A Kenyan commercial motorcycle rider, also known as Bodaboda operator, was brutally stabbed to death by his wife.

It was gathered that the young man met his death in their home in Rongai after he returned with less money than usual.

According to an eyewitness reports, the deceased came back from his work, and the wife discovered that he earned significantly less due to heavy rainfall affecting business.

This led to a serious confrontation from his wife. She reminded him about the household items that were finished and demanded that he provide the money. When he was unable to do so, an argument erupted between them.

In a fit of unreasonable rage, she rushed to the kitchen to grab a knife. Sensing the imminent danger, the Bodaboda operator attempted to flee but slipped and fell on the floor. The wife then stabbed him in the chest, ending his life instantly.

By the time neighbours arrived, it was too late; he was already dead.

At the time of this report, the wife had fled the scene but she is now arrested by the police and the police promised that she will be charged to court this week.

By Damilola Aina


As a direct fallout of the recent suspension of sales of petroleum products in naira by the Dangote refinery, MRS filling station has effected a new price regime, raising its pump price to N930 per litre in Lagos and N960 for residents living in the northern part of the country.

The new price regime, effective from March 28, 2025, represents an increase of N70 from the previous price of N860 per litre in Lagos, N870 in other South-West states, and an N80 difference from the N880 previously sold in the North.

Some other filling stations, it was gathered, have also started selling at the same rates.

For instance, NIPCO sold at N930 in Magboro, Ogun State, on Saturday.

According to the latest price list from MRS Oil & Gas, its trucks will load products from the Lagos depot and convey them directly to its retail stations nationwide at varying costs.

The document showed that Lagos had the lowest rates, with northern states getting the highest rates. The firm, however, did not state whether it bought products from the Dangote refinery.

In Lagos, petrol will sell for N930 per litre, while states in the South-West and Kwara, will pay N940 per litre.

For the South-South and South-East regions, including Edo, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, and Enugu, the price is now N960 per litre.

The North has mixed prices, as Abuja, Kaduna, Benue, Kogi, Niger, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Nasarawa will pay N950 per litre, while Zamfara, Kano, Jos, Bauchi, Taraba, Adamawa, Borno, Katsina, Jigawa, Gombe, and Yobe will pay N960 per litre.

The Free Carrier Agreement price, which determines how much marketers pay before selling fuel, also varies. Lagos has the lowest FCA price at N905 per litre, while states like Borno, Taraba, Adamawa, and Yobe have FCA prices around N888 per litre.

Recently, the Dangote refinery announced a temporary suspension in the naira-for-crude initiative following a mismatch in crude allocation paid for in naira and its actual sales.

Insiders familiar with the development said the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited had allocated large volumes of crude to its foreign creditors to settle the loans acquired by the firm, making it difficult to sustain the naira-for-crude deal between NNPCL and the Dangote refinery.

This allowed the free importation of products, as private depot owners hiked their prices to maximise profit.

The increase in petrol prices may lead to higher transport costs and rising prices of goods and services.

Independent marketers continue to struggle with foreign exchange rates and distribution expenses, affecting fuel availability in some areas.

Industry experts say that prices could stabilise when the Dangote Refinery starts selling fuel in naira, once it secures crude oil from NNPC. Until then, Nigerians will have to contend with higher costs at filling stations nationwide.

A fatal accident involving security operatives of "OPERATION CRUSH" occurred on Sunday evening at Ihie Ibeku along the Bende Road in Umuahia, Abia State, resulting in one confirmed death and several others sustaining injuries.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMMBGNr_PKk

ABN TV reports that the vehicle transporting the operatives, which included personnel from the Nigerian Police Force, the Nigerian Army, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), veered off the road and plunged into a deep ditch. The challenging terrain and narrow nature of the road, which serves as a federal highway linking Bende to Ohafia and Arochukwu, may have contributed to the accident.

