The Update

  The arraignment of a former resident pastor of First Baptist Church, Garki, Abuja , Rev. Israel Akanji , and five others over an alleged N620 million fraud was on Thursday stalled due to the absence of the prosecution counsel. The defendants were scheduled to appear before Justice J. A. Aina of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Kwali , in case number CR/1045/24 , brought by the Nigeria Police. At the commencement of proceedings, Justice Aina informed the court that the prosecution had submitted a letter requesting an adjournment, citing the lead counsel’s engagement at the National Assembly . However, defence counsel, Adeniyi Akintola (SAN) , expressed surprise at the development, noting that his clients were prepared for trial. He further pointed out that the prosecution failed to formally serve the defence team with the notice of adjournment. Akintola also reminded the court of a pending application seeking to quash the charges against the defendants. While ackn...

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has announced plans to intensify patrols along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway , targeting motorists who drive against traffic and commit other route violations. This commitment was made by the newly appointed Officer-in-Charge of the Ibafo Outpost , Ogun State. Olajide disclosed that the corps has introduced a special intervention strategy specifically aimed at curbing traffic infractions such as driving against oncoming vehicles. "Last Thursday, the FRSC’s Corridor 1 Command, covering the stretch from Lagos to Ibadan, launched a special intervention focused on road violations, particularly wrong-way driving. This initiative, conducted in collaboration with sister agencies, will not only be a daily routine but will also feature intensified special patrols at critical times," Olajide explained. He emphasized that the move aligns with the FRSC’s overarching mission to enhance road safety and significantly reduce the occurrence of road crashes...

 Elon Musk's social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), has raised nearly $1 billion in new equity funding from investors. According to a Bloomberg report citing sources familiar with the deal, this funding values the company’s equity at around $32 billion, matching the valuation when Musk acquired the platform in 2022. The report also noted that Musk's Twitter buyout involved at least $12.5 billion in debt, meaning the latest funding round was completed at roughly the same $44 billion enterprise value as his initial purchase. Musk participated in the equity raise, along with other investors such as Darsana Capital Partners, which had previously purchased some of X’s debt earlier this year. Additionally, 1789 Capital, an investment firm supporting Musk’s ventures like xAI and SpaceX, also contributed to the round. Musk has often turned to private markets to secure funding for his ventures. Recently, SpaceX completed a tender offer valuing the company at about $350 billion, ...

 On Wednesday, Brazil’s central bank raised its key interest rate by one percentage point to 14.25%, the highest level in nine years, in an effort to curb inflation in Latin America's largest economy. This marks the fifth consecutive rate increase and goes against the wishes of leftist President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who has called for lower rates to stimulate economic growth. The bank’s Monetary Policy Committee attributed the hike to a "challenging external environment," ongoing domestic inflation, and signs of "incipient moderation in growth." The committee also indicated that if current conditions persist, a smaller rate increase may be implemented at its next meeting in May. The rate has not been this high since between July 2015 and October 2016, during a period of severe economic recession in Brazil. Lula, facing low approval ratings, argues that high interest rates stifle growth by making credit more expensive for both consumers and investors. Ce...

 Most Asian equities saw gains on Thursday after U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell indicated that any increase in consumer prices due to tariffs would likely be temporary, despite the central bank lowering its growth forecast and raising inflation expectations. Recently, markets have been highly volatile, largely due to U.S. President Donald Trump’s aggressive trade policies, including imposing tariffs on imports from major partners, which have fueled concerns about a potential recession. Some analysts also worry that Trump’s promises to cut taxes, reduce regulations, and limit immigration could reignite inflation, possibly prompting the Fed to adjust its monetary policy, with some even speculating that rate hikes might occur. Following a key meeting on Wednesday, the U.S. Federal Reserve decided to leave borrowing costs unchanged for the second consecutive time and noted that "uncertainty around the economic outlook has increased." The Fed also revised its growth ...

 Chinese tariffs on Canadian goods, including rapeseed oil and pork, will take effect on Thursday, with industry groups warning that the new levies will have a “devastating impact” on farmers. The tariffs, announced earlier this month, follow a Chinese investigation into tariffs imposed by Ottawa on Chinese products last year. The tariffs impose a 100 percent surcharge on Canadian rapeseed oil, oil cakes, and peas. Canada is one of the world’s largest producers of canola—a type of rapeseed used to make cooking oil, animal feed, and biodiesel—and China has traditionally been one of its biggest customers. Additionally, aquatic products and pork will face a 25 percent tariff. Canadian industry leaders have expressed concern over the significant impact these new tariffs will have. "New tariffs from China on Canadian canola oil and meal will have a devastating impact on canola farmers and the broader value chain, especially in an environment of increasing trade and geopolitical unce...

