According to statement released by SP Ramhan Nansel, Police Public Relations Officer, via the commands official X account that the arrest followed a complaint lodged at the Division on 18th April, 2026, at about 2000hrs.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect deceived the victim’s aunt, claiming her niece was “

possessed” and required cleansing at a river. He instead took the victim to a hotel in New Karshi, where he allegedly had unlawful carnal knowledge of her twice. He further threatened to kill her if she disclosed the incident.

The crime came to light after the victim’s guardian observed unusual changes in her behaviour and questioned her. The victim was immediately taken for medical examination, which confirmed penile penetration.

Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to the offence and pleaded for leniency.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Shetima Jauro Mohammed, has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Lafia, for comprehensive investigation and prosecution.

He assured that justice will be served and urged members of the public to exercise caution regarding places of worship they attend and individuals who parade themselves as clerics.

The post Pastor Arrested Over Alleged Defilement of Minor in Karshi appeared first on Business Today NG.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the ministry said the reports wrongly portrayed deductions by the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) as “waste” or missing funds, clarifying that these deductions are legitimate and part of established fiscal processes.

According to the ministry, FAAC deductions cover statutory transfers, savings and investments, security-related expenditures, cost-of-collection charges, and refunds to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as transfers to subnational governments.

“It is important to emphasise that refunds and transfers to states and other tiers of government are not leakages,” the statement said. “They represent legitimate fiscal flows, including repayments of obligations and statutorily backed allocations.”

The ministry also accused some commentators of selectively using outdated data while ignoring recent reforms highlighted in the World Bank report. It noted that measures introduced in early 2026—including a new Executive Order aimed at safeguarding petroleum revenue remittances—are already improving transparency and are expected to boost distributable revenue by about 0.4 percent of GDP annually.

Officials stressed that focusing narrowly on specific aspects of the report without acknowledging ongoing reforms presents a distorted picture of Nigeria’s fiscal position.

Highlighting the broader findings of the World Bank, the ministry described the report as largely positive, pointing to signs of strengthening macroeconomic fundamentals. These include more broad-based economic growth, declining inflation driven by policy measures, improved external reserves alongside a current account surplus, and a reduction in the debt-to-GDP ratio—the first in over a decade.

“The World Bank does not conclude that Nigeria’s fiscal system is collapsing or that reforms have failed,” the statement said. “Rather, it affirms that reforms are working and should be sustained.”

The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to enhancing fiscal transparency, improving revenue mobilisation, and ensuring efficient public spending to support inclusive economic growth.

It also urged the media and stakeholders to report fiscal matters responsibly, warning that misleading interpretations could undermine public confidence and disrupt ongoing reform efforts.

The post FG Rejects Claims of Hidden Spending, Says World Bank Report Misinterpreted appeared first on Business Today NG.

