IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

 In a landmark move for the country’s digital sports sector, the National Sports Commission (NSC) has officially inaugurated the board of the E-Sports Federation of Nigeria. The event, held on Friday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, underscores Nigeria’s commitment to embracing the global esports industry.

During his keynote address, NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko emphasized the federation's mission to position Nigeria competitively on the international esports stage while providing opportunities for young Nigerians in the fast-growing digital sports ecosystem. Speaking to the media after the inauguration, NSC Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade highlighted the transformative potential of esports in Nigeria.

"Esports will energize and encourage the youth to thrive in the digital space. It is a sport that engages millions, with stakeholders estimating its reach at around 46 million individuals," Olopade stated. He acknowledged the long-standing challenges in unifying Nigeria’s esports community and emphasized that the establishment of the federation is a crucial step in leveraging a global industry valued at nearly $30 billion.

"For about six years, there has been a struggle to organize the E-Sports Federation. Unifying esports stakeholders to work as one is a step in the right direction. I congratulate the NSC and all Nigerians—it’s the beginning of great things for the sports industry," he added. Olopade further reiterated that sports, including esports, hold immense potential for job creation and economic development.

"As a former Commissioner for Sports, I can authoritatively say that sports is a powerful tool for job creation, youth engagement, and national development. We want every sport to be an influential contributor to our country’s GDP." The banking sector has also signaled its support for this initiative. Speaking at the event, Dr. Olasupo Olusi, MD/CEO of the Bank of Industry, assured stakeholders that the financial sector is ready to back the newly established esports federation.

The newly inaugurated board consists of 13 members, with Yahaya Maikori serving as President and Pedro Damilola as Chief Operating Officer (COO). Other board members include:

Emmanuel Oyelakin

Sunny Gullong

Sidney Esiri

Suzan Adenoyi

Ikechukwu Okoye

Kunmi Adenipebi (Technical Representative)

Tunde Onakoya (International Representative)

Musa Sanusi (Athlete Representative)

Rita Izoje (NAWIS Representative)

Clinton Agbor (NAFA Representative/Vice President)

The establishment of the E-Sports Federation of Nigeria marks a new era for digital sports in the country, setting the stage for greater investment, youth participation, and international recognition. 

Nigerian banks have stocked their ATMs with cash following the implementation of a N100 withdrawal fee on March 1, 2025, in line with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s revised policy.

Under the new structure, withdrawals from an individual's bank’s ATMs remain free, but customers using other banks' ATMs will be charged N100 for withdrawals of N20,000 or less at on-site ATMs (located within bank premises). Off-site ATMs, such as those in malls or fuel stations, will incur an additional surcharge of up to N500 per transaction. International withdrawals will attract cost-recovery-based charges.

A survey of ATMs across Lagos showed that most banks had updated their machines to notify users of the new charges before processing withdrawals.

Meanwhile, customers have expressed frustration over the additional cost, citing economic hardship. The Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) have condemned the policy, urging the CBN and the government to suspend the charges. They argue that the new fees further burden already struggling Nigerians.

The CBN has advised customers to use their bank’s ATMs or alternative payment channels, such as mobile apps and POS devices, to avoid the charges. 

The Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) has identified major obstacles to implementing the July 11, 2024, Supreme Court ruling on local government autonomy.

Key Challenges:

749 out of 774 local governments have yet to submit their bank account details, a key requirement for receiving direct allocations.

Determining which LGAs have democratically elected leadership remains a challenge.

Government Efforts to Resolve Issues:

The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) Technical Sub-Committee discussed the issue during a recent meeting chaired by AGF Oluwatoyin Madein.

The OAGF and the Attorney General’s Office have begun discussions to address the setbacks.

Only Delta State’s 25 local governments have submitted their account details so far.

CBN’s Role & ALGON’s Concerns:

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has started profiling local government chairmen and bank signatories to ensure financial accountability.

