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THE Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council, Adewale Adeniyi, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional modernisation and collective growth. Speaking at the 32nd Conference of Directors-General of Customs for the West and Central Africa (WCA) Region in Freetown, Sierra Leone, Adeniyi emphasised that Nigeria’s leadership […]

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Misplacing electricity tokens has become a common experience for many prepaid meter users in Nigeria, especially at moments when power supply is urgently needed.

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A Delta State Federal High Court sitting in Effurun has ordered popular Nigerian social media personality, VeryDarkMan, to pay N30 million in damages to comedian Mr Jollof’s wife, Mrs Esinjemiyotan Uruneyonjuyei Atsepoyi.

It all started in September 2024 when VeryDarkMan, during his online altercation with Mr Jollof, accused his wife of committing adultery with politicians and Yahoo boys to help her husband secure a political appointment in Delta State.

In response, Mr Jollof, who described VeryDarkMan as a product of a broken home, said he was not well trained.

Reacting to the allegations against her, Mr Jollof’s wife, Esinjemiyotan Uruneyonjuyei Atsepoyi, filed a N500 million defamation lawsuit against VeryDarkMan.

However, in a court document signed by Hon. Justice R. Harriman on May 13, 2026, and obtained by DAILY POST, the court ordered VeryDarkMan, who was unable to provide evidence to back his claim, to pay N30 million for defamation.

The judge also gave VeryDarkMan a 14-day ultimatum to publish an apology to Esinjemiyotan Uruneyonjuyei Atsepoyi in two national dailies and across all his social media handles, containing a retraction of the defamatory words.

In his ruling, Justice Harriman said: “I therefore have no hesitation in holding that the words complained of are defamatory in their natural and ordinary meaning and are actionable per se.

“I find that the Claimant is entitled to general and aggravated damages and an injunction. See DIAMOND BANK v. OKPALA (2016) LPELR-41573(CA) and OBOK & ORS v. AGBOR & ORS (2016) LPELR-41219(CA). Given the wide dissemination of the defamatory material, a retraction and apology are appropriate to restore the Claimant’s reputation.

“Judgment is hereby entered in favour of the Claimant against the defendant as follows: It is declared that the words published by the Defendant concerning the Claimant are defamatory.

“N20,000,000.00 (Twenty Million Naira) as general damages; N10,000,000.00 (Ten Million Naira) as aggravated damages. The Defendant is hereby directed to publish an apology to the Claimant in two national dailies and all his social media handles containing a retraction of the defamatory words contained in the Defendant’s online publication of 15th, 16th, and in the early hours of 19th September, 2024, within 14 days of this judgment.

“The Defendant, by himself, his agents, and/or privies, is hereby restrained from further making any defamatory publication against the Claimant,” the court ordered.

Alleged extra marital affair: Court orders VeryDarkMan to pay Mr Jollof’s wife N30m for defamation

A governance advocacy organisation, Northern Coalition for Accountability and Public Trust (NCAPT), has faulted claims by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) that the sum of ₦26.9 billion is missing from the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF).

SERAP recently asked President Bola Tinubu to order an urgent investigation into the alleged missing or diverted ₦26.9 billion from the USPF. The group urged the President to direct the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, and the Secretary of the USPF, Yomi Arowosafe, to “account for and explain the whereabouts of the alleged missing or diverted ₦26.9 billion of public funds from the USPF.”

Also, the Coalition of Civil Society for Transparency and Accountability has vowed to mobilise Nigerians for a mass protest if the minister and the USPF secretary fail to account for the alleged missing funds.

However, in a statement signed by its Executive Director, Amb. Abubakar Yusuf Yaro, on Wednesday, NCAPT faulted SERAP’s claims, describing the allegation as exaggerated and lacking critical context.

Citing available records and findings, NCAPT said the allegation was misleading.

“NCAPT critically observed that data available from the investigation shows the average annual allocation to the USPF within the period under review was about ₦7.5 billion. Simple arithmetic, therefore, raises a legitimate question: how does an institution with an average yearly funding of ₦7.5 billion suddenly ‘lose’ ₦26.9 billion?

“Even more revealing is the fact that over ₦13.8 billion of the amount being referenced relates to operating surplus deductions reportedly handled directly by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) before funds are transferred to the USPF. According to the records reviewed, the USPF does not receive or retain those funds in the first place,” the statement said.

NCAPT went further to stress that procurement processes referenced in the allegations passed through established approval channels, including the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and relevant tenders boards. “Payments reportedly followed certification procedures supported by documentation, reports, and project evidence,” it added.

Accusing SERAP of engaging in a media trial, NCAPT observed that previous audit exercises and reviews conducted by the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee reportedly found no irregularities in the operations of the USPF during the same period under review.

