Author

Nelson Ugwuagbo

Investigation

Kano police arrest director, two others for alleged fraud

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

A Director in the Kano State Government Service, Abubakar Gambo, and two others have been arrested and detained at the Criminal Investigation Department, of the State Police Command over alleged fraud.

The State Commissioner of Police, Usaini Gumel, confirmed the arrest to newsmen on Tuesday.

He said Gambo, who is the Director of Administration and General Services in the Ministry of Water Resources, was arrested alongside two others for allegedly misappropriating millions of naira through illegal auction of government properties.

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Gumel said others arrested alongside Gambo are Baba Yahaya, an Assistant Secretary of Administration, and Nuhu Mansir, a former Manager of Karefa Irrigation Scheme in Tudun Wada Local Government Area.

The police commissioner added that the suspects allegedly forged a letter authorising the auction of some high-capacity water pumps and tanks, which he described as critical public assets.

“Everything is now under investigation and as soon as the investigation is completed, they will be taken to court,” the commissioner said.

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Headlines

JAMB to begin verbal reasoning tests for DE

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board on Monday said candidates for its Direct Entry examination would from 2024 undertake cognitive and verbal reasoning tests.

The Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, reiterated this during a virtual meeting with Commissioners of Education of the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory.

A special bulletin published by the Board on Monday quoted Oloyede to have said that “As from 2024, JAMB will conduct Aptitude Test for all Direct Entry candidates to assess their academic potential or career suitability, as well as their mental or physical capacity.”

The JAMB boss noted that “It is an intelligent test that will measure the candidate’s current cognitive skills and will not be the usual subjects such as Mathematics, Chemistry, Government, Physics, etc.”

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The Registrar explained that the aptitude test would comprise the following, Verbal, Abstract, Mechanical and Numeric Reasoning, Data Checking,  and Work Sampling.

The Registrar also informed the participants, “that the Direct Entry registration will be restricted to only JAMB Offices nationwide.”

He stated that at the point of registration, all DE candidates must provide the following information; Registration/Matriculation Number of the previous school attended where the qualification was obtained; Subjects) of qualification; Awarding Institution; Institution attended; and Year of graduation as well as admission letters where necessary.

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Investigation

Insecurity: Residents desert Abuja community over bandit attacks

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Residents of Yewuti village in Kwali area council of Abuja have started relocating from their homes over fear of bandit attacks.

Leading reporters understands that bandits had attacked the village and abducted eight persons on November 18.

Among those abducted was the father of the vice chairman of the council. But on December 2, they freed the father of the vice chairman and two others.

It was gathered that that the bandits collected the sum of N5 million ransom and later killed one of the abductees.

A family member of the victims who preferred anonymity said the they were freed on Friday.

A resident, Shuaibu Aliyu, said the villagers, especially women and children, had fled their homes and relocated to neighbouring Awawa, Abaji and Yangoji villages and Kwali town.

“Some residents that have relocated, especially the farmers, do sleep in neighbouring towns and return the following morning to their farms.”

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Investigation

Kano youths protest against abduction of female students in Northern Nigeria

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Hundreds of students converged in Kano on Monday to protest against the continuous abduction of female students in tertiary institutions across Northern Nigeria.

The students, who marched along Rijiyar Zaki area of the city, demanded the immediate rescue of female students kidnapped by armed bandits from Federal University Gusau, FUGUS, about three months ago, as well as others abducted from Federal University, Dutsinma, FUDMA, and Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nasarawa State.

About 24 female students of FUGUS, and four female students of FUDMA who were seized by bandits over three months ago, are still in captivity.

However, seven more students of the Federal University, Lafia, FULAFIA, Nasarawa State, who were abducted four days ago by bandits, were released on Sunday.

But the four students seized from Nasarawa State University months ago are still in captivity.

The protest was conducted under the banner of ‘Arewa Mufarka’, meaning ‘Northerners let’s wake up’.

Speaking to journalists in Kano on Monday, convener of the protest Sharfuddeen Bature, said: “We have been on the matter for long. It has been eighty days now since the abduction took place. We have ministers in our region – in Zamfara. We have National Security Adviser, NSA, from our region.

“We need these girls back. Their parents are in serious condition. We are not going to stop doing this until they bring back our girls”.

The protesters also condemned the recent massacre of more than 100 civilians by Nigerian Army drones in Tudun Biri community, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

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Business

Cash scarcity: CBN suspends processing fees on cash deposits

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

In a bid to alleviate the ongoing cash scarcity crisis in Nigeria, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced the temporary suspension of processing fees on cash deposits exceeding certain thresholds.

This suspension, which takes effect immediately and will remain in place until April 30, 2024, aims to incentivize cash deposits and enhance financial transactions for individuals and businesses.

Previously, individuals were charged a two percent processing fee on cash deposits above N500,000, while corporate entities faced a three percent fee for deposits exceeding N3,000,000.