The cocaine consignment with a gross weight of 2.80 kilograms was intercepted on Thursday 9th April 2026 by NDLEA operatives attached to the export shed of the Lagos airport while two cargo agents involved in the export bid: Ama Obinna Ufeim, 33, and Ogabi Monday Akorede, 39, were swiftly arrested. Further investigation revealed a 52-year-old freight and forwarding agent Agoro Tajudeen Moninuola as the sender of the consignment and he was arrested in a follow-up operation.
In a similar operation, NDLEA officers at the import shed of the Lagos airport on Wednesday 8th April intercepted a consignment of Loud, a strong strain of cannabis, with a gross weight of 2.90 kilograms and concealed in snack food packs, which arrived from the United States of America aboard a Delta Airlines flight.
Two cargo clearing agents: Animashaun Moshood Adetunji and Mercy Gabriel Oluwasegun, were initially arrested in connection with the seizure before the consignee, Saheed Adeshina Adegoke, a 29-year-old fashion designer, was nabbed in a follow-up operation at 3 Oba Ogunji road, Ogba, Lagos, on Monday 13th April.
In Kaduna, NDLEA operatives on patrol along Kaduna-Zaria highway by Gwargwaje Zaria on Monday 13th April intercepted a trailer conveying cement heading to Hadeja in Jigawa state. A search of the truck led to the recovery of 760 blocks and 33 jumbo bags of skunk, a strain of cannabis, weighing 847 kilograms. The truck driver Umar Garba Haruna, 33, was arrested in connection with the seizure.
A 53-year-old female suspect, Alice Sunday Udoh, was arrested on Thursday 16th April when NDLEA officers supported by soldiers raided a forest in Uwet community, Akamkpa LGA, Cross River state, where 15,000 kilograms of skunk on six hectares of farmland were destroyed and 119kg of same substance recovered.
Another cannabis farm was raided on Tuesday 14th April at Saboro camp, Ovia North East LGA, Edo state where NDLEA operatives destroyed 2,281.43kg of same psychoactive substance, while three suspects: Nweke Smart, 27; Christopher Egbe, 62; and Monday Ayan, 45, were arrested, with the duo of Christopher and Monday caught with 38.5kg cannabis and its seeds. Two suspects: Sunday Odili, 49, and Ijenebe Joshua, 39, were nabbed with 87.838kg skunk and seeds at Powerline area of Okwo, Delta state on Friday 17th April.
In Lagos, two suspects: Chinedu Ogbekene and Zindozin Aloukou Bienvenu were arrested on Wednesday 15th April at Mile 2, Lagos/Badagry expressway while conveying 11,900 capsules of tramadol and 400 ampoules of phenobarbital injection in a truck to Ghana. Same day, NDLEA operatives raided a two-storey building at Petti, Lagos Island, where a total of 95.8kg skunk was recovered.
With the same zeal, Commands and formations of the Agency across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, sensitization activities in schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others in the past week. These include: WADA enlightenment lecture for students and staff of Alfurgan Islamic School, Paiko, Niger state;
Edgerly Memorial Girls Secondary School, Calabar, Cross River; Heritage Model School, Ankpa, Kogi; Government Day Junior and Senior Secondary School, Kankia, Katsina; Government Senior Secondary School, Rano, Kano, and De Ambassador Secondary School, Epe, Lagos state, among others.
While commending the officers and men of MMIA, Edo, Delta, Cross River, Kaduna, and Lagos Commands of the Agency for the arrests and seizures, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) noted their drug supply reduction efforts balanced with WADA sensitization activities while he charged them and their compatriots across the country to maintain the current tempo.

The post NDLEA intercepts Cocaine, Loud in food flasks, Snacks, Arrests Fashion Designer, Others appeared first on Business Today NG.

According to a statement from the Board’s Public Communication Adviser, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, the results are now accessible for candidates to check. However, the option to print result slips has not yet been activated.

The statement further revealed that two examinees along with a parent are presently being held in connection with alleged manipulation of results using artificial intelligence tools and other electronic devices.

JAMB cautioned that anyone found guilty of such misconduct would face appropriate legal sanctions.

It also assured the public that the examination process is still ongoing and that additional results will be released progressively.

To access their scores, candidates are instructed to send “UTMERESULT” via SMS to 55019 or 66019 using the phone number used during registration.

The post JAMB Publishes Results of first batch of 632,788 UTME candidates; three individuals detained appeared first on Business Today NG.

Personnel from the Otorokpe Division carried out an operation in Ugholo community, where they uncovered a drug base and arrested a 33-year-old woman, Justina Onokpasa. During the raid, various suspected narcotics were seized, including Canadian Loud, codeine, tramadol, as well as a large number of empty containers believed to be used for packaging and distribution.

In another intervention, operatives of the State Anti-Cult Unit (SACU) targeted illegal drug locations in Abraka, resulting in the arrest of three individuals. A substantial quantity of cannabis and other prohibited substances was also recovered.

All those apprehended are currently in custody as investigations are ongoing.

