NEWS

Tinubu Approves N2 Billion for Plateau Attack Victims, Urges Leaders to Find Lasting Solutions

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Humanitarian aid distribution to victims of violence in Plateau State with officials and relief supplies

President Bola Tinubu has approved the release of N2 billion as immediate relief for victims of recent attacks in Plateau State.

The announcement was made on Tuesday as the president responded to the growing insecurity in the state, particularly the tragic Palm Sunday attack that claimed many lives in Jos North.

The fund is intended to support affected families, provide medical care for the injured, and assist with rehabilitation efforts.

While approving the financial assistance, President Tinubu delivered a strong message to political and community leaders in Plateau State.

He challenged them to stop depending solely on federal government handouts for peace and instead return home to develop lasting, homegrown solutions to the recurring violence.

The president emphasized that while the federal government will continue to support affected communities, sustainable peace can only be achieved when local leaders take ownership of the problem and work together across ethnic and religious lines.

Plateau State has experienced repeated cycles of violence for many years, often triggered by farmer-herder clashes, land disputes, and political tensions.

Despite several interventions by previous administrations, lasting peace has remained elusive.

Many residents and observers have welcomed the N2 billion intervention as a necessary immediate response.

However, they also agree with the president’s call for local leaders to do more than wait for federal support.

Security experts believe that a combination of stronger community policing, dialogue between warring groups, youth empowerment, and justice for past victims will be essential for any meaningful progress.

As the N2 billion is disbursed, attention will now shift to how effectively it reaches the victims and whether Plateau leaders will rise to the challenge of finding sustainable solutions beyond emergency relief.

This latest development once again puts Plateau State’s security situation in the national spotlight, with many Nigerians hoping that this time, concrete actions will lead to real and lasting peace in the region.

Zenith Bank Becomes First Nigerian Bank to Hit N5 Trillion Market Capitalisation

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Professional female executive representing Zenith Bank in a modern corporate office with rising financial charts and growth indicators symbolizing strong market performance

Zenith Bank Plc has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Nigerian bank to surpass N5 trillion in market capitalization.

This remarkable feat reflects strong financial performance, robust investor confidence, and the effectiveness of the bank’s long-term strategy.

Since Dame Adaora Umeoji assumed office as Group Managing Director and CEO, Zenith Bank’s share price has risen impressively from approximately ₦44 to about ₦127 per share.

The bank’s 2025 financial results further reinforced its position as Nigeria’s most profitable financial institution.

Analysts attribute this success to disciplined execution, continuous innovation, and a strong people-focused leadership style under the current CEO.

What This Milestone Means

Reaching N5 trillion in market capitalization is not just a number; it is a powerful statement about Zenith Bank’s stability and growth potential in a challenging economic environment.

It places the bank among the most valuable companies in Nigeria’s capital market and highlights its resilience amid rising inflation, currency volatility, and regulatory changes.

Investors appear to have rewarded the bank’s consistent performance, prudent risk management, and ability to deliver value to shareholders.

The significant appreciation in share price since Dame Adaora Umeoji took over demonstrates growing market trust in her leadership and vision for the bank.

This achievement also underscores the important role Zenith Bank continues to play in driving economic activity in Nigeria through lending, trade finance, digital banking solutions, and support for businesses across different sectors.

While the banking industry faces several headwinds, Zenith Bank’s latest milestone sends a positive signal that well-managed institutions can still thrive and deliver outstanding results even in difficult times.

Many market watchers now see Zenith Bank as a benchmark for excellence, stability, and sustainable growth in Nigeria’s financial sector.

As the bank continues to expand its digital offerings and strengthen its position, this N5 trillion market capitalization could serve as a foundation for even greater achievements in the years ahead.

Zenith Bank’s achievement reflects the growing strength of Nigeria’s financial sector, a momentum also visible in the fintech space, where OPay is now planning a $4 billion US IPO.

Cross River Confirms First COVID-19 Case in Years as Health Officials Urge Calm

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Medical workers in PPE attending to COVID-19 patient in isolation ward in Cross River State Nigeria

The Cross River State Government has confirmed a fresh case of COVID-19 in the state, the first officially recorded since 2022.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, announced the development on Tuesday in Calabar. He assured residents that the situation is under control and does not warrant panic.

According to the commissioner, the confirmed case involves a 53-year-old Chinese expatriate who arrived in Nigeria via Lagos on March 17, 2026, and later traveled to a factory in Akamkpa Local Government Area.

