IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

The Nigerian government has described its relationship with Senegal as a strategic partnership built on a foundation of shared history, democratic values and economic interdependence. This followed Vice President Kashim Shettima’s presence at Senegal’s 65th Independence Day Anniversary held at the Place de la Nation in Dakar on Friday.

VP Shettima had represented President Bola Tinubu at the event where President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal played host to guests from across Africa and beyond. Speaking on the sidelines of the event in Dakar, Nigerian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said there were very strong bilateral ties between Nigeria and Senegal, noting that both countries achieved independence in 1960 and have maintained shared commitments to democratic governance and regional security.

Also on Nigeria’s delegation was Hon. Oluwole Oke, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. “Senegal and Nigeria have very strong bilateral ties. This has been as a result of our shared history and circumstances—both countries attained independence at about the same time in 1960,” the Minister stated. Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasised the need for continued collaboration in democracy, trade, and security between the two countries. She said, “Both countries have remained committed to deepening democratic governance, values, and constitutional governance in the African continent. We have also jointly remained committed in the fight against terrorism and building strong regional institutions.”

The Minister revealed that Senegal accounts for 68.7% of Nigeria’s exports within the ECOWAS market—an indicator of Nigeria’s central role in regional trade. “Senegal takes 68.7% exports from Nigeria within the ECOWAS market,” she disclosed, describing the statistic as a reflection of “mutually beneficial economic cooperation.” 

The driver and conductor of a BRT bus have fled for their lives, abandoning passengers to their fate as a BRT bus caught fire at Maryland, Lagos State, on Saturday morning.

Our correspondent, who was at the scene of the incident, said the bus was coming from Ikorodu, heading to CMS, when the sad incident occurred. As of the time of filing this report, officers of the Nigeria Police Force, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), fire service and the neighbourhood security outfit were already on ground to contain the fire.

One of the passengers on the bus said the fire started as smoke from the driver’s side. According to her, the passengers initially thought the smoke emanated from other buses, however, the small smoke soon worsened, immediately sending them all into panic mode.

“As soon as we saw that the smoke grew bigger, we immediately rushed off the bus before the fire ignited”, she said, adding that none of the passengers sustained any injury. She added that the driver fled the scene immediately after the fire started. “The driver and the conductor ran away. They didn’t even wait to see what would happen to us.

“Definitely, they knew what happened. They knew the bus was bad before putting it on the road and risking our lives,” she alleged. 

Chelsea have confirmed they are in talks with Uefa over their financial sustainability following a potential breach of the governing body's Financial Fair Play rules. The Blues are in talks with Uefa over a settlement relating to their financial results for the year ending June 2024, where the club posted a pre-tax profit of £128.4m, their first since Todd Boehly's Clearlake Capital consortium took ownership of the club.

That figure includes their £200m valuation of their highly successful women's team in a "repositioning" as a separate business from the men's team in a deal with parent company BlueCo at the end of the season. The £200m valuation, which would be a record for a women's team, is yet to be approved by Uefa or the Premier League. On Saturday morning, Chelsea released their detailed accounts which stated the club "has entered into discussions with Uefa regarding mitigating factors affecting their regulatory submissions".

Uefa's laws prohibit any associated party transactions, therefore meaning money generated from selling the women's team would not be included in their Financial Fair Play figures. It would also prohibit the club including the sales of two hotels to a sister company that were used to comply with the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules (PSR) last season. In last season's accounts, the sales of Chelsea's Copthorne and Millenium hotels were valued at £76.3m by the club. Following the Premier League's assessment, the value of the two hotels was reduced by £6m.

Over a three-year period, clubs competing in European competitions are permitted a total loss of €200m (£170.1m) by Uefa. During the 2023/24 season, Chelsea spent £553m on player purchases and generated £208m of income via player sales. 

Three native doctors in Anambra State—Onyebuchi Okocha (aka Onyeze Jesus), Chidozie Nwangwu (aka Akwa Okuko), and Ekene Igboekweze (aka Eke Hit)—were on Friday arraigned before a High Court over alleged involvement in money rituals and aiding criminals.

Presiding Judge, Justice Jude Obiorah, heard the charges, which include preparing charms and rituals believed to be used for criminal purposes. The court was reportedly overcrowded as the defendants were docked separately.

The case was adjourned to April 11, 2025.

Speaking to journalists, defense counsel Remigus Okoli accused the state government of attempting to remand the accused without giving them sufficient time to prepare. Attempts to reach the prosecution team, led by F.C. Okeke, were unsuccessful. 

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has dismissed as false and malicious claims by suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan that he conspired with ex-Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello to assassinate her.

In a statement on Friday, Akpabio’s media aide, Eseme Eyiboh, described the allegation as a dangerous smear campaign aimed at damaging his reputation. He also referenced Natasha’s past unproven allegations of sexual harassment, calling her accusations a pattern of misinformation.

Akpabio further refuted claims by former Senator Elisha Abbo, who accused him of orchestrating his removal from the Senate, labeling both accusations as a coordinated political attack.

He has demanded public apologies and retractions from both individuals or risk legal action. 

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has pledged to present evidence backing her sexual harassment claims against Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

Speaking on *Politics Today* on Channels Television Thursday, she stated, “At the right time and in the right space, I will present the evidence I have against Akpabio.”

Her remarks come amid ongoing controversy following her suspension from the Senate on March 6 over alleged “gross misconduct” tied to a seating dispute with the Senate President.

Following her suspension, Akpoti-Uduaghan accused Akpabio of making inappropriate advances during a December 8, 2023, visit to his residence in Akwa Ibom, alleging he implied she needed to “take care” of him to enjoy favorable treatment in the chamber.