However, the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) claims they have not been contacted for signatory verification.

Supreme Court Ruling & Current Status:

The Supreme Court ruled on July 11, 2024, that state governors can no longer control local government funds.

The Accountant-General was directed to pay allocations directly to LGAs.

Eight months later, financial autonomy is yet to take effect, with the delay linked to unresolved administrative issues.

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has assured residents that his administration will implement the Supreme Court’s recent judgment after reviewing its Certified True Copy (CTC). 

The ruling invalidated the October 2024 local government elections and ordered the suspension of federal allocations to the state’s councils. In response, Fubara directed Heads of Local Government Administration to take over pending fresh elections. The judgment has sparked reactions from South-South leaders, with some calling for a political resolution while others criticize the court's decision. 

Kaduna – The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has voiced concern over the ongoing dispute in the 10th Senate involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Prof. Tukur A. Muhammad-Baba, the ACF acknowledged the gravity of the allegations of sexual harassment and intimidation raised by Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, which have fueled public debate.

The group warned that various reactions, including statements from Akpoti-Uduaghan’s husband, could damage the National Assembly’s reputation. It also expressed concern that the dispute may be undermining the representation of Kogi Central in the Senate.

Additionally, the ACF raised fears of bias against Northern Senators, citing recent sanctions targeting lawmakers from the region. The group urged an independent and transparent investigation to ensure fairness and prevent political interference.

The forum called on the Senate to refocus on lawmaking, especially as Nigerians face economic hardships. It also urged the Northern Caucus to support Akpoti-Uduaghan in securing a fair hearing and demanded that the National Assembly uphold integrity and discipline.

Emphasizing the need to protect the Senate’s credibility, the ACF urged all involved parties to prioritize national interest and preserve the institution’s integrity both locally and internationally. 

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 42-year-old Angolan businessman, Mbala Dajou Abuba, at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) in Kano for attempting to smuggle a substantial quantity of cocaine to Istanbul, Turkey.

According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, Abuba, a native of Zaire province in Angola, was apprehended on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, while undergoing security screening before boarding Egypt Air flight MS 880 en route to Istanbul via Cairo.

A body scan confirmed that he had ingested illicit substances, leading to his placement under observation. Over seven excretions, he expelled 120 pellets of cocaine weighing 1.829 kilograms.

In his confession, Abuba admitted to previously operating a township delivery service in Angola before venturing into drug trafficking.

Meanwhile, in a separate operation, NDLEA operatives intercepted Okeke Ebuka Igwe, an auto spare parts dealer, attempting to smuggle 1.10kg of cocaine hidden in vehicle propellers to Angola via the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos. Acting on intelligence, officers arrested him on Monday, February 24.

Similarly, a large consignment of 5.40kg of cocaine bound for Owerri, Imo State, was intercepted in a Toyota Sienna on Sunday, February 23. The suspect, Ezechi Iyke Cyprian, was arrested after weeks of surveillance.

At the Tincan seaport in Lagos, NDLEA operatives uncovered 128 parcels of Canadian Loud, a potent cannabis strain, hidden in two mattresses inside a Toyota Venza imported from Canada. The 63.75kg consignment was discovered during a joint inspection of a targeted container from Montreal. The consignee, 44-year-old Bamidele Joseph, was taken into custody.

Nationwide Drug Crackdown

In Delta State, NDLEA operatives, backed by the military, raided a forest plantation in the Innam-Abbi/Orogun community, Ndokwa West LGA, destroying over 50,000kg of cannabis cultivated on 20 hectares. Five suspects were arrested during the operation.

In another Delta operation, a Mercedes-Benz truck carrying 101 bags of skunk, weighing 1,111kg, was intercepted along the Abraka-Orogun road on Friday, February 28.

Elsewhere, NDLEA officers in Edo State raided a warehouse in Okpuje, Owan West LGA, where over 100 jumbo bags of skunk were seized. Two suspects, Oikelomen Osere Monday, 38, and Glory Iroyo, 42, were arrested.

