Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories;
1. A Kwara State High Court in Ilorin has found all five defendants guilty in the 2018 Offa robbery case. Justice Haleema Salman ruled that the defendants were guilty of illegal possession of firearms, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, armed robbery, and conspiracy to commit culpable homicide, which is punishable by death. Over 30 people, including police officers, were killed in the robbery. The case has been ongoing since 2018. The police confirmed the arrest of two key suspects, who confessed to being gang leaders involved in the attack.
2. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State has suspended its political campaign for the upcoming local elections following the death of the First Lady, Patience Eno. Mrs. Eno passed away on 26 September 2024 in a hospital after an undisclosed illness. The party expressed deep sorrow and offered condolences to Governor Umo Eno and his family. The PDP halted campaign activities out of respect for the First Lady and asked supporters and the public for understanding during this mourning period. The state government also confirmed the news, requesting privacy for the grieving family.
2. Former President Goodluck Jonathan and the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, disagreed publicly over Sanusi’s dismissal as Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor. In a co-authored book, Sanusi claimed Jonathan sacked him for exposing an alleged $49.8 billion theft. Jonathan countered, stating Sanusi was suspended due to Financial Reporting Council (FRC) queries regarding CBN expenses, not whistleblowing, and he would have been reinstated if his term hadn’t expired. Jonathan also dismissed claims of the $49.8 billion loss, noting inconsistencies in Sanusi’s figures, and emphasized no such large amount could have been stolen unnoticed. Sanusi, however, maintained Jonathan constructively dismissed him. Additionally, Sanusi expressed frustration over obstacles facing the Dangote Refinery due to vested interests. The event also marked the launch of the Shamsuddeen Usman Foundation, which focused on education and artificial intelligence.
4. At the 11th All-Africa University Games, Team UNILAG secured double gold in the women’s 4x100m and 4x400m relay events, dominating their local rivals, Lagos State University and Lagos State University of Science and Technology. However, Ghanaian universities excelled in other athletics events. The University of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), and the University of Development Studies took the top three spots in the men’s 4x100m relay. KNUST’s Janet Mensah won double gold in the women’s 100m and 200m, while Aremu Adeyemi of Federal University Oye-Ekiti won the men’s 100m. The University of Ghana’s Williams Kwaku triumphed in the men’s 200m. The Games, co-hosted by UNILAG and Lagos State University, will conclude on September 29
5. The Nigerian government has suspended several senior officials of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) following allegations of bribery involving crossdresser Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky. The suspensions occurred after a leaked audio, shared by social media influencer Martins ‘VeryDarkMan’ Otse, revealed Bobrisky’s claims that the EFCC dropped money laundering charges against him for ₦15 million. He also alleged that he served his prison sentence in a private apartment, facilitated by his godfather’s contact with the NCoS Comptroller General. The Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board suspended officers from Kirikiri Custodial Centre, Lagos, and other regions. Investigations have been launched by the EFCC, the NCoS, and the House of Representatives into the alleged corruption. Bobrisky had been sentenced to six months for naira abuse but was reportedly released early under suspicious circumstances.