Inside the vehicle at the time of the accident were three policemen, five NSCDC officers, and one military personnel. Out of the ten operatives onboard, one officer from the NSCDC was confirmed dead, while eight others sustained serious injuries and were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Umuahia for urgent medical attention. Notably, one operative had disembarked before the accident occurred and was initially declared missing but was later found alive.

Eyewitnesses confirmed that a prominent Ibeku community leader, popularly known as Akaraka, alongside other passersby, played a crucial role in the initial rescue efforts. They used his vehicle and other available means to transport the first six injured operatives to the hospital before further reinforcements arrived.

Despite the severity of the incident, road safety officials had yet to arrive at the scene at the time of reporting. Witnesses have called on the state government and relevant authorities to act swiftly, emphasizing the urgent need for better road safety measures and emergency response protocols to prevent further casualties.

Meanwhile, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ferdinand Ekeoma, was present at FMC Umuahia alongside ABN TV correspondents to monitor the situation.
Additionally, the Abia State Commissioner of Police, CP Danladi Isa, visited FMC with his team tonight. He prayed for and encouraged the personnel, offering words of support during this difficult time.

Nsulu community in Abia State was filled with jubilation on Friday, March 28, as the state government commenced the clearing of the access road leading to the proposed Abia Airport runway, ABN TV reports.

The move marks a significant step in fulfilling Governor Alex Otti’s vision for improved infrastructure and economic development in the state.

The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, who addressed the landowners and residents at the site, reaffirmed the government's commitment to the airport project, assuring that it would be completed in partnership with the federal government. He dismissed speculations that the Nsulu people were opposed to the project, citing their enthusiasm as proof of their support.

"This administration is built on sincerity and transparency. Governor Alex Otti has consistently fulfilled his promises, and this project is no different," Pastor Ajagba stated. "The excitement here today debunks any false claims that Nsulu people are against this airport. They fully support it and recognize its importance."

He lauded the host communities for their cooperation and urged the contractors to integrate local workers into the project. Pastor Ajagba also revealed that compensation payments to landowners had already begun, reinforcing the government’s commitment to fairness and due process.

Special Assistant to the Governor on Lands and Housing, and Project Coordinator for the Abia Airport, Pastor Okoro Aji, described the clearing of the access road as a crucial milestone. He explained that this step would facilitate soil testing and other essential preparations for the runway, which is approximately 853 kilometers from the main road. The clearing is expected to be completed within a week.

Rt. Hon. Uzor Azubuike, Chairman of the Memorandum of Agreement Committee for the project, praised Governor Otti for addressing community concerns by reducing the airport's land allocation from 1,800 hectares to 1,000 hectares.

"What you see today is the true joy of Nsulu people, who are proud to be the hosts of this major development project," Azubuike said.

Similarly, landowner Barr. Andrew Obinna Ijenri expressed gratitude for the government’s transparent approach to land acquisition and compensation.

"This administration has proven to be different from previous ones. The process of land acquisition has been fair, and payments have been made as promised," he noted.

Various community leaders, including Nsulu Youth President Prince Chisom Nwaogbe, Umuala Youth President Ifeanyi Nwachukwu, and Chairman of Community Relations for the Nsulu Airport Project Rev. Israel Ukoma, echoed the excitement and optimism of the people. They emphasized that the project would bring immense economic benefits to the region.

The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties, CNPP, and the Coalition of National Civil Society Organisations, CNCSOs, have jointly called for the immediate resignation of Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adelabu Adebayo, citing incompetence and failure to address the country’s ongoing electricity crisis.


In a statement jointly issued by James Ezema, Deputy National Publicity Secretary of CNPP, and Alhaji Ali Abacha, National Secretary of CNCSOs, on Sunday, the coalition criticized Minister Adelabu’s tenure, describing him as “a round peg in a square hole.”

The groups argued that the Minister lacks the capacity to effectively manage the power sector, pointing to persistent electricity shortages that have plagued the country for decades.


According to the coalition, over 40% of Nigerians remain without access to electricity, while those connected to the national grid endure inconsistent power supply ranging between 2,000MW and 4,000MW—figures that have stagnated since the 1980s.