Xenergi Limited's management has denied any involvement in the ongoing land encroachment dispute between Axxela Limited and its host communities in Delta State. A statement released by the company on Thursday clarified that it has no connection to the allegations, which claim that Xenergi is attempting to monopolize gas supply in the region. The statement read: “The management of Xenergi Limited has taken note of media reports attributing a statement from Axxela Limited, which alleges our company's involvement in a land dispute between Axxela and its host communities in Delta State. “Xenergi Limited firmly rejects any claims that suggest it is involved in land encroachment or causing community disruptions. The assertion in the statement that Xenergi is attempting to monopolize the region’s gas supply through Emu Ebendo in what is essentially a trade war is regrettable, as we remain a focused commercial entity with no involvement in the community dispute. “To date, we have mai...

 Dangote Cement Plc has announced the appointment of Dr. Gbenga Fapohunda as its new Group Financial Officer, effective January 1, 2025. This appointment was confirmed in a corporate filing with the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. on Wednesday. In an official statement signed by Arvind Pathak, the Group Managing Director of Dangote Cement, the company emphasized Dr. Fapohunda's extensive financial expertise, acquired over more than two decades in the industry. “We are confident that Dr. Fapohunda’s wealth of experience and strategic insight will be key to Dangote Cement’s continued growth and success,” stated Pathak. Dr. Fapohunda’s professional expertise spans areas such as Financial Control, Risk Management, Treasury Management, Investment Management, Strategy Development, Corporate Governance, and Corporate Finance. His academic credentials are equally impressive. He holds a Doctorate in Strategic Management from Rome Business School, an MBA in Finance from London Business School, and ...

 Air Peace has announced a N600,000 reduction in airfare for travelers flying from various Nigerian cities to London, along with an additional piece of luggage. The offer, detailed in a statement signed by the Head of Corporate Communications, Dr. Ejike Ndiulo, is valid until March 31, 2025, with an extended travel period until April 15, 2025. "As the largest airline in West and Central Africa, Air Peace remains committed to fostering prosperity through reliable air travel and reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a major player in global aviation," the airline said in the statement. With its growing network of domestic and international routes, the airline continues to make it easier for people to explore new opportunities and for businesses to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. Ndiulo further mentioned that the airline's Chairman, Allen Onyenma, made the announcement at the Silverbird Man of the Year 2024 Awards in Lagos. During the event, Air Peace conducted...

 Google has launched the Canvas and Audio Overview features as part of its Gemini AI suite. Canvas is designed to assist users in creating, editing, and refining their work in real-time. By selecting ‘Canvas’ in the prompt bar, users can write or edit documents and code, with changes reflecting instantly. These new features, aimed at enhancing AI-driven content creation, are being rolled out globally for Gemini and Gemini Advanced subscribers, as announced in a Google blog post. Gemini now offers more than just brainstorming and research—it provides real-time document editing and coding support. “Gemini can already help with brainstorming ideas, conducting in-depth research, and generating content for any project you're working on. And starting today, it can do even more, whether that’s editing a document with you in real time or taking your idea and coding a prototype,” Google stated. Both Canvas and Audio Overview are being rolled out globally, with Canvas available in all supp...

 President Donald Trump urged the US Federal Reserve on Wednesday to lower interest rates to help mitigate the impact of his tariffs, once again expressing his strong disagreement with the central bank's decision-making. "Do the right thing," Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social, hours after the Fed decided to maintain rates while lowering its growth forecast and raising its inflation projection. Although the Federal Reserve has anticipated two rate cuts this year, Chairman Jerome Powell emphasized that "uncertainty today is unusually elevated" and that inflation is rising. Economists have warned that the tariffs, which are facing retaliation from other countries, could push the US and global economies toward a recession. Trump has acknowledged that the economy may experience some "disturbance" as his tariffs are implemented, but he maintains that the US is on the brink of a "golden age." In his Wednesday post, he once again emphasized tha...

  A promising Chinese youth footballer, Guo Jiaxuan , has tragically passed away following a severe head injury sustained during training in Spain, his club confirmed on Thursday. Guo, a defender for the U-19 team of Beijing Guoan , suffered the injury last month during a training match between the Beijing men’s U-20 team and Spanish club RC Alcobendas in Madrid. Following the accident, he fell into a coma and was declared brain dead by a local hospital before being transferred to China for further care at Beijing Tiantan Hospital . In a statement posted on social media, Beijing Guoan expressed their deep sorrow: "We’ve lost a child who loved football. May Jiaxuan rest in peace!" The club also assured that they would continue to offer full support to Guo’s family and assist with the aftermath of the tragic incident. Guo's passing occurred on Wednesday evening , just one day before his nineteenth birthday. He had previously represented China's U-17 national team...

