Legal luminary, Femi Falana has demanded the immediate removal of the Rivers State Sole Administrator, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas. The Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, while making the demand on Thursday, accused Ibas of breaching constitutional provisions. He madereference to the official Federal Government Gazette, which outlined the terms governing the Sole Administrator’s operations. Falana said that “it is common knowledge that President Bola Tinubu has not issued any Regulation for the operation of the Sole Administrator.” “By treating the orders of President Bola Tinubu with contempt, the Sole Administrator has compounded the illegality of his appointment. "The Sole Administrator ought to be removed without any further delay,” he said in a statement.

The newly appointed Managing Director (MD) of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Dr. Kayode Opeifa, has said the Enugu-Port Harcourt railway project is already receiving attention as one of the top priority projects of the Federal Government (FG). While assuring that the project had been getting a fair share of the national budget, the MD commended Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State for his transformational initiatives, saying the governor’s investment in infrastructure was already rubbing off on the people’s standard of living. Dr. Opeifa, who stated these when he led a delegation of senior Management team of the NRC on a working visit to the Government House, Enugu, on Thursday, explained that he was in the state to reaffirm Management’s commitment to fostering cooperation with the state government in areas of mutual interest. He pledged continuous synergy with the state to revamp the Port Harcourt-Aba-Enugu rail line on the Eastern Corridor since there were increasing demands for it by the people, who were mostly into business and trading. “The whole essence of this visit is to deepen our relationship and collaboration with the state government under the administration of Governor Peter Mbah. I also want you to know that the Nigerian Railway Corporation and the Enugu City shared a common history,” he added. He further said that Enugu under Mbah was doing what the Corporation was watching out for in terms of the enabling infrastructure such as the transport terminals that the Corporation was poised to take advantage of. “Enugu State is doing what the Nigerian Railway is looking forth to. The building of road transport terminals by the administration is what we are trying to take advantage of in our railway corridors. I came to discuss about it. The discussion has been on. So I only came to affirm it. "I have eyes, I can see. I have ears, I can hear. So, when I entered this city, I see myself the difference this administration is making. I can hear from those who live here for longer. "Seriously speaking, this is a different kind of government. He is a business man. He knows what he wants and he doesn't see obstacles or challenges. He just faces what he wants to do and that is why you can see him achieving all these. "Meanwhile, he told me that what we call much is actually that little, saying that many, many more will come and I believe him,” Opeifa noted. According to him, President Bola Tinubu had already issued a directive to the Corporation to fashion out mutual relationship with the state and work out initiatives that would engender a seamless transportation for economic prosperity. While enjoining the state to take advantage of the Eastern Line, once completed, the MD further appealed to the governor to strengthen security around their assets, which had come under vandalism by notorious scraps dealers. Meanwhile, Governor Mbah, on his part, said that Enugu had an inextricable history with the NRC dating back to the discovery of coal and the subsequent shipping of the coal to Port Harcourt in 1918, using the rail transport. He expressed delight over the efforts of the Management to revitalise the NRC and restore it to its glorious days, recalling that the revitalisation of the Eastern Railway Corridor was one of the demands made by South East leaders and also approved by President Bola Tinubu during his visit to Enugu earlier in the year. He further explained that efforts were also in top gear by the state and other states in the region to create a common market, which required the provision of certain enablers such as seamless rail system to fast-track trades, revealing also the administration’s plan for an intra-rail system that would also link the major lines by the NRC. He pledged to support the NRC’s clinic to function optimally and also protect the Corporation's facilities against acts of vandalisation and encroachment.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has urged the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia not to further delay the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Exchange of Sentenced Persons between both countries. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated the country’s position at a meeting with the Ethiopian Ambassador to Nigeria, Legesse Geremew Haile, in her office at Tafawa Balewa House, Abuja. This is as the minister expressed the Federal Government’s displeasure over the spate of embarrassment and harassment suffered by Nigerians including those with Official and Diplomatic Passports in Addis Ababa. Odumegwu-Ojukwu reminded the Ethiopian Ambassador that the Nigeria side had concluded with reflection of the Ethiopian observations in the draft MOU on Exchange of Sentenced Persons between both countries and wondered why signing of the MOU was being delayed despite assurances at their meeting of March 6, 2025. The minister highlighted with deep concern the plight of Nigerian inmates in Ethiopia who she said were not having access to medical care among other challenges. She also noted the overwhelming challenges this posed to the Ethiopian Government. She expressed dismay that a Nigerian recently died in Ethiopian prison, and declared that as a government deeply committed to citizen diplomacy, the federal government would not want a repeat of such ugly incident. “Our people don't want to hear that another Nigerian inmate died in Ethiopian prison,” the minister said. Odumegwu-Ojukwu further decried the continued delay in returning monies seized from Nigerian businessmen by the Ethiopian Government even after the country’s Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, had at the 40th Session of the Executive Council of the African Union held in February 2022, granted amnesty to all African travellers whose monies were seized at the Bole International Airport, due to non-declaration of the amount over and above three thousand US Dollars, as provided by then Ethiopian law. She regretted that of the 25 Nigerians whose monies were seized as at the time, only 15 had been approved for refund, due to the stringent condition put by the Ethiopian side for the refunds. Even at that, only two persons had actually been refunded their seized money. The minister cited the pathetic case of one Mr. Francis Chukwuma Uzoh whose US$70,000 was seized by the Ethiopian authorities. She bemoaned that despite meeting all the conditions, Francis was yet to be refunded since 2022. Consequently, Mr. Francis has become desolate, homeless, abandoned by family, hugely indebted and a shadow of his former self. The minister, therefore, urged the Ethiopian envoy to press for a last chance for the Ethiopian Government to refund Mr. Francis his $70,000 while he is still alive, “so they don’t use the money to bury him when he has gone.” Additionally, the minister noted that visa waiver for holders of Official and Diplomatic Passports was tied to the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) signed by the two countries. Following what Nigerians faced at Addis Ababa, Odumegwu-Ojukwu accused Ethiopia of unilaterally withdrawing from the MoU without notifying Nigeria. According to her, it is of great concern because Addis is a hub and many Nigerians have adopted Ethiopian Airline as the airline of choice. Regardless, the minister reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Ethiopia, assuring that the 4th Session of Nigeria-Ethiopia Joint Commission would soon hold in Abuja. Responding, the Ethiopian Ambassador, said that the visa waiver agreement was still in place but needed ratification by the country’s House of Representatives. That notwithstanding, Amb. Haile said that the Embassy had issued visas to Nigerians with official and diplomatic passports, pointing out that the problem is actually when the applicant is with the regular passport. “The visa on arrival has neither been withdrawn nor abrogated,” he said, stressing, “We are very close to Nigeria. The Ethiopian Government views the Federal Republic of Nigeria as a very strategic partner.” He also thanked the Nigerian Government for the additional seven slots recently approved for the Ethiopian Airline on the Lagos route.

