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FG to Invest $75m in Flutterwave IPO

by Nelson Ugwuagbo April 20, 2026

written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a $75 million government investment in Flutterwave, in a move seen as a major boost ahead of the firm’s planned $250 million initial public offering (IPO).

The investment will be executed through the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MoFI), with sources indicating that the deal is nearing completion following months of negotiations between the fintech company and federal authorities.

Officials reportedly conducted extensive due diligence before granting approval, engaging global auditing firms to review Flutterwave’s financial records and operations to ensure transparency and strengthen investor confidence.

Analysts say the development signals strong government backing for Nigeria’s expanding technology sector and could encourage greater participation from both local and international investors in high-growth ventures.

April 20, 2026 0 comments

Headlines

Boko Haram Issues 72 Hour Warning to FG, Threaten to Kill 416 Captives

by Nelson Ugwuagbo April 20, 2026

written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Boko Haram has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Nigerian government, demanding action over 416 captives reportedly in its custody.

The group said the victims were abducted in Borno State and reiterated its demand for ransom in exchange for their release.

In a video circulating on social media, a masked spokesperson speaking in Hausa warned that failure to comply within the deadline would result in the killing of many of the captives, including women and children.

The insurgent group claimed it is holding 416 individuals and stressed that urgent steps must be taken before the ultimatum expires.

Addressing both the government and the Borno South Youth Alliance (BOSYA), the spokesman said the message, dated April 19, 2026, was their “first and last warning.”

“We are Jama’atu Ahlis-Sunna Lidda’Awati Wal-Jihad under Imam Abu,” the spokesman said. “We give you 72 hours. If you do not meet our demands, we will distribute the women and children to different locations. You have made your decision, and we have made ours. Do not exceed the given time.”

April 20, 2026 0 comments

Headlines

Gunmen kidnap 14 JAMB candidates in Benue

by Folarin Kehinde April 16, 2026

written by Folarin Kehinde

Gunmen have reportedly abducted 14 passengers, mostly candidates of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), during an attack on a commercial bus travelling from Makurdi to Otukpo in Benue State.

It was gathered that the victims, largely young adults, were travelling on Wednesday night to Otukpo, where they were scheduled to sit for their examinations on Thursday.

Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. The bus, which was conveying about 16 passengers—mainly young men and women—was ambushed by armed attackers along the route.

Sources said only the driver and one passenger managed to escape the attack.

The Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, who confirmed the incident to journalists in Makurdi, said the victims were heading to the town for their examinations when the attackers struck.

“The victims are young people coming to Otukpo to write JAMB. Security agents have been deployed and efforts are ongoing to rescue them,” Ogiri said.

Efforts to obtain a response from Benue Links, the state-owned transport company, were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report, as neither the spokesperson nor the General Manager responded to calls or messages.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, said she had yet to receive an official report of the incident.

“I’m just hearing it from you now. I’m going to confirm and get back to you,” she said.

However, the Benue State Commissioner of Police, CP Ifeanyi Enemari, confirmed the development, stating that he is personally leading an operation in Otukpo to rescue the victims.

“I’m in Otukpo now. My team and all DPOs are in the bush, and I am heading the operation,” Enemari said.

He explained that the bus was intercepted by armed men, resulting in the abduction of most of the passengers.

“What happened was that a Benue Links bus carrying passengers to Otukpo was stopped and attacked by hoodlums. Fourteen passengers were kidnapped, but one managed to escape,” he said.

The police commissioner also noted that the bus may have been operating outside approved hours.

“Benue Links, as a policy, does not usually operate at night. From what we gathered, official operations had closed, but the driver, for reasons we are still investigating, picked up passengers along the road. When he got here, the incident occurred,” he added.

Enemari assured that security operatives are working to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted passengers.

“We are on the ground to make sure the victims are rescued,” he said.

April 16, 2026 0 comments

Headlines

ADC: We’ll Fight Again to Restore Democracy, Atiku Abubakar Warns FG

by Folarin Kehinde April 14, 2026

written by Folarin Kehinde

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, on Tuesday declared that Nigerians who once resisted military rule are ready to confront any force undermining democracy, vowing a renewed struggle to safeguard the nation’s democratic values.

Speaking at the African Democratic Congress (ADC) convention in Abuja, Atiku said the country was drifting dangerously away from democratic ideals, accusing the Federal Government and electoral authorities of actions capable of eroding constitutional governance.

“Let the Federal Government know that we fought the military to bring democracy in this country, and we are going to fight them to bring democracy in this country,” he said.

