The foreign exchange crisis in the country worsened on Thursday as a dollar exchanged for over N1,000 at the parallel market, Daily Trust reports.
Survey at popular black markets in Lagos indicated that a dollar exchanged for between N1,000 and N1,050 in the early hours of Thursday, before settling for N990 in the evening, indicating a difference of N252 from the Investors & Exporters FX window, where the naira closed at N738.
The gap between the official and parallel market has steadily widened, since the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announced unification of all segments of the foreign exchange markets in June.
However, despite the unification policy, the parallel market has continued to witness patronage due to the scarcity of the greenback at the official market, according to operators.
“There is scarcity at the market,” said Ismail Muhammed, one of the operators at Allen Roundabout.
“We are now buying dollars for N990 but earlier in the day, it was sold for N1, 000. Some people exchanged it for N1, 050,” he said.
Another operator, Alhaji Abdullahi Olugbede, said that the surge was caused by the scarcity as most licensed Bureau De Change Operators do not have dollars to trade with.
“When there is scarcity, the dollar will go up against the naira but we are not happy. We should pray that it will come down because this is not good,” he said.
Prison service begs Nigerians to marry ex-convicts, employ them
Prison service begs Nigerians to marry ex-convicts
The FCT command of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) has called for removing the criminal conviction status portion on recruitment and employment forms.
Ibrahim Idris, the command’s comptroller, said on Thursday after a sensitisation road walk against stigmatisation of ex-offenders held in Gwagwalada area council in Abuja.
Mr Idris said removing the criminal conviction portion on employment forms will curb discrimination and stigmatisation against ex-offenders.
The sensitisation is an annual Yellow Ribbon Campaign organised by the NCoS. The 2023 campaign was done in partnership with Prison Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA) and Hope Behind Bars Africa.
The comptroller said there was a need to end stigmatisation of ex-offenders and for them to be given opportunities to be reintegrated into the society.
“Today is Yellow Ribbon Day. It is an international day for peace, and we mark it in the NCoS with sensitisation on ex-inmates of correctional services. We took the campaign to the chief of Gwagwalada today to sensitise his people, both religious, traditional and all other members of the community, on the need to give ex-offenders opportunities in the town,” stated Mr Idris.
The prison comptroller added, “Whether in terms of job, marriage and other social activities because it has been the practice of the public to ostracise ex-inmates, and they believe that once an offender is always an offender. But by virtue of our new act, the Nigeria Correctional Service Act 2019, the basic thing now is corrections, and there’s no room for punishing offenders again.”
Mr Idris said the new act has a section that empowers the comptroller general of NCoS to certify that an inmate is fit to return to society.
“It is assured that the inmate has been purged of offences and there is no likelihood of offending again, and that certification is enough to assure the society that all is well. If we condemn ex-offenders and don’t give them opportunities to contribute to the development of the country, society will be worse off,” the prison official explained.
Mr Idris added that, unfortunately, the issue of the portion on employment forms where one is required to fill whether they are an ex-convict or not has been a thing of concern at the policy level.
“That is why certification was inserted into the new act, and we would continue to do advocacy for society and employers to give opportunities for ex-offenders to be integrated into society,” the NCoS official noted. “In most cases, it is just lack of education or ignorance that makes people fear that portion of employment because in more advanced countries, they also have that segment, and people display the certificate of correctional services.”
Mr Idris stressed that “when you have once been in a correctional service, it is not a problem, and it shouldn’t hinder people from getting jobs.”
The FCT prison comptroller also mentioned that imprisonment was enough punishment for offenders, and prison inmates are being reformed and rehabilitated to make better life choices, pointing out that prisons do 50 per cent of the reforming and rehabilitating offenders.
The other 50 per cent, according to Mr Idris, is left to society to receive the ex-offenders without condemning or discriminating against them.
Nollywood actor and former reality star, Tobi Bakre has penned a sweet note to his wife, Anu Bakre as she turns a year older.
Tobi Bakre pens sweet birthday note to wife
Tobi shared a picture of his wife and two children (they just welcomed their second) on Instagram and thanked her for being amazing and simply the best.
His birthday note…
“Happy Birthday to the love of my life!
