Court jails controversial singer Portable for 3 months

 

A Chief Magistrate Court in Ifo, Ogun State, has sentenced controversial singer, Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, popularly known as Portable, and to three months in prison.

Recall that the singer was arraigned before the Magistrate Court in April 2023 on a three-count charge bordering on assault and theft of musical instruments.

The singer was subsequently granted bail in the sum of N300,000, with two sureties from his immediate family.

It was gathered that he appeared before the court last Thursday and was later remanded for failing to appear at previous hearings despite multiple adjournments.

The Police Prosecutor, Inspector Olumide Awoleke, had earlier informed the court that the defendant, Habeeb Okikiola Badmus, committed the offence on November 18, 2022 at approximately 11:00 hrs in Okeosa, Ilogbo, within the Ifo Magisterial District.

“That you, Badmus Habeeb Okikiola, aka Portable, and others now at large, on November 18, 2022 at 11:00 hrs, in Okeosa, Ilogbo, within the Ifo Magisterial District, did conspire among yourselves to commit felony, to wit: assault, and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 517 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State 2006.

“That you, Badmus Habeeb Okikiola, aka Portable, on the same date, time, and place in the aforementioned district, did unlawfully assault one Osimosu Emmanuel Oluwafemi (male) by beating him all over his body, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 351 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State of Nigeria 2006.

“That you, Badmus Habeeb Okikiola, aka Portable, on various occasions in the year 2022, at Okeosa, Ilogbo, within the Ifo Magisterial District, did steal some musical equipment, including a Yamaha H55 studio monitor, a complete Studio 2 interface connection cable, and an AKG P420 condenser, thereby committing an offence contrary to Sections 384 and 383 and punishable under Section 390 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State, Nigeria, 2006,” the charge sheet read.

Delivering judgement on Wednesday, Chief Magistrate Babajide Ilo, convicted the singer on counts 1 and 2.

He subsequently sentenced the singer to one month in prison with an option of a N10,000 fine on Count 1 and two months in prison with an option of a N20,000 fine on Count 2.

Nigerian bank increases SMS transaction alerts fee

 

Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) has announced an increase in its SMS transaction alert fee from N4 to N6 per message, effective May 1.

On January 20, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) approved the request of telecommunications companies (telcos) to increase tariff by 50 percent.

Two weeks later, telcos began implementing the hike in both calls, SMS and data subscriptions.

In a notice to customers, GTB attributed the adjustment to the recent hike in telecommunications charges by service providers.

The bank said the importance of SMS alerts is monitoring account activities and mitigating fraud.

“This adjustment is due to a recent increase in telecom rates as communicated by the telecommunication service providers,” GTBank said.

The bank stressed that customers who wish to avoid the charges may opt out of SMS alerts by updating their preferences on the bank’s website.

“If you prefer not to receive transaction alerts via SMS, you can update your preferences by completing the transaction alert form on our website and sending it to gtbankmailsupport@gtbank.com,” GTB said.

Akwa Ibom gov hints at defection, describes PDP as faulty aircraft

 

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has hinted at a possible defection ahead of the 2027 general elections. 

Speaking at Ukanafun/Oruk Anam Federal Constituency town square meeting held at QIC Central School, Ikot Akpankuk, Eno described the PDP as a faulty aircraft.

“What Akwa Ibom people want is good governance, not the name of the party.

“If you wanted to travel with Ibom Airline, and on the verge of taking off, it developed a fault that won’t enable it to fly, won’t you board the next available plane to take you to your destination?

“Whether Ibom Air or Air Peace, board the flight that is ready to take you to your destination. Board the flight and forget the name of the airline,” he said.

According to the governor, PDP is now fragmented and risks grinding to a halt before the 2027 elections.

At the event, Eno distributed “empowerment packages” to over 400 beneficiaries, including business grants, vehicles and other support items.

He urged the people to remain steadfast in their support for his administration and its commitment to delivering on campaign promises.

