Ngozi, Innocent Chidi Ibeawuchi, Ofoha Uchenna, Everyman Eleanya, Rosemond Ibe, and T.N. Nzeukwu.

The judges were among 10 judicial officers compulsorily retired at the Council’s 109th meeting in June 2025 after findings that nine of them altered their dates of birth to unlawfully extend their years in service.

Justice Nzeukwu was also accused of making himself available to be sworn in as Acting Chief Judge despite allegedly being fourth in the judicial hierarchy, contrary to constitutional provisions.

However, the Council reinstated T. I. Nze after reviewing what it described as “authentic” fresh evidence presented before its review committee.

Two Judges suspended without pay

The NJC suspended two judges for one year without pay after finding them guilty of judicial misconduct.

One of the affected judges, Ibrahim D. Shekarau, was sanctioned over an ex parte order directing the transfer of N7 million from a woman’s bank account to a third party.

The petition, filed by Oluwafunke Obale Ozozoma, alleged that the application was filed, heard and granted on the same day without a substantive suit before the court.

The NJC said its committee found that the judge “acted in bad faith, failed to observe due process and demonstrated lack of professional competence.”

Similarly, Edward A. E. Okpe was suspended for allegedly breaching fair hearing principles in a matrimonial dispute.

The petitioner, Sunday Emmanuel Oso, accused the judge of granting an ex parte application and later entertaining committal proceedings against him without hearing his side.

The Council held that Justice Okpe violated Rule 3.3 of the Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers by failing to afford the petitioner an opportunity to be heard.

73 petitions dismissed, lawyers face disciplinary referral

The NJC disclosed that it dismissed 73 petitions against judicial officers for lacking merit, being time-barred, or for want of diligent prosecution.

The Council also considered reports on 98 petitions submitted by its Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committees.

While four judges were cautioned and one received a final warning, 11 petitions were recommended for further investigation.

In another development, the NJC dismissed allegations of misconduct against Charles N. Wali in connection with the Rivers State House of Assembly crisis.

The Council described the allegations as “reckless and unsupported by evidence” and recommended that the petitioner, Daniel Chibuzor Amadi, be referred to the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee.

The NJC also referred several lawyers to the disciplinary committee for allegedly filing frivolous petitions intended to harass judicial officers.

One Mbadiwe Ossai was referred to the Inspector-General of Police for investigation and possible prosecution over alleged perjury, while serial petitioner Yusuf Isa was barred from filing further petitions before the Council.

NJC commends Judges, announces retirements, deaths

On judicial performance evaluation, the Council commended nine judges for exemplary performance during the 2024 and 2025 legal years.

Two judges are to receive letters of commendation for delivering more than 21 considered judgments within the review period, while seven others will receive appreciation letters.

The NJC also approved the issuance of 256 letters to judicial officers over various performance-related concerns.

The Council announced the retirement of Justice Hamma Akawu Barka of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division; Justice Amina Audi Wambai of the Court of Appeal, Makurdi Division; and Justice Bello Mohammed Shinkafi of the Zamfara State High Court.

It also expressed condolences over the deaths of three judicial officers — Justices Godswill Vidal Obomanu of Rivers State High Court, Bamidele Folarinle Adeyeye of Ondo State High Court, and Yahaya Adamu of Kogi State High Court.

“The National Judicial Council extends its heartfelt condolences to their families, the judiciary, and the entire Nigerian legal community,” the statement said.

The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has announced the birth of twin princes with his wife, Mariam Ajibola, to the Royal House of Oduduwa. The monarch disclosed the development in a post shared on his official Facebook page on Friday, expressing gratitude to God for the safe delivery of the children and the wellbeing of […]

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The Action Peoples Party, APP, has officially released its detailed timetable for the conduct of primary elections ahead of the 2027 General Elections, as approved by the National Working Committee of the party. 

The development, the party said, served as a formal notice to all aspirants and stakeholders of the party in Imo State to commence necessary preparations in line with the outlined schedule.

According to the timetable issued by the National Office, pre primary activities commenced on May 6, 2026, with the publication of the notice of primary elections at all levels. 

The sale and submission of completed nomination and expression of interest forms will run from May 6 to May 25, 2026, while the publication of cleared aspirants is scheduled for May 27, 2026.

The party has fixed specific dates for the conduct of its primaries across various elective positions.

The Presidential Primary will hold on May 27, 2026, at the National Headquarters by 12 noon. 

The Governorship Primary is scheduled for May 30, 2026, at the State Secretariats from 2pm to 5pm. 

The Senate Primary will take place on May 29, 2026, at the Senatorial District Headquarters from 12pm to 5pm, while the House of Representatives Primary is slated for May 29, 2026, at the Federal Constituency Headquarters from 9am to 12pm. 

Similarly, the House of Assembly Primary will be conducted on:May 30, 2026, at the Local Government Area Headquarters from 9am to 12pm.

This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by its lmo state publicity secretary, Steve Nnadi and made available to journalists in Owerri.

In addition, the party has outlined the approved fees for nomination and expression of interest forms. 

The Presidential Nomination Form is pegged at 17 seven million naira, with an expression of interest fee of three million naira. 

Governorship aspirants are to pay seven million naira for nomination and three million naira for expression of interest.

Senatorial aspirants will pay three million naira for nomination and two million naira for expression of interest, while aspirants for the House of Representatives are to pay three million naira for nomination and one million naira for expression of interest.

For the House of Assembly, the nomination form costs one million naira, with an expression of interest fee of five hundred thousand naira.

The party further announced that women and persons living with disabilities will enjoy free nomination forms as part of its commitment to inclusiveness and equal participation in the democratic process.

The timetable was duly endorsed by the National Chairman, Barrister Uchenna Nnadi, and the National Secretary, Abu Ibrahim Bossan, at the National Secretariat of the party in Abuja.

APP releases primary election timetable for 2027 general elections

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, and the Minister of State, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, joined senior officials of the German Government…

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Former Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, has emerged as the governorship flagbearer of the African Democratic Congress (ADC)…

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