IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

A Federal High Court in Abuja has struck out a N50 billion rights violation suit filed by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), against the Federal Government.

Justice Inyang Ekwo dismissed the case on Thursday for lack of diligent prosecution after neither Kanu nor the government was represented in court. The judge noted repeated adjournments due to absence of Kanu’s legal team.

Kanu had sought compensation over his alleged abduction from Kenya and forced return to Nigeria, arguing it violated international and local extradition laws. He also asked for his release from DSS custody and a halt to further prosecution.

The Federal Government opposed the suit, citing a similar case already filed in Umuahia, calling it an abuse of court process. 

In a decisive step toward restoring internal cohesion and reinforcing institutional transparency, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, on Wednesday led a high-powered delegation of the Labour Party (LP) to the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja.

The visit, described as both symbolic and strategic, centered on the formal submission of a Certified True Copy of the recent Supreme Court judgment affirming the recognized leadership of the party. The court ruling is expected to end prolonged internal disputes that have plagued the LP in recent months. Addressing reporters after a closed-door session with INEC officials, Governor Otti emphasized the party’s commitment to due process and democratic norms.

“We came here to present the Supreme Court judgment to INEC and to strengthen collaboration,” he stated. “This move reaffirms our belief in the rule of law, institutional cooperation, and transparent democratic engagement.” INEC’s Acting Chairman, Mr. Sam Olumekun, who received the delegation alongside National Commissioners, welcomed the gesture and reaffirmed the Commission’s dedication to legal compliance and neutrality.

“INEC remains neutral and committed to transparency and the rule of law,” Olumekun said. “We have received the court’s judgment and will act accordingly in line with our mandate.” The Labour Party has been embroiled in a leadership crisis that prompted a series of legal battles, ultimately culminating in the Supreme Court’s decisive intervention. Political analysts view Wednesday’s engagement as a significant step toward party stability and a sign of maturity in political leadership.

The development is also seen as part of the LP’s broader strategy to consolidate its post-2023 general election gains and reposition itself as a strong and organized opposition force in Nigeria’s political landscape. 

The Board of Directors of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) has approved a combined financing package of €230 million and $10 million to boost socio-economic growth and regional development across West Africa. This was disclosed in a statement issued by the bank on Tuesday following the conclusion of its 91st Ordinary Board Meeting, held under the chairmanship of Dr. George Agyekum Donkor, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of EBID.

EBID is the financial arm of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The bank provides long-term financing for both public and private sector projects across the 15 ECOWAS member states.These latest disbursements are part of EBID’s ongoing efforts to mobilise capital for transformative projects, especially in underfunded sectors across West Africa.

A breakdown of the approved funding showed that a $50 million line of credit was approved to Sterling Bank Limited, Nigeria, aimed at supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The funds will be deployed across critical sectors such as health, education, agriculture, renewable energy, and transport, in line with Nigeria’s development objectives and the bank’s pro-SME strategy.

In the Republic of Benin, Bénin Cashew SA received a €10 million facility to co-finance the construction of five cashew nut processing plants and a cashew balsam production unit located in the Glo-Djigbe industrial zone. The project is expected to handle 50% of Benin’s national cashew production, while creating 1,666 permanent and daily jobs under the government’s Strategic Plan for the Development of the Agricultural Sector (PSDSA).

EBID also approved a $180 million credit line to Mota-Engil Nigeria to support the Kano-Maradi standard gauge railway project. This strategic infrastructure will link Northern Nigeria to the Republic of Niger, enhancing cross-border trade, economic integration, and mobility. The rail project is projected to create over 100,000 jobs during the construction phase and 20,000 permanent jobs once operations commence. 

In a significant move towards fostering sustainable sports growth in Nigeria, the newly appointed board Chairman of NNPC Limited, Engr. Musa Kida, held a strategic meeting with the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, on Tuesday in Abuja.

The meeting, held at the NSC headquarters, centered on forging a partnership between the country’s leading oil corporation and the sports regulatory body, with the aim of strengthening the sports ecosystem across Nigeria. Speaking after the meeting, Hon. Olopade expressed his enthusiasm about the potential collaboration, describing the discussions as "fruitful" and timely.

“We are thrilled to have someone like Engr. Musa Kida at the helm of affairs at NNPC,” Olopade said. “His deep involvement in sports, particularly as the President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, makes this an exciting time for Nigerian sports. This partnership could significantly boost our efforts to build a sustainable sports economy.” The DG emphasized that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has charged the Commission with revamping Nigerian sports through the creation of a thriving ecosystem. He believes Kida’s appointment aligns perfectly with this mission.

“Having someone so passionate about sports leading the NNPC is a major win. We’ve already started identifying areas of synergy that can help accelerate our objectives,” he added. Engr. Kida, who has long been associated with sports development through his role in basketball, echoed the DG’s sentiments. He noted that the meeting reflects a shared vision to harness sports as a key component of national development.

“As President of the NBBF, I’ve seen firsthand the positive changes under the current NSC leadership. Their support for basketball has been instrumental, and it makes it even easier for NNPC to align with their transformative vision for Nigerian sports,” he said. The meeting is seen as a promising step under the “Renewed Hope” agenda of the current administration, aimed at building strong institutional collaborations that will benefit Nigerian youth and the sports industry at large. 

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has dissolved the board of the Ondo State Football Agency, relieving Executive Chairman Dele Ologun and others of their duties with immediate effect.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ebenezer Adeniyan, the governor also announced the appointment of a caretaker committee led by Tokunbo Akinyelure to oversee Sunshine Stars Football Club. The team is expected to report directly to the Governor’s Office and revamp the club’s performance. 

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to the ongoing Naira-for-Crude initiative involving Dangote and other local refineries.

In a post shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Wednesday, the Federal Ministry of Finance confirmed that the policy remains in effect.

According to the ministry, stakeholders have restated their support for the full implementation of the initiative, in line with directives from the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

“The Crude and Refined Product Sales in Naira initiative is not a temporary measure,” the ministry stated, “but a strategic policy aimed at promoting local refining, enhancing energy security, and reducing dependence on foreign exchange in the domestic petroleum sector.”

The ministry also acknowledged the possibility of implementation challenges, noting that such issues are being addressed through collaborative efforts among all relevant parties.