The statement further decried the economic repercussions of the power crisis, including business closures, job losses, and hindered economic growth.

The groups also faulted Minister Adelabu for not leveraging the Nigerian Electricity Act of 2023, which allows decentralized electricity provision and public-private partnerships to improve the sector.


“His inability to attract local and international investment has worsened Nigeria’s electricity challenges and undermined economic recovery,” the statement said.

The call for his resignation follows a recent report by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, which documented three total grid collapses and two partial collapses in the last quarter of 2024.

Despite these failures, Nigerians, according to the coalition, paid a record N509.84 billion to electricity distribution companies in the same period, an increase from the N466.69 billion spent in the previous quarter. In total, the country experienced 12 grid collapses in 2024, further highlighting the depth of the crisis.


The CNPP and CNCSOs, also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to redeploy Minister Adelabu to a different ministry within seven days, questioning his qualifications for the power sector.

They noted that his background lies in finance, hospitality, entertainment, agriculture, and real estate rather than energy management.

“His appointment appears to be a case of political patronage rather than merit, and his performance has validated our concerns,” the statement read.


Beyond the power sector, the coalition expressed broader dissatisfaction with the Tinubu administration’s economic policies, arguing that they have led to increased hardship and discontent among Nigerians.

While acknowledging the President’s commitment to national development, the groups warned that incompetent appointees threaten these efforts and erode public trust.

“The power sector is too vital to Nigeria’s progress to be left in the hands of individuals without the necessary expertise and vision. Minister Adelabu must resign or be reassigned immediately to prevent further damage to Nigeria’s economy and the well-being of its citizens,” the statement concluded.

The coalition vowed to continue monitoring and evaluating government ministries, departments, and agencies, ensuring that they serve the best interests of the Nigerian people.

Transport Policy Retreat: Anambra State Govt Plans Railway Project, To Revitalize River port
Anambra State Government has revealed plans to construct railway, revitalize River port in the state, and digitize the transport sector to meet international standards. Correspondent Emmanuel Okonkwo reports that the state Commissioner for Transport, Mrs. Patricia Igwebuike revealed this during the opening ceremony of the ongoing three-day maiden transport policy retreat, with the theme, “Transport Policy and Planning for Sustainable Development”, organized by the state Ministry of Transport, at Dr Dora Akinyili Women Development Centre, Awka.

The Commissioner stated that the project is to make transportation easier for the people of the state and improve the state’s Gross Domestic Product. A keynote Speaker at the event, Dr Aiban Igwe, who spoke on the theme of the event, while identifying the transport sector as the major driver of economy, made a case for intentional and sustainable investment in the transport sector.

A biographer claims that 🇺🇸 Elon Musk is "going mad" and that the billionaire is "deeply unwell."

Seth Abramson, Elon Musk's biographer, thinks the billionaire is "going mad" while running Space X, X (formerly Twitter), and Tesla and serving on Donald Trump's transition team.

A biographer of Elon Musk has warned that the billionaire may "endanger us all" as worries about his health continue to mount.

How are Elon Musk’s actions raising concerns globally?

Following the UK government's rejection of a call for a public investigation into the grooming scandal in Oldham, the owner of X has been responding to posts on his platform and writing insane comments.

Musk claimed on Friday that the scandals amount to a massive crime against humanity.

The founder of the far-right English Defense League, Tommy Robinson (real name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon), is currently serving an 18-month jail sentence for contempt of court, and he has recently stated his support for Robinson.Seth Abramson, Musk's biographer, now thinks the billionaire may be "going mad" as he oversees SpaceX, X, and Tesla while serving on Donald Trump's transition team, as reported by The Mirror US.

Elon Musk might be losing his mind. He has been following Musk's online activity for the past two years as a biographer, and since he has acknowledged his severe drug use, mental illness, and debilitating stress, it is fair to assume that he is seriously ill, he wrote on Tuesday.

