IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced Monday, March 31, and Tuesday, April 1, 2025, as public holidays to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr. Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the government, extending warm congratulations to the Muslim community on the successful completion of Ramadan.

Dr. Tunji-Ojo emphasized the importance of self-discipline, compassion, generosity, and peace, urging all Muslims to embody these virtues. He also called upon Nigerians to use this festive period to pray for the nation’s peace, stability, and prosperity, expressing hope that Eid-el-Fitr would inspire unity and cooperation across religious and ethnic lines.

The Minister encouraged citizens to celebrate responsibly and to remember the less privileged through acts of kindness and charity, reflecting the true spirit of Ramadan and Eid. On behalf of the Federal Government, he wished all Muslim faithful a heartfelt Eid Mubarak, praying that the season’s blessings bring happiness, success, and fulfillment to everyone. 

A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the remand of businessman Sunday Okorie at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre for allegedly failing to declare $299,000 and possessing counterfeit foreign currency.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Okorie on four counts of money laundering and unlawful importation of counterfeit currency. Prosecutors said he hid the undeclared funds in relaxer containers at Murtala Muhammed International Airport on March 19, 2025.

Okorie also allegedly imported and possessed counterfeit $50 bills totaling $250. He pleaded not guilty, but the court denied his request for EFCC custody, ordering his remand in prison. The trial is set for March 26, 2025. 

Governors of seven Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led states have filed a suit at the Supreme Court challenging President Bola Tinubu’s suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and state lawmakers.

Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers on March 18, appointing a sole administrator—a move backed by the National Assembly. However, the governors of Bauchi, Adamawa, Bayelsa, Enugu, Osun, Plateau, and Zamfara argue that the president lacks the constitutional power to suspend elected officials.

They are seeking a court ruling to nullify the suspension, void the sole administrator's appointment, and restrain Tinubu from interfering in state governance. 

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said he is unsure about contesting the 2027 presidential election.

In an interview for the yet-to-be-aired show Untold Stories with Adesuwa Giwa-Osagie, Atiku, who has run for president six times, stated that his decision would depend on the existence of a viable political platform.

His comments come shortly after he announced a coalition of opposition leaders aimed at unseating the Bola Tinubu-led APC government.

While not ruling out a 2027 run, Atiku emphasized Nigeria’s urgent need for experienced and credible leadership. He also referenced the successful 2014 opposition merger that led to an electoral victory.

Speculation is growing over whether Atiku will back Peter Obi or Nasir El-Rufai in the next election. 

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) has appointed Professor Kamoru Olayiwola Usman as its first Yoruba Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), marking a historic milestone.

Usman, a Mathematics Education expert from Oyo State and former Provost of the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo, was appointed by Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Oguejiofo T. Ujam. The appointment aligns with UNN’s commitment to merit-based leadership and inclusivity.

In a related move, Dr. Mansur Adebowale Saddiq was named Acting Director of the Medical Centre.

During a Senate meeting, Ujam reaffirmed UNN’s mission to restore academic excellence, eliminate sectionalism, and embrace innovation in emerging fields like artificial intelligence. He also commended Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah’s push for experiential learning.

Ujam pledged fairness and transparency, urging collective efforts to advance research, academic collaboration, and institutional growth. 

A fire engulfed a commercial two-storey building on Iweka Road, near Ochanja Main Market in Onitsha South, Anambra, on Tuesday evening.

Anambra Fire Service Chief, Chukwudi Chiketa, confirmed the incident, stating that firefighters responded to a distress call at 9:35 p.m. and battled the blaze until 3:05 a.m.

Although the cause remains unknown, the fire affected four shops containing furniture materials, while others were salvaged.