News January 17, 2025 Nigerian oil magnate loses wife in London

The President and Group Chief Executive of GCA Energy Limited, Mr. Greg Uanseru, has announced the loss of his wife, Ema Uanseru, who passed away in London.

In a heartfelt statement titled “Our Ema Has Gone to Be with the Angels,” Mr. Uanseru shared the news of his wife’s passing, which occurred on the morning of Friday, January 17, 2015, at a London hospital.

Affectionately known as “Ema,” the late Mrs Uanseru was said to be in her 50s.

The statement read: “It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my beloved wife, Aniema Nancy Greg-Uanseru, which occurred in the early hours of today, Friday, January 17, 2015, in a London hospital.

“Ema as she was fondly called was an amazing partner, friend, and mother to our children. Her love, kindness, and warm smile will be deeply missed by our family and friends.

“We kindly request your prayers and condolences during this difficult time.

“Funeral arrangements will be announced shortly.

“Thank you for your understanding and support.”

News January 17, 2025 BREAKING : Nigerian Police reportedly suspend prominent AIG, halt salary

The Nigeria Police Force has reportedly suspended  Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Abduyari Lafia, effective January 9, 2025.

In a directive issued via a wireless message signed by the Force Secretary, all police departments, units, and commands were informed of the suspension. The message emphasized that Lafia must comply with the rules governing police officers under suspension until the Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC) concludes its review of his case.

According to a report by SaharaReporters on Friday, the message, titled “Suspension and Interdiction AP. NO. 41804 AIG Abduyari Shuaya’u Lafia,” highlighted that the decision stemmed from a letter issued by the Police Service Commission (POLSCOM) on January 9, 2025. The suspension was reportedly approved in line with Public Service Rules (PSR) 100406, 2021, as amended.

Additionally, police authorities instructed the Assistant Inspector General of Police Budget and Payment to immediately halt Lafia’s salary.

The directive, dated January 10, 2025, and referenced as AP:41804/FS/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.IV/3, stated: “Suspension and interdiction X AP.NO. 41804 AIG Abduyari Shuaya’u Lafia X the Police Service Commission (POLSCOM) in its letter No. PSC/CHR/IGP/VOL.5/018 dated 9th January 2025 X in accordance with PSR 100406, 2021 as amended X has approved the suspension of the above-named officer from duty with effect from 9/01/2025 X warn the officer to adhere strictly to the rules and regulations governing the conduct of police officers on suspension accordingly X pending the determination of his case by the Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC) X AIGPOL BUDGET/PAYMECH all states only X ensure appropriate step is taken to stop his salary X treat as very important X please.”

Lafia, who is one of the most prominent AIGs in the Police, assumed office as the AIG in charge of the Force Intelligence Bureau at the Force Headquarters in Abuja in February 2023.

(SAHARAREPORTERS)

News Politics January 17, 2025 Why there’s urgent need for Kwankwaso, Ganduje’s reconciliation – Abdulmumin Jibrin

Abdulmumin Jibrin, Chairman of the House Committee on Housing and Habitat, has emphasized the urgent need for reconciliation between former Kano State Governors, Rabiu Kwankwaso and Abdullahi Ganduje.

During a radio interview in Kano on Thursday, Jibrin expressed concern over the ongoing rift between the two influential political figures, describing it as both unfortunate and harmful to the state.

He called on well-meaning citizens to take proactive steps towards reconciling the pair for the overall benefit of Kano’s progress.

Discussing the accomplishments of both leaders, Kofa acknowledged their significant contributions to public service. Kwankwaso’s career path, which saw him rise from a civil servant to Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, two-time Governor, Minister of Defence, Senator, and presidential aspirant, was praised.

Similarly, Ganduje, who served in various public roles including Director in the Federal Capital Territory, commissioner, deputy governor, and two-time governor, now holds the position of national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“Not everyone is chosen by God to hold these offices,” Kofa remarked. “Both have been uniquely blessed, and we must take responsibility in reconciling them.”

Jibrin linked the political challenges facing Kano to the ongoing tensions between the two leaders and urged their supporters to focus on peace and unity.

“As Muslims, it is our duty to reconcile them,” Kofa said. “They were once close allies who achieved a great deal together. What we are witnessing now is sorrowful and unfortunate. This is a time for peace, unity, and progress.”

In his plea, the lawmaker suggested that the leaders set an example by attending each other’s family events, regardless of their political disagreements. “Let us see Kwankwaso attending Ganduje’s daughter’s wedding and Ganduje attending Kwankwaso’s son’s wedding. Politics is their choice, but reconciliation is our duty.”