The Nigeria Police Force says it has undertaken disciplinary action against men of the force caught in viral video collecting money from a Chinese national. The video, which has attracted condemnation from across the country, went viral earlier in the week. In a statement issued on Thursday, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, he said the Force had taken cognizance of a disturbing video making rounds in the media space, showing police officers receiving money from a Chinese national. According to him, "The Force has strongly condemned the conduct exhibited by the police officers in the video, describing it as unprofessional and unethical. "The actions of the officers do not represent the established ethics, standards, and core values of the Nigeria Police Force. The Force has zero tolerance for such unprofessional behaviour and other forms of misconduct, which undermine public trust and confidence. "The officers captured in the video have been identified and subjected to disciplinary proceedings. "The Nigeria Police Force hereby cautions individuals and organizations privileged to the services of Police personnel, particularly as escorts and guards or other specialized services, to desist from any act capable of degrading the integrity of its officers and bringing the Force to disrepute."

The foundational chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State, Barr Ben Nwoye has dumped the party. Nwoye announced his resignation at a press briefing on Thursday. He was, however, silent on his next political move. His defection speech in full: Re: Membership Resignation. With deep sense of responsibility I write to inform you that I hereby resign as a member of All Progressives Congress. My resignation is as a result of disintegration of the leadership of party in Enugu State. The bunch of "Broom" which we painstakingly tied together in 2013 at a time when we were called unprintable names has loosened and permanently scattered. All efforts made by the Party Elders to gather the "Broom" and reassemble it has failed. In its current form, further attempts to reassemble the "Broom" in Enugu State is no longer practicable. What is left of the "Broom" are two skeletal structures. One of each structures is held by two strong men. One of the strong men claims Chairmanship by judicial pronouncement. While the other claims Chairmanship through arrogant disobedient of the same judicial pronouncement aided by the silent approval of the National Leadership The leadership of the party in South East are fully engaged in vindictive politics. They are not interested in adding another State to the two States the party controls in the South East. As far as they are concerned, the supremacy of the party is measured by how low they can go to oppress their perceived political enemies. These they do, without recourse to the core principles upon which APC stands -Justice, Peace and Unity. To say the least, the Zonal leadership in the South East has lost direction. In the meantime, the National leadership of the Party is basking on the euphoria of power, being the party under which the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the majority of the members of the National Assembly were elected. The APC National Leadership has therefore maintained willful blindness. Hence, allowing the warring factions to self-destruct and stragulate the party in Enugu State. To worsen the situation, the APC National leadership treats Party Elders calls for reconciliation with disdain and disrespect. Loyal party members calling for party unity are treated like conquered and captured political warriors. In other words, loyal party members who do not agree with the position of the APC National leadership on the division that exists within the entire party structure in Enugu State have been transformed into prisoners of political war. They have been placed in political captivity in Enugu State. On the basis stated above, I engaged in extensive consultations with my grassroots followers and I have come to the conclusion that it is time to move on. I am not a political prisoner. I have never been and I can never be. The situation in Enugu State is not an isolated case. For example, in Anambra State the National Leadership did not care to hear the voice of H.E. Senator Chris Ngige before awarding the Gubernatorial ticket to the highest bidder? In Abia State, where are the likes of Dr Ikechi Emenike and Ayim Iyerenye? In Ebonyi State where is the voice of Senator Julius Ucha. And in Imo State where is H.E. Owelle Rochas Okorocha and Ugwumba Uche Nwosu. These are great men who risked it all and made tremendous sacrifices to ensure that APC gained ground in the South East. Today, their opinions no longer matter. So, it is time to move on and discover a new frontier. Very Truly Yours, Dr Ben Nwoye (Former Chairman APC Enugu State, Former Secretary Forum of APC State Chairmen, Former Publicity Secretary Forum of APC State Chairmen and Former Federal Commissioner FCCPC Representing South East)

