Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories;
1. Around 50 members of the House of Representatives, under the Concerned Federal Lawmakers for Peace and Security in the South-East, have urged President Bola Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), from the custody of the Department of State Services. In a letter dated June 19, 2024, the lawmakers asked the President to invoke Section 174 of the Nigerian Constitution and Section 107(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015. They believe releasing Kanu would address insecurity in the South-East, promote national unity, and open doors for dialogue and peace in the region. They noted that similar gestures have been extended to figures like Omoyele Sowore and Sunday Igboho, resulting in positive outcomes. The detained IPOB leader also expressed his willingness to settle out of court with the Federal Government
2. The Federal High Court in Abuja has set today, for the trial of former Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano on charges of N4 billion security vote fraud, brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The trial, presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo, follows the dismissal of Obiano’s motion to quash the charges. Obiano, who was arraigned on January 24, 2024, and pleaded not guilty, allegedly diverted over N1.2 billion from state security votes to a private company, violating the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act. His lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), argued that there was no evidence of his client directing the disbursement of these funds. However, Justice Ekwo ruled that proof of evidence is not necessary at this stage and affirmed the EFCC’s authority to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. Obiano, who was placed on the EFCC’s watchlist and arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport after his tenure ended in 2022, had delayed the trial by challenging the court’s jurisdiction
3. Reports have emerged that President Bola Tinubu has approved N35 billion for the student loan scheme, targeting 70,000 applications initially, with an additional 50,000 applications expected to be approved within the next 30 days. This initiative aims to benefit 1.2 million students in its first phase, providing financial support for school fees and stipends. Federal institution students will be the first beneficiaries, followed by state institution students. The loan application portal opened on May 24, 2024, and remains open due to varying academic calendars. Applicants must also provide their JAMB admission letter, NIN, and BVN to qualify for the funds
4. Farooq Oreagba, Managing Director of NG Clearing Limited, discussed his battle with cancer in an interview, revealing how it changed his perspective on life. Diagnosed with incurable multiple myeloma in 2014, he prioritized family and found fulfillment in counseling other cancer patients. Oreagba also spoke of his participation in the Ojude Oba Festival. According to him, the festival held cultural significance and had the potential to benefit Nigeria economically if properly managed. He stressed the need for improved infrastructure to support tourism related to such festivals. Despite his health challenges, Oreagba remains active and passionate about his work and life.
5. A fire broke out at the headquarters of Christ Embassy Church in Ikeja, Lagos State, early on Sunday, June 23, 2024. Eyewitnesses and videos on social media confirmed the incident. The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service responded at 07:27 and arrived by 07:36 to extinguish the flames. The police, led by spokesperson SP Benjamin Hundeyin, have cordoned off the area to ensure safety. The Fire Service assured the public that the fire was under control and no casualties had been reported. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
6. The Lagos State Police Command on Sunday, clarified that actress Laide Bakare was fined N70,000 for driving on a BRT lane, contrary to her claims of police harassment. Bakare had accused the police of driving away her vehicle with her daughter inside and demanding the fine payment. However, police spokesman Benjamin Hundeyin displayed the receipt for the fine on his X page, confirming the offense. Hundeyin stated that Bakare created a scene and chose to stay out of her vehicle when it was taken to the LASTMA office, but no force was used against her. Bakare’s viral Instagram post on Sunday accused the police of brutality and targeting vulnerable people, but the police maintain that due process was followed
7. Nigerian music star David Adeleke, widely known as Davido, has shared pre-wedding photos with his partner Chioma Rowland in anticipation of their wedding set for Tuesday. Davido, the CEO of 30 Billion Gang (30 BG), posted the elegant photos on social media, accompanied by the hashtag “#CHIVIDO2024”. Their announcement last week has generated significant excitement among their fans. The couple, whose love story dates back several years.