The patient developed mild symptoms and was referred to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), where samples were taken and tested positive for COVID-19.

The patient is currently receiving treatment at the state’s designated isolation and treatment center and is responding well.

What the Government Is Doing

Dr. Ayuk explained that the government delayed the public announcement until all diagnostic protocols were completed to avoid spreading misinformation.

He added that all necessary procedures, including contact tracing and isolation of identified contacts, have been activated to prevent further spread.

The State Epidemiologist, Dr. Inyang Ekpenyong, confirmed that this is the first recorded case in Cross River since 2022.

She noted that even a single confirmed infection is treated as an outbreak. Rapid response teams have been deployed, and all identified contacts are being monitored daily within the virus’s incubation period of 2 to 14 days.

Dr. Ekpenyong also warned that many COVID-19 cases may go undetected because their symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat) are similar to those of malaria, which is common in the region.

Advice to Residents

Health officials are urging residents to remain vigilant but calm.

They advise continued adherence to basic preventive measures such as regular hand washing, wearing masks in crowded places, and seeking medical attention when symptoms appear.

The Cross River State Government has reassured the public that it is working closely with relevant agencies to contain the situation and prevent community transmission.

This single confirmed case serves as a reminder that COVID-19 has not completely disappeared.

While the country has recorded far fewer cases in recent years, vigilance remains important, especially with increased international travel.

JAMB Arrests Two Candidates and Parent for Forging 2026 UTME Scores with AI

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JAMB logo with technology background. Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, Service and Integrity.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has made a significant breakthrough in its fight against examination malpractice.

Two candidates and one parent have been arrested for allegedly forging 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results using artificial intelligence and other electronic tools.

This breakthrough shows the board’s determination to maintain integrity, similar to how JAMB urged parents to protest admission bias if confident in their scores.

According to JAMB, the suspects were caught after the board’s monitoring systems flagged suspicious score uploads.

Investigations revealed that the forged results were created with the help of AI applications and other digital manipulation techniques. The arrested parent is believed to have played a major role in facilitating the fraud.

This incident highlights the growing challenge of technology-enabled cheating in national examinations.

JAMB has been upgrading its systems to detect irregularities, and this latest arrest shows that the board is actively cracking down on such practices.

The use of AI to fake UTME scores is particularly worrying because it undermines the credibility of the entire admission process.

Many genuine candidates who worked hard for their results could be disadvantaged if fake scores are allowed to circulate.

JAMB Registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, has consistently warned candidates and parents against any form of malpractice.

He recently urged those who believe they were unfairly denied admission to speak up rather than resort to illegal methods.

This arrest serves as a strong reminder that JAMB is serious about maintaining the integrity of the UTME.

The suspects are currently in custody and will be prosecuted accordingly.

JAMB has advised all candidates to always verify their official results through approved channels and avoid any third-party platforms that promise “upgraded” or “special” scores.

This development is expected to send a clear message to anyone considering using technology to manipulate examination outcomes.

With the 2026 admission process still ongoing, JAMB has promised to remain vigilant and take decisive action against any form of fraud.

Parents and students are urged to focus on genuine preparation and avoid shortcuts that could ruin their future.

Court Grants Blord Bail in VeryDarkMan Impersonation Case

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Lawyer in suit and red tie in office setting with scales of justice. Blord case.

Celebrity cryptocurrency entrepreneur Linus Williams Ifejirika, popularly known as Blord, has been granted bail by a court after spending several weeks in Kuje Prison.

Blord was arrested and detained over allegations of impersonating popular social media commentator Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).

The case has generated significant public interest due to the high profiles of both individuals.

According to reports, the court granted Blord bail after reviewing his application, though specific conditions of the bail were not immediately made public.

His legal team had pushed for bail, arguing that he had strong ties to the community and was not a flight risk.

The controversy began when VeryDarkMan accused Blord of using his name and image to carry out fraudulent activities, particularly in the crypto space.

Blord has consistently denied the allegations, maintaining that he is innocent and that the claims were made to tarnish his reputation.

The case has sparked intense debates online, with many Nigerians divided on the issue. While some supported VeryDarkMan’s accusations, others argued that Blord deserves a fair hearing and should not be punished before being proven guilty.

Blord’s release on bail brings some relief to his supporters and business associates, who had expressed concern over his prolonged detention.

However, the legal battle is far from over, as the case is expected to proceed to full trial.

This incident once again highlights the growing tensions between social media influencers and cryptocurrency personalities in Nigeria, where accusations of fraud and impersonation have become increasingly common.