Quadri Alabi, the teen who stood in front of Mr Peter Obi's convoy, has regained freedom from prison. It could be recalled that news of his detention went viral a few days ago, after he has spent months in Kirikiri prison. Many Nigerians, including Mr Peter Obi, condemned his detention and demanded his release. Activist lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, his lead counsel, announced the development in a social media post on Thursday. He wrote, "We are excited to announce that Quadri Yusuf Alabi, the 17-year old teenager who gained fame during the 2023 elections after he spontaneously jumped and stood in front of the convoy of the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi has been freed by the court today, 17th April, 2025. Our client, Quadri was abducted by two ‘Area Boys’ who are notoriously known in the community as Lege and Baba Waris close to his family residence at Amukoko, Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area and dumped at the Amukoko Divisional Police Headquarters (Pako Police Station) in Lagos State. "Quadri was returning from work when he was grabbed by the duo, who along with other jealous and entitled Area Boys in the community, have been harassing him and threatening to deal with him since 2023 for not giving them ‘their share’ of donations gifted him during the last elections period. Quadri’s family informed us that the Baale of the community equally pressured them to buy a cow and rice and cook for the community to appease the Area Boys. The abductors initially told the officers at Amukoko Police Station that our client was involved in street fighting. To the consternation of Quadri and his family, the police on 26th January, 2025 took Quadri before a Magistrate in Apapa, and obtained an order remanding him at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri on a trumped-up charge of armed robbery. The police fraudulently joined Quadri with four strange adults who had no form of connection or relationship whatsoever with him and claimed that the four strange men were his case mates. As part of the diabolical frame-up of our client, the officers at Amukoko Police Station also misrepresented his age to be 18, knowing that disclosing his actual age would likely raise eyebrows. When we were briefed by Quadri’s mother a week ago, after the matter was brought to public attention by Ms. Hassana Nurudeen, the Co-founder of Ray of Hope Prison Outreach, we swiftly escalated the case and took necessary steps towards securing his freedom. At the Court today, the presiding Magistrate, His Honour, A. O. Olorunfemi (Mrs.), confirmed that the legal advice issued by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), of the Ministry of Justice, Lagos State, Dr. Babajide Martins showed that there was no evidence to substantiate the allegation of armed robbery against Quadri. In his Legal Advice, the DPP recommended the non-prosecution of Quadri. Thus, the presiding Magistrate discharged him and he was accordingly freed. We commend the DPP for standing by the truth in this matter. We demand that the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, and the Inspector General of Police, should as a matter of urgency, remove the DPO of Amukoko Divisional Headquarters and subject him to orderly room trial along with the IPO, one Inspector Odigbe Samuel, and other officers who participated in this evil, sinister, oppressive, and corrupt scheme of framing-up a teenager for armed robbery at the behest of rogue ‘Area Boys’. We demand that the Nigeria Police Force should pay the sum of One Hundred Million Naira (N100,000,000.00) to our client as compensation. Also, we also demand a public apology from the police. If the above three remedial demands are not fully complied with immediately, we shall initiate legal actions to seek redress. Quadri’s case is a painful example of the putrefying corruption, monstrous impunity, and pervasive injustice in the Nigeria Police Force. There are many Quadris languishing in detention centres across Nigeria because of the unbridled criminality, lawlessness, and lack of accountability in the Police institution and the weakness of the justice system. History will vindicate the just."