The Delta State Commissioner of Police praised the officers involved for their efforts and reiterated the Command’s commitment to intensifying the fight against crime. He also encouraged members of the public to continue supplying prompt and reliable intelligence to support security operations.

The post Delta Command Police Raid Drug Hideouts, Nab Multiple Suspects appeared first on Business Today NG.

The 2026 budget outlines key spending priorities, including ₦4.799 trillion for statutory transfers and ₦15.8 trillion dedicated to debt servicing. Recurrent expenditure is allocated ₦15.4 trillion, while the largest share—₦32.2 trillion—is assigned to the Development Fund for capital projects.

With capital expenditure accounting for roughly 50% of total spending, the budget signals the administration’s continued focus on infrastructure expansion, economic stability, national security, and inclusive growth. The structure reflects an attempt to balance mandatory obligations, debt repayments, operational costs, and long-term investments aimed at improving productivity and living standards.

The approved extension of the 2025 capital budget implementation is intended to ensure full utilisation of funds, particularly for major infrastructure and development projects already underway. It is also expected to help Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) complete ongoing works, improve project delivery rates, and maximise public value from approved spending.

The 2026 Appropriation Act takes effect from April 1, with the Federal Government expected to begin full implementation in line with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. President Tinubu has directed MDAs to prioritise discipline, transparency, and efficiency in the use of public funds, with emphasis on value for money and timely execution of projects.

He also commended the National Assembly for its swift passage of the budget, describing the collaboration between the executive and legislature as crucial to achieving national development goals.

Reaffirming his administration’s fiscal direction, the President pledged continued reforms to boost revenue, strengthen economic growth, create jobs, and expand social protection programmes for Nigerians.

The post What Tinubu’s ₦68.32 Trillion 2026 Budget Means for Nigeria’s Economy appeared first on Business Today NG.

The appeal was made by the Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Professor Umar Garba Danbatta, as part of efforts to safeguard critical telecom infrastructure and sustain industry growth.

He disclosed this at the North Central Zonal Sensitization Workshop for security agencies held in Keffi, Nasarawa State.

He said the collaboration and partnership is important to enable the Commission to “move steadily in harnessing fully, the potential of telecommunications and to sustain the exponential growth in the sector in view of the central role telecommunication plays in the social and economic development of the nation”

The EVC seized the opportunity of the forum to thank the Office of the National Security Adviser; the Nigeria Police Force; the Department of State Services; the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps; the Nigeria Customs Service; the Federal Road Safety Commission and other agencies involved in security governance for the support they have offered the NCC in its effort to contain telecom crimes.

The Workshop, which was attended by personnel from all these agencies, featured paper presentations covering the gamut of challenges of enforcement processes including the role of ICT in Effective Policing; Challenges of Prosecuting Telecom Offences; Overview of NCC Enforcement Regulations; and Overview of NCC Enforcement Powers under the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003.

Resource persons at the Workshop include Dr. Solomon Arase, former Inspector General of Police; and Paul Usoro, SAN; as well as the representation from the Commission which includes Efosa Idehen, Head Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement who represented the EVC; Dr. Henry Nkemadu, Deputy Director Research & Development; Helen Obi, Head Zonal Operations; Salisu Abdu, Head Enforcement; GT Mohammed, Assistant Director Legal and Regulatory Services; and Al-Kassim Umar, Head Compliance Monitoring.

It was a highly participatory workshop marked by lively, robust and seminal discussion the Commission will find quite useful in its strategic plan to re-engineer its operations for improved regulatory efficiency, robust stakeholder engagement and better quality of consumer experience.

The post NCC Seeks Stronger Security Collaboration to Tackle Telecom Sector Threats appeared first on Business Today NG.

In a move that underscores this commitment, the Director General of NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, with his top delegation recently visited the top management of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Chairman, Hon. Idris Olorunbe.

The engagement focused on building a transformative alliance aimed at fast-tracking sports digital transformation and positioning Nigeria’s e-sports industry on the global stage.