The directive, signed by Dr. Adetona S. Adedeji, Acting Director of Banking Supervision, mandates all CBN-regulated financial institutions to comply. This means individuals and businesses can now deposit any amount of cash without incurring additional charges.

Leading Reporters gathered that CBN staff said “this measure will address the immediate cash shortage by encouraging the deposit of available cash into the formal banking system. This will increase the liquidity available for withdrawals and economic activity. Additionally, it promotes financial inclusion by making banking services more accessible to individuals who primarily rely on cash transactions.”

However, concerns remain about the potential for fueling inflation and illicit financial activities due to the processing fee suspension. Experts emphasize the need for the CBN to closely monitor the impact of this measure and implement appropriate mitigating measures if necessary.

The Nation has also reliably gathered that to address the current cash crunch in the country, the CBN has started deploying cash from its branches across the country to locations in dire need of cash.

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Another CBN official revealed that “efforts are currently being made to move cash to where the scarcity is hardest.”

Read Also: Why CBN must resist further hike in interest rates

He reiterated that the CBN has sufficient cash to meet the transaction demands of cash-using members of the public.

He attributed the biting cash crunch to the panic withdrawals of cash by Nigerians ahead of the yuletide to forestall the experience of the last year.

The CBN’s latest directive and action to deploy cash to needy areas demonstrates its commitment to addressing the current cash scarcity crisis while promoting a cashless economy and ensuring a robust and inclusive financial system.

The suspension of processing fees on cash deposits is expected to provide immediate relief to individuals and businesses affected by the cash shortage, boosting economic activity and access to financial services in the short term.

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Life Style

Why I changed from Christianity to Islam – Mercy Aigbe

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Popular Nollywood actress Mercy Aigbe has disclosed why she changed from  Christianity to Islam

the popular actress was queried about her romantic life. Without hesitation, she responded, “I love my husband,” blushing with sweet sincerity as she spoke.

She elaborated on her emotions, “I love my husband deeply. I don’t believe any woman would endure what I went through if it weren’t for love because, honestly, I didn’t have to. I mean, I am comfortable, I have success, I have children, so it’s pure love that guided me through those experiences

She clarified her religious transition: “It’s the power of love that influenced my decisions, including my remarriage. I’m someone who is deeply connected to love and very emotional. I am a lover girl; I adore the essence of love.”

In response to a specific inquiry about her religious conversion, she replied, “I made that decision independently. As a 45-year-old woman, I take full responsibility for my actions and choices.”

She said, “When it comes to religion, I’m very liberal. I love my husband very much; he’s very religious. He prays, and he’s someone I admire greatly, so I just felt that.”

“After COVID, I was struggling with church, so I decided to follow my husband, which strengthened our bond. I am excited to learn his religion, how to pray, and everything.”

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Investigation

Landlady bathes Anambra woman with hot water

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

A middle-aged woman, Imabong William, who resides in Enugwu-Ukwu in Anambra State, has been hospitalised since August 17 after her landlady poured hot water mixed with pepper on her, over a disagreement on rent increment.

William, who hails from Akwa Ibom, has appealed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, and other individuals for assistance to save her life.

 City Round gathered that the landlady, Amaka Okonkwo, is currently in police custody in connection to the incident.

 Speaking with journalists on Friday, William lamented that she still feels burn pain as the hospital had stopped giving her medications for over a month due to her accumulated medical bills.

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 She said, “I have been in the hospital for over three months, though I’m healing gradually but I still feel pain. The doctor brought my bill last month and it has accumulated to N650,000.

 “I am a trader, I do not have money anywhere to pay the bill which was why the hospital stop giving me any medications and treatment.

“I appeal to Governor Chukwuma Soludo and his wife, Dr Nonye Soludo, the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, and well-meaning individuals to come to my aid.”

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Entertainment

Beauty Obsession: Celebrities Embrace Cosmetic Surgery in the BBL Craze

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Cosmetic surgery among celebrities is becoming a trend.

In Nigeria, Brazilian Butt Lift, popularly called BBL, is the order of the day.

Actresses, musicians, models, socialites, influencers, skit makers, reality stars, and even cross-dressers and transgenders are not left out of the BBL pandemic rocking the Nigerian entertainment industry.

Tonto Dikeh, relationship expert, Blessing Okoro aka Blessing CEO, social media slay queen, Sxxydimma, OAP, Toke Makinwa, cross-dresser, Bobrisky; reality stars, Mercy Eke, and Oluwabusayomi Abiri, aka Khloe, as well as Nengi Hampson have all boldly admitted to getting Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) surgeries.

Little wonder why BBL has permeated every celebrity and lifestyle discourse on the Nigerian cyberspace.

The social media debate on the craze for BBL in Nigeria has been hinged on two schools of thought- that those who undergo the surgery do so not to be intimidated by those who already did it, and that some undergo the surgery to enhance their physique.

The recent BBL saga involving popular Nigerian transgender, Daniel Anthony Nsikan, aka Jay Boogie, generated much ado on social media.

