In December 2014 a Russian cargo plane carrying French helicopters out of the Central African Republic made an emergency landing in Kano. The Antonov cargo plane had been traveling from Bangui to the Chadian capital N'djamena when it developed technical difficulties and made an emergency landing at Kano airport, because Kano was the closest airport facility.

Nigerian authorities detained it on arrival and questioned its French crew. The Nigerian federal and airport authorities, satisfied with the documents and the genuine character of the flight authorized the plane to continue its flight to N'Djamena.

There was no diplomatic grandstanding, accusations of invasion or unnecessary drama, just the kind of measured response you’d expect from a responsible nation.

Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has initiated diplomatic efforts to secure the release of the plane and the 11 detained personnel in B-FASO. Lets hope for a swift and positive resolution. Prolonging this situation serves neither country’s interests.

NLC Declares Nationwide Protest for December 17 Over Insecurity, Education Collapse, Economic Hardship

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced a nationwide protest scheduled for December 17, 2025, citing worsening insecurity, deepening poverty, failing tertiary education, prolonged health sector strikes, and political interference in the Labour Party. Following its NEC meeting in Lagos, the NLC condemned the rising wave of kidnappings, including the abduction of 24 schoolgirls in Kebbi State, and criticised lapses in security deployment. The union warned that 139 million Nigerians now live in poverty, according to the latest World Bank report. It also raised concerns over decaying university infrastructure, unpaid staff allowances, and the ongoing Joint Health Sector Unions strike. The NLC vowed to revive the Labour–Civil Society Coalition and described the planned protest as necessary to force action on national crises affecting security, education, the economy, and governance.

Senate Committee Clears Reno Omokri, Ex-INEC Chair Yakubu, Others as Ambassadors Despite Nomination Controversy

The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs has cleared Reno Omokri, former INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, former Enugu Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and several others nominated as Nigerian ambassadors. The screening followed President Tinubu’s submission of 32 ambassadorial nominees. While many nominees were asked to “take a bow and leave,” Omokri’s appearance drew public scrutiny due to past criticisms of government administrations and allegations of divisive online commentary. Despite the controversy, the committee affirmed its constitutional duty to vet all candidates and will submit its final report to the full Senate for confirmation.

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FCCPC Seals Ikeja Electric Headquarters Over Alleged Consumer Rights Violations

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has sealed the Ikeja Electric head office in Alausa, Lagos, over alleged breaches of consumer rights. In a statement on Thursday, Bola Adeyinka, FCCPC’s Director of Surveillance and Investigation, said the enforcement action was carried out in line with the FCCP Act 2018 after repeated attempts to secure voluntary compliance.

“Sealing this facility is a proportionate enforcement measure taken only after repeated engagement and several opportunities for voluntary compliance,” the commission stated. According to the FCCPC, Ikeja Electric failed to comply with a Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) directive ordering the company to unbundle a Maximum Demand account into 20 non-Maximum Demand accounts.

The directive required IE to recognise each of the 19 residential units and a service point belonging to a complainant as separate customer units, and to provide appropriate metering and connection. “Ikeja Electric did not carry out that decision,” the FCCPC said, noting that the complainant has been without electricity for over two and a half years despite meeting all financial obligations and fulfilling every requirement demanded by the company.

NThe prolonged blackout has made it impossible for the complainant to utilise the 19 residential units. The FCCPC added that the seal will remain until Ikeja Electric fully complies with directives from both NERC and the Commission and submits written proof of compliance. The agency said it had repeatedly reminded the company of its obligations, issuing a detailed compliance directive in April 2025 and, later, a notice on October 2, 2025, giving seven business days for full compliance. “No action was taken,” the Commission said.

Withdraw Mine? Then Withdraw the President’s, Vice President’s, Others Too — Sen. Ningi Condemns Selective Enforcement of Police Escort Order

The Senate session turned heated on Tuesday after Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) sharply criticized the withdrawal of police orderlies attached to lawmakers, accusing the executive of enforcing President Bola Tinubu’s directive selectively.

Raising a Point of Order, Ningi said he woke up to discover that his only police orderly had been withdrawn, insisting he was not opposed to the President’s November 23, 2025 directive—which ordered police escorts attached to VIPs to return to regular security duty—but furious that lawmakers appeared to be the first targets. “I woke up today and was told my police orderly had been withdrawn. I have no problem with that, but I want the same action applied across the board—they should also withdraw the president’s, vice president’s, ministers’, and others’ police escorts,” he said, lamenting what he described as a double standard.

Ningi further fumed that while senators were stripped of protection, “businessmen, foreign nationals, and celebrity entertainers” were still moving around with full police escorts, openly flouting the presidential directive. His outburst prompted the Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, to reveal that the Senate leadership had already held an emergency meeting to seek an exemption for lawmakers, warning that the sudden withdrawal exposed members to unnecessary d+nger. In the meantime, the Senate directed its Committee on Police Affairs to investigate the alleged selective enforcement. The committee has four weeks to report back to plenary.