The court’s decision to grant bail allows Blord to prepare his defense while remaining within the reach of the law. Both parties and the public will be watching closely as the matter unfolds in the coming weeks.

MTN Suspends XtraTime and XtraByte Services as New Lending Rules Take Effect

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MTN XtraTime unavailable message on a phone, with an MTN sign in the background. Recharge via *904# or **671#.

MTN Nigeria has temporarily suspended its popular XtraTime airtime loan and XtraByte data lending services, leaving millions of subscribers unable to borrow emergency credit.

Many users began noticing the disruption this week when they received messages stating that the services were “currently unavailable.”

For a large number of Nigerians who depend on these quick-loan features to stay connected between recharges, the sudden suspension has caused real inconvenience.

Industry sources say the move is connected to the federal government’s new regulations on digital lending.

The Central Bank of Nigeria and other relevant authorities have introduced stricter guidelines for how telecom companies and their fintech partners can offer credit services.

These rules are aimed at protecting consumers, reducing over-indebtedness, and ensuring better oversight of lending practices.

XtraTime and XtraByte have been among the most used services by MTN subscribers, especially students, small business owners, and low-income users who often need small amounts of airtime or data urgently.

The suspension has sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many customers expressing frustration and calling on MTN to resolve the issue quickly.

MTN has not yet issued a detailed official statement explaining the duration of the suspension or when normal service will resume.

However, the company is expected to bring the services back online once it fully aligns with the new regulatory requirements.

This development highlights the growing intersection between telecommunications and financial services in Nigeria.

As digital lending becomes more popular, regulators are tightening rules to prevent abuse while still allowing innovation.

For now, subscribers are advised to plan their airtime and data usage more carefully until the services are restored.

Many are hoping the suspension will be short-lived and that MTN will find a compliant way to bring back these much-needed emergency options.

After the fifth bird strike this year, United Nigeria Airlines grounds its planes.

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United Nigeria Airlines plane flying amidst birds, grounded after multiple bird strikes this year.

United Nigeria Airlines has grounded one of its CRJ-900 aircraft after it suffered a bird strike while landing in Abuja, marking the airline’s fifth bird strike incident in 2026 so far.

The incident occurred during landing at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

According to sources close to the airline, the aircraft was hit by a flock of birds, causing significant damage that forced the crew to declare an emergency and safely land the plane.

Fortunately, no passengers or crew members were injured.

This latest event has raised fresh concerns about aviation safety and the frequency of bird strikes affecting Nigerian airlines, especially United Nigeria Airlines, which appears to be experiencing more than its fair share this year.

Bird strikes are not uncommon in aviation, but five incidents in less than three months is unusual and worrying.

Industry experts suggest that several factors could be contributing, including the location of airports near wetlands or farmlands, seasonal bird migration patterns, and possibly insufficient bird control measures at some airports.

United Nigeria Airlines has not yet issued an official statement on the latest incident, but sources say the affected aircraft has been grounded for thorough inspection and repairs.

The airline is expected to work closely with aviation authorities to ensure the plane meets all safety standards before returning to service.

For passengers, this situation may cause some inconvenience, with possible flight delays or cancellations while the aircraft is out of service.

However, safety remains the top priority, and the airline is expected to prioritize passenger well-being.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has been urged to intensify efforts on bird hazard management at major airports.

Many travelers are calling for better radar systems, habitat control, and regular audits to prevent such incidents from becoming a recurring problem.

This fifth bird strike in 2026 for United Nigeria Airlines highlights the need for stronger preventive measures across the industry.

As air travel continues to grow in Nigeria, ensuring the safety of both passengers and aircraft must remain non-negotiable.

UniJos Student John Arum Azi Kidnapped Along Kaduna Road, Ransom Demanded

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UniJos student John Arum Azi: Musician with guitar, and in outdoor, distressed settings.

A 28-year-old student of the University of Jos, John Arum Azi, was kidnapped along the Kaduna road while traveling for a job assignment.

According to reports, Azi left Jos for Kaduna after he was called by a client for work. He was abducted by unknown gunmen who subjected him to severe torture.

A distressing video of the assault was later sent to his class WhatsApp group, showing the young man in a very bad condition.

The kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of ₦20 million. After negotiations, the amount was reportedly reduced to ₦5 million. Family and friends are currently raising funds to secure his release.

This incident has sparked outrage among students, lecturers, and the general public, with many describing it as another sad reminder of the persistent insecurity on Nigerian highways, particularly the Jos-Kaduna route, which has gained notoriety for frequent kidnappings in recent years.

