IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

French President Emmanuel Macron has called on European companies to suspend planned investments in the United States following President Donald Trump’s announcement of sweeping global tariffs on American imports.

Speaking with French industry leaders on Thursday, Macron described the tariffs as “brutal and unfounded”, warning that Europe must respond strategically, sector by sector.

He hinted at retaliatory measures, including the anti-coercion mechanism and potential actions targeting digital services and US financial systems, stating that Europe’s response would be stronger than its previous reaction to US steel and aluminum tariffs. 

Site engineer k!lled in Delta by employees after discovering he had large sum of money in his account

The police in Delta state have began an investigation after a site engineer identified as Chigozie Udalor was k!lled by his employees after discovering he had a lot of money in his account. 

In a statement released, the spokesperson of the command, SP Bright Edafe, said on December 12, 2024, one Hyacinth Nnalue reported to Akwu-kwu Igbo division that his cousin Chigozie Udalor had been missing since the 10th of December 2024. He also stated that the said Chigozie was his site manager at his fish pond in Bod camp Akwukwu Igbo community. 

Edafe said upon receipt of this information, the DPO commenced an investigation and later transferred the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department. Edafe said the state Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, directed the DPO Ekpan CSP Aliyu Shaba to carry out a technically driven investigation. The DPO detailed operatives who commenced an intelligence-led investigation, on 31st March 2025, they arrested one David Tacho ‘m’ who attempted to withdraw money from the victim’s account through his phone and also arrested Daniel Orshio who took part in the murder.

‘’Investigation also revealed that David Tacho is a brother to one Victor Tacho who conspired with Pius Daniel, (both presently at large) and Daniel Orshio, and murdered the victim. The two suspects are presently in custody. Preliminary investigation revealed that all four suspects were employed by the deceased who is the site engineer, but they discovered he had some money in his Moniepoint account and they conspired, used a hammer to hit him on his head, tied him and buried him in a shallow grave at the site. Two of the suspects David Tacho and Daniel Orshio are presently in custody while two other suspects Pius Daniel and Victor Tacho are still on the run. The body of the deceased has been exhumed and awaiting autopsy while efforts to arrest the other two suspects are ongoing.’’ Edafe said.

This is very sad 

The Nigerian naira recorded its steepest depreciation against the US dollar on Thursday, falling to ₦1,552.53/$1 at the official market — a drop of ₦21.28 from ₦1,531.25 on Wednesday.

This marks the sharpest single-day loss since March 22, when the currency fell by ₦18.96.

At the parallel market, the naira also weakened, dropping from ₦1,555 to ₦1,560/$1.

The depreciation follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s new tariff measures, which have rattled global markets and sparked concerns over Nigeria’s $10 billion trade ties with the U.S.

Despite the slide, the Central Bank of Nigeria reported a Net Foreign Exchange Reserve of $23.11 billion — the highest in over three years.

Economic analysts, including Dr. Muda Yusuf of the CPPE, warned the tariffs could impact Nigeria’s economy and undermine the naira, especially with the end of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). 

Detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has expressed confidence that he will be granted bail before the end of April 2025, marking four years in detention.

Kanu shared this optimism during a visit from the President-General of the Igbo Community Association (ICA) in Abuja, Engr. Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, at the Department of State Services (DSS) facility where he is being held.

Following the visit, Ezenekwe released a statement highlighting Kanu’s disappointment over the absence of strong Igbo leadership advocating for his release. He urged renewed efforts to champion the interests of the Igbo people.

Despite his prolonged detention, Kanu was described as being in high spirits, appearing healthier and more relaxed. He reaffirmed his call for a referendum on self-determination and maintained that he had committed no crime beyond urging his people to awaken to their rights.

Kanu also expressed unwavering confidence in his legal team, emphasizing his belief that his release is imminent.

Ezenekwe used the occasion to appeal to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to facilitate Kanu’s release as a demonstration of his commitment to justice and democracy.

“Let this moment mark a turning point in safeguarding the rights, dignity, and future of the Igbo people,” he stated. 

Former Senator Ishaku Elisha Abbo has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of managing the Nigerian Senate as a personal empire, claiming senators are subservient to him. Speaking on Arise News, Abbo alleged that Akpabio orchestrated the removal of lawmakers who opposed him, including himself.

Abbo recalled rejecting Akpabio's request for support during his Senate President bid, stating he was already backing another candidate. He also revealed that Akpabio offered financial inducements to senators, which he refused.

The former senator accused Akpabio of vindictively denying him his vehicle after his removal and sidelining Senator Ali Ndume for challenging Senate leadership. He criticized Akpabio for rewriting Senate rules to allow first-term senators to take leadership positions, further consolidating his control.

Abbo concluded by condemning Akpabio’s leadership style, claiming, "Senators serve him tea at his house," and reaffirming his defense of the Senate’s integrity, separate from its leadership. 

The Niger Delta Sports Festival has officially commenced with a spectacular opening ceremony, celebrating the region’s vibrant cultural heritage and outstanding athletic talent. Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, declared the festival open on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The event, hailed as a major boost for grassroots sports development, aligns with the federal government’s RHINSE (Renewed Hope in Nigeria for Sports Economy) initiative.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, NSC Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade applauded the efforts of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and other key stakeholders in bringing the festival to life. “This is a brilliant initiative by the NDDC and all involved. It perfectly aligns with the RHINSE agenda, which embodies the Renewed Hope vision of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” said Olopade. “We are proud and excited about this milestone in Nigerian sports.”

One of the festival’s major highlights is the launch of the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) Initiative, designed to identify and develop young sporting talents. The initiative will allow promising athletes from across the country to compete as the 38th state at the upcoming National Sports Festival in Abeokuta. Notably, many of these emerging stars are currently competing in the Niger Delta Sports Festival, further reinforcing its role in youth empowerment.

“This initiative underscores our commitment to harnessing sports for national development, in line with President Tinubu’s vision,” Olopade added.

The festival has drawn an impressive lineup of dignitaries, including the Executive Governors of Akwa Ibom and Ondo states, Umo Eno and Lucky Aiyedatiwa, as well as the Honourable Minister of the Niger Delta, Abubakar Momoh. Leading figures from the sporting community were also present to witness the event.

Running from April 1 to 8, the festival features approximately 3,000 athletes and 500 officials competing across 17 sports disciplines. With such a strong foundation, the event is set to leave a lasting impact on the country’s sports landscape.