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, Wednesday evening, paid a condolence visit to the widow and family of former Nigerian international and coach, Christian Chukwu, in Enugu, assuring them that they were not standing alone. Mbah, who was out of the country attending the Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit in London at the time of Chukwu's death, also assured that the deceased would be immortalised. He described the late footballer, popularly known as Chairman, as a legend, who served his country unreservedly and inspired millions of youths. He said the Government and people of Enugu, his home State, were thoroughly devastated by the death. Speaking to newsmen after consoling the family and also signing a condolence register, Mbah said, "We have come here to commiserate with the family and also to express our devastation. We are just as devastated by his death; and his death is not just a loss to the family alone, it is a loss to all of us, particularly the government and the people of Enugu State. "As you know, our beloved brother and legend, Chairman Christian Chukwu is a household name that inspired a lot of young people. He represents a lot of values when it comes to sport globally not just even in Nigeria. "So, we are so devastated by his death, but we have also come here to assure the family that this loss is not just theirs, this is our collective loss; that we are going to be with them all through this period of grief, and that we are also going to ensure that his name is immortalised." He also prayed for the peaceful repose of Chukwu's soul and for fortitude on the part of his family to bear the irreparable loss. Also with the governor at the round leather maestro's residence were the Speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Ugwu and the Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Barr. Lloyd Ekweremadu.

Terrorists have continued their deadly reign in the Northern Nigeria, as they ambushed a team of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), killing three of its officers in Kebbi State. The hoodlums also burnt patrol vehicles during the attack. This comes amid renewed onslaught by terrorists in different parts of the country, with Boko Haram said to be occupying at least three communities in Borno State. The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, who confirmed the latest ISWAP attack during a working visit to the Niger/Kogi Area Command of the Service, expressed over the activities of the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) at the Babanna border in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State. He described their presence as a serious threat to national security and border operations. Adeniyi said the officers were ambushed in the Bashaka area of Kebbi State. “Three of our officers were recently killed in Bashaka, Kebbi State. They were taken by surprise as the attackers shelled them, burnt their vehicles, and opened fire on all of them," he said. He added that customs operatives narrowly escaped another ambush by ISWAP militants after seizing 500 jerricans of smuggled Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at the Babanna border. The smugglers were suspected of supplying fuel to terrorists and armed bandits. Adeniyi, represented by the Assistant Comptroller General of Customs in charge of Finance, Administration, and Special Duties, Hussein Kehinde Ejibunu stressed the need for enhanced collaboration with other security agencies and urged officers to remain vigilant amid rising threats. “It would interest you to know that most of these bandits attacking us get their fuel through smugglers, giving the adversaries the power to move around and attack citizens,” he said. He warned that terrorist groups now operate in border areas of Niger, Kebbi, and Borno states, including ISWAP, Boko Haram, and Lakurawa, some of whom, he claimed, live among local communities.