What Does Musk’s Biographer Say About His Mental Health?

The biographer thinks Musk will try to lead the US government, not Trump. His private struggles would not be of general concern unless they have dramatic public consequences, Mr. Abrahamson continued.

We are all at risk from his insanity and growing incitement of violence because of his holdings in numerous industries vital to civilization and because he is the incoming president .

It follows rumors that Musk had a mental breakdown last year after being subjected to irate jeering at Dave Chappelle's show in San Francisco in December 2022.

Two months after Musk paid $44 billion to acquire Twitter, the comedian brought him on stage after he was captured on camera being jeered by a sizable portion of the 18,000 spectators.

Seth Abramson identifies Musk's mental health issues, such as stress, admitted mental illness, and erratic online behaviour, as indicators of his declining well-being.

What risks do Elon Musk's actions pose?

Abramson warns that Musk's control over critical industries such as space exploration and communication, combined with his unpredictable behaviour, could have disastrous global consequences.

Special Forces Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have intercepted terrorists attempting to plant Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) along a strategic route in Gando Forest, Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops, operating under Operation TSAFTA DAJI III Phase 3, launched an ambush when they encountered a group of terrorists laying IEDs.
On sighting the advancing troops, the terrorists fled into the forest under the cover of darkness, abandoning their explosives and equipment.

Recovered items include: One motorcycle, Three 25-litre jerrycans filled with IED components, 300 meters of sapper cable, one DET 33 electric detonator and one hoe used for planting explosives.
The Nigerian military has continued to maintain an aggressive posture against terrorists and criminal elements in Zamfara State, with Operation FANSAN YANMA and Operation TSAFTA DAJI III targeting bandit strongholds across Anka, Bagega, and Bukkuyum axis.

Three notorious bandit leaders, Kachalla Dan Baba, Kachalla Abu Guddi, and Kachalla Bello Kurma, causing havoc in Zamfara State, have reportedly experienced a decline in their mental health, resulting in disorder among their armed followers.

Security expert, Zagazola Malama reported that intelligence sources confirmed the development as a significant result following the battle against banditry in the northern part of the country.

He said the three bandit commanders have suddenly shown signs of severe psychological distress.

This has led their gang members to disarm them and leave them to roam aimlessly in the forests.

The incident, which occurred on March 27, 2025, has thrown their criminal factions into disarray, prompting speculation among the public regarding the potential reasons behind their abrupt mental collapse.

According to reports, Kachalla Dan Baba was the head of a significant criminal organization based in Kudo village, adjacent to Buzaya Forest in the Maru Local Government Area.

He commanded over 50 fighters and was responsible for numerous kidnappings, highway ambushes, and cattle rustling activities across Zamfara and neighboring regions.

Kachalla Abu Guddi, another notorious warlord, operated from Gidan Garba village in Maru LGA. He gained infamy for leading violent assaults on communities, resulting in civilian casualties, and for his involvement in arms trafficking.

Kachalla Bello Kurma established his operations deep within the Buzaya Forest, a well-known refuge for armed criminal groups in Maru LGA. Security sources characterize him as one of the most brutal bandits in the area, with connections to other terrorist organizations active in the North-West.

A source, a vigilante operative who has been tracking bandit activities in the region, told Zagazola that the three bandit leaders began showing signs of erratic behavior, including talking to themselves, hallucinating, and making irrational decisions.

Witnesses claim that their own fighters, sensing weakness and fearing for their survival, seized their weapons and abandoned them in the forests.

“This is a very unusual situation. These men were feared warlords, controlling vast criminal networks. But something happened that caused them to lose their senses. Their followers saw that they were no longer fit to lead, so they disarmed them and left them to wander aimlessly,” the source disclosed.

Security analysts and community members have started to theorize about the possible causes behind the unusual mental breakdown experienced by the bandit leaders.

Among the proposed explanations are: The Consequences of Extended Substance Abuse: Numerous bandit commanders are reported to misuse hard drugs, potentially resulting in serious psychological issues.