“On this day! I want to celebrate you. Ever since I met you. Life in general hasn’t been the same. Life has been lifing oooo. You bring so much joy and pure happiness to me and everyone around.
“Can’t imagine a life without you. Indeed I’m blessed to call you wife and lucky to be spending all of my life with you. I pray God continues to bless you with divine joy and happiness.
“Thanks for being strong! Thanks for being kind! Thanks for being amazing! Thanks for our now 2 minions! Thanks for being YOU! I LOVE YOU MY BABY!
“Wishing you another amazing year with God’s love and favor my nunu.
The Kano Matchmaking Marriage Association, also known as Mai Dalilin Aure, has offered four women to the tricycle rider who returned N15 million to its owner who forgot the money in his tricycle.
Kano tricylist who returned N15m is offered 4 women to marry
Recall that Auwalu Salisu (22) became the talk of the town after he found N15m, including some CFA currency, and returned it to the owner who is from the Republic of Chad.
From that time, the young man has been getting recognition from government officials, groups and individuals and received several gifts, including a new tricycle from a philanthropist.
However, while joining the rest of the people to offer their donation, the matchmaking group promised four women for him to marry to be selected from 10 women.
Speaking on Freedom Radio, Kano, the Chairman of the association, Alhaji Mukhtar Inuwa Yakasai, said that among the ladies, two were his daughters.
Yakasai noted that the integrity, honesty and trust displayed by the young man qualified him for the honour.
He said, “The boy has shown the good character of our Noble Prophet, Muhammad (SAW). He is indeed trustworthy. That is why we have decided to honour him with these gifts.
“There are 10 women for him to select four. Two of them are my daughters.”
Three displaced persons in the Agagbe camps, Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State. have been reportedly killed by suspected herders in their farms.
The victims were Ortom Chiater, 25, (Tse-Ugber in Mbachohon council ward), Targule Sechivir, 30, (Tse-Jabi, Sengev council) and Kusa Amos, 50, (Tse-Utor Mbachohon council ward).
The victims were said to have been displaced when suspected herders attacked their villages separately in 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively, and since then taken refuge in Agagbe camps.
Punch correspondent gathered that the victims were attacked and killed at their farms on Wednesday, September 20, 2023.
The camp chairman, Terna Jacob, who confirmed the killing, said the remains of the victims were found in their farms after hours of waiting for their return to the camp.
“Ortom Chiater was killed on his farm Wednesday by armed herders. His body was found and buried. He was displaced by the same group on 5/7/2022. He is from Tse-Ugber in the Mbachohon council ward. He and his family are currently staying at IDP camp, Agagbe, block 3 room 2 RCM. He is 25 years old.
“Mr. Targule Sechivir of Tse-Jabi Sengev council was killed on Wednesday by Fulani militia on his farm. His remain was found and buried. He was displaced by the same group on 30/07/2020. He and his family are taking refuge at IDP camp, Agagbe, staying in block 6 room. He is 30 years old.
“Mr. Kusa Amos was killed on Wednesday by the Fulani militias on his farm. He is from the Mbachohon council ward, Tse-Utoh. He was displaced by the same herders on 20/7/2021. He and his family are staying at IDP camp, Agagbe, block 1 room 2 room. He is about 50 years old.”
When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Catherine Anene said, “I don’t have this information, please. “
Unspecified number of students of the Federal University of Gusau have been abducted in the early hours of Friday.
Bandits storm Federal University Gusau
The armed bandits in large numbers invaded the Sabon-Gida community of the Bungudu Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
A resident of Sabon-Gida identified as Nazeer Sabon-Gida told Channels Television that the gunmen invaded the community around 3 am and started shooting indiscriminately.
According to him, three students’ hostels were attacked and all the students in the hostels were taken away by the bandits.
“They entered the town around 3 am and started shooting indiscriminately,” he said.
“We have yet to confirm the number of students kidnapped because the bandits entered three hostels and kidnapped all the students there. It is difficult to ascertain their numbers now.”
Another source told Channels Television that the bandits were engaged with troops of the Nigerian Army in a fierce gun battle but that did not stop the bandits from escaping with the kidnapped victims.