“This raises serious concerns about the motive behind the latest attempt to create the impression of large-scale fraud without allowing constitutional oversight institutions to complete their work,” the statement said, adding that SERAP, as an organisation that constantly advocates fairness, transparency, and accountability, ought to understand that audit observations are not final proof of corruption. “They are queries meant for clarification through established institutional processes,” NCAPT explained.

The statement added: “Unfortunately, what Nigerians witnessed in this case appears closer to a public conviction campaign than a genuine search for accountability.

“Responsible civic engagement demands balance, verification, and fairness. Any organisation genuinely committed to public interest should first seek clarification from all parties before publishing conclusions capable of damaging institutional credibility and misleading citizens.”

NCAPT urged the National Assembly and relevant oversight bodies to independently review all documents, invite all concerned parties, and allow due process to prevail without external pressure.

‘N26.9bn can’t be missing from N7.5bn allocation’ – NCAPT faults SERAP on USPF

The United States’ disposition to Russia regarding the war in Ukraine has not shifted despite the change in ​the administration, ​​according to Foreign Minister Sergey ​Lavro​v.

Lavro​v commented on Wednesday during an interview with RT India, which said Indian oil imports from Russia dropped vastly after top producers Rosneft and Lukoil were sanctioned.

The Russian official maintained that the action was “an unlawful and illegitimate decision” by America​, adding that Ukraine was used as a pretext​ for the sanctions.

​Lavrov said Russia appreciates President Donald Trump for initiating dialogue with President Vladimir Putin, citing communication between Washington and Moscow, as well as senior aides.

“However, nothing is happening in real life,” ​​the top diplomat stated. “Aside from this regular dialogue, everything else follows the pattern initiated by President Biden.”

Lavrov observed the sanctions imposed under Biden have remained in force, while the Trump administration similarly adopted its own initiatives “in order to punish Russia’s economy.”

He said the goal was to make Lukoil and Rosneft leave business, claiming part of the “doctrinal documents” adopted by the U.S. proclaims that the superpower must dominate global energy markets.

The minister, nonetheless, confirmed talks about the potential for mutually beneficial, modern, technological, energy-related, and other projects between Russia and the United States.

Lavrov on Ukraine: ‘Trump admin treatment of Russia follows Biden pattern’

The Zamfara State Coordinator of the National Human Right Commission (NHRC), Abdullahi Umar, has said the protection of human rights should

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The Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, and the Emir of Zazzau, Amb. Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, have urged intending pilgrims from Kaduna State to pray for peace…

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Amaanah Non-Interest Finance Company Limited has appointed renowned capital market Professor, Uche Uwaleke, to its Board of Directors, in a move aimed at strengthening its governance structure and strategic direction.

The appointment, which takes effect from June 1, 2026, is subject to regulatory approval, according to a formal letter issued by the company.

Uwaleke according to a letter signed by the Chairman of the Company, Dr. Akeem Oyewale, will serve as a Non-Executive Director, bringing his extensive experience in financial markets, policy analysis, and economic research to the boardroom.

The company said the decision reflects its confidence in Uwaleke’s integrity, professional competence, and capacity to contribute meaningfully to its long-term growth ambitions.

As a Non-Executive Director, he is expected to provide independent judgment on corporate affairs and support the board in delivering sound oversight and strategic guidance.

In his role, Uwaleke will also participate in board and committee meetings, contribute to policy formulation, and help ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and corporate governance standards.

He is also expected to provide strategic direction on risk management frameworks, support the evaluation of investment and financing decisions, and contribute to strengthening the company’s non-interest finance operations.

In addition, he is expected to play a key advisory role in shaping Amaanah’s expansion strategy, particularly as the firm seeks to deepen financial inclusion through Shariah-compliant products.

He will also support the board in monitoring performance outcomes, assessing operational efficiency, and ensuring alignment with long-term sustainability goals.

Amaanah noted that his appointment comes at a critical time as the firm positions itself to expand operations following its licensing by the Central Bank of Nigeria to operate as a non-interest finance provider.

The company is among the emerging players in Nigeria’s non-interest finance segment, offering Shariah-compliant financial products designed to promote financial inclusion and support underserved communities.

Its product offerings are expected to include instruments such as Murabaha, Ijarah, Musharakah, and Mudarabah, which are structured around profit-and-loss sharing rather than interest-based returns.

Industry analysts say the addition of Uwaleke to the board could enhance Amaanah’s strategic positioning, particularly as competition intensifies in the alternative finance space.

His background in macroeconomic analysis and financial systems is expected to provide valuable insights as the company scales its operations.

