News - Business Today NG https://businesstodayng.com/category/news/ The Hub of News Reporting Thu, 18 Dec 2025 05:43:36 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9 US Tightens Visa Rules, Adds Five Countries To Full Travel Ban https://businesstodayng.com/us-tightens-visa-rules-adds-five-countries-to-full-travel-ban/ Thu, 18 Dec 2025 00:38:09 +0000 https://businesstodayng.com/?p=59496 United States (U.S.) President Donald Trump has signed a fresh proclamation expanding entry restrictions into the country for nationals of countries identified as high risk to U.S. national security and public safety. This is contained in a White House fact sheet made available by the U.S. Embassy in Abuja on Wednesday. It is titled: ‘President […]

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United States (U.S.) President Donald Trump has signed a fresh proclamation expanding entry restrictions into the country for nationals of countries identified as high risk to U.S. national security and public safety.

This is contained in a White House fact sheet made available by the U.S. Embassy in Abuja on Wednesday.

It is titled: ‘President Donald J. Trump Further Restricts and Limits the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the Security of the United States’.

According to the State Department, the move is informed by the persistent and severe deficiencies in screening, vetting and information sharing by the affected countries, which threaten U.S. national security and public safety.

It said that the proclamation also aimed to strengthen the country’s national security through what it called common sense restrictions based on data.

“Today, President Donald J. Trump signed a Proclamation expanding and strengthening entry restrictions on nationals from countries with demonstrated, persistent, and severe deficiencies in screening, vetting, and information-sharing to protect the Nation from national security and public safety threats.

“The restrictions and limitations imposed by the Proclamation are necessary to prevent the entry of foreign nationals about whom the United States lacks sufficient information to assess the risks they pose, garner cooperation from foreign governments, enforce our immigration laws, and advance other important foreign policy, national security, and counterterrorism objectives.

“It is the President’s duty to take action to ensure that those seeking to enter our country will not harm the American people,” it said.

The document maintained full entry restrictions on nationals from 12 countries, which were previously listed under Proclamation 10949.

They are Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.

It also introduced full restrictions on five additional countries, namely Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan and Syria.

Individuals holding travel documents issued by the Palestinian Authority, Laos and Sierra Leone, which were previously under partial restrictions, had now been placed under full restrictions.

Countries placed under partial entry restrictions are: Burundi, Cuba, Togo, Venezuela, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

“Many of the restricted countries suffer from widespread corruption, fraudulent or unreliable civil documents and criminal records, and nonexistent birth-registration systems—systemically preventing accurate vetting.

“Some countries’ high visa-overstay rates and refusal to repatriate removable nationals demonstrate disregard for U.S. immigration laws and burden American enforcement resources.

“Terrorist presence, criminal activity and extremist activity in several listed countries result in a general lack of stability and government control, which causes deficient vetting capabilities and poses direct risks to American citizens and interests when nationals from these countries are admitted to the United States,” the document said.

The fact sheet, however, says there are exemptions for lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders, athletes, diplomats and individuals whose entry is deemed to serve U.S. interest.

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Nigerian Copyright destroys pirated books worth N141.5m in Oyo https://businesstodayng.com/nigerian-copyright-destroys-pirated-books-worth-n141-5m-in-oyo/ Wed, 17 Dec 2025 22:57:47 +0000 https://businesstodayng.com/?p=59487 The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) on Tuesday destroyed pirated books valued at N141.5 million seized from booksellers and suppliers during various enforcement operations. The NCC Oyo State Coordinator, Mrs Oluropo Oke, supervised the destruction in Ibadan on behalf of NCC Director‑General, Dr John Asein He said the pirated books were seized over the past three […]

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The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) on Tuesday destroyed pirated books valued at N141.5 million seized from booksellers and suppliers during various enforcement operations.

The NCC Oyo State Coordinator, Mrs Oluropo Oke, supervised the destruction in Ibadan on behalf of NCC Director‑General, Dr John Asein

He said the pirated books were seized over the past three years from bookshops and markets in Abeokuta, Sango-Otta in Ogun and Ibadan.

“We valued the books before destroying them and found their total value to be N141,550,000.

