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By Felix Durumbah, Abuja Panic spread through individual and corporate residents of the nation's capital, Abuja, today as Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) moved swiftly to shut some visible business outlets over the latter's failure to pay the statutory ground rent on their premises. Sealed were an Access Bank branch and a Total petrol station located in high brow Wuse. FCTA accused them of non-payment of ground rent for 34 years, saying about N6.9billion in total is being owed the Administration by several defaulters. Ground rent,in legal terms, refers to regular payments made by a holder of a leasehold property…

By our reporter A fresh report by a Lagos-based intelligence consultancy firm today claimed that over 700 persons have been killed in the past four years in connection with the sit-at-home ordered by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in the South-East states of Imo, Enugu, Anambra, Ebonyi and Abia. The report, released by SBM Intelligence, also said economic losses of over N7.6 trillion were sustained during same period, according to Reuters . The report is coming five days before May 30, 2025, which IPOB has labelled as Biafra Heroes' Day, in commemoration of those who died in the Nigeria…

...Fraudster Bags Jail Term  for N9m Fraud in Port Harcourt The Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the EFCC on Thursday, May 22, 2025 arraigned one Ifeoma Joe and her 34-year-old son, Chima Mike Nmerem before Justice P. I . Ajoku of the Federal High Court, sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State for fraud.  They are being prosecuted on a four-count charge  bordering on conspiracy, misrepresentation, advance fee fraud and obtaining money under false pretence to the tune of N64.4m. One  of  the charges reads: “That you Ifeoma Joe between the 10th day of September, 2024 to 17th day of December, 2024 at Oyigbo Rivers State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable…

By Sam Tyav, Makurdi Benue State Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia has condemned the killing of some residents of Tse Orbiam and Ahume communities in Gwer West Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State. Governor Alia also expressed his profound outrage and deep sorrow over the shooting of Rev. Fr. Solomon Atongu, by suspected Fulani killer herdsmen on the Makurdi-Naka road. A statement by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor, Tersoo Kula, said the heinous acts, carried out just meters away from a military checkpoint was a stark reminder of the pervasive violence and lawlessness that have plagued the…

By John Ekah, Gusau First Lady of Zamfara State, Mrs. Huriyya Dauda Lawal, has been honoured with the prestigious African Iconic 2025 Award. The award is in recognition of her exceptional leadership and advocacy abilities within two years as the state's First Lady. The award ceremony was held at Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, under the theme 'Breaking Barriers, Building Legacy'. The event brought together distinguished personalities who have made significant contributions to society that strengthened the resilience of African women. African Iconic Women Recognition Award (AIWRA) is a platform that recognizes and celebrates achievements of African women in various fields.…

By Sylvia Kodilichukwu, Enugu A critical analysis of Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah’s leadership philosophy took centre stage during a public lecture on ethical leadership and development at the grassroots. The lecture was organised by the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) and the Ethics, AI, and Higher Education Strategy Team (EAISTRAP) at the nation's premier university, over the weekend. The critique came as Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) thumbed up the governor for what it said were his wonderful accomplishments in just two years in office. At the UNN event, guest lecturer and Chairman, Nsukka Local Government Area…

By Sam Tyav, Makurdi Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has dispelled the allegation that he is set to dump the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) because of the crisis in the party. A statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Tersoo Kula, said "the story is not true and is typical of the yellow journalism practices by some online newspapers." The statement revealed that "at a time opposition Governors are joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), due to the policies and wonderful performances of the party under the Tinubu-led administration, it is laughable and lame for a media…