With its headquarters in Lagos and a corporate presence in Abuja, Amaanah is gearing up to roll out services nationwide, targeting individuals, small businesses, and entrepreneurs seeking ethical and transparent financing options.

The firm said it remains committed to building a resilient institution anchored on strong governance, innovation, and inclusive growth, with Uwaleke’s appointment marking a significant step in that direction.

Recall that Uwaleke was few weeks ago appointed a member of the Economics and Statistics Committee of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).

His appointment was approved at the Council meeting of the Chamber held on February 4, 2026, following the recommendation of the President and Chairman of Council, Engr. Leye Kupoluyi.

Uwaleke, a former Commissioner for Finance in Imo State was also former Chief Economist and Director of Research at the Securities and Exchange Commission Nigeria.

He is currently the Director of the Nasarawa State University Institute of Capital Market Studies and President of the Capital Market Academics of Nigeria.

As Director of the Institute of Capital Market Studies at Nasarawa State University, he has contributed significantly to research, policy discourse, and capacity building within Nigeria’s financial sector.

Uwaleke is also a member of the Daily Trust Board of Economists, further underscoring his growing influence in Nigeria’s economic policy space.

He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers; Fellow, Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria; Fellow Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria; Fellow Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria; Fellow Institute of Capital Market Registrars; Fellow Capital Market Academics of Nigeria, and a Council member Nigerian Economic Society

Uwaleke is the author of the first Non Interest Capital Market book in Nigeria titled ‘Essentials of Non-Interest Capital Market in Nigeria’- a publication sponsored by the Group Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange Group, Dr Umaru Kwairanga.

It would be recalled that a former Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Zainab Ahmed had in 2022 during the launch of Uwaleke’s books, described him as a major contributor to the development of the economy through his insightful analysis of finance and economic issues.

ENDS

Amaanah Finance Company Taps Uwaleke’s Expertise With Board Appointment is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Médecins Sans Frontières, also known as Doctors Without Borders, has raised concerns over worsening malnutrition, recurring disease outbreaks and persistent maternal healthcare challenges in Nigeria, according to its 2025 Country Activity Report released in Abuja.

The humanitarian organisation stated that rising food insecurity, conflict, inflation, flooding, displacement and weak healthcare systems continue to expose millions of Nigerians, especially children and women, to severe health risks.

The report disclosed that MSF operated regular medical projects in 10 states, including Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Borno, Bauchi, Cross River and Ebonyi, while also establishing a new operational presence in Kaduna State during the year under review.

According to the report, MSF teams treated more than 440,000 children suffering from malnutrition in 2025, describing it as the highest number of admissions recorded by the organisation in recent years.

It explained that 353,989 children with severe acute malnutrition were treated through outpatient programmes, while another 90,723 children with complications were admitted into inpatient stabilisation centres supported by MSF.

Speaking on the report, the MSF Country Representative in Nigeria, Ahmed Aldikhari, said the figures reflected a growing humanitarian crisis affecting vulnerable communities across northern Nigeria.

“The 2025 data tells a harrowing story. With over 440,000 children put on treatment, it is the year with the highest admissions for malnutrition we’ve had in Nigeria in recent years,” he said.

Dr Aldikhari noted that malnutrition remains closely linked to recurring diseases such as measles, malaria, diphtheria and cholera, which continue to spread rapidly in communities with limited access to healthcare services.

The report further showed that MSF treated 341,239 malaria patients, 38,753 measles cases, 6,123 diphtheria patients and 985 meningitis cases across several states in 2025.

MSF explained that disease outbreaks usually intensify during the rainy season and continue to overwhelm healthcare facilities, especially in underserved and conflict-affected areas.

The organisation stressed the need for stronger vaccination campaigns, improved water and sanitation systems, disease surveillance and timely access to treatment to reduce preventable deaths.

On maternal healthcare, the report noted that Nigeria still records one of the highest maternal and newborn mortality rates globally, with many women facing difficulties accessing healthcare due to insecurity, poor transportation, overstretched hospitals and weak referral systems.

MSF disclosed that it assisted 33,590 deliveries, conducted 119,469 antenatal consultations and carried out 224 fistula surgeries in 2025.

The organisation added that many women continue to suffer severe complications arising from delayed access to emergency healthcare, including severe bleeding, obstructed labour, infections and high blood pressure-related conditions.

Dr Aldikhari called for increased investment in primary healthcare services, staffing, medical equipment and emergency maternal care, particularly in rural and conflict-affected communities across the country.

Over 440,000 children treated for malnutrition in Nigeria — Doctors Without Borders

The senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has said that his greatest ambition in life was to become president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), noting that he never imagined he would later rise to become governor, national chairman of the ruling party, and senator.   While speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme, Oshiomhole […]

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