Eno’s remarks followed a wave of defections from the PDP, with Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, being the latest to move to the APC along with his supporters.

However, after an emergency meeting of the PDP national working commitee (NWC) on Tuesday,  acting national chairman, Umar Damagum, said the party’s national legal adviser had been directed to take action over the defection of Oborevwori and other members to the APC.

Court orders EFCC to release socialite Aisha Achimugu within 24 hours

 

A Federal High court in Abuja has ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to grant Aisha Achimugu administrative bail and ensure her release within 24 hours.

In a brief ruling on Wednesday, Justice Inyang Ekwo also ordered parties in the suit to report on compliance with the order  on May 2, 2025.

Achimugu, the managing director and chief executive officer (CEO) of Felak Concept Group was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, around 5 a.m. on Tuesday after arriving Nigeria from London.

The anti-graft agency had declared the businesswoman and socialite wanted for alleged money laundering on March 28.

Achimugu had on October 3, through her lawyer, Kehinde Ogunwumiju, filed a fundamental rights suit callenging the arrest warrant issued against her by EFCC.

She described the arrest warrant as “unwarranted, unjustifiable, devoid of probable cause, and designed to humiliate her.”

She prayed the court for “an interim injunction to stop the agencies from arresting or harassing her, invading her property, or infringing on her rights to liberty, privacy, and freedom of movement.”

On Monday, the Federal High Court ordered Achimugu to appear before the EFCC on Tuesday for interrogation over money laundering allegations

Although Ogunwumiju told the court that his client had notified the commission of her intending return, Achimugu was arrested at the airport on Tuesday.

EFCC presented Achimugu at the resumed hearing of the fundamental right suit on Wednesday.

Ekwo then ordered EFCC to finalise the applicant’s administrative bail and release her.

EFCC is yet to file a criminal charge against the socialite.

PenCom to recover N1.3bn unpaid pension contributions owed journalists

 

The Director-General (DG) of the National Pension Commission (PenCom), Omolola Oloworaran, has said newspaper organisations in Nigeria owe retired journalists over N1.3 billion in unpaid pension contributions.

Oloworaran made this disclosure when she led a PenCom delegation on a visit to the Nigerian Press Council (NPC), on Tuesday.

A statement by the PenCom management on Wednesday said Oloworaran expressed concerns about the widespread non-compliance with the Pension Reform Act 2014 (PRA 2014) by media establishments.

She said PenCom and the NPC have entered into a strategic collaboration aimed at urging newspaper organisations to address their substantial pension liabilities.

“The PRA 2014 mandates that employers remit monthly pension contributions into employees’ Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs) no later than seven days after salary payments,” she said.

The PenCom DG, however, noted that several media houses have failed to meet the requirement, prompting the commission to engage recovery agents to audit and determine the extent of their outstanding pension debts and any applicable penalties.

Oloworaran emphasised that journalists, who play a crucial role in promoting accountability in both public and private sectors, deserve to retire with dignity.

She said media organisations must lead by example by fulfilling their pension obligations to employees.

The DG appealed to NPC to support advocacy efforts within the media sector, stressing that pension contributions are a critical safeguard against poverty in old age.

“Pension is a vital component of our social security system, and even the government has begun to take it more seriously,” Oloworaran said.

Responding, Dili Ezughah, executive secretary of the NPC, pledged the council’s full support and commitment to rallying key stakeholders, including the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), to address the issue comprehensively.

Nigerian jailed 97 months in US for defrauding 400 elderly people over $6m inheritance

 

A 36-year-old Nigerian national, Okezie Ogbata, has been jailed for 97 months in the United States (US) for his role in a $6 million transnational inheritance fraud scheme.

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) disclosed this in a statement released on Tuesday.

Ogbata was found to be a member of a group of fraudsters that sent personalised letters to elderly people across the US for several years.