“They were seriously engaged with the army troops but the way these bandits operate, they will divide themselves into two, one group will move with the kidnapped victims while the other will stay behind to protect the first group,” he said.
“The first group had left with the students while the second group engaged the army in a gun duel.”
In June, some students of the university protested the spate of abductions involving their schoolmates in Sabon-Gida and Damba.
Sabon-Gida village is a community opposite the main campus of the Federal University of Gusau that is about 20 km to the state capital, Gusau.
The police command in the state is yet to comment on the latest attack.
Mohbad has appeared on Times Square’s billboard in New York.
Mohbad takes over Times Square’s billboard, New York
Late Nigerian singer, MOHBAD has been featured in The Times Square’s billboard displayed on Broadway Times Square, New York City.
This comes as Nigerians hold a candle night for him today in Lekki, Lagos.
His death gained international attention after fans took to social media to demand a thorough investigation of his sudden demise.
The Mohbad’s billboard read, “Will be remembered forever Mohbad. Legend are never forgotten. R.I.P.”
With his posthumous appearance, Mohbad now joins Burna Boy, Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Davido, among others, on the list of Nigerian celebrities to feature on a billboard in Times Square.
Tinubu files motion to stop Chicago University from releasing academic records to Atiku
Tinubu files motion to stop Chicago University from releasing academic records to Atiku
Unhappy with the United States Magistrate Court’s order directing Chicago State University to release his academic records to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Abubakar Atiku, President Bola Tinubu has filed an application with the District Court to halt the order’s implementation.
The magistrate court had given Chicago University 48 hours to release Tinubu’s records to Atiku.
However, Tinubu alleged in a fresh application on Thursday that the magistrate breached the constitution by acting as a final court in such matters of discovery.
He contended that a magistrate should only report and recommend to the district judge in such matters.
Tinubu further argued that the magistrate court had issued what seemed to be a final order on September 19, demanding immediate compliance starting on September 21.
“Intervenor asks this court to enter an immediate order delaying the effect of the magistrate’s order, at least until Monday, September 25, 2023, so the court may fully consider both the scope of the magistrate’s authority to issue the order without review and the issue of whether the magistrate’s order was a correct application of the law to the facts presented.”
He requested the court to delay the effect of the magistrate’s order until September 25, 2023, to fully consider the order’s scope and its application of the law to the facts presented.
In the motion filed by his lawyer, Mr Carmichael, Tinubu emphasised that other courts, considering the authority of magistrates to rule on Section 1782 applications opted for issuing reports and recommendations.
“Intervenor raises a substantial question about the Magistrate’s authority to resolve the Section 1782 petition and order immediate compliance by Chicago State University.
“‘If Chicago State University complies with the Magistrate’s order prior to this Court having an opportunity to review the order, Intervenor will suffer prejudice because the information will have been disclosed and effective relief will be impossible.
“The order requires the documents to be produced today. (Dkt. 40, pg. 31.)
“By contrast, Tinubu maintained that he has at least until September 27 to submit material, if not longer, and, as the Magistrate commented, the “tight timeframe” was created “in no small part” by applicant. (Dt. 40, pg. 28.)
“That leaves enough time for the Court to review the ruling and, if discovery were permitted to proceed, for the applicant to still obtain the information sought.
“Due to the timing for compliance by Chicago State University — later today ~ Intervenor is filing this motion separately from its challenge to the Magistrate’s ruling on the application. Intervenor intends to file, by the end of the day, a substantive brief addressing the errors in the magistrate’s decision.
“Intervenor requests that the Court defer compliance by Chicago State University until Monday, which will provide both an opportunity to review the Magistrate’s ruling, and, if ordered, to allow the discovery to proceed before September 27.
“For example, a production could accur on Tuesday morning, be followed by a deposition in the afternoon, and a court reporter can provide a rough or real time transcript that evening.
“Counsel for intervenor, Christopher W. Carmichael, communicated with counsel for applicant, Alexandre de Gramont, who opposes the motion.
“Wherefore, intervenor prays that the court grant the emergency motion and delay compliance with the magistrate’s September 19, 2023 order until the end of the day Monday, September 25, 2023”, the documents read.