Kaduna Road has become one of the most dangerous routes in the country, with several cases of abduction, robbery, and killing reported almost weekly.

Students, traders, and civil servants who regularly travel this road live in constant fear.

The case of John Arum Azi has once again raised questions about the effectiveness of security measures on major highways.

Many are calling on the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to swing into action, track the kidnappers, and bring them to justice.

Parents and students have appealed to the federal government and state authorities to intensify efforts in securing the Jos-Kaduna highway and other flashpoints across the country.

As at the time of this report, there has been no official statement from the University of Jos or the police on the incident.

The family is still pleading for help to meet the ransom demand and secure the safe release of the young student.

Kidnapping for ransom has become a disturbing trend in parts of Nigeria.

Many hope that swift action by security agencies will help deter future occurrences and restore some level of confidence on the nation’s roads.

Peter Obi Warns US Evacuation Signals Fading Confidence in Nigeria’s Security

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Peter Obi and Bola Tinubu portrait. US evacuation warning, Nigeria security concerns.

Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has raised serious concerns over the United States’ recent directive to evacuate non-essential embassy staff from Nigeria due to rising insecurity.

In a strongly worded statement, Obi described the move as a clear signal of “fading international confidence” in Nigeria’s security architecture and leadership.

This comes amid ongoing security concerns, including the Palm Sunday attack in Jos that left 20 dead and earlier multiple explosions in Maiduguri.

He warned that when a major global power like the United States begins pulling out staff for safety reasons, it sends a damaging message to investors, diplomats, and the international community about the state of safety in the country.

Obi noted that the evacuation is not an isolated incident but part of a growing pattern of foreign missions and organizations expressing worry over the worsening security situation across different parts of Nigeria.

He pointed out that frequent attacks, kidnappings, and banditry have made many parts of the country unsafe, even for locals.

The former Anambra State governor urged the federal government to treat the development with the seriousness it deserves.

According to him, rather than dismissing such warnings, the government should see them as a wake-up call to urgently address the root causes of insecurity, including poor governance, unemployment, and weak institutions.

Obi also criticized what he described as a “business-as-usual” approach to national security, calling for immediate and decisive action to restore confidence both locally and internationally.

He stressed that a country that cannot guarantee the safety of its own citizens will struggle to attract meaningful investment or maintain strong diplomatic ties.

This latest comment from Peter Obi adds to the growing voices of concern from prominent Nigerians about the country’s security challenges.

Many citizens continue to demand better protection and more effective strategies from the government to tackle banditry, terrorism, and other forms of violence.

As the situation unfolds, the federal government is yet to issue an official response to the US evacuation directive or Obi’s statement.

Court Sentences Boko Haram Member to Death for Terrorism Offences in Adamawa and Borno

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Man in handcuffs escorted to court by police. "COURT" visible above the entrance.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Auwalu Samaila, a convicted Boko Haram member, to death by hanging for multiple terrorism offenses.

Justice James Omotosho delivered the judgment after Samaila pleaded guilty to a six-count charge brought against him by the federal government.

The offenses include terrorism-related activities linked to Boko Haram operations in Adamawa and Borno states.

The court found Samaila guilty on all counts, leading to the death sentence. This ruling is seen as a strong statement by the judiciary in the fight against insurgency and terrorism in Nigeria’s northeast region.

Significance of the Judgment

This is one of the few cases where a Boko Haram member has received the death penalty after a formal trial. Many similar cases in the past ended with long prison terms or deradicalization programs.

The death sentence sends a clear message that the government and courts are taking a tougher stance against terrorism.

Auwalu Samaila was accused of participating in attacks, supporting the group’s operations, and engaging in activities that threatened national security in Adamawa and Borno states — two regions that have suffered heavily from Boko Haram violence over the years.

Security analysts believe judgments like this can serve as a deterrent, especially for low-level and mid-level operatives who might be considering joining or continuing with terrorist groups.

However, human rights groups often raise concerns about the death penalty and the conditions under which such trials are conducted. They usually call for fair trials and due process, even in terrorism cases.

The federal government has not yet issued an official reaction to the sentencing, but many Nigerians, especially those from the northeast, have welcomed the judgment as a step toward justice for victims of Boko Haram attacks.

As the northeast continues its long battle against insurgency, this high-profile conviction and death sentence may boost morale among security forces and residents who have endured years of violence.

The case also highlights the ongoing efforts by the Nigerian judiciary to play its part in the fight against terrorism through the legal system.