The scheme defrauded over 400 individuals, mostly elderly or vulnerable people, resulting in losses of more than $6 million.

The letters falsely claimed that the sender was a representative of a bank in Spain and that the recipient was entitled to receive a multimillion-dollar inheritance left for the recipient by a family member who had died overseas years before.

Ogbata pleaded guilty to the charges and admitted to defrauding more than 400 victims of over over $6 million.

According to court documents, Ogbata and his co-conspirators deceived victims by insisting that, before receiving their supposed inheritance, they were required to pay various fees, such as delivery charges, taxes, and other costs, to avoid government scrutiny.

Ogbata and his co-conspirators collected money sent in response to the fraudulent letters through a complex web of US-based former victims, whom the defendants convinced to receive and forward funds to them or their associates.

“Victims who sent money never received any purported inheritance funds,” the statement read.

The acting Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Yaakov Roth, described the case as a testament to the critical role of international collaboration in tackling transnational crime.

“I want to thank our U.S. law enforcement partners, as well as those who assisted across the globe, including the Portuguese Judicial Police and Public Prosecution Service of Portugal, for their outstanding contributions to this case,” Roth said.

Also, the US Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Hayden Byrne, emphasised the determination of American authorities to pursue fraudsters globally.

“The long arm of the American justice system has no limits when it comes to reaching fraudsters who prey on our nation’s most vulnerable populations, including the elderly.

“We will not allow transnational criminals to steal money from the public we serve,” Byrne said.

Acting Postal Inspector in charge of the US Postal Inspection Service, Miami Division, Steven Hodges, said: “The USPIS has a long history of protecting American citizens from these types of schemes and bringing those responsible to justice.

“Today’s sentencing is a testament to the dedicated partnership between the Department of Justice’s Consumer Protection Branch, HSI, and USPIS.”

Special Agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Arizona, Francisco Burrola, condemned the exploitation of the elderly.

“It’s inconceivable to imagine any human being robbing from those who’ve spent a lifetime working and building a life and then are duped out of it all. Together, with our law enforcement partners, we will not tolerate this kind of behaviour; we will bring justice to those who have wronged and stolen from so many people,” he said.

Ogbata’s sentencing comes just days after the Federal Bureau of Investigation announced the arrest of 22 Nigerian nationals in connection with a series of sextortion schemes.

FG declares Thursday public holiday

 

The Federal Government has declared Thursday a public holiday to mark 2025 Workers’ Day, celebrated annually on May 1.

Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the holiday in a statement on Tuesday.

Tunji-Ojo commended Nigerian workers for their diligence and sacrifice, recognising their efforts as contributors to the country’s internal and external growth.

He reiterated the need for peace to drive industrialisation and economic growth and urged workers to imbibe the culture of innovation and productivity.

“There is dignity in labour; the dedication and commitment to the work we do is vital to nation-building.

“This administration is fully committed to the security of life and property of every citizen and foreigner in the country.

“While wishing workers a happy celebration, the Honourable Minister urged Nigerians to keep hope alive as the present administration of President Bola Tinubu is committed to the Renewed Hope Agenda he has promised,” the statement read.

The minister also encouraged workers to raise the bar of their trade, noting that it would improve governance and enable citizens to derive maximum benefit from the nation’s wealth and resources.

‘I bear no grudge’- Atiku breaks silence on Okowa’s defection

 

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said he is not bothered by the defection of his running mate in the 2023 presidential election, Ifeanyi Okowa, to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement released on Tuesday by his media aide, Paul Ibe, Abubakar said it is undemocratic to begrudge anyone for choosing where to belong politically.

“Former vice-president, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar bears no grudges; he has said that, and he means it.

“As a democrat, he subscribes to the universality and constitutionality of the freedom of association, which is one of the pillars of democracy, without which democracy would be meaningless,” he said.

Ibe said the former vice president remains committed to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and has no plans to join another party.

“We have addressed the issues about coalition, and remember that we had a statement to that effect; Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is not leaving the PDP, and he has said that clearly.