The former presidential candidate lamented what he described as a collapse of critical sectors of national life, including the economy, security, education, and healthcare, insisting that urgent action was required to reverse the trend.

According to him, the current situation calls for collective resolve among Nigerians, particularly members of the ADC, to ensure what he termed a “genuine and sincere change” in leadership.

Atiku also took a swipe at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alleging that the electoral body was being manipulated to undermine democracy.

“It is clear, it is obvious, the evidence is there. INEC is being used to scuttle democracy in this country. We will not allow that to continue,” he stated.

He urged Nigerians to rise above ethnic and religious sentiments and unite in the struggle for credible governance, stressing that the future of younger generations was at stake.

Earlier, former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, had also criticized the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing it of suppressing democratic rights and prioritizing wealth over the welfare of citizens.

Amaechi decried restrictions on freedom of assembly and alleged misuse of state institutions against Nigerians, warning that worsening economic conditions and insecurity could deepen public hardship.

Both leaders, however, emphasized the need for unity within the ADC and the emergence of a credible candidate capable of challenging the status quo, as political realignments continue ahead of future elections.

April 14, 2026 0 comments

Headlines

BREAKING: Insecurity will stop after elections – Akpabio

by Folarin Kehinde April 14, 2026

written by Folarin Kehinde

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has attributed the rising insecurity in the country to the forthcoming election, saying there will be a change after the elections.

Speaking at the official launch of the Nigerian Revenue Service Corporate Headquarters in Abuja, on Tuesday, Akpabio said President Bola Tinubu is performing so well and those opposed to him do not know what to do than to sponsor insecurity.

He said immediately after the election, insecurity will be a thing of the past.

He said, “Insecurity is increasing because election is coming, because people don’t know what to do again. Immediately after election, two weeks after election, the insecurity will stop. The insecurity is being sponsored by people.”

Mocking the opposition for being in disarray, Akpabio aimed a dig Peter Obi, candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 Presidential election, saying, “Opposition is in disarray, someone got six million votes and abandoned the party, abandoned the six million votes and went shopping for another platform and they are blaming the ruling party.”

He appealed to Nigerians to be patient with the present administration, adding, “Let Nigerians be patient with you, you are doing the right thing.”

He said Dr Zacch Adedeji is the first tax-man that Nigerians love, “even in the Bible people don’t like tax collectors. Zacch has done very well and Nigerians are happy with him.”

Among those who attended the event aside from Akpabio were President Bola Tinubu who commissioned the complex, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu.

April 14, 2026 0 comments

Headlines

JUST IN: Court Grants Bail to Nasir El-Rufai

by Nelson Ugwuagbo April 14, 2026

written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

A Federal High Court of Nigeria has granted bail to Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, following his detention by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

El-Rufai, who also previously served as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, is currently standing trial over allegations of corrupt practices during his tenure as Kaduna State governor.

Further details regarding the bail conditions and the ongoing legal proceedings have yet to be disclosed.

April 14, 2026 0 comments

Headlines

Court Adjourns Judgment in David Mark ADC Leadership Dispute to April 14

by Nelson Ugwuagbo April 13, 2026

written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed judgment in a suit seeking to restrain David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola from parading themselves as Chairman and Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The case was instituted by Leke Abejide, a member of the House of Representatives representing Kogi State.

Although judgment had initially been scheduled for Monday, Justice Musa Suleiman Liman adjourned the matter to April 14, citing other pressing official engagements.

The adjournment was communicated to journalists and political stakeholders by a court registrar, as attendees had gathered at the court premises as early as 8 a.m. in anticipation of the ruling.

April 13, 2026 0 comments

Headlines

Confusion as AI confirms INEC Chairman’s ownership of controversial X account

by Folarin Kehinde April 13, 2026

written by Folarin Kehinde

Grok, an AI assistant built by xAI has confirmed that Joash Amupitan, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC owns the controversial X account, indicating his alleged involvement in partisan politics.

LEADING REPORTERS reports that the social media was recently flooded with claims alleging that the INEC boss operated a personal account on X and had used it to endorse or interact with a partisan post.

Our correspondent learnt that the controversial acct with ID: 1567086242164101120 was allegedly created in 2022 prior to his appointment as INEC Chairman.

Despite the pushback from the commission in a statement, claiming that the INEC boss does not operate a personal account on X, netizens have continued to dig out old posts from the account.

For clarification, Bashir Ahmad, a presidential media aide in the immediate past administration, inquired from grok to verify the claims.

