Blessing CEO Arraigned in Lagos Over Alleged N36 Million Fraud

By: Naija prime media on May 15, 2026 / comment : 0

The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday filed a two-count charge against her, bordering on obtaining money under false pretence and theft.

According to the charge, Blessing CEO allegedly collected N36 million from Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye between July 14 and July 17, 2024, claiming the money was meant to secure a six-bedroom duplex in Lekki, Lagos. However, the EFCC stated that the claim was false.

The commission noted that the alleged act contravenes the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.

She was also accused of fraudulently converting the money for personal use, an offence said to be contrary to the Criminal Code Act.

When the charges were read in court, Blessing CEO pleaded not guilty.

Following her plea, the prosecution requested that she be remanded in a correctional centre pending trial. Her lawyer, however, argued that the defence had only just been served with the court documents and was still preparing a bail application.

Justice D. I. Dipeolu subsequently ordered that she be remanded in EFCC custody pending the hearing of her bail request.

The matter was adjourned to June 5, 2026, for trial.

Bayelsa Police Arrest 19-Year-Old Armed Robbery Suspect, Recover Exhibits in Imiringi Attack

By: Naija prime media on May 05, 2026 / comment : 0

According to a press statement issued by the Command, the suspect, identified as Perepiyagha Pere, a native of Angiama Community in Southern Ijaw LGA, was arrested on 4 May 2026 at about 4:00pm by operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit, acting on credible intelligence and a distress call.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect, who is reportedly a staff of Adonai Security Services, allegedly attacked the victim (name withheld) in her home with a knife, inflicting serious injuries on her hands.

Police said the suspect thereafter forced the victim to transfer ₦62,000 into his bank account. He was also alleged to have stolen $300 (Three Hundred United States Dollars) and other cash amounts yet to be determined.

The suspect is currently being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Yenagoa, where further investigations are ongoing.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Iyamah Daniel Edebor, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to maintaining security across the state and urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.

Members of the public were advised to contact the Bayelsa Police Command control room via 07034578208 or 09167322691.

The statement was signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Musa Mohammed, and dated 5 May 2026.

Kwankwaso Denies Defection Rumours, Says Consultations Still Ongoing

By: Naija prime media on May 03, 2026 / comment : 0

In a statement shared via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Kwankwaso clarified that neither he nor his political associates have reached any final decision regarding their next political move, despite growing speculation about possible realignments ahead of future elections.

He disclosed that he has begun extensive consultations with major political stakeholders, including leaders of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), and other relevant political groups, as part of efforts to determine the most suitable path forward.

“We have commenced wide-ranging consultations to explore the best options for protecting our democratic interests. We shall announce our decision in the soonest possible time,” he stated.

Kwankwaso explained that the uncertainty surrounding his political future is partly due to legal and structural challenges currently facing the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which he said has been affected by multiple court rulings.

According to him, a Supreme Court judgment that upheld the leadership of a factional National Working Committee allegedly led by David Mark also directed that certain issues be returned to the High Court, leaving some matters unresolved. He further referenced a ruling by the Federal High Court that reportedly questioned the legitimacy of the party’s recent convention.

Obi, Kwankwaso’s Alleged Move to NDC Still Unconfirmed, Party Clarifies

By: Naija prime media on May 03, 2026 / comment : 0

This clarification comes amid growing political tension and rising public discussions over a possible opposition realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Sources within opposition circles had hinted that the decision by both political figures to leave the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the NDC was almost concluded, with a formal announcement expected on Monday, barring any last-minute change of plans.

The speculation gained further momentum following an unverified statement reportedly signed by Rev. Plus Ndubueze Ukachukwu, Chairman of the Kwankwasiyya Movement, which claimed that Senator Kwankwaso had officially joined the NDC.

The statement read in part:
“We formally announce the defection of our leader, Senator Dr. Rabiu Kwankwaso, to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). This decision is in the best interest of Nigeria and aligns with our goal to meet the aspirations of all citizens… I therefore direct all Kwankwasiyya Movement Anambra State members to move to the Nigerian Democratic Congress.”

However, responding to inquiries on Saturday, the NDC dismissed claims of a confirmed defection, stressing that discussions are still ongoing and no official announcement has been made.

Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the party, Abdulmumin Ohiare Abdulsalam, said his earlier comments to a journalist were based on “probability” rather than certainty.

“My response to an inquiry regarding the possibility of defections by Dr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Mr. Peter Gregory Obi dwelt more on the realm of probability rather than certainty,” Abdulsalam stated.

He explained that the party was compelled to issue a clarification after what he described as politically sensitive reports began circulating widely and attracting sensational interpretations.

According to him, the NDC maintains its position of welcoming politicians from both ruling and opposition parties who wish to join its platform, which the party’s leadership describes as a “Noah’s Ark” for national recovery.