Boogie became a social media sensation after he reportedly cried out for public assistance to fund a kidney transplant owing to complications from a botched cosmetic surgery.

His outcry divided Nigerians, with many lambasting him as they questioned why “a man” would undergo a BBL surgery in the first place, while others were empathic and reportedly made donations.

However, in a chat with media personality, Chude Jideonwo, Boogie claimed that he wasn’t the one that sent pictures of himself in the hospital bed asking for donations. He said his friends did without his knowledge.

He, however, admitted that he regretted undergoing BBL surgery, saying he wished for death while battling the complications of the failed cosmetic surgery.

He blamed the surgeon for his ordeal.

“It was hurting that I sat down and said, ‘God abeg, I am just tired. I just want to go [die]. What am I even doing? Who send me to come do this nyash sef?’

“The doctor is quack. I mean, if you know what you were doing, I won’t get complications,” Boogie lamented.

Is BBL Pressure Real?

Nollywood actress Nkechi Blessing Sunday’s recent outburst on social media corroborated the longstanding belief that women, especially, celebrities are increasingly under pressure to undergo BBL surgeries.

Aside from peer pressure, the seeming value and prestige that society now places on BBL is luring more women into going under the knife. BBL is fast becoming a symbol of financial and social disparity among women in Nigeria.

Actress Nkechi Blessing recently lamented that society has become so engrossed with artificial bodies that natural bodies are no longer appreciated.

She vowed never to undergo body enhancement surgery despite not having a smooth physique.

Flaunting her natural body in a recent Instagram post, the thespian wrote: “Some of you are so used to artificial bodies that you don’t appreciate natural bodies anymore. So what if I have gallops here and there? Make I go restructure my body to please who? Internet children? Taaaa!!!”

An Expert’s Viewpoint

Leading Reporters learnt that a plastic surgeon, Dr Sam as he discussed the surgical process, cost, maintenance, health risks, and misconceptions about BBL.

Dr. Sam said: “Brazilian Butt Lift, otherwise called BBL is a surgery that involves the transfer of fat from other parts of the body to the buttocks to help create larger buttocks.

“During the surgery, if the surgeon mistakenly touches the blood vessels or nerves, it can lead to death, infection, or discoloration. Some patients’ wounds may not heal.

“After the surgery, it is advised not to do exercise for 2 to 3 months to enable it to heal properly because that’s the time frame it takes to heal.

“It is necessary to maintain a healthy weight not to grow fat. It is also necessary to always wear faja to act as a compression which helps to control bruising and swelling, while at the same time helping to shape and mould your body and buttocks.

“BBL surgery costs 4000 to 5000 dollars abroad. I am not sure of the amount in Nigeria but it is not less than N3 million. It is only substandard ones that would cost N1 million or less. Substandard BBL surgeries lead to complications.

“BBL can last for years without the need for additional procedures but some patients choose to go for a lift procedure to combat sagging due to the normal ageing process since it is not natural, while others may choose to do occasional skin tightening procedures to maintain their results.”

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Investigation

Teenager nabbed over bestiality with cockerel

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Seventeen years old Lawali Mori, a resident of Viniklang, in the Girei Local Government Area of Adamawa has been taken to police custody for raping a male fowl.

 The Police Public Relations Officer, Adamawa State Command, Suleiman Ngoruje, disclosed the arrest of the teenager in a statement on Friday.

 Nguroje said Mori was arrested for having unlawful carnal knowledge of a cock, a crime he described as one that was against the order of nature.

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 According to the statement, the arrest was the result of a complaint filed by one Esther Dimas, a resident of Viniklang, after she caught the suspect in the act.

The suspect during interrogation by the police had revealed he sexually assaulted the male fowl. The police statement further said Mori “could not give any cogent reasons for carrying out the act.”

However, the state Commissioner of Police, Afolabi Babatola, while expressing worries over the act of bestiality, called for a discreet investigation into the matter.

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Business

PoS operators raise alarm over N30,000 tax imposed by state governments

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Point-of-sale operators in Nigeria have raised the alarm that some state governments have started charging them at least N30,000 in taxes annually per agent.

The National Vice President of the Association of Mobile Money and Bank Agents in Nigeria, Obioha Oti, disclosed this in an interview with news correspondent Thursday.

Oti was speaking on the emerging threat of the naira shortage and its effect on PoS operators.

According to him, PoS vendors are plagued by naira shortages and heavy taxes in some parts of the country.

He alleged that state governments in Anambra, Cross River, and Akwa Ibom, as well as other states in the southwest and north, tax PoS operators N100 daily and N2500 monthly.

“There are many other problems POS operators are facing now. This disturbing trend is why some state governments have started taxing operators heavily. We have reports in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Anambra states, states in the southwest and others in the north. For Anambra, there is an agency the government commissions to collect N100 daily, N2500 monthly, and N1000 to register. If you do the calculation, one agent will pay at least N30,000 to the government in the form of taxes. And sometimes the people collecting these taxes are more than one,” he said.

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