Tinubu’s motion was seen by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the former Vice President, Mr. Paul Ibe, who confirmed its receipt.
Ibe, however, viewed Tinubu’s motion as a delay tactic to slow down the release of academic records before the Supreme Court begins hearing Atiku’s appeal against the September 6 judgement of the President Election Petition Tribunal.
Subsidy reportedly back as FG pays N169.4bn in August
Subsidy reportedly back as FG pays N169.4bn
Despite the numerous assurances by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that the subsidy is gone, Daily Trust’s finding shows that the federal government paid N169.4 billion as subsidy in August to keep the pump price at N620 per litre.
There have been several reports suggesting that the current price stagnation despite the worsening exchange rate and international crude price crossing $95 a barrel suggests a return of subsidy.
A document by the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), sighted by DT reporter yesterday, showed that in August 2023, the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) paid $275m as dividends to Nigeria via NNPC Limited. NNPC Limited used $220m (N169.4 billion at N770/$) out of the $275m to pay for the PMS subsidy. Then NNPC held back $55m, illegally.
The revelation by FAAC effectively indicates that the subsidy is back and NNPC is now taking NLNG dividends to pay the subsidy.
The club joined millions of Nigerians in expressing their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of late Nigerian singer.
Recall Mohbad died suddenly last Tuesday and has since been buried. His death has continued to generate reactions.
The management of Mohbad, on Monday also announced a candlelight procession and tribute night for the late artiste Thursday (today).
In a heartfelt message shared on the club’s social media platform, the Yellow Submarine said they were saddened by the sudden death of the musician.
“We continue to be shocked and saddened by the news of the death of Nigerian rapper @iammohbad,” Cadiz wrote.
“We wish for rest and justice for the family. Your star will shine brighter than ever in the sky. RIP Mohbad.”
The post instantly generated a lot of reactions from Nigerians who hailed the LaLiga outfit for their gesture and promised to also henceforth watch their matches.
He disclosed this in a recent interview with Echoo Room.
He said contrary to speculations that he criticises his colleagues for not living decent lifestyles, his goal is not to preach holiness in the secular music industry.
The ‘Who’s Your Guy’ crooner, however, maintained that artistes can still make money from decent music.
He said, “I struggled with p3rn3graphy for years. I’m not a saint. I go through these things. I’m in here with you guys. I’m not saying that I’m holy. Everyone is far from holy.
“And I’m not coming to preach to people that you’ve to be holy. I’m human just like you. But I’m just saying that as much as we can, we should.”
Spyro recently sparked controversy after he insinuated in a podcast interview that Shallipopi’s music inspires fraudsters.
This is the real reason, the President’s son, Seyi Tinubu has kept mute on Mohbad’s death, which many has termed to be a murder.
Why Seyi Tinubu has kept mute on Mohbad’s death
Aside his friends and fans saying his life was cut short, his mother also said, the sudden death of her son was not caused by God, but a man.
JJ. Omojuwa has now explained, why Seyi hasn’t said anything publicly, and it’s because of some advise he gave him.
Narrating what Seyi intends to do, JJ tweeted;
”Seyi Tinubu didn’t donate N15m to Mohbad’s kid or family. I would know, because I have been discussing with him on the issue for several days.
Bell Schmurda mentioned Seyi in a tweet and I immediately forwarded it to him. The same way I have forwarded tweets around policy interventions to him and he’s gone ahead to help advance causes. When I know the source of the relevant tweet, I message them to let them know I am helping to push the matter. This time, he called me and asked what he could do. I shared my thoughts.
I said not to get sucked into the social media thing because whatever he said or did would be politicised. I then went on to say, irrespective of that, we should prioritise his family, especially his kid. He said he’d commit to the kid’s education and also support the wife immediately. But we also knew there was still a danger of that getting used against him politically – that’s the world we now live in. It is what it is, it’s why one can only move the best way one can.
I sent a message to one of my friends in the industry who himself has also been involved with the Mohbad issue – without making any social media noise whilst getting dragged for not tweeting lol.
Without knowing what I had shared with Seyi, he also advised to hold on. That he would do the necessary connections when it is convenient to do so without appearing to be getting in the way of anything. Any rational person wouldn’t need an explanation for the hesitations around the issue. It’s the intersection of a criminal matter and social media narratives.
