Akpabio’s wife drags Natasha to court, demands N250bn over alleged sexual harassment:

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March 1, 2025

The wife of the Senate President, Mrs. Unoma Godswill Akpabio, has taken legal action against Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, over allegations of sexual harassment levelled against her husband. Mrs. Akpabio filed two lawsuits at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, accusing Natasha of defamation and violation of fundamental rights. She is demanding N250 billion in damages, insisting that the claims made by the senator are baseless and damaging.

The controversy began when Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of attempting to make sexual advances towards her and later victimising her in the Senate when she refused. She claimed that these incidents happened in the presence of her husband, further alleging that Akpabio’s actions were deliberate attempts to suppress her voice in the legislative chamber. In response, Mrs. Akpabio strongly denied the accusations, labelling them as false and driven by personal interests.

In her lawsuit (Suit No: CV/814/25), Mrs. Akpabio argues that Natasha’s statements, made on the Senate floor and later on Arise News TV, amount to a violation of her fundamental rights. She is seeking a court declaration that the claims are unlawful, as well as an injunction preventing Natasha from making further statements that could cause emotional and psychological harm to her and her children. Additionally, she is demanding N250 billion as compensation for the distress caused.

In a separate defamation case (Suit No: CV/816/25), Mrs. Akpabio contends that Natasha’s allegations have tarnished her family’s reputation. She is asking the court to compel Natasha to issue a public retraction and apology in two national newspapers, The Guardian and This Day. Furthermore, she is demanding an additional N1 billion in damages and a perpetual injunction preventing any further defamatory statements against her family. The legal battle between the two prominent politicians is set to unfold in the courts, drawing national attention to the allegations and their broader implications.

NNPCL set to raise retail outlets to 2,000 in 2025

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NWN Editor

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March 1, 2025

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The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has unveiled plans to expand its retail outlets to 2,000 by the end of 2025. This announcement was made by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Mr Olufemi Soneye, during an NNPC stakeholder engagement and capacity-building workshop in Abuja. According to him, the move aligns with NNPCL’s goal of strengthening its downstream business. The company has already increased its retail stations from 897 in October last year to over 1,000 after acquiring more filling stations just last week.

Soneye highlighted NNPCL’s dominance in the African oil sector, describing it as the largest oil firm on the continent. He acknowledged the existing gaps in fuel station distribution across the country but reassured Nigerians that the company is actively working to address these shortages. “We have some areas where we lack presence, but I am glad to inform you that we have now surpassed 1,000 stations, and we are not stopping there,” he said. The company remains committed to expanding its reach and ensuring accessibility to fuel for all Nigerians.

On the status of the country’s refineries, Soneye confirmed that most have been operational since last year, with the exception of the Kaduna Refinery and the new Port Harcourt Refinery, which is still under construction. “Port Harcourt has two refineries—the old one is functional, but the new one is being developed. By the end of the year, it should be operational, along with the Kaduna Refinery,” he stated. He emphasised that Nigeria’s refining capacity is improving, with ongoing efforts to ensure a steady supply of petroleum products.

Addressing concerns about the high cost of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), Soneye assured Nigerians that petrol prices would decrease as the Naira strengthens. He explained that local pump prices are largely influenced by global oil market trends. However, he noted that NNPCL, as an oil marketing company, has the capacity to import fuel to stabilise market prices. He reiterated that with the full deregulation of the downstream sector under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), licensed Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) are now allowed to import fuel, ensuring fair competition and preventing market monopoly.

Buhari Returns to Kaduna After Nearly Two Years in Daura

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Imisioluwa Adeniran

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February 28, 2025

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Former President Muhammadu Buhari has returned to his Kaduna residence after spending almost two years in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, following his departure from office in May 2023.

Bashir Ahmad, one of Buhari’s former media aides, confirmed the development on social media platform X. He revealed that, after completing his eight-year tenure, Buhari chose to embrace a quieter life in Daura, keeping a low profile and avoiding active political discourse in favour of private engagements.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, alongside several dignitaries, accompanied Buhari to Kaduna. The delegation included Borno State Governor Prof. Babagana Zulum, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, as well as current and former deputy governors of Katsina, a former Inspector General of Police, former ministers, and several of Buhari’s personal aides.

Buhari’s absence from two prominent events in the past week had raised questions. People believed his absence at the launch of General Ibrahim Babangida’s autobiography was due to unresolved issues related to the 1985 coup that removed him from power. Meanwhile, his absence from the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Wednesday was attributed to a late invitation. Buhari’s spokesman, Garba Shehu, explained that the invitation was sent on Monday and only reached the former president on Tuesday, preventing him from attending.

In a recent interview, Buhari mentioned that he has been sustaining himself through income generated from renting one of his two properties in Kaduna.

Fmr. CBN Boss losses Recuse Appeal

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Imisioluwa Adeniran

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February 26, 2025

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The Special Offences Court in Lagos dismissed the request by former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele for Justice Rahman Oshodi to re-cuse himself from his trial.

Justice Oshodi in his ruling on Wednesday struck out the request stating that the allegations of bias against him were un-substantiated. The court held that the basis of Emefiele’s request is insufficient to justify disqualification, adding that it must be personal or based on some judicial reasoning.