“During the operations, we discovered that some booksellers could not prove the source of their purchases.

“There are several features that differentiate original books from pirated copies, including the binding, colour, grammage and point of purchase.

“We need to establish whether the books were bought from the original owners or publishers, or acquired on the streets,” he said.

The director-general warned that the Nigerian Copyright Act empowers the commission to punish any citizen caught pirating or illegally dealing in intellectual property.

He said those in possession of the seized books faced penalties ranging from fines and forfeiture to other punishments under the law.

national economic growth and deprived authors and publishers of the benefits of their work.

He explained that the books would not be burnt but shredded to prevent recirculation and protect the environment.

“We are making every effort to prevent pirated books from returning to the market.

“We are using a shredding machine because it is environmentally friendly. We believe that shredding will ensure the books do not re-enter circulation

“We understand this is a significant loss to booksellers, but instead of buying from pirates, we encourage them to purchase from the original sources, publishers or their representatives, rather than from the streets,” he said.

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA), Mr Rotimi Iyiola, said that book piracy had eroded much of publishers’ livelihoods.

“Witnessing the destruction of the seized pirated books by the NCC is a welcome development.

“Economically, book piracy causes enormous damage, not only to authors and publishers but also to workers and their families, and it deprives the government of revenue.

“Our jobs as publishers have been stolen, and our means of livelihood eroded,” Iyiola said.

He lauded the NCC for its commitment and dedication to eradicating book piracy in Nigeria and reiterated that the NPA was ready to cooperate with the commission to ensure that piracy was effectively addressed.

 

NAN

 

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Ododo Clarifies Security Proclamation: No State of Emergency Declared in Kogi https://businesstodayng.com/ododo-clarifies-security-proclamation-no-state-of-emergency-declared-in-kogi/ Wed, 17 Dec 2025 22:25:31 +0000 https://businesstodayng.com/?p=59485 Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has clarified that his recent Executive Proclamation on security protocols in the state is not a declaration of a state of emergency but a set of necessary measures to enhance the security architecture to crackdown on criminals in all parts of the state. This was contained in a […]

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Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has clarified that his recent Executive Proclamation on security protocols in the state is not a declaration of a state of emergency but a set of necessary measures to enhance the security architecture to crackdown on criminals in all parts of the state.

This was contained in a statement by the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor, Hon. Ismaila Isah, explaining that the proclamation is a lawful constitutional measure aimed at strengthening security coordination and protecting lives and property across Kogi State.

Gov. Ododo emphasized that it is within his powers as the Chief Security Officer of the state under Section 14 subsection 2(b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).

He noted that the proclamation seeks to enhance collaboration among security agencies without suspending constitutional rights or declaring a state of emergency.

The Governor explained that the measures include verification of security operatives, mandatory identification checks, and prosecution of anyone aiding or abetting criminal elements such as bandits and terrorists.

He also clarified that the proclamation aims to curb the rise of fake security personnel and improve the overall security architecture of Kogi State.

He warned that individuals or organizations found supporting criminal activities will be treated as enemies of the state and prosecuted under applicable laws.

The Governor further stressed that all properties used in the commission of such crimes shall be forfeited to the Kogi State Government.

This, in addition to relevant constitutional provisions is backed by the Kogi State Anti-Kidnapping, Robbery and Terrorism Law of 2016, which empowers the state government to seize properties and assets used in the perpetration of violent crimes in any part of the state.

The Governor expressed gratitude to security agencies for their efforts and reassured residents of his administration’s commitment to peace and security.

Recalled that Governor Ododo on Tuesday rolled out a number of security protocols following the recovery of a large cache of weapons in the state by security agencies acting on intelligence.

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Breaking Farouk Ahmed, NMDPRA CEO Resigns https://businesstodayng.com/breaking-farouk-ahmed-nmdpra-ceo-resigns/ Wed, 17 Dec 2025 21:22:26 +0000 https://businesstodayng.com/?p=59478 The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, has resigned from his appointment. According to a statement on Wednesday by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, that Gbenga Komolafe, the CEO of the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), also resigned […]

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The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed, has resigned from his appointment.