Good morning- Below are major news reports making headlines in Nigerian Newspapers today: 1. Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has challenged President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency on his "own disastrous Presidency." Atiku, a former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, believes the insecurity ravaging the country has overwhelmed the government, noting that Nigeria is in a full-blown state of emergency. 2. The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has further reviewed its ex-depot loading cost of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol. The new price is set at N835 per litre, down from N865 per litre implemented six days ago, marking a 3.5 percent decrease. 3. Arsenal stunned Real Madrid on Wednesday after completing a double at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Gunners, who travelled to Spain with a healthy 3-0 lead from the first leg, won 2-1 to head to the UEFA Champions League semi finals. 4. Many Nigerians could be left stranded as the United States of America begins a process to cancel visas for at least 901 international students. The development, which will lead to legal status terminations, has sparked panic and confusion on college campuses nationwide. 5. The Nigeria Police has announced the arrest of two high profile suspects as it pushes to end the wanton killings and destruction of properties in Plateau State. This was confirmed in a statement released by the Force Headquarters on Wednesday. 6. The Rivers State Government, on Wednesday, dismissed viral reports that it summoned the suspended governor of the state, Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Mrs. Ngozi Nma Odu. In a statement made available to journalists, signed by Sir Dede Sampson Friday, Permanent Secretary, Special Services Bureau, Office of the Secretary to the Rivers State  Government, he issued stern warning against those spreading fake news. 7. Members of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), the defunct Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, bloc of the have declared their loyalty to President Bola Tinubu. Amid coalition talks in the country, the CPC members have now dismissed reports of a possible defection from the APC, stressing that such a claim was mischievous. 8. Thirty-six cows have been reportedly killed and 42 poisoned on Wednesday around the Tafi Gana junction area of Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State. Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), in Bassa LGA, Ya’u Idris, confirmed the incident to Daily Trust. 9. The naira depreciated against the dollar at both parallel and official foreign exchange markets on Wednesday. The depreciation, for the first time since last week, weakened the Naira to N1,620 per dollar on Wednesday from N1,610 traded on Tuesday. 10. Hundreds of suspected Boko Haram members have been arrested in Lagos State. This was disclosed by the Commander of the Civilian Joint Task Force in Lagos, Mr Kumar Sanda, on Wednesday.

Amid talks of coalition by opposition politicians and aggrieved members of the All Progressives Congress, (APC), the defunct Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, bloc of the have declared their loyalty to President Bola Tinubu. CPC members are core loyalists of former president, Muhammadu Buhari. Former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, had recently defected to the Social Democratic Party, (SDP), fueling more speculations of mass exodus from the ruling party. However, the CPC members have now dismissed reports of a possible defection from the APC, stressing that such a claim was mischievous. They disclosed this in a statement signed by U.T Al-Makura and Osita Okechukwu on behalf of the CPC bloc in the APC after their meeting. The group said, "We, as representatives of committed members of the former Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), who were part of those instrumental in the historic merger that gave birth to the All Progressives Congress (APC), hereby issue this statement to clarify our unalloyed loyalty to our great party and express firm solidarity with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. "Recent misleading narratives suggesting a defection or disaffection among CPC stakeholders are mischievous and should be ignored. "We remain integral to the APC and are fully aligned with its leadership and vision. "Our position is as follows: We wish to state categorically that we have neither left the APC nor do we intend to leave. The CPC bloc remains one of the legacy foundations of the APC, and we are resolute in our commitment to the party and its progressive ideals. "As part of the legacy parties that formed the APC, we take pride in the sacrifices made to build a platform that promotes national unity, justice, and development. "We will not allow some people to dismantle the party we helped to build through years of tireless work and dedication. "Though challenging, these policies are necessary steps to rebuild our economy and secure a better future for all Nigerians. "We urge patience and collective support as the benefits unfold.While we acknowledge that some party members may feel sidelined, we emphasize that such grievances are not exclusive to any one bloc. "We advise those concerned to seek redress through constitutional channels within the party and not to resort to negative public agitation or hasty exits from the party. "At this critical point in Nigeria’s democratic journey, it is imperative for all APC members— especially those with deep roots in the party’s formation—to work together to preserve its legacy and help consolidate Nigeria’s democracy. "We must avoid actions that erode our unity and the stability of the nation.We call on the leadership of the APC to scale up engagement with members across all levels. "Strengthening internal communication will reduce tension, foster inclusiveness, and enhance support for the party’s programs. "Party unity must be nurtured continuously in order to sustain the gains and to secure the future.We therefore reaffirm our loyalty to the APC and our support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. The CPC family remains a vital pillar of the APC and will continue to play a responsible role in its growth and in the progress of Nigeria."

Nigerians have cheering news as Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has further reviewed its ex-depot loading cost of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol. NATIONAL POST reports that this is not unconnected with the drop in the price of crude oil at the international market. It is coming a few days to the Easter celebration. The new price is set at N835 per litre, down from N865 per litre implemented six days ago, marking a 3.5 percent decrease. The company informed its customers of the price reduction via a notice on Wednesday, marking Dangote’s third downward adjustment under six weeks. Previously, the refinery had reduced its gantry price from N880 to N865 per litre, however, oil marketers did not pass on the savings to consumers. Dagote’s retail partners, such as MRS, AP (Ardova), Heyden, Optima Energy, Hyde, and Techno Oil are expected to reflect the new price adjustment.