He concluded with a prayer for those opposing the reconciliation effort, asking Allah to guide them toward the right path.

Sports January 17, 2025 Footballer collapses, dies during tournament in Osun

The Osun State Police Command has confirmed the sudden death of Adeyemi Adewale, a player participating in a local football tournament in Osogbo, the state capital.

Adewale, who played for the Ilesa West Local Government football team, reportedly collapsed on the pitch during the game and was immediately rushed to a hospital. Sadly, medical personnel at the facility declared him dead upon arrival.

In a statement shared with journalists, Osun Police Command spokesperson Yemisi Opalola confirmed the tragic incident, which took place on Thursday during the final match of the Adeleke Memorial Cup at Ataoja School of Science in Osogbo.

The statement read in part: “Today, (Thursday) while the Adeleke Memorial Cup Final match was going on at Ataoja School of Science, one Adeyemi Adewale ‘M’ 29yrs, a player of Ilesa West Football team, slumped on the pitch. He was rushed to the Osun State University Teaching Hospital, where he was later confirmed dead by a doctor.”

Opalola added that investigations are ongoing and that the deceased’s remains have been deposited at the Osun State University Teaching Hospital morgue.

News January 17, 2025 Truck rams into residential building, kills 3 Muslims praying by roadside, 11 others

Tragedy struck the Okete community in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State on Thursday when a heavy-duty truck crashed into a residential building, killing 14 people, including three Muslims praying by the roadside.

The truck, reportedly en route to Abuja via the Otukpo-Oweto Road, lost control and veered off the road, slamming into a house where victims were sleeping. Eyewitnesses suggest brake failure as the likely cause of the accident.

“It appears the truck’s brakes failed, causing the driver to lose control and crash into a house where some of the victims were sleeping,” a source said.

“Six people were killed instantly in the building, while three Muslims observing their morning prayers by the roadside also perished, “he added.

According to a report by Vanguard, initially, nine deaths were recorded, but the toll rose to 14 after five of the injured, who were rushed to the hospital, succumbed to their injuries.

Community members reportedly sprang into action, rescuing some of those trapped beneath the wreckage. “The community members, who were woken by the loud crash, managed to rescue some people who were trapped under the truck. This likely prevented the death toll from being even higher. It’s a tragic day for us,” the source added.

The driver and his assistant are currently unaccounted for, according to witnesses.

The Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident and stated that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash.

Business News January 17, 2025 FCMB : CBN approves Obozuwa’s appointment

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has approved the appointment of Felicia Obozuwa as the executive director of Corporate Services and Service Management at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

With nearly 30 years of professional experience, Obozuwa brings a wealth of knowledge and a strong record of achievements to her new role. Her leadership and expertise are expected to play a pivotal role in driving FCMB’s strategic initiatives and innovation.

Obozuwa is a highly skilled banking professional with significant experience in consumer, corporate, and commercial banking. In her current position, she is responsible for overseeing the bank’s operations, service management, human resources, training, administration, property development, and project management.

She holds a law degree from Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Nigeria, and an MBA from the University of Exeter in the UK.

“We are thrilled to welcome Felicia to our Board. Her passion, expertise, and commitment to excellence make her an ideal fit for this position,” the bank noted.

News January 17, 2025 ICPC drags former Accountant-General, El-Rufai’s ex-aides to court

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has announced plans to arraign former Accountant-General of Kaduna State and two aides of ex-Governor Nasir El-Rufai, alongside a company, over an alleged ₦64 million fraud.

According to a statement released on Thursday in Abuja by ICPC spokesperson, Mr. Demola Bakare, the accused will face charges on Friday at the Federal High Court in Kaduna.

The accused include Mr. Lawal Adebisi, a former Senior Special Adviser; Mr. Umar Waziri, an ex-Accountant General of Kaduna State; and Mr. Yusuf Inuwa, a former Commissioner for Finance in the state. The company involved is Solar Life Nigeria Limited, whose bank account is alleged to have been used in the transaction.

“The ICPC accuses Mr. Lawal of conspiring with the two other defendants to divert ₦64.8 million in three transactions of ₦10 million, ₦47.84 million, and ₦7.32 million into Solar Life Nigeria Limited’s account, where Mr. Lawal is believed to be the sole signatory,” Bakare said.

The four defendants are expected to appear in court to answer the charges.

In a related development, the ICPC last week arraigned Alhaji Muhammad Sa’idu, a former Chief of Staff and Commissioner for Finance in Kaduna State, over a separate money laundering allegation.

The commission charged Sa’idu with receiving ₦155 million in cash from a public official in the state’s Ministry of Finance.