IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

Police on Monday dispersed peaceful protesters with tear gas in the Maitama area of Abuja, as citizens rallied against economic hardship, repression, and alleged abuse of the Cybercrime Act.

The protest, organized by the Take-It-Back Movement in collaboration with civil society groups, coincided with the National Police Day celebration at Eagle Square. Security forces had earlier blocked access to the Three Arms Zone, where top police officials were gathered for the event.

Demonstrators, including activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, carried placards reading “Stop the Repression” and “Let Us Breathe,” accusing the Bola Tinubu administration of rising authoritarianism.

Take-It-Back National Coordinator, Juwon Sanyaolu, cited inflation, insecurity, and the emergency declaration in Rivers State as key grievances.

As of press time, there were no reports of injuries or arrests.

Four persons who were previously detained in connection with the fire incident at the Rivers State House of Assembly have raised fresh allegations, claiming they are being pressured to alter their original statements to implicate Edison Ehie, the Chief of Staff to the suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara.

They are Chime Ezebalike, Kenneth Kpasa, Oladele Lukman, and MacPherson Olumini who were in November last year acquitted of the charges after about six months in Kuje Correctional Facility. At a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Monday, Ezebalike said they were recently contacted by a prominent PDP leader in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area to revise their narrative.

Three of the four acquitted suspects consented to appear on camera during the press briefing. According to them, the request was linked to a wider political scheme, allegedly aimed at corroborating claims made in a press briefing by former Head of Service, George Nwaeke, in Abuja. “We were asked to rewrite our story and falsely name Edison Ehie as the mastermind of the Assembly fire. This is after everything we have been through. We cannot be part of any nefarious plot, especially not after the trauma we endured,” he said.

They said the crime for which they were framed and now want them to rope Edison include the Assembly fire, the gruesome murder of Bako Angbashim, a DPO in the Ahaoda Area, and an alleged assassination attempt on the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martins Amaewhule. 

Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Sweden, focusing on trade, sustainable development, gender equality, and cultural exchange.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, made this known during the visit of Her Royal Highness Victoria, Crown Princess of Sweden, to the ministry on Monday in Abuja. He said the visit was part of ongoing high-level engagements aimed at expanding cooperation in key sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, peacekeeping, and investment.

Tuggar recalled recent diplomatic exchanges, including Vice President Kashim Shettima’s visit to Sweden in October 2024, as a sign of growing ties.

Crown Princess Victoria appreciated Nigeria’s warm reception and reaffirmed Sweden’s commitment to furthering cooperation across multiple sectors. Sweden’s Minister for Infrastructure and Housing, Andreas Carisson, also highlighted ongoing partnerships in ICT and infrastructure, noting that Sweden and Nigeria will mark 65 years of diplomatic relations next year.

The visit included meetings with top Nigerian officials and the official launch of the Swedish Trade Office in Lagos. 

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has intervened in the foreign exchange market with a $197.71 million injection to authorised dealers, following a sharp decline in global oil prices triggered by new U.S. trade tariffs.

Crude prices dropped by over 12%, settling at around $65.50 per barrel, down from over $70, after President Donald Trump imposed sweeping tariffs on multiple countries. OPEC data showed the oil basket price fell to $75.35 on Thursday, down from $77.44 the previous day.

Nigeria, which depends on crude oil exports for 90% of its foreign exchange earnings, is vulnerable to such fluctuations.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the CBN said its action—conducted on Friday—aimed to ensure market stability and sufficient liquidity, in line with its broader objective of maintaining a transparent and efficient forex market.

The apex bank attributed the recent currency market shifts between April 3 and 4 to broader global macroeconomic trends, particularly those affecting emerging and developing economies in response to the U.S. tariff move.

“These global developments have ushered in a period of market adjustments,” the CBN noted, “with falling crude oil prices presenting new challenges for oil-dependent nations like Nigeria.”

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Ted Odogwu, a veteran journalist and correspondent for The Punch newspaper.

In a condolence message issued on Monday by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Tofa, the governor described Odogwu as a seasoned journalist whose extensive career significantly influenced journalism in Kano and beyond.

"On behalf of the government and the good people of Kano State, Governor Yusuf extends heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, and the Correspondents’ Chapel," the statement read.

Odogwu’s death was officially announced by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the NUJ, Kano State Council.

Chairman of the Chapel, Aminu Garko, paid tribute to Odogwu, describing him as a dedicated journalist who served the profession with integrity and passion.

“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our esteemed member, Mr. Ted Odogwu, a correspondent with The Punch. He was known for his professionalism and commitment to journalistic excellence,” the union stated.

The NUJ extended its condolences to Odogwu’s family, The Punch management, and the wider public, describing his loss as a major blow to the journalism community.

“May his legacy continue to inspire others, and may his family find comfort in the enduring impact of his career. May his soul rest in peace,” the statement concluded.

Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has become the first Nigerian to record over 30 goals and 30 assists in the Premier League.

The landmark came in Fulham’s dramatic 3-2 win over Liverpool on Sunday, where Iwobi scored and assisted the decisive goal, bringing his EPL tally to 34 goals and 30 assists.

His standout performance ended Liverpool’s unbeaten away run and lifted Fulham to eighth on the table, keeping their European hopes alive.

Iwobi’s feat marks a new milestone for Nigerian footballers in the English top flight.