According to a statement on Wednesday by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, that Gbenga Komolafe, the CEO of the Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), also resigned

Following the development, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has requested the Senate’s approval for the appointment of new chief executives for the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

Both officials were appointed in 2021 by former President Buhari to lead the two regulatory agencies created by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

To fill these positions, President Tinubu has written to the Senate, requesting expedited confirmation of Oritsemeyiwa Amanorisewo Eyesan as CEO of NUPRC and Engineer Saidu Aliyu Mohammed as CEO of NMDPRA.

The two nominees are seasoned professionals in the oil and gas industry.

Eyesan, a graduate of Economics from the University of Benin, spent nearly 33 years with the NNPC and its subsidiaries. She retired as Executive Vice President, Upstream (2023–2024), and previously served as Group General Manager, Corporate Planning and Strategy at NNPC from 2019 to 2023.

Engineer Saidu Aliyu Mohammed, born in 1957 in Gombe, graduated from Ahmadu Bello University in 1981 with a Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering. He was announced today as an independent non-executive director at Seplat Energy.

His prior roles include Managing Director of Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company and Nigerian Gas Company, as well as Chair of the boards of West African Gas Pipeline Company, Nigeria LNG subsidiaries, and NNPC Retail.

He also served as Group Executive Director/Chief Operating Officer, Gas & Power Directorate, where he provided strategic leadership for major gas projects and policy frameworks, including the Gas Masterplan, Gas Network Code, and contributions to the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

Engineer Mohammed played a pivotal role in delivering key projects such as the Escravos–Lagos Pipeline Expansion, the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline, and Nigeria LNG Train.

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Tinubu’s Youth Empowerment Programmes are for all Nigerians, not Political Interests – Idris https://businesstodayng.com/tinubus-youth-empowerment-programmes-are-for-all-nigerians-not-political-interests-idris/ Wed, 17 Dec 2025 10:21:58 +0000 https://businesstodayng.com/?p=59451 BY KINGSLEY MADU—The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has affirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s youth empowerment programs are motivated by a genuine commitment to creating opportunities for young Nigerians, rather than by partisan political interests. Idris made the clarification on Tuesday night in Abuja during an interactive session with youths from […]

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BY KINGSLEY MADU—The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has affirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s youth empowerment programs are motivated by a genuine commitment to creating opportunities for young Nigerians, rather than by partisan political interests.

Idris made the clarification on Tuesday night in Abuja during an interactive session with youths from the APC Youth Wing and tertiary institutions across the Federal Capital Territory, at The Nest Resource Centre, Abuja. The session, which featured open and candid conversations, was moderated by the APC National Youth Leader, Dr. Dayo Israel.

According to the Minister, youth-focused programmes of the Tinubu administration are deliberately designed to be inclusive, accessible, and impactful, regardless of political affiliation.

“NELFUND is for Nigerians; it is not for APC. The 3MTT is for Nigerians; it is not for APC,” Idris said. “Everything the President is doing is about restoring prosperity, dignity, and renewing hope, so that young people can fulfil their potential and believe again in their country.”

He disclosed that, based on the latest data, over 788,000 students are currently benefiting from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), with more than ₦250 billion committed to tuition support and student upkeep across tertiary institutions nationwide.

The Minister also highlighted the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Programme, a flagship digital skills initiative launched by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy on behalf of President Tinubu. The programme is targeted at training three million Nigerians in high-demand technical and digital skills to improve employability and competitiveness in the global digital economy.

“What excites me most is that even those who say these programmes are not real are enrolling, including people from other political parties,” he noted. “That tells you these initiatives are working and reaching Nigerians as intended.”

Idris described the Tinubu administration as one that would be remembered as the most youth-friendly in Nigeria’s history, citing not only large-scale empowerment programmes but also the deliberate appointment of young people into strategic leadership positions.

“Young people must begin by trusting this administration,” he said. “This is a government that has invested heavily in your future and continues to listen, engage, and create opportunities.”

On the economy, the Minister said the President’s bold reforms are beginning to yield positive outcomes, with signs of recovery becoming increasingly evident. He pointed to the steady reduction in food prices and a decline in inflation as indicators that the economy has turned a corner.