He writes, “Hi @Grok, for sake of transparency, what is the original name of the X account with ID: 1567086242164101120 and was it created in September 2022, before it was later changed to joashamupitan in November 2025?”

The AI replied, “The X account ID 1567086242164101120 was created on September 6, 2022, under the username joashamupitan”.

According to grok, “Public reports and account tracking confirm that was its username from creation until April 10, 2026, when it was updated to Sundayvibe00”.

Reacting, an X user, @Normalyzed wrote, “At this point, the Nigerian Senate should summon the INEC chairman to appear before it. There are receipts everywhere in the media”.

Another commenter, @White_Superion said “Bashir Ahmad just indirectly set the INEC chairman up.

“Like most that wanted him out due to his religious stand. Bashir has been wishing for him to resign, but doesn’t know how to go about it as a loyal party man.

“The opportunity comes with this previous post, still @BashirAhmaad, had to rely on Grok to say his mind without offending the party.

“Bashir wants him out on religious grounds not owing to his allegiance to APC. Know this and Know peace”.

April 13, 2026 0 comments

Headlines

Nigerian Air Force kills over 50 in ‘accidental bombing’ at Borno–Yobe Border Market

by Folarin Kehinde April 12, 2026

written by Folarin Kehinde

No fewer than 56 people, mostly traders, are feared dead, while 14 others have been hospitalized following an airstrike on a weekly market along the Borno–Yobe border.

The incident occurred at Jilli Market, located between Gubio and Geidam Local Government Areas of Borno and Yobe states, on Saturday.

The airstrike was suspected to have been carried out during a military operation targeting suspected Boko Haram insurgents.

The weekly market usually attracts traders and buyers from surrounding communities, including Gubio, Chiweram, and Benisheikh in Borno State, as well as Gurokayeya and Geidam in Yobe State.

Multiple sources said the fighter jet that carried out the operation was tracking a group of suspected insurgents believed to have visited the market to collect levies from traders and obtain supplies. However, the strike reportedly missed its intended target.

An eyewitness said at least 56 people have been confirmed dead, while 14 others are receiving treatment at the Specialist Hospital in Geidam, Yobe State.

“The incident happened around 2:46 p.m. while business activities were ongoing. Four fighter jets carried out the attack, though the fourth jet was not clearly visible. We only heard the sound of explosions.

“I counted 56 corpses myself and helped rescue two injured people, taking them to the hospital. I believe the number of casualties may be higher, as more bodies are still being recovered,” the source said.

When contacted, the councillor of Fichimaram Ward, Malam Lawan Zanna, confirmed the incident to Daily Trust, stating that about 20 people had been admitted to the Specialist Hospital in Geidam.

“The incident occurred at Jilli village’s weekly market under Fichimaram Ward in Geidam LGA. From the information available to us, it was an airstrike.

“When the jets launched their attack, people panicked and began to run, but the strikes continued. As we speak, over 30 people have been killed.

“More than 20 people were hospitalized in Geidam. Two were referred to the Teaching Hospital in Damaturu. Out of those receiving treatment, nine have died, bringing the death toll to over 30,” he said.

The Special Adviser to the Yobe State Governor on Security Matters, Brigadier General Abdulsalam Dahiru (rtd), confirmed the incident, but said it occurred within Borno State.

“I have spoken with the chairman of Geidam Local Government, who informed me that Jilli village falls under Gubio LGA of Borno State. You may contact officials in Maiduguri for further details,” he said.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from the Nigerian Air Force regarding the incident.

April 12, 2026 0 comments

Headlines

U.S. Evacuates Staff, Suspends Visa Processing in Abuja

by Nelson Ugwuagbo April 9, 2026

written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The United States Embassy in Abuja has suspended all visa appointments, instructing applicants to check their email for information on rescheduled dates.

The announcement was made on Thursday via the official X (formerly Twitter) account of the U.S. Mission in Nigeria.

In the notice, the embassy stated: “U.S. Embassy Abuja is closed for visa appointments. Applicants should check their email for details on rescheduled appointments. Visa operations at U.S. Consulate General Lagos continue. American citizen services are available in emergencies and by appointment.”

The development follows a decision by the U.S. Department of State to authorize the departure of non-emergency government personnel and their families from the Abuja embassy, citing worsening security conditions in Nigeria.

In an updated travel advisory, the Department urged American citizens to reconsider travel to Nigeria due to concerns over crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest.

Nigeria is currently designated under a “Level 3: Reconsider Travel” advisory, while some regions have been classified as “Level 4: Do Not Travel.”

April 9, 2026 0 comments

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