Earlier on Monday, Emefiele, represented by his lead counsel, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), requested that Justice Oshodi recuse himself from the case. The request was based on the argument that the judge’s decision to allow the prosecution to ask a leading question, which was previously objected to, compromised the defense’s ability to conduct a fair cross-examination of the witness.

President Tinubu Vows not to let Nigerians down

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Imisioluwa Adeniran

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February 26, 2025

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President Bola Tinubu has reassured Nigerians of his administration’s commitment to keep Nigerians’ hopes alive without letting anyone down.

The president, while expressing his satisfaction with the progressive ideologies and milestones made by the governors and party leadership during the National Executive Council meeting of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Abuja, promised not to let Nigerians down with his renewed hope Agenda. Calling for calm in the party, the President advised the APC leadership at state levels to set up reconciliatory committees to liaise with aggrieved leaders.

Meanwhile, the party’s NEC passed a vote of confidence on the president, assuring him of a second term.

However, notably absent from the meeting are former president Muhammadu Buhari, his vice, Yemi Osinbajo, former governors Rotimi Amaechi, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, Kayode Fayemi, former Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, former Speaker and current Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, among many others.

Arsenal & Liverpool target summer move for Ademola Lookman

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Imisioluwa Adeniran

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February 26, 2025

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Arsenal and Liverpool are reportedly keeping a close eye on Nigerian international, Ademola Lookman, as the summer transfer window approaches. According to reports, Arsenal has already made contact regarding a potential move.

Lookman’s journey in European football has been far from straightforward. Before finding his feet in Italy, the 27-year-old endured inconsistent spells at Everton, Fulham, and Leicester City. However, his move to Atalanta transformed his career, establishing him as one of Serie A’s most lethal forwards.

This season, the Nigerian forward has maintained his stellar form, contributing 17 goals and seven assists in 29 appearances across all competitions. Despite his on-field brilliance, reports of a falling-out with Gasperini after Atalanta’s UEFA Champions League exit raised uncertainty about his long-term future in Bergamo.

A return to the Premier League could be on the cards, with Arsenal and Liverpool both considering moves for the winger who is currently valued at £46 million Euros.

Naira Marley breaks silence after Lagos Magistrate acquits him of Mohbad’s death.

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Imisioluwa Adeniran

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February 26, 2025

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Nigerian singer Naira Marley has finally broken his silence after a Lagos Magistrate Court in Yaba cleared him, his associate Sam Larry, and Prime Boy of any involvement in the tragic death of fellow artist Mohbad.

The court ruling, delivered on Tuesday, confirmed that the trio had no case to answer in connection to the late singer’s passing, putting an end to months of speculation and allegations.

While Naira Marley and his associates were absolved, the court held that the auxiliary nurse who administered an injection to Mohbad, alongside his friend Ayobami, will be prosecuted for reckless and negligent acts. This decision has further intensified discussions about the circumstances surrounding the young musician’s death and the responsibilities of those involved in his final moments.

Following the court’s verdict, Naira Marley took to social media to express his thoughts on both Twitter and Instagram. His posts have sparked conversations among fans and the public while the focus now shifts to the ongoing prosecution of the individuals the court has held responsible for the medical negligence that led to Mohbad’s passing.

FCCPC begins inquiry into the rising cost of drugs

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Imisioluwa Adeniran

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February 26, 2025

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The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has opened an inquiry into the rising cost of drugs in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors.

While constituting the inquiry in Abuja, the Executive Vice Chairman, FCCPC, Tunji Bello, represented by the Director of Surveillance and Investigation, Boladale Adeyinka, said the move became imperative in the face of the rising costs that is threatening the acquisition of drugs and pharmaceutical equipment.

Bello said the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018, empowers the FCCPC to promote fair business practices and safeguard consumer interests.

He added that as part of the commission’s mandate, it is conducting an inquiry into the alarming rise in cost and variation of drug prices in Nigeria over the past year.

NOSDR launches efforts to re-mediate crude oil spill from Shell

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Imisioluwa Adeniran

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February 26, 2025

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The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) has begun efforts to re-mediate a crude oil spill from Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) at the 16-inch Nun River-Kolo Creek pipeline, located in Obolo-li community of Southern Ijaw Local Council in Bayelsa State.

NOSDRA’s Director General, Chukwuemeka Woke, stated that the agency received a report of the spill on Monday, February 17, 2025, and is monitoring the ongoing response to ensure proper actions are being taken.

NOSDRA said it organised a Joint Investigation Visit to the site with stakeholders which included SPDC, the State Ministry of Environment, and representatives from the local community to assess the incident and recommend necessary regulatory actions.

Woke mentioned that the exact cause of the spill remains unclear, as the suspected leak point is submerged underwater, making the joint investigation inconclusive.

RUGIPO to become Uni. of Agriculture and Agribusiness

By

Imisioluwa Adeniran

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February 26, 2025

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Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has approved the transformation of Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, into a University of Agriculture and Agribusiness.

To ensure a smooth transition, Aiyedatiwa announced that a committee will be set up to work out the implementation details while reassuring students and staff that the upgrade will not negatively impact them, promising a seamless shift in the institution’s status.

In addition to this major educational reform, the governor approved a partnership between the state government and a private investor for a 15 billion Naira investment into a youth-focused agricultural initiative.

The investment will facilitate the Young Ranchers Agricultural Cluster Development Programme, with five hectares of land in each of three designated clusters to be used for practical farming and agricultural training.

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