“Inflation is coming down,” Idris said. “The President projected a drop to 15 per cent, and today we are already at 14.45 percent. These are not coincidences; they are results of deliberate policy choices.”

He further noted that Nigeria’s recent exit from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list is a significant milestone that will strengthen the integrity of the financial system, enhance investor confidence, and improve Nigeria’s access to global financial markets.

The Minister urged young Nigerians to continue supporting the administration as it lays a strong foundation for sustainable national prosperity. He also called on youths to use their influence and numerical strength on social media responsibly by amplifying verified information and countering misinformation.

“Social media is a powerful tool for development, but it can also be used to harm society,” he cautioned. “If you are not sure a piece of information is accurate, please don’t share it. Verify first.”

Idris reaffirmed that the Renewed Hope Agenda remains firmly anchored on youth empowerment, inclusion, and national renewal, stressing that the future the administration is building belongs to all Nigerians.

 

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Adeleke Wins Accord Governorship Primary, Pledges Strong Showing in 2026 https://businesstodayng.com/adeleke-wins-accord-governorship-primary-pledges-strong-showing-in-2026/ Wed, 10 Dec 2025 23:23:20 +0000 https://businesstodayng.com/?p=59391 Governor Ademola Adeleke has emerged as the governorship candidate of the Accord after the governorship primary held at Osogbo and observed by the electoral commission (INEC) and other observers. The governor scored 145 votes while five votes were voided. The governor who was the sole aspirant for the position accepted the nomination and asserted that […]

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Governor Ademola Adeleke has emerged as the governorship candidate of the Accord after the governorship primary held at Osogbo and observed by the electoral commission (INEC) and other observers.

The governor scored 145 votes while five votes were voided.

The governor who was the sole aspirant for the position accepted the nomination and asserted that his records of achievements and the mass goodwill of the people will guarantee victory for the Accord in the 2026 polls.

The governor further used the occasion to unveil an upgraded five point agenda for the 2026 race namely integrated citizens and workers’ welfare; infrastructure consolidation for economic prosperity; Increased agro-Industrial expansion for youth empowerment; innovations for health, education and social care; and Improved Business Environment for Job Creation.

The governor spoke further: “We are today launching the battle for continuity of progress, good governance and democratic dividends. My candidacy signals the sustenance of the golden movement when the light of development continues to shine across our state. We vow never to relent in the rewarding service to our people.

“We note today as the point of resolution never to go back to the dark days but to advance further into the journey of modernisation. For a long time, Osun has witnessed failed promises. In the last three years, we actualize the yearnings and aspirations of our people. Ours is a government of talk and do.

“In the forthcoming polls, I challenge likely opponents to run on their records. In their days in governments, what were their deliverables to the people of Osun state ? How did they run or manage the state? What legacy did they leave for the people?

“In their days in power, they failed the people; they failed their party; they even failed themselves. Today, the people reject them. Even their own partymen and women are up in arms against them.

“I am proud to run on my records of achievements of the last three years. Despite harassment and blockages, my administration outperforms, outshines and surpasses the records of the opposition. I have raised the bar of governance beyond rhetorics and deceits. Our achievements can be seen and felt by the people.

“That Osun moved from number 33 under the APC government to number 7 under my leadership in a national examination rating cannot be disputed. That my government reduces the Osun infrastructure deficit from over 80 percent in 2022 by over 40 percent as of 2025 is attested to by many experts. That we paid over 40 percent of Osun inherited debt is confirmed by the Debt Management Office. That we came first in access to primary health care across the South west is in the public domain.

“Our governance delivery proved governance can be real, that leadership can actually serve the people, that there are leaders still committed to the service of the people. I belong to that circle of leaders who prioritises meeting the aspirations and needs of our people.

“To the good people of Osun, the 2026 race is not just about running on our records, we are bringing new innovations and new packages to take our people to new levels of development. I am bold to announce that I have substantially delivered on my five point agenda which I promised the people of Osun state in 2022”, the governor noted.

The National Chairman of the party, Barr. Maxwell Mgbudem, who handed over the certificate of return and victory to Governor Ademola Adeleke said the primary has confirmed Accord as a party of due process and internal democracy.