“As for those talking about him leaving the PDP, we don’t know where they are getting that from,” Ibe said.

Okowa had on Monday said he regretted accepting to run as vice presidential candidate to Atiku in the 2023 election, adding that it went against the sentiments of his people.

“Even when we were campaigning, I realised our people were not interested in having another northerner come into power,” Okowa had said.

The former Delta State governor also said President Bola Tinubu should be allowed to complete his eight years in office.

“For the stability of this nation, I also do believe that, yes, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was elected president in 2023, and for the stability of Nigeria, it is best for us to have him complete his eight-year tenure, then the presidency can move back to the North,” he said.

‘It’s unsubstantiated’- Again Agbakoba asks Kogi senator to retract sexual harassment allegation against Akpabio

 

Olisa Agbakoba, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has written a second letter to Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, senator representing Kogi Central, demanding a retraction of her sexual harassment allegation against Senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

In the letter dated April 14, Agbakoba, a former president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and counsel to Akpabio, asked Akpoti-Uduaghan to provide evidence supporting her claim that the Senate President sexually harassed her on December 8, 2023.

Agbakoba said the latest letter became necessary after Akpoti-Uduaghan failed to respond to concerns raised in his earlier correspondence, noting that the senator had not clarified contradictions in her timeline and actions following the alleged incident.

He added that instead of explaining the discrepancy between the allegation and a social media post she made the following day praising Akpabio, the senator deleted the post.

“Recall that in our first letter to you, we requested clarification of contradictions in your allegation against our client, Akpabio.

“Of note is the contradiction as to timeline and dates. You have failed to clarify your sexual harassment allegation on Dec. 8, 2023, and your exaltation of Akpabio on your social media accounts (Instagram and X/Twitter) on Dec. 9, 2023—the day after you alleged he sexually harassed you.

“Rather than clarify this contradiction, you deleted the social media post, which to us is extremely concerning,” the lawyer said.

Agbakoba said the burden of proof lies with Akpoti-Uduaghan, stressing that her conduct following the alleged incident undermines her claims.

He also questioned the delay in making the allegation public.

“You claim that the sexual harassment occurred on Dec. 8, 2023, but your allegation was not made until Feb. 28, 2025. One year and two months after,” Agbakoba queried.

He noted that throughout 2024, Akpoti-Uduaghan was seen at various events with Akpabio, both locally and internationally.

The senior advocate referenced the Inter-Parliamentary Union session in Geneva on March 24 and 25, 2024, where the two were photographed together.

“In fact, you took several selfies and group photos with him during these events.

“All these events were posted in warm tones by you on your social media platforms. Please see screenshot copies of your Facebook post(s) and other photos you took with Akpabio. We find this contradictory and unbelievable,” the letter said.

He said the senator had failed to address inconsistencies pointed out in the initial letter.

“In light of this and having also failed to clarify inconsistencies pointed out in our first letter to you, we demand that you retract the sexual harassment allegations against our client as they are clearly false and unsubstantiated,” he said.

Akpoti-Uduaghan had on Sunday issued a satirical apology letter to Akpabio on her Facebook page.

In the letter, the senator expressed “deepest sarcasm and utmost theatrical regret” for “the grievous crime of possessing dignity and self-respect in Akpabio’s presence.”

Oyo APC endorses Tinubu for second term

 

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has disclosed its readiness to work for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in 2027, noting that the decision was informed by the “efficacy of the Renewed Hope Agenda and the promises which his leadership holds for Nigeria, Nigerians and the African continent.”

A statement by the APC Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, said the declaration was the highpoint of the party’s stakeholders meeting held at the state Secretariat in Oke Ado, Ibadan, on Tuesday.

The stakeholders were the state executive committee members and party chairmen from the 33 local government areas in the state.