He added that the party neither forces nor restricts politicians from making personal decisions regarding party affiliation.

“While discussions with key opposition leaders, including many APC politicians, are ongoing, the NDC will continue to keep its doors open to anyone who wants to join the party’s fold to salvage the nation,” he said.

Abdulsalam concluded by stating that the party has not ruled out the possibility of Obi, Kwankwaso, or other political actors joining the NDC, especially as conversations around opposition alliances continue ahead of the 2027 elections.

“If You’re Kidnapped, Give Them My Number” — Oyedepo Tells Church Members

By: Naija prime media on April 24, 2026 / comment : 0

Oyedepo made the statement during a church service while speaking about past incidents of alleged abductions involving individuals connected to the church.

In a sermon that has since gone viral on social media, the cleric expressed confidence in what he described as his spiritual authority, urging members not to panic in the event of an abduction.

He recalled an incident involving a pastor reportedly linked to the church who was said to have been kidnapped, claiming he intervened by speaking directly to the abductors.

“One time one of our pastors was carried by kidnappers, I said give him the phone. I said in 24 hours if you don’t check him out you are dead. The place was vibrating on a spot,” he said.

Oyedepo further encouraged members to understand and embrace what he referred to as spiritual power, insisting that believers also carry similar authority if they are able to recognise it.

“If anybody picks you, give them my number. If he is not cut down then I am not sent by God. You carry the same force if you can only discover it. You need to discover what you carry,” he added.

The statement has continued to stir reactions online, with many Nigerians weighing in on the comments due to the country’s ongoing kidnapping crisis, which remains a major security concern.

Sowore Slams Peter Obi Over “North Is Nigeria’s Greatest Asset” Comment, Calls It Vote-Seeking

By: Naija prime media on April 23, 2026 / comment : 0

Obi had said the north holds Nigeria’s future because of its vast expanse of uncultivated land, stressing that agriculture could generate more revenue for the nation than oil if properly developed.

“Our greatest asset is in the north. The vast, uncultivated land in the north is our future. We can make more money as a country from agriculture than we make from oil, and we must begin to do that immediately,” Obi stated.

Reacting to the comment, Sowore accused Obi of making the statement for political advantage, alleging it was targeted at gaining support from northern voters.

Sowore argued that Obi’s current position contradicts actions attributed to him during his time as governor of Anambra State. He referenced reports that Obi repatriated northerners, including beggars, by placing them in buses and sending them back to the north.

“If you go to the north, yes, we can turn the north into the greatest asset, but every Nigeria can be turned into the greatest asset. Every inch of Nigeria,” Sowore said.

He further alleged that Obi’s only notable interaction with northerners while in office was the reported deportation of beggars.

“That time, he forgot that the north is the asset of Nigeria. Don’t let the hypocrite deceive you,” Sowore added.

Sowore maintained that every region of the country has economic value and deserves equal attention, insisting that Nigeria’s development should not be framed around one region.

“The north is a great asset. The south is a great asset. The north-central, the south-west, and everywhere are great assets in the country,” he said.

He concluded by stating that Nigeria’s progress depends more on effective leadership than regional prioritisation, noting that prosperity would naturally follow if the country is properly governed.

“The country is just waiting for leadership. You will be surprised that the north, south, everywhere will be churning out prosperity,” Sowore state

UK Parliament Approves Landmark Bill to Create a Smoke-Free Generation

By: Naija prime media on April 23, 2026 / comment : 0

The Tobacco and Vapes Bill, approved by both chambers, would permanently ban the sale of cigarettes to anyone born after January 1, 2009 — meaning children aged 17 and under today would never legally be able to buy tobacco products.

Health Minister Wes Streeting described the decision as a “historic moment for the nation’s health,” saying it marks the beginning of the UK’s first smoke-free generation, protected from addiction and the long-term harm caused by smoking.

Once the bill receives royal assent and becomes law, it will also allow the government to expand smoking restrictions into certain outdoor spaces, including children’s playgrounds and areas near schools and hospitals.

The legislation further targets vaping by giving authorities stronger powers to regulate vape flavours and packaging, as well as ban vaping in locations where smoking is already prohibited.

Public health advocates have welcomed the move. Hazel Cheeseman, director of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), called the bill a “decisive turning point” for the country’s health policy.

The bill follows earlier government action against vaping, including a ban introduced last June on disposable vapes, which have become widely popular among young people due to their low cost and colourful designs.

Similar laws have been introduced internationally. New Zealand passed a comparable measure in 2022, banning cigarette sales to those born after 2008, but the policy was later repealed in 2023 after a change in government. The Maldives also enacted a generational cigarette ban last year, applying it to anyone born after January 1, 2007.

According to NHS data, smoking in England in 2024 contributed to around 75,000 deaths annually and was linked to roughly a quarter of all cancer-related deaths.