IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has admitted to technical issues in its recent public auction of forfeited vehicles and pledged to review complaints from affected participants.

EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale acknowledged concerns such as website accessibility problems, participants being locked out after submitting bids, and reports of inflated prices. He attributed the challenges to overwhelming participation—exceeding four million bidders—and unstable internet services.

The commission clarified that while it monitored the auction, it could not directly intervene as it was handled by accredited auctioneers in line with legal provisions. EFCC assured the public that it is awaiting reports from the auctioneers and will review legitimate complaints to ensure fairness.

Despite the glitches, successful bidders without issues will receive their vehicles as scheduled. The EFCC reiterated its commitment to transparency and ensuring the nation gets full value for the forfeited assets.

Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi has pledged a decisive military response to reclaim control of eastern DR Congo from M23 rebels, whom he accused of being backed by Rwanda.

In a televised address on Wednesday night, Tshisekedi condemned the rebel group’s capture of Goma and its continued push southward. He announced a “vigorous and coordinated response” to counter the insurgents and criticized the international community’s inaction amid the escalating crisis.

Calling on all Congolese citizens to support the army, Tshisekedi vowed that the nation would not bow to “humiliation” and would ultimately defeat the rebels. The conflict has already displaced over 500,000 people, worsening humanitarian conditions, with Goma facing severe shortages of electricity, water, and food.

Despite a virtual summit of East African leaders urging dialogue with all armed groups, Tshisekedi rejected direct talks with M23, insisting on discussions only with Rwanda. He also expressed gratitude to the South African Development Community (SADC) and UN peacekeepers who lost their lives in the conflict, including 13 South African troops killed in Goma.

Tensions between South Africa and Rwanda have escalated, with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa accusing Rwanda of involvement in the deaths, a claim rejected by President Paul Kagame. Meanwhile, reports suggest M23 is advancing toward Bukavu, DR Congo’s second-largest city, as the Congolese army attempts to establish defensive positions.

Angola has called for urgent peace talks, while international pressure on Rwanda has intensified. The U.S., EU, and China have urged Rwanda to withdraw from DR Congo, and both the UK and Germany have threatened to cut aid in response to the violence. The UK has placed £32 million in bilateral aid under review, while Germany has canceled planned aid discussions with Rwanda.

As the 2027 general elections draw closer, hundreds of former Social Democratic Party (SDP) members have officially joined the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State.

The defectors were warmly received by John Ogunsola, a PDP chieftain and aspirant for the House of Representatives, who attributed their decision to Governor Seyi Makinde’s transformational leadership and progressive policies.

Ogunsola assured the new members of full integration into the party, urging unity among both old and new members as the PDP prepares for the upcoming elections.

“Let us welcome them wholeheartedly and work together to drive progress in our state,” he said.

At the reception, Mukaila Adegbola, PDP chairman for Oluyole Local Government, applauded the defectors for their bold move, describing the PDP as a party committed to growth, development, and the true dividends of democracy.

Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Dauda Hamsat Awayewaserere cited Governor Makinde’s impactful governance as the key reason for their switch, assuring the PDP leadership of their loyalty and commitment. He also hinted that more SDP members were likely to follow suit in the coming weeks.

The new members pledged to strengthen the PDP’s grassroots presence across the state, vowing to play an active role in the party’s success.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited on Thursday launched five Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) mini-plants in Ajaokuta, Kogi State.

The five LNG mini-plants are PRIME LNG, NGML/Gasnexus LNG, BUA LNG, Highland LNG, and LNG Arete. These plants will take their feedstock, which is natural gas, from natural gas pipes that are already traveling up to the Ajaokuta location.

The main source pipeline for the mini-plants are the AKK pipeline, which is the Ajaokuta-Kano-Kaduna gas pipeline being built by the Federal Government.

These plants would serve gas to parts of the country that are currently without any form of gas infrastructure.

A 50-year-old panel beater, Kazeem Tunde, has been arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing a catalytic converter worth N950,000 from a customer’s Toyota Hiace bus.

The defendant, who resides in the Obawole area of Ifako Ijaiye, Lagos, is facing charges of theft, conspiracy, and breach of peace.

According to the prosecutor, ASP Matthew Akhaluode, the alleged crime took place on January 12 at Adeyeri Street, Ogba, Lagos. Tunde, along with an accomplice who is currently at large, reportedly removed the catalytic converter while repairing the vehicle and failed to account for its whereabouts.

The prosecution stated that the offences violate Sections 168, 287, and 411 of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015.

Tunde pleaded not guilty, and Magistrate M. F. Onamusi granted him bail of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum. The case was adjourned to February 17 for further hearing.

Activist and politician Omoyele Sowore has pleaded not guilty to cybercrime charges brought against him at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The charges were filed by Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, following Sowore’s remarks on his verified X handle, where he referred to Egbetokun as an “illegal IGP.”

Sowore appeared before Justice Liman of the FCT High Court and was arraigned around 10:00 a.m. when the charges were read to him. He pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Meanwhile, several of his supporters staged a protest outside the court in response to his arraignment.