Speaking during the meeting, Olopade underscored the Commission’s readiness to integrate technology as a central pillar of sports advancement.

“Our goal is to collaborate closely with the NCC to strengthen sports science, especially e-sports, through sustainable sponsorship models. We are counting on the Commission to enhance connectivity and help attract the level of corporate investment required in today’s sports landscape,” he said.

He also highlighted the importance of increased private sector participation.

“Corporate Social Responsibility must take on a more prominent role in sports development. A modern sports ecosystem cannot thrive without active involvement from the technology and telecommunications sectors. Strong synergy between the NSC and NCC will drive tangible progress in sponsorship and digital infrastructure,” Olopade added.

The NSC boss further noted that the NCC’s support would be vital in unlocking the full potential of e-sports in Nigeria.

“From improved internet speeds to advanced gaming infrastructure, the NCC’s contribution is key if Nigerian athletes are to compete successfully on the global stage,” he said.

In his response, NCC Chairman Idris Olorunbe expressed optimism about the collaboration, describing it as a forward-looking initiative with far-reaching impact.

“Whatever is achievable in conventional sports can equally be realised in e-sports. The issue is not whether it can be done, but the strategy for execution,” he stated.

Olorunbe also pointed to the broader economic opportunities tied to the partnership.

“This collaboration holds immense economic promise. Beyond sports, it has implications for youth employment, digital innovation, and the country’s global image. The Director General’s initiative is highly commendable,” he said.

He further emphasised the shared national vision guiding both institutions.

“The objective is to drive national development. For our e-sports athletes to succeed, we must invest in gaming hubs, improve connectivity, and establish enabling policies that support talent development,” he added.

They agreed to set up a joint technical working group tasked with outlining a strategic roadmap for sports digitalisation, structuring e-sports leagues, and developing a national framework to attract investment into the digital sports space.

The emerging partnership between the NSC and NCC signals a landmark move—potentially the first formal collaboration between Nigeria’s sports and communications regulators—towards building a sustainable digital sports economy.

The post Nigeria Moves to Strengthen Digital Sports Infrastructure with NCC Support appeared first on Business Today NG.

Approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Nigeria, the expansion shifts the market opening earlier from 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and extends the close from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., marking a significant evolution in the Exchange’s market structure.

The extended trading window will provide greater flexibility for investors, improve responsiveness to market-moving information, and support broader participation across the market. The development builds on the momentum of Nigeria’s recent reclassification to Frontier Market status by FTSE Russell, reinforcing NGX’s global positioning and enhancing its attractiveness to a broader pool of domestic and international investors.

This reform reflects strong regulatory collaboration and underscores the Securities and Exchange Commission’s continued commitment to advancing market development initiatives. Alongside Nigeria’s Frontier Market reclassification, it signals a deliberate shift towards a more accessible, liquid, and globally competitive market.

The implementation follows extensive stakeholder engagement, ensuring alignment and operational readiness ahead of the go-live date. NGX Regulation Limited will continue to provide robust oversight to support a smooth and orderly transition, while maintaining high standards of transparency and investor protection.

With this development, NGX reinforces its position as a leading multi-asset exchange, deepening liquidity, improving market access, and supporting efficient capital formation within Nigeria’s financial markets.

The post NGX Expands Trading Window from 9:00 A.M. To 4:00 P.M appeared first on Business Today NG.

No fewer than 974 offenders have been convicted and sentenced to various jail terms including 11 drug kingpins who bagged 254 years imprisonment in the first quarter of 2026 as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) ramped up the arrest, prosecution and forfeiture of the assets of drug traffickers and their collaborators across the country.

Among the 974 drug traffickers convicted between January and March, 899 of them are male and 75 females, while a further breakdown of the conviction figure shows that 265 were secured in January, 316 in February and 393 in March.