I’d ordinarily ignore these things. I have come to know that for all its power and essence, some things cannot be done by tweeting.
Just to be clear, the N15m making the rounds that Seyi donated is not true. My position is obvious – if you can comprehend what you read – I was involved with him on this matter from the get go.
And if you want to know how he is ultimately supporting the kid and the wife, I don’t think that’s my business to say. And frankly speaking, I don’t think it matters. That’s left for those who received what to say.
This post was made for those who need clarity on the matter. Love and light to every sensible person out here. And especially everyone who genuinely care about Mohbad, his memory, family and his legacy. Including those not doing social media posts.
Rest in peace Mohbad. As we stay in pursuit of justice, it is my hope that the kid he left behind gets all the support he needs, long after social media moves to the next thing. Because it will. 🖤🖤🖤”
The Naira, has continued its depreciation after exchanging to the dollar at 980/$ at the parallel market on Wednesday.
Naira exchanges at 980/dollar
A Bureau De Change Operator in Zone 4 Abuja, Ahmed Gazali, confirmed this to Daily Post on Thursday.
Gazali attributed the development to the forex scarcity.
“It is because of forex scarcity; the situation is fluctuating. For instance, it was N920/$1 on Monday but N980/$1 on Wednesday. We can’t tell what tomorrow holds. It may ease or get worse”, he stated.
However, on the FMDQ at the official window, the Naira appreciated slightly after closing at 770.71/$ on Wednesday from 776.76/$ on Tuesday.
Recall that on June 14, the Central Bank of Nigeria introduced reforms to unify the forex market; however, the crisis has persisted.
Jimmy Odukoya defends dreading his hair and wearing jewelries
The new General Overseer and Senior Pastor at the Fountain of Life Church, in Ilupeju, Lagos, Jimmy Odukoya has defended his decisions of dreading his hair and wearing jewelries.
Jimmy, the first son of Late Pastor Taiwo Odukoya defended this in an interview with BBC.
Recall Jimmy was announced days ago as the new head of the church by a church representative.
For everything the world thinks is wrong that Jimmy is doing, he backed it up with examples in the scriptures.
Watch the interesting video below…
Pastor/Actor Jimmy Odukoya speaks on why he keeps dreads and why he took over his father’s Church. pic.twitter.com/4L9AeptCgn
The nurse who treated late singer, Mohbad has been arrested
Nurse who treated Mohbad has been arrested
Nollywood actress, Iyabo Ojo has disclosed that the nurse who treated late Nigerian rapper, Ilerioluwa Olademeji Aloba, aka Mohbad before his passing has been arrested.
She revealed this in a video message shared via her Instagram page last night while briefing fans about her visit to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police and the progress on the police investigation of Mohbad’s death.
She said other arrests have also been made by the police.
Ojo said, “The police have made some arrests [in connection with Mohbad’s death]. The nurse has been arrested. That I know. That’s the only information I can give you right now.
“They have arrested some people. They are asking some people to turn themselves in.”
Mohbad died in a controversial manner on September 12, 2023.
The Nigeria Police Force have dismissed a police officer who shot dead Alafuro Peterside, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Police officer who killed father of three in Rivers state is dismissed
Peterside, 42, was shot dead last month by a police officer in the presence of his wife and children at a beer parlour in Elekohia, Port Harcourt City Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Nwonyi Emeka, revealed the development while parading criminal suspects at the command’s headquarters at Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, on Tuesday.
CP Emeka added that the officer has been arraigned in court for the sake of justice.
The CP paraded seven police personnel involved in unprofessional conduct, exposed by a TikTok user who was defrauded of some amount of money.
The CP said, “In recent times, we have witnessed some bloggers, some Tiktokers, some Tweeters, that have been sending some malicious messages against the command.
“Some are unsubstantiated, but I want to assure you that the ones that are substantiated, we will get to the root of the matter.
“Standing here are policemen alleged by one Tiktoker recently, which went viral, of the activities of policemen that were unprofessional in their conduct.