Addressing newmen after the meeting, the state chairman, Alhaji Olayide Abas, posited that it was necessary for the stakeholders to acknowledge the milestone reached by the current administration of President Tinubu in less than two years.

“Those of us who knew the antecedent of our dear president might not be surprised that he has approached governance with such an enormous degree of courage, determination and patriotism, but it is imperative that we make public our satisfaction and optimism if only to encourage him.

“It is on this note that stakeholders of the party who attended the extended executive committee meeting today decided to announce our readiness to have President Tinubu in the office as the nation’s number one man beyond 2027. He has shown good understanding of the challenges facing the country, in addition to the possession of the blueprint to tackle them, and as a result of this, Nigerians need to give him enough time to complete the enormous task of repositioning the country.

“The recent gale of defections by members of the opposition parties is a pointer to the fact that many discerning Nigerians are ready to key into the Renewed Hope Agenda of the president by shunning primordial sentiments and selfish interests to joining the APC, which they see as the only vehicle of national rebirth and holistic development. To this end, Oyo APC cannot afford to be at the back seat,” Abas said.

Others who corroborated the submission of the state chairman include Alh. Tajudeen Olanite (State Secretary), Olawale Sadare (Publicity Secretary), Alhaja Tinuade Adigun (State Woman Leader) and Prince John Aremu (State Youth Leader). They all expressed their readiness to work for the success of Tinubu’s administration, and also praised the party’s national chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, and his team for “building a stronger and more formidable APC across the country.”

Meanwhile, a group of eminent personalities within Oyo APC, The Peace Advocates, has reiterated its commitment to restoration of harmony and team spirit in the party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The group also lauded the decision of the executive committee at all levels in the state to endorse President Bola Tinubu for a second term in office.

Led by Dr. Akin Onigbinde (SAN), Chief Wale Ohu and Prince Niran Olayoju, the group, during a courtesy visit to the APC Secretariat on Tuesday, informed the state chairman about its plan to embark on a tour of all the geopolitical zones in the state to preach genuine peace and reconciliation among party faithful.

Members of The Peace Advocates at the event include Prince Gbade Lana, Hon. (Dr ) Adepeju Esan, Engr. Adewale Adeoye, Alh. Rasaq Raji, Hon. Amusat Ogunsola and Alh. Adebayo Aruna.

Senator Alli felicitates APC chieftain, Shina Alabi @61

 

Senator Sharafadeen Alli, lawmaker representing Oyo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, has congratulated Hon. Shina Alabi, a notable chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on the occasion of his 61st birthday anniversary.

In a statement made available to newsmen by his media office on Tuesday, Alli described Alabi as a consistent progressive, grassroots mobiliser, and respected political leader whose contributions to the growth of the party remain commendable.

He said that Alabi’s unwavering commitment to the ideals of progressive politics and his passion for the development of his people have distinguished him as a dependable leader and loyal party stalwart.

Alli acknowledged Alabi’s outstanding service and his continued dedication to promoting good governance and party unity across the state.

The senator prayed for continued good health, long life and greater accomplishments for the celebrant.

He urged him to remain steadfast in his patriotic service to the people and the party.

Oyo wades into Ibadan/Iwo boundary dispute,urges end to public hostilities

 

The Oyo State Government, on Tuesday, waded into the simmering public altercations over the boundary dispute between Iwo, in State, and Ibadan, in Oyo State.

A statement by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, urged both sides of the divide to stop the back-and-forth blame game, and allow the two governments to continue mature discussions on the resolution to the land dispute.

He said the media feed on combustible materials such as this, adding that while unending hostile public statements feed the media nest, they are injurious and a distraction to what the governors of the two states are doing.

“The two governments believe that the protracted land dispute is not intractable and traditional institutions should not be a clog in the wheel of peaceful resolution.

“Governors Seyi Makinde and Ademola Adeleke are cooperating fully with the National Boundary Commission through their representatives and believe that an amicable solution will be arrived at soon,” Oyelade said.