He described the emergence of Governor Adeleke as divine even as he expressed strong optimism that Governor Adeleke will resoundingly win his re-election in 2026.

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BREAKING: Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters Orders Immediate Removal Of Non-Essential Roadblocks Nationwide https://businesstodayng.com/breaking-nigerias-defence-headquarters-orders-immediate-removal-of-non-essential-roadblocks-nationwide/ Wed, 10 Dec 2025 23:17:38 +0000 https://businesstodayng.com/?p=59388 The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in Nigeria has ordered an immediate dismantling of non-essential static roadblocks and unauthorized checkpoints across key national highways, citing concerns about operational inefficiency and risks posed to both civilians and security personnel. The directive, issued through an internal communication dated December 5 and signed by Brigadier General A. Rabiu “for CDS”, […]

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The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in Nigeria has ordered an immediate dismantling of non-essential static roadblocks and unauthorized checkpoints across key national highways, citing concerns about operational inefficiency and risks posed to both civilians and security personnel.

The directive, issued through an internal communication dated December 5 and signed by Brigadier General A. Rabiu “for CDS”, warned that the “Headquarters has observed a growing proliferation of non-essential static roadblocks and checkpoints along several routes within the JOA.”

According to the document, while road security operations remain important, the increasing number of unapproved checkpoints has begun to “undermine operational efficiency and disrupt freedom of movement for both security forces, civilian and expose troops to unnecessary risks,” particularly along major arteries such as Abuja–Lokoja–Ajaokuta–Idah–Otukpa–Obollo Afor–Enugu; Abuja–Lokoja–Obajana–Kabba–Omuo–Ekiti–Ikole Ekiti; Abuja–Lokoja–Okene–Okpella–Auchi–Benin; Abuja–Kaduna–Kano; and Lagos–Ore–Benin–Asaba–Niger Bridge.

The statement said “in view of the foregoing, I am directed to respectfully convey that the services Headquarters hereby instructs all TCS/FCs to ensure the immediate dismantling of the non-essential static roadblocks and unauthorized checkpoints within their respective JOA.”

Furthermore, commanders have been directed to enforce compliance with only approved control point locations and replace unnecessary static posts with heightened mobility and intelligence-driven operations.

“Commanders are further to ensure strict compliance with the approved control point locations and maintain only those essential for operational, security purposes and dominate the expands of routes with aggressive mobile patrols and human intelligence gathering,” the statement said.

This development comes amid growing concerns on insecurity in the country.

 

Source: Sahara Reporters 

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How Investor Was Defrauded Of N3.9m In Alleged Fadama Coop Scam https://businesstodayng.com/how-investor-was-defrauded-of-n3-9m-in-alleged-fadama-coop-scam/ Wed, 10 Dec 2025 22:42:51 +0000 https://businesstodayng.com/?p=59380 BY SUNDAY SAMUEL—A prosecution witness 3, PW3, Dajok Dakung Godfrey,  in the ongoing trial of  Okewole Dayo and Bishop Jonas Katung,  on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, narrated before Justice Sharon T. Ishaya of the Federal High Court, Jos, Plateau State, how he was allegedly defrauded of his hard-earned savings by the defendants, under the guise […]

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BY SUNDAY SAMUEL—A prosecution witness 3, PW3, Dajok Dakung Godfrey,  in the ongoing trial of  Okewole Dayo and Bishop Jonas Katung,  on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, narrated before Justice Sharon T. Ishaya of the Federal High Court, Jos, Plateau State, how he was allegedly defrauded of his hard-earned savings by the defendants, under the guise of investment in Fadama Multi-purpose Cooperative Society.

Dayo and Jonas are standing trial on a 23-count charge bordering on obtaining money under false pretence to the tune of ₦178,885,000 (One Hundred and Seventy-Eight Million, Eight Hundred and Eighty-Five Thousand Naira).

Led in evidence by prosecution counsel, Ibrahim Buba, the witness, a 42-year-old civil servant, narrated how he invested his money in a Cooperative promoted through a televised presentation.

“I got to know the defendant when he was making a presentation on television in May 2010,” he told the court. “Bishop Katung Jonas encouraged people to join the Covenant Fadama Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society. As a man of God, I believed what he was saying.”

