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  The Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) to facilitate the return of 270 Nigerians currently detained in Kaliti Prison, Ethiopia.  Justice Inyang Ekwo issued an order of mandamus, compelling both the ministry and NIDCOM to bring back the detained Nigerians after Ethiopia's government declared it lacked the budget to support them. In his ruling, Justice Ekwo stated, “I find that the applicants have made a credible case for this court to issue an Order of Mandamus to compel the 1st and 2nd respondents to perform their statutory functions.” The case was initiated by applicants Sunday Mmaduagwu, Henry Anyanwu, and Leonard Okafor, representing Nigerians imprisoned in Ethiopian facilities. They filed a motion citing the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules of 2009, the Nigerian Constitution, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, seeking the repatriation of the detained citi

  Governor Monday Okpebholo ordered the immediate freezing of all state-owned bank accounts on Thursday. In a statement issued by his spokesman, Fred Itua, the governor explained that the move was necessary to scrutinize the activities of the previous administration. The directive instructed all commercial banks, as well as the heads of ministries, departments, and agencies, to comply with the order.  "All bank accounts in commercial banks are now frozen. Banks must adhere to this directive and ensure that no funds are withdrawn from government coffers until further notice," the statement read. In addition, Governor Okpebholo announced the renaming of the Ministry of Roads and Bridges to the Ministry of Works. "It’s ironic to name a government institution the Ministry of Roads and Bridges when not a single bridge, not even a pedestrian bridge, was constructed by the previous administration," the governor remarked. He added that in the coming days, more actions and d

  The arraignment of 109 foreigners accused of cybercrime was postponed on Thursday at the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court. The hearing, scheduled before Justice Ekerete Akpan, was delayed due to the defendants' lack of legal representation. The individuals, identified as citizens from countries including China, Indonesia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Thailand, Brazil, Malaysia, and Myanmar, were recently detained by the police. They were arrested at their residence located at Plot 1906, Cadastral Zone 807, Katampe District in Abuja, on allegations of participating in cybercrime by allegedly running “a fraudulent and unregistered gaming platform.” The foreigners face a six-count charge, listed under case number FHC/ABJ/CR/599/2024, filed by the Inspector-General of Police. They are accused of cybercrime, money laundering, and illegal residency in Nigeria. During Thursday’s session, the IGP's counsel, A.A. Egwu, indicated readiness for the arraignment. However, Justice Akp

 An Ikeja Special Offences Court sentenced 20-year-old undergraduate Ganiyu Alabi to one year and two months in prison on Wednesday for a Facebook love scam. Justice Rahman Oshodi delivered the sentence, requiring Alabi to serve his term at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre, following a plea bargain agreement in which he admitted to possessing fraudulent documents. In his ruling, Justice Oshodi noted the negative impact of cybercrime on Nigeria’s international image. He also acknowledged that the plea bargain saved the court time and resources. However, the judge expressed skepticism about the defendant's remorse, noting that Alabi had lied to the court about when he began internet fraud. "I do not believe you are genuinely sorry," Oshodi said, highlighting that Alabi’s confession indicated he started online scams in 2023, not this year as he claimed. In addition to the prison sentence, Alabi was given the option of paying a N1 million fine. He must also complete two months o

  Governor of Edo State, and his Deputy, Dennis Idahosa Senator Monday Okpebholo, the newly elected Governor of Edo State, and his Deputy, Dennis Idahosa, were officially sworn in on Tuesday. The state’s Chief Justice, Daniel Okungbowa, administered the oaths of office to the governor and deputy at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.  During the ceremony, both leaders pledged to uphold the constitution, govern in accordance with its provisions, and prioritize the welfare of Edo State’s residents. Supporters gathered at the stadium cheered throughout the ceremony, celebrating the start of a new administration in the state. Follow us for breaking news and updates 

Monday Okpebholo Governor-elect Monday Okpebholo has appointed Fred Odianosen Itua as his Chief Press Secretary, marking the first official appointment of his incoming administration.  The appointment is set to take effect on November 12, as confirmed in a statement released on Monday. Mr. Itua brings extensive experience in journalism to his new role, having previously served as the Assistant Political Editor at The Sun Newspapers.  His background in political reporting and communications is expected to play a key role in shaping the public communication strategy for Mr. Okpebholo’s administration.