Kidnappers Demand N100 Million for Abducted Vine Crest College Employee in Ogun

Magaji Adebanjo, an employee of Vine Crest College, has been kidnapped along Kabba Road in Kogi State while traveling from Iperu to Abuja. In a video obtained by SaharaReporters, Adebanjo is seen tied up with a gun pointed at his head, pleading for help. His abductors are demanding a ransom of N100 million for his release. Adebanjo, who has a pregnant wife, a young son, and an elderly father depending on him, called on Nigerians for urgent assistance. The incident highlights the growing wave of kidnappings along highways in Kogi and neighboring states.


#KidnappingNigeria #KogiState #VineCrestCollege

Lai Mohammed Says Suspending Twitter in Nigeria Was His Toughest Decision as Information Minister

Former Nigerian Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, revealed that suspending Twitter (now X) in 2021 was one of the hardest decisions during his eight-year tenure. Speaking about his new book, Headlines and Soundbites, Mohammed defended the action, stating it was necessary to curb the platform’s use by elements “destabilising the country” and was unrelated to the deletion of former President Buhari’s tweet. He emphasized that his decisions prioritized national interest over popularity and highlighted his broader advocacy for social media regulation.


#LaiMohammed #TwitterBanNigeria #BuhariAdministration

Anambra Journalist Accuses Police, NSCDC of Harassment and Detention at State Assembly Complex

Awka-based journalist Izunna Okafor has alleged that police and NSCDC officers attached to the Anambra State House of Assembly harassed, assaulted, detained, and seized his phones while he attempted to cover a budget defence session. Okafor said the operatives blocked his entry, demanded unnecessary confirmation, pushed him, confiscated his devices for recording the encounter, and later attempted to force him into detention. He claimed he was only released after intervention from officials and resisted calls to write an apology letter. The Police Command, however, denied the allegations, insisting no journalist was detained and that officers only enforced standard security protocol.



#AnambraNews #PressFreedom #PoliceBrutality

Apostle Selman Sparks Wedding Rumours After Calling Sandra Areh “My Love” at Birthday Party

Popular Nigerian preacher Apostle Joshua Selman caused a stir after attending the birthday celebration of long-time ministry supporter Sandra Areh, where he openly referred to her as “my love.” Videos from the event quickly went viral, intensifying long-standing relationship rumours between the pair. Selman, who also prayed affectionately for the celebrant, appeared visibly joyful, prompting fans to speculate that a wedding may be imminent. Sandra, known as “Selwoman,” has been connected to Selman since their days at Ahmadu Bello University. The public display marks the first time the preacher has openly acknowledged his feelings.

Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters Orders Immediate Removal of Unauthorized Roadblocks Nationwide

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has issued a directive ordering the immediate dismantling of non-essential roadblocks and unauthorized checkpoints across major highways in Nigeria. The internal memo, signed by Brigadier General A. Rabiu for the Chief of Defence Staff, warns that the proliferation of unapproved checkpoints is disrupting movement, reducing operational efficiency, and exposing troops to unnecessary risks. Commanders have been instructed to retain only approved control points while replacing static posts with mobile, intelligence-driven patrols. The order comes amid rising public concern over insecurity and road travel challenges nationwide.

Tinubu Orders Shettima to Convene NEC Meeting on Ranching Amid Rising Farmer-Herder Clashes

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to summon a special National Executive Council (NEC) meeting focused on resolving Nigeria’s escalating farmer-herder crisis through ranching reforms. The directive comes as violent clashes surge across several states. Tinubu also ordered the immediate training, arming, and deployment of additional forest guards to combat kidnapping, banditry, and terrorism. According to the presidency, the worsening insecurity demands a more aggressive, coordinated national response to protect citizens.


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ECOWAS Slashes Air Travel Taxes and Charges to Boost Regional Connectivity

West African leaders have taken a major step to make flying within the region significantly cheaper, adopting measures that will abolish multiple air transport taxes and cut passenger and security charges by 25 percent starting 1 January 2026.

The decision was reached at the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government Summit held in Abuja in December 2024, where leaders signed a Supplementary Act on Aviation Charges, Taxes and Fees aimed at tackling one of the biggest barriers to regional integration: the high cost of intra-African air travel.

For years, West Africa has had some of the world’s most expensive airfares relative to distance, largely due to a web of taxes, fuel surcharges, security fees and other levies imposed by individual countries.

The new policy requires all 15 ECOWAS member states to eliminate designated air transport taxes entirely and reduce remaining passenger service and security charges by a quarter.