According to him, he visited the cooperative’s temporary office at the former NICON Insurance building, Secretariat Road, Jos, on June 4, 2010, bought a registration form for ₦1,000 and made an initial deposit of ₦400,000.

He continued contributing until his total savings reached ₦3.9 million.

“They were paying 10% interest every month until December 2011 when a message came that we should hold on,” he said. “After waiting into 2012 without payment, members began to raise alarm.”

Godfrey told the court that the first defendant, Dayo, was introduced as the secretary and executive director of the cooperative, while Bishop Jonas identified himself as chairman or president.

He narrated that a committee of cooperators later met them at Lamond Hotel, Jos, where Bishop Jonas assured members that the matter would be resolved.

“After the meeting, we left with hope,” he said. “But nothing came out of it.”

With no solution in sight, cooperators engaged a legal counsel, Solomon Dalung, who petitioned the EFCC.

He identified receipts of payments issued by the cooperative and confirmed they bore his name and the amounts contributed. The document was tendered and admitted in evidence as Exhibit H.

He further told the court that aside from his savings, “1% was being removed from our money monthly to the tune of ₦261,000,”.

Under cross-examination by counsel to the first defendant, C.I. Nwogbo, the witness admitted that he did not make any direct payment to Dayo in person.

He also confirmed that the televised broadcast did not mention any partner and that he only knew Dayo when the crisis started.

He further identified his written statement made at the EFCC on August 14, 2014, which was admitted as Exhibit PW3A, affirming: “It is my handwriting, and it is the truth.”

When asked if Dayo’s name appeared as secretary in the cooperative’s bylaws, which was shown to him as Exhibit E, he answered in the negative. He maintained that his statement captured the details.

“I did not instruct them on what to do with my money,” he added. “My complaint to the EFCC was to recover my money and to investigate.”

Counsel to the second defendant, G.G. Achi, asked the witness whether he had known Bishop Jonas personally before the crisis. He answered:

“I knew him as a man of God. I attended one of his services, but I cannot remember the date.”

He confirmed seeing Bishop Jonas at the settlement meeting at Lamond Hotel, but added that he did not take minutes.

With no re-examination, Justice Ishaya adjourned the matter till February 19, 2026 for continuation of trial.

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Party Supremacy Must Prevail, Tinubu Tells Osun Governorship Hopefuls https://businesstodayng.com/party-supremacy-must-prevail-tinubu-tells-osun-governorship-hopefuls/ Wed, 10 Dec 2025 20:26:42 +0000 https://businesstodayng.com/?p=59338 President Bola Tinubu has urged aspirants for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket in Osun State to uphold party supremacy and work toward a united front ahead of the December 13 primary. Speaking at a meeting with the aspirants and APC leaders at the State House in Abuja, the President appealed for consensus-building, warning […]

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President Bola Tinubu has urged aspirants for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket in Osun State to uphold party supremacy and work toward a united front ahead of the December 13 primary.

Speaking at a meeting with the aspirants and APC leaders at the State House in Abuja, the President appealed for consensus-building, warning that internal divisions must not be allowed to derail the party’s chances in the 2025 governorship election.

The Osun State governorship aspirants who attended the meeting with the President include former Deputy Governor Benedict Olugboyega Alabi, Dotun Babayemi, Akin Ogunbiyi, Senator Babajide Omoworare, Kunle Adegoke (SAN), Babatunde Hareter Oralusi, Mulikat Abiola Jimoh and Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji.

Also in attendance at the meeting were the National Chairman of the APC, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; the Chairman of the Progressive Governors, Hope Uzodimma; and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.

President Tinubu, who praised all the aspirants for their contributions to the APC in Osun State, urged them to close ranks and support the consensus candidate the party will present for the governorship election in the state. He also advised them to avoid the internal bickering and disunity that caused the party to lose the last election in the state to the Peoples Democratic Party.

While harping on the importance of party supremacy, President Tinubu charged the aspirants to allow it to prevail in choosing the flagbearer, noting that only the party can benefit from it when it wins elections.