“And to prove to you, as I’ve always said, that crime and criminality know no bounds. Whether you are a civilian or you are a policeman, if you commit a crime, you will be punished.
“To that effect, I’ve also assured you that we as police officers will always stand for things that are right. It doesn’t matter who comes to make a report, we will give you justice to the best of our ability.
“Investigation is ongoing into the allegation against them. We are not ready to cover anybody because the Inspector General of Police never sent anybody, the Commissioner of Police never sent anybody, and the AIG never sent anybody.
“So, if you get your heart burnt by doing what is not expected of you as a police officer, be assured that you will face the wrath of the law.
“You can’t be very sanctimonious to show that you can hold other people responsible as a law enforcer, and you can’t show it with your own self.
“We must live beyond the normal standard of discipline before we can enforce discipline on others.”
He noted that the policemen had been in detention since the moment they were arrested. He added that investigation is ongoing, and when that is concluded, the necessary disciplinary action will be taken against them.
The CP advised victims of police brutality and extortion to report to his office, rather than go online, which paints the Nigeria Police in a bad light, for the actions of “few bad eggs”.
Veteran Gospel musician, Busola Oke has called out her former record label boss.
Gospel musician, Busola Oke calls out Mayowa Films out over royalties
Busola called out Mayowa Films while paying tribute to late singer Mohbad.
Busola likened what happened to her to that of Mohbad and says there’s darkness in the music world.
While calling out Moyowa, she said, the music promoter left her with nothing. She says she sold her house, cars and all to survive, and till date, she is yet to recover from whatever she sold her properties for.
She lastly cursed him, saying God will judge him.
She also thanked her self, for rejecitng his s3xual advances, saying, she would have lost her intellectual property and also lost her body to a wicked man.
Interestingly she accused Mayowa of sleeping with other people he does business with.
Gospel music veteran Busola Oke speaks on the dark side of the Nigerian gospel music industry as she gives a tribute to Mohbad. pic.twitter.com/B3VUWpv6ki
There was a fire incident on Wednesday evening at Ibis Royal Hotel, Airport Road, in Ajao Estate, Lagos.
Videos showing the raging fire is currently circulating on social media, even though it happened yesterday evening.
The Senior Special Assistant on New Media to the state governor, Jubril Gawat, also confirmed this via his X handle.
According to him, the fire, which was reported at 4.50pm, was curtailed by operatives of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service to prevent further damage.
Police kill four suspects linked to death of Rivers DPO
The Rivers State Police Command says four suspected members of the cult gang that killed Ahoada Divisional Police Officer, SP Bako Angbashim have been killed by police operatives.
Police kill four suspects linked to death of Rivers DPO
The state Commissioner of Police, Nwonyi Emeka, while parading some suspects at the Command’s headquarters at Moscow Road Port Harcourt, said on the 10th of September, 2023, the police acting on actionable intelligence invaded the hideout of David Okpara, popularly called 2Baba and his gang in Odeimude, community Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers State.
CP Emeka noted that the Ahoada Area Command and other tactical units mobilized and stormed the forest where the hoodlums hid.
He said on sighting the police, the criminals engaged the police operatives in a fierce gun battle, leading to the murder of four of the cultists while some sustained bullet injuries and the arrest of three.
CP Emeka also disclosed that the CP strike force arrested two male suspects, Chibuike Iroaha and Michael Ibe in a black Toyota Camry at Igwurita community in Ikwerre Local Government Area and recovered three locally made pistols.
According to the CP, the Command also arrested Thankgod Barine, who allegedly tried to rob one Sam Saturday at Deyoor Kira in Tai Local Government Area. One locally made gun was recovered from the suspect.
The CP said, “We might have had some setbacks by the killing of one of my Divisional Police Officers, the DPO of Ahoada, but will not be deterred in the fight against crime and criminality.
“And that is why I’m calling and telling you today that while we were on a look out for those who gruesomely murdered the Superintendent of Police, SP Bako, we are also doing a lot in trying to make sure we give our best in making Rivers State a more veritable environment, for protection of life and properties.
“The Command has achieved yet another victory in the struggle against crime and criminality, which are outlined as follows.
“Arrest of suspects and recovery of suspected stolen vehicles and firearms.