The move is expected to lower ticket prices, stimulate tourism and business travel, strengthen local airlines and support trade, and advance the free movement of people and goods – a core objective of the ECOWAS Treaty.

To ensure compliance, the ECOWAS Commission will oversee implementation through a newly established Regional Air Transport Economic Oversight Mechanism.

Regional aviation stakeholders have welcomed the decision, describing it as a game-changer for West Africa’s Africa’s chronically under-served air transport market.

The reforms will take effect on 1 January 2026, giving airlines and national authorities one year to adjust systems and regulations.

Donald Trump’s sons became dramatically richer in the first year after their father returned to the White House

Their wealth multiplied thanks to cryptocurrency ventures, real-estate deals, and shares in companies tied to finance and defense.

Donald Trump Jr.’s net worth jumped from about $50 million to roughly $300 million in a year.

At its peak in the fall, it reached around $500 million, but shares of his mining company American Bitcoin later dropped. He also made money on real-estate projects and on stocks of companies connected to government contracts.

Eric Trump has become the wealthiest heir. His fortune is estimated at around $400 million.

Barron Trump, according to Forbes, has accumulated about $150 million. He was the first in the family to take an interest in cryptocurrencies and pushed his father to launch crypto initiatives.

Barron holds billions of tokens that are still locked. Once they are unlocked, he could make more than $500 million.
More at fintter.com
#fintter

Accord Party Clears Governor Ademola Adeleke as Sole Candidate for Osun Governorship Primary

Governor Ademola Adeleke has been officially cleared as the sole aspirant for the Accord Party’s governorship primary scheduled to hold in Osogbo. The party’s screening committee confirmed that Adeleke met all requirements and completed all necessary documentation, presenting him with a certificate of clearance. Adeleke expressed gratitude and affirmed his readiness for both the primary and the general election. His clearance follows his recent resignation from the PDP over internal leadership crises and subsequent announcement of his defection to the Accord Party.

NORTH WILL REMEMBER: Tinubu's Govt Pushes for Completion of Mubi-Maiduguri Road, a Key North-East Corridor

For years, the road's poor condition hindered trade and movement, but no more! President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration is racing against time to complete the crucial Mubi-Maiduguri Road Reconstruction project, initially awarded by the previous government.

The project, a vital link between Adamawa and Borno states, is receiving priority attention. Minister of Works, Senator Engineer David Nweze Umahi, is overseeing the project, leveraging concrete technology for durability.

"The Mubi-Maiduguri Road is a game-changer for the North East," Umahi said. "We're committed to completing it swiftly, boosting trade, security, and regional integration."

Completion of this 104km road will significantly improve transportation, enhance economic growth, and foster regional connectivity. The North is poised to remember this administration for transforming its infrastructure landscape.

Falana Warns Nigeria Risks Military Coup Without Political Pluralism, Open Civic Space

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has warned that Nigeria must urgently embrace political pluralism and expand civic freedoms to avoid the growing wave of military coups destabilising West Africa. Speaking on Channels TV, Falana said widespread poverty, insecurity, shrinking civic space, and the criminalisation of dissent are fueling public anger across the region. He criticised INEC for restricting the registration of ideological political parties and warned that Nigeria risks sliding toward a one-party state. Citing the recent failed coup in Benin Republic, Falana stressed that suppressing opposition, jailing critics, or limiting political space undermines democracy and increases instability.

Remi Tinubu Breaks Silence, Says Nigerians Shouldn’t Amplify ‘Minor Missteps’ After Clash With Gov Adeleke

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has responded to public backlash over her confrontation with Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke during the Ooni of Ife’s 10th coronation anniversary. In a viral moment, she approached the governor on stage and warned him to stop singing or she would turn off his microphone. Facing widespread criticism, Remi Tinubu posted a photo with Adeleke on Facebook, urging Nigerians not to amplify “minor missteps” or create unnecessary controversy. Social media users, however, continue to condemn her actions as disrespectful and a national embarrassment. The Osun State government has not yet commented on the incident.

BREAKING: Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer launched a TikTok account on Monday despite the app being banned from government devices, as he attempts to connect to younger voters.

Intelligence Report Uncovers 1,801 Bank Accounts Funding Boko Haram Across Nigeria and Abroad

A classified Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) report has exposed a vast domestic and international network funnelling money and logistical support to Boko Haram through 1,801 bank accounts linked to individuals and companies across 18 financial institutions. The investigation identified 96 Nigerian suspects, dozens of businesses—including multiple Bureau De Change operators—and foreign collaborators spanning the UAE, India, Rwanda, Niger, Benin, Uganda, Cameroon, and Dubai. The network also connects to known kidnappers, bandits, and informants, illustrating the deep overlap between terrorism and organised crime. This intelligence provides a crucial blueprint for disrupting Boko Haram’s financial lifelines and strengthening national security operations.