Top on the list of the 11 drug kingpins who were successfully prosecuted and convicted within the period include a notorious Italy-based 42-year-old businessman, Adegbite Solomon (a.k.a Obama) who was arraigned on 15-count charge before Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court Lagos in suit number: FHC/L/851C/2025. Delivering his ruling on the matter on 18th March, Justice Kakaki convicted the repeat offender on all 15 counts and sentenced him to a total of 130 years in prison.

Specifically, Justice Kakaki sentenced Adegbite to 15 years’ imprisonment on count 1; 15 years on count 2; 15 years on count 3; 15 years on count 4; 15 years on count 5; 15 years on count 6; 10 years on count 7; four years on count 8; four years on count 9; four years on count 10; four years on count 11; four years on count 12; and 10 years on count 15. While the prison sentence is to run concurrently, the trial judge also ordered the revocation of the convict’s pharmacy license and the forfeiture of two branches of his pharmacy store as well as the forfeiture of funds in his three bank accounts to the Federal Government, among others.

Another top drug kingpin sentenced to long years in prison in the first quarter of the year is 32-year-old Ridwan Animashaun who was arraigned by NDLEA before Justice Nkenoye Evelyn Maha of the Federal High Court, Ibadan, Oyo state in charge number: FHC/IB/97C/2025. In her judgment delivered on 26th February 2026, Justice Maha convicted and sentenced Animashaun to 25 calendar years for drug trafficking.

The convict was first convicted and sentenced to one year imprisonment for a similar offence on 15th July 2022 by Justice Uche Agomoh of the Federal High Court following his arrest by NDLEA along Lagos/Ibadan expressway on 27th March 2022.

Two other convicts who bagged long years imprisonment are: Rauf Asogba, 28, and Seun Olaniyi, 24, who were convicted and sentenced to 17 years in jail each by Justice Abiodun Jordan Adeyemi of the Federal High Court Abeokuta, Ogun state on 28th January 2026 after NDLEA arrested and charged them to court for trafficking 1,779 kilograms of skunk in suit number: FHC/AB/160C/2025.

Another set of two convicts got 15 years imprisonment each. They are: 54-year-old Jonathan Nuhu (a.k.a Doctor) who was convicted by Justice Mohammed Nasir Yunusa of the Federal High Court, Kano, Kano state on 17th March 2026 following his arraignment by NDLEA in charge: FHC/KN/CR/96/2023, and 40-year-old Idris Yusuf who was sentenced on 31st March 2026 by Justice Fatima Murtala Nyako of the Federal High Court, Damaturu, Yobe in suit number FHC/CR/6/21, in addition to another eight years sentence for a similar case brought against Yusuf by NDLEA in charge number FHC/CR/DM/16/24.

Other convicts who got seven years imprisonment each for drug trafficking offences in parts of the country include: Godday Obizuo in FHC/AK/64C/2024; Asabe Abubakar in FHC/BAU/CR/16/2026; Godwin Peter, Asuquo Christian and Olabode Sunday in FHC/AD/CR/66/2024.

In his reaction to the conviction of the drug offenders, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) described the sentencing of the 11 drug kingpins to a combined 254 years in prison as a watershed moment in the country’s war against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

He noted that the conviction of 974 offenders between January and March 2026 sends an unambiguous message that Nigeria is no longer a safe haven for those who trade in human lives and derive pleasure in destroying the lives of the nation’s youth.

According to him, “Securing 974 convictions in just three months is a testament to the relentless spirit of our officers and the thinning patience of the Nigerian state toward drug merchants. To the 11 kingpins who thought they were untouchable, their 254-year collective residency in correctional centres is a firm reminder that the long arm of the law has finally caught up with their greed.”

Marwa commended the Judiciary for the accelerated hearing of the cases, noting that swift justice is the most potent deterrent. To officers, men and women of the Agency, he said
“Your bravery in the face of danger is yielding fruit. We will continue to prioritize your welfare and provide the tools needed to stay ahead of these criminal syndicates.”

He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant, adding that “these victories belong to the citizens who provide the intelligence that fuels our operations.”

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