 Police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have confirmed that six people lost their lives and fourteen vehicles were destroyed in an explosion at the Karu Bridge in Abuja. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, caused panic among local residents. According to a statement from the FCT Police Command spokesperson, the FCT Police deeply regrets confirming a tragic motor vehicle accident that took place on March 19, 2025, at approximately 6:58 PM, just before Nyanya Bridge. A distress call was received by Karu Division about a horrific scene— a Dangote trailer, loaded with cement and heading towards Nyanya Bridge from AYA, lost control and collided with stationary vehicles caught in traffic. The collision led to a massive fire that consumed fourteen vehicles. Chaos ensued as bystanders and motorists scrambled to escape. Emergency responders arrived promptly, fighting thick smoke and intense heat to rescue those trapped. Six victims were retrieved from the wreckage and taken t...

  The Abia State Police Command has announced the dismissal of a Mobile Police officer for unethical conduct, as part of its ongoing efforts to uphold discipline and professionalism within the force. In a statement released on Wednesday and signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka , on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa , the command confirmed the dismissal of Inspector Kufere Moses , formerly attached to Mopol 55 PMF Aba and assigned to UBA Bank Guard, Aba . The statement reads: “The public is hereby notified that Inspector Kufere Moses has been dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force, effective 21st February 2025. He has also been de-kitted, and all police accoutrements have been retrieved from him.” Inspector Moses' dismissal followed administrative disciplinary procedures carried out by the command, after being found guilty of “discreditable conduct and offences against discipline.” Commissioner Isa reaffirmed the command’s commi...

  The Rivers State Government has firmly denied reports suggesting that a High Court issued an order barring the newly appointed Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.) , from assuming office. The Chief of Staff to the suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara , Dr. Edison Ehie , dismissed the claims as entirely false and malicious, attributing them to individuals seeking to heighten political tensions within the state. In a statement issued on Thursday , Dr. Ehie categorically refuted allegations that he filed any suit challenging the appointment of the Sole Administrator. He described the report as the handiwork of “low minds” who, according to him, even failed to correctly spell his name. “My attention has been drawn to an obvious piece of fake news being circulated on social media by delusional elements intent on escalating the already tense political atmosphere in the state," the statement read. "The claim suggests that I secured an order from the Rivers St...

  The Acting Regional Director for Africa at the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, has highlighted the significant gaps in oral healthcare across the African region, noting that only 17% of the population has access to essential oral health services. Speaking in his message to mark World Oral Health Day 2025 , commemorated annually on March 20 , Dr. Ihekweazu emphasized that despite global progress in oral health care, the African continent continues to lag behind on key indicators. "Oral diseases such as dental caries, gum disease, and tooth loss affected approximately 42% of the population in the WHO African Region in 2021," he stated. "The region also records the highest number of cases of noma — a rapidly progressing, non-contagious gangrenous disease of the mouth, primarily impacting young children. If left untreated, noma carries a high fatality rate, and survivors often face lifelong impairments, disfigurement, stigma, and discrimination....

A heated argument broke out on Wednesday, March 19 , between Marie Ebikake (PDP, Bayelsa) and Blessing Amadi (PDP, Rivers) in the House of Representatives chamber over President Bola Tinubu’s decision on the Rivers State political crisis . What Happened? The shouting match started before plenary as both lawmakers debated the constitutionality of Tinubu’s declaration. Their voices grew louder, drawing attention from other lawmakers . Some House members intervened to prevent a physical confrontation, while others banged on tables , shouting, “Nothing will happen!” Why It Matters The Rivers political crisis has sparked division among lawmakers . The incident highlights the tension within the legislature as Nigeria navigates the ongoing political turmoil in Rivers State.

 The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has dismissed claims of an explosion at the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PHRC) in Rivers State, clarifying that what occurred was a controlled flare event that has been effectively managed. In a statement released on Tuesday, Olufemi Soneye, NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, emphasized that there is no threat to staff, surrounding communities, or the environment. “We urge the media and the general public to disregard any reports of an explosion at the refinery, as they are completely inaccurate,” the statement read. This clarification comes shortly after reports of two separate explosions at the Pipeline Manifold and the Trans-Niger Pipeline in Omwawriwa, Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government, and Bodo-Gokana Local Government Area, both in Rivers State. The incident also coincides with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, citing persistent insecurity and unre...