“You all have a duty and obligation to the party by ensuring the candidate of our party wins the next election in Osun State. You must strengthen the bonds of unity, party supremacy and collective responsibility. I have absolute confidence in your ability to deliver victory to our party in Osun State. You have my support and that of the National leadership of APC to win the coming election,” President Tinubu assured.

At the end of the meeting, a joint statement was issued in which the aspirants and the leaders committed to support the candidate who would emerge at the primary.

Here is the statement signed by all the aspirants and the APC leaders:

“We, the undersigned aspirants for the 2025 Osun State Governorship Election under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), having met and deliberated in the presence of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the National Chairman of the APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and in the spirit of unity, discipline, and loyalty to our great party, hereby declare as follows:

1.  That we affirm and uphold the supremacy of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in guiding and determining the most appropriate process for selecting the party’s flag bearer for the 2025 Governorship Election in Osun State.

2.  That we unanimously agree to abide by the party’s decision to nominate a consensus candidate for affirmation at the APC Primary Election scheduled for Saturday, 13th December 2025.

3.  That we accept the outcome of the party-led nomination process in good faith, and pledge our total support to the candidate so nominated and affirmed.

4.  That we commit ourselves to peace, unity, and cohesion within the APC, and pledge not to engage in any act, public or private, that may undermine the integrity of the process or the standing of the party.

5.   That we will work collectively and individually to ensure the success of the APC at the polls and the consolidation of good governance in Osun State.

“We make this declaration voluntarily, in absolute loyalty to our great party, and in recognition of the guidance provided by Mr President and the National Chairman in the overriding interest of the progress and stability of Osun State”.

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Withdrawal of Police From VIPs Not Negotiable — Tinubu https://businesstodayng.com/withdrawal-of-police-from-vips-not-negotiable-tinubu/ Wed, 10 Dec 2025 20:12:25 +0000 https://businesstodayng.com/?p=59336 President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday in Abuja said the directive to redeploy police officers working with VIPs, VVIPs and ministers was not negotiable, admonishing all ministers to ensure immediate compliance. Speaking at the opening of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in the State House Council Chamber, the President warned against non-compliance. “If you have […]

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President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday in Abuja said the directive to redeploy police officers working with VIPs, VVIPs and ministers was not negotiable, admonishing all ministers to ensure immediate compliance.

Speaking at the opening of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in the State House Council Chamber, the President warned against non-compliance.

“If you have any problem because of the nature of your assignments, please contact the IGP and get my clearance,” he said.

President Tinubu directed the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Police Affairs, Sen Ibrahim Gaidam, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egebtokun, to follow up on the implementation of the order.

The President noted that police officers were trained to protect the lives and property of citizens, particularly the most vulnerable in society, and the protection of a select group of VIPs and VVIPs was not their responsibility.

President Tinubu said the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, will make arrangements for the replacement of police officers by the Civil Defence Corps.

“The National Security and Civil Defence Corps are trained for VIP protection, and they are armed too,” he added.

The President noted that the police would be mobilised appropriately to tackle the country’s security challenges.

He said the entire structure will be reviewed to better address vulnerable citizens and communities.

“We face challenges here and there of Kidnapping, banditry and terrorism. We need all forces utilised. I know some people are exposed; we will make the exceptions. The Civil Defence is very much around,” the President stated.

President Tinubu said ministers should meet the Inspector General of Police and get his clearance for special assignments that require police protection.

“NSA take this very seriously,” he added.

The President also urged the Vice President Kashim Shettima, who is the Chairman of the National Economic Council (NEC), to further sensitise governors and other stakeholders on the implementation of the reforms on ranching.

President Tinubu directed the Minister, Idi Muktar Maiha, to commence the mobilisation process, with particular emphasis on areas facing conflict.

“The Minister of Livestock, see which village or grazing area can be rehabilitated for ranching. We must eliminate this area of conflict and make the livestock reform economically viable.

“The opportunity is there, let’s utilise it. You should emphasise the constitutional requirement that the land belongs to the state,” he added.

The President said villages and communities facing conflicts must be salvaged.

The President noted that implementing ranching will reduce conflicts between herders and farmers and attacks on the most vulnerable members of society.

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