Additional arrests included:

Ibadan, Oyo State: Michael Omoloki, 46, caught with 58.5kg of skunk.

Ilorin, Kwara State: Lawali Mohammed, a Beninese national, arrested with 2,980 tramadol tablets.

Osun State: Sunday Ogbu, 45, detained with 1.05kg of skunk concealed in detergent and biscuit cartons.

Zamfara State: Ayuba Mustapha, 30, caught with 24,700 tramadol pills.

Borno State: Mustapha Shettima, 50, arrested with 31kg of skunk, 1,000 tramadol pills, and N720,000 in cash.

Kano State: Adamu Idris, 40, nabbed with 140 blocks of cannabis weighing 73.5kg.

NDLEA also intensified its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, conducting sensitization programs in schools, religious centers, workplaces, and communities across the country.

NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), praised the agency’s operatives for their relentless efforts in combating drug trafficking and ensuring a balanced approach to supply and demand reduction.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has closed Runway 18R/36L at Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, for rehabilitation work. The closure began at 3 a.m. on Monday to facilitate the asphalt phase of repairs on the A2 Taxiway link.

FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs. Obiageli Orah, confirmed the development in a statement, assuring that flight operations will not be affected as all flights will be diverted to the alternative Runway 18L/36R.

She reiterated FAAN’s commitment to ensuring the safety, security, and comfort of airport users. 

The Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 11 suspected internet fraudsters in Niger State.  

The suspects were apprehended on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at White Hotel, Chanchangi Local Government Area, following credible intelligence on their alleged involvement in online fraud.  

During the operation, two vehicles and 13 mobile phones of various brands were recovered. The EFCC emphasized that the arrest was conducted professionally and in accordance with the law, dismissing any claims of misconduct.  

The suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations. 

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has seized more than 350 vehicles across the country within a month for using unauthorized number plates.

FRSC’s Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, revealed this in an interview with journalists on Monday in Abuja.

The nationwide operation, which commenced on February 3, aims to clamp down on vehicles with fake registration numbers and the illegal use of number plates by private, commercial, government, and diplomatic vehicles.

Ogungbemide stated that the initiative seeks to enhance road safety and strengthen national security, as the proliferation of fake number plates poses serious security threats and hampers law enforcement.

He explained that the initial phase of the operation, which lasted two weeks in Abuja, was later expanded to all states of the federation, leading to the seizure of 350 vehicles within a month.

According to him, some impounded vehicles bore fake diplomatic numbers and unrecognized number plates, raising concerns about their origin and authorization.

"The enforcement is still ongoing because this is not just a road safety issue; it is also a security matter," Ogungbemide said. "The uncontrolled use of fraudulent number plates is a serious security risk, and that is why we are determined to address it."

The FRSC spokesperson advised vehicle owners to obtain number plates legally through the National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS), stressing that the process is straightforward and affordable.

He also warned against the use of unauthorized fancy number plates, emphasizing that while such plates are allowed under the NVIS, they must be acquired through official channels to prevent security risks.

Ogungbemide reiterated the FRSC’s commitment to ensuring that all vehicles on Nigerian roads comply with legal registration requirements.

He urged the public to cooperate with FRSC officials and report any suspicious number plates to the nearest FRSC office. 

The Ondo State Police Command has launched an investigation into the assassination of Ismaila Awoyinka, a businessman who was killed in Ore, Odigbo Local Government Area of the state.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Funmilayo Odunlami, confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Okitipupa, stating that efforts are underway to unravel the circumstances surrounding the killing.

Residents of Ore were left in shock following Awoyinka’s assassination by unknown gunmen. The incident occurred on Saturday near his home, opposite Caring Heart Mega School in the Idi Mango area of Ore.

According to an eyewitness, the businessman—who dealt in building materials—was ambushed shortly after performing the Taraweeh prayer, a special prayer observed during Ramadan.

“He had just left the mosque at 8:35 p.m. when some men dressed in white arrived on a motorcycle. As he approached his residence, they shot him at close range,” the eyewitness recounted.

News of his death spread quickly, drawing a large crowd of sympathizers to his home, many of whom were left in disbelief.

Reacting to the tragedy, Taiwo Adegoroye, Chairman of Odigbo LGA, expressed deep concern over the worsening security situation, describing Awoyinka’s murder as a great loss. 

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on the Federal Government to probe the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) over the delay in paying corps members the newly approved N77,000 monthly allowance.

NANS expressed disappointment that, despite the FG’s approval of the allowance increase from N33,000 to N77,000 in July 2024, corps members are yet to receive the new amount.

According to the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Yushau Ahmed, the delay is due to the non-release of funds.

In a statement issued on Sunday by NANS National Vice President, Inter-Campus Affairs, Felicia Akinbodunse, the student body insisted that the NYSC must be investigated for failing to implement the new corps members’ allowance by the end of February, as earlier promised by the DG.

Akinbodunse questioned the reason behind the delay, noting that corps members only received N33,000 for February’s allowance instead of the expected N77,000.

She emphasized that while FG and many state governments have already started paying the new minimum wage of N70,000, there is no justification for the NYSC’s failure to implement the approved increase for corps members.

Describing the situation as unfair, she called on the NYSC to explain the delay and urged the Federal Government to intervene to ensure corps members receive their entitlements.

Akinbodunse warned that failing to pay the new allowance could demoralize corps members, especially amid the country’s challenging economic conditions.

She further stated that NANS leadership would engage with the NYSC to seek answers regarding the non-implementation of the new allowance, noting that NYSC staff are already benefiting from the increased wages. 

At least six people have been killed in a fresh attack by suspected armed herdsmen on Tse Ugema Chul, Mbakesa community, Ugbaam in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.

The attack occurred on Saturday night, forcing many residents to flee the area.

A local source, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that seven bodies had been recovered, while several others remain missing.

It was gathered that the violence erupted after local youths mobilized to chase away cattle that had strayed onto their farmlands, destroying crops.

The source explained, “As the youths attempted to drive out the cattle, gunmen who had been waiting in ambush opened fire, killing some of them. So far, six bodies have been recovered.”

After the killings, the attackers reportedly looted farm produce and destroyed properties in the community.

One of the victims, Michael Adeke, had recently posted on Facebook about repeated attacks in the area by armed herders, calling on residents to defend themselves.

The Chairman of Ukum LGA, Mr. Jonathan Modi, who visited the scene, confirmed the attack, stating, “I am in Zaki Biam right now, and I am deeply pained by what happened. I cannot speak at the moment.”

However, the Benue State Police Command Spokesperson, CSP Catherine Anene, said she was yet to receive an official briefing on the incident. 

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar says late Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, lived a worthy life, describing his death as a monumental loss to Nigeria. Atiku said this when he paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Yoruba leader on Sunday with his entourage.

“It is quite true that this house has hosted me a couple of times. What did I take away from this house? The virtues that Pa Adebanjo lived and preached throughout his life,” Atiku said. He added, “So, it is a matter of honor, respect that after his demise we should come and pay respect to his life, his works, his contributions to the unity and peaceful coexistence of this country.

“His loss is a monumental loss to the immediate family and to those of us who have admired him and tried to emulate his ways of life and his belief in the unity of this country. “Therefore, it is my singular honour and privilege to identify with his immediate family in this grave and irreparable loss which has affected the family. “We all have to go one day but with some God, he lived a worthy life and a life that can rarely be compared to so many people.

“Therefore, on behalf of the very short entourage that has accompanied me here, we are here to condone the family to let you know that we share your loss because he was also a father to us.

“He was a father, he was an adviser, he was a guide in what we have set to do for this country, and he has always made sure that he told us the truth and nothing but the truth So we will continue to honour him. What I mean by honoring him is to honor the family he left behind.” 

+ Njoku Macdonald Obinna 

Owerri, Imo State.

Media propaganda has been a veritable tool adopted by most politicians who use both hack writers and paid media herlings to influence public perception and opinion; which, if not thoroughly checkmated and tackled headon, may heat up the polity, incite people against themselves, deepen misunderstanding, and inspire anarchy.

Reading through a hurriedly - written response by a certain Prof. Mark Anyanwu, whose claims to be a lecturer at the Bowen University-Iwo is still in doubt, against Dr. Chima Amadi (Mazi Gburugburu) ; rave of the moment and the new conservation of Imo politics: my attention, was once again, drawn to yet another fictious, invented fiction, and politically sponsored story by one Ikecukwu Iwuagwu; with the caption: `` Exposing Chima Amadi: The Billionaire Without A Traceable Source Of Income``, making it the 14th sponsored stories in the last four days cooked up against one man whose only crime is showing interest in running for Imo topmost governorship seat through the activities of The Mazi Organization (TMO); a fast growing socio-political movement that serves as a catalyst for sensitization, humanitrian outreach, advocacy for good governance, and also a launch pad for his guber project.

While many erroneously think he is a political neophyte and Jonny Just Come (JJC); Dr. Chima Mathew Amadi has come a long way in the private sector; a silent achiever, a dangerous giver without noise, a powerful bridge builder, a renowed scholar of international repute, respected community leader, and uncommon philantropist who doesn't play to the gallery, or make boast about his achievements but keeps leveraging his rich contacts within the corridors of power and across government's institutions to assist the key political players in Imo and beyond. 

To those who have known him in the last 20 years and still counting; they can confidently tell you of a workaholic , consistent, dogged, and result -oriented business maverick and serial entrepreneur who started his life's trajectory as a major dealer of staple food supply -chain from the North where he would buy these products direct from farms in large quantities, load them in about five heavy duty lorries , transport them to Abuja, before wholesalers would gather to purchase these farm produce. Without Chima Amadi most families may not eat stock fish (okporoko). This is one of the few shocking surprises to those who are questioning his source of wealth as this man has been a major importer of stockfish in Nigeria. This claim is verifiable.

While others were grossly involved in party politics and contracts lobbying, Dr. Chima Mathew Amadi was busy building his business empire with interests spanning; agriculture, telecommunications, media, real estate, management consultancy, and finance. He also devouted ample time to rigorously pursue his academics; acquiring degrees from Nigerian Universities, in United States of America, as well as United Kingdom, which served as a fulcrum to establish one of the leading civil society and advocacy groups in Nigeria; ISDMG.

The Independent Service Delivery Monitoring Group, an intellectual initiative of Dr. Chima Amadi, is a Civil Society Organization birthed with the sole purpose of assisting the people in ensuring that effective service is rendered by government institutions especially those that have been mandated with specific statutory functions.

Aspiring for Imo topmost seat in government is no small feat. It demands adequate preparation, resilience, foresight, and an unwavering commitment to excellence and leadership. Dr. Chima Amadi (Mazi Gburugburu) is quite aware of all this , and also quite aware that power would not be handed over to anyone on a platter of gold just like success, little wonder, he committed his time over the years to building his business conglomerate, expanding his network, acquiring degrees, attending leadership courses overseas, and silently empowering men in politics and entreprenurship. 

 His growing popularity in the Imo political space is not a surprise to keen observers of his journey through life and silent involvement in enthroning political leaders , especially, at the national level as he is little known back home.

To the conservative, there are lasting lessons to learn from the driving passion for service, socio-economic philosophy, leadership style and political trajectory of Dr. Chima Mathew Amadi. 

Today, he stands out as one of the frontline contenders for Douglas House ahead 2027, judging by his robust political engagements, humanitrian outreach and social activities. No sane mind would deny this even if you are not rooting for him. 

While he is dogged and courageous in any people - orinted good cause, Dr. Chima Mathew Amadi is a peerless brand of humility, integrity, financial discipline, prudence, love for the poor, honesty of purpose, candour and a patriotic fervor still uncommon in Nigeria's effervescent political horizon.

A brand , according to marketing expert and newspaper Columnist with The Punch, Azuka Onwuka, `` is the sum total of the relationships a company, product, service or even a person has with the customers``. It is not a mere living or breathing organism but an experience - a worthy one at that . And so it is with Dr. Chima Amadi. A glimpse at some of the instances when and where he had demonstrated the afforementioned leadership qualities would serve as an enduring guide. 

Dr. Chima Amadi recognizes that in every religion, including the metaphysics that the spirits are the harbingers of both fortunes and misfortunes that visit mankind , thus, he chose to toe the path of transcendental virtues of charity, honesty, humility, and passionate service to mankind: contrary to those who indulge in vices of hate, envy, anger, callousness, smear campaign of calumny, and pull him down syndrome. 

Mazi Gburugburu has made men and built powerful institutions, and through his appropriate engagements and relentless service to humanity, has also built a formidable wall of goodwill around himself. 

Let other contenders present their report cards, we are here to do justice to them! 

Njoku Macdonald Obinna`is a Media Consultant|Newspaper Columnist|Public Analyst|PR- Expert and Independent Publisher. 

Ekaette Akpabio, wife of Nigeria’s Senate President, has filed multiple lawsuits against Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan at the Federal High Court in Abuja, citing breach of fundamental rights and defamation over statements made by the Kogi Central senator on Arise News.  

In one of the suits, Mrs. Akpabio is seeking a perpetual injunction to restrain Akpoti-Uduaghan from making further allegedly scandalous statements. She is also demanding N250 billion in punitive damages for the alleged infringement of her fundamental rights and an additional N1 billion in damages for the purported harm caused by the defamatory remarks.  

Another lawsuit specifically challenges Akpoti-Uduaghan’s claim on Arise News that Senate President Godswill Akpabio made sexual advances toward her, arguing that the statement has damaged her reputation and that of her family.  

Mrs. Akpabio is also asking the court to order a formal retraction of the statements and an unconditional apology published in two national newspapers, including ThisDay. 

... as Onyeocha lauds Governor Uzodimma. 

The National Sports Festival Zonal Elimination for team teams have come and gone as Imo State came tops from South-East claiming Gold in male and female category in all featured sports except in football where they yielded for the silver medal. 

Some of the Imo contingents on returning from Enugu, venue for the games praised the efforts of the Honorable Commissioner for Sports Development in Imo State, Hon. Obinna Onyeocha for galvanizing support and boosting their morale before their departure to Enugu. 

According to Chibuzor, a volleyball player, "The Honorable Commissioner really tried for us. He made sure our journey to Enugu was worthwhile and we have rewarded him with Gold Medals. This is first of its kind". 

Also Obi a football player eulogized the Commissioner for his kind heartedness and described him as a Saviour of Sports in Imo state. "It has never happened before in Imo State where we go for games and return with only gold Medals. The Commissioner is God sent", he noted. 

Welcoming the Imo contingents, the Honorable Commissioner thanked them for making the state proud with their performance at Enugu and tasked them to replicate same feat during the National Sports Festival that will be holding in Ogun State in a matter of weeks. 

He appreciated the efforts and large heart of His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma who he described as a Sports Ambassador who have revolutionalized Sports in the State. "The Sports loving Governor has yet again shown that sports must thrive in our state through continued support and encouragements.

It will be recalled that 5 states of the South-East participated in the games with Imo State sweeping Gold Medals in Abula, Basketball, Cricket, Football, Handball, Hockey, Beach Volleyball and Volleyball except for Football (Female category) where they settled for the silver medal. 

Liverpool announced a pre-tax loss of £57 million ($72 million) for the 2023/24 season, attributing the setback to their absence from the Champions League and rising operational expenses.

Despite the loss, the club’s overall revenue increased by £20 million to £614 million, with commercial revenue surging by £36 million to £308 million. However, a £38 million drop in media revenue contributed to a second consecutive year in the red.

Liverpool’s failure to qualify for the Champions League for the first time since 2016/17 impacted finances, though matchday income grew by £22 million following the expansion of the Anfield Road stand. Staff costs, including wages and bonuses, rose by £13 million to £386 million, partly due to incentives for Champions League qualification and their League Cup victory in Jürgen Klopp’s final season.

Severance payments for Klopp and his coaching staff totaled £9.6 million, while the departures of high earners like Roberto Firmino, Fabinho, and Jordan Henderson helped ease the wage bill. The club also invested around £150 million in new signings, including Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo, and Ryan Gravenberch.

Finance officer Jenny Beacham emphasized the club’s commitment to financial sustainability, citing the importance of increasing revenue streams to balance rising costs.

Currently, Liverpool is on track for a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title, leading the Premier League by 13 points with 10 games remaining. They are also set to face Newcastle in the League Cup final on March 16 and will play Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League last 16. 

The Supreme Court on Friday ruled that the local government election held in Rivers State on October 5, 2024, was invalid, illegal, null, and void. The election, won by the All Peoples Party (APP), was annulled due to non-compliance with legal requirements.

Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Jamilu Tukur stated that the Rivers State Electoral Commission disregarded essential legal procedures, violating Section 150 of the Electoral Act 2022.

Prior to the election, an Abuja Federal High Court had, on September 30, 2024, barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from providing the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) with the voters’ register for the election. The court also prohibited the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Department of State Services (DSS) from providing security for the polls.

Justice Peter Lifu, who delivered the Federal High Court ruling, stated that RSIEC acted unlawfully by setting the election date for October 5, 2024, without adhering to necessary legal provisions.

Key violations cited include:

Failure to publish the mandatory 90-day election notice as required by law.

Inadequate update and revision of the voters’ register before setting an election date.

As a result, the court ordered INEC not to release the certified voter register until all legal requirements were fulfilled. It also barred RSIEC from using any voter register for the election. 

Former lawmaker Shehu Sani has expressed disappointment over the ongoing dispute between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, stating that it is unfortunate the issue has now shifted to matters of the “bed.”

His comment follows Akpoti-Uduaghan’s allegation of sexual harassment against Akpabio during an interview on Arise Television’s Morning Show. She claimed that Akpabio obstructed her motions in the Senate after she rejected his advances.

However, Akpabio denied the accusation through his media consultant, Kenny Okulogbo.

Reacting to the controversy, Sani urged for caution and restraint, posting on his X handle:

"It’s unfortunate that the Senate issue was simply about seat and now about bed. Need for caution and restraint." 

A Delta State High Court in Warri has ruled against the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), declaring the 16-year minimum age requirement for university admission unconstitutional.

Presiding over Suit No: W/311/FHR/2024, Justice Anthony Akpovi ruled in favor of John Aikpokpo-Martins, a former chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Warri Branch, who challenged JAMB’s restriction on the basis of constitutional rights.

Aikpokpo-Martins argued that the restriction violated Sections 18(1) and 42 of the Nigerian Constitution, which mandate equal educational opportunities and prohibit discrimination. He sought several declarations and orders, including:

Nullification of JAMB’s October 16, 2024, circular, which enforced the 16-year age restriction.

A directive for universities to admit candidates who turn 16 between January 1 and December 31, 2025, provided they meet other admission criteria.

A perpetual injunction preventing authorities from denying university admission based solely on age.

While granting Aikpokpo-Martins’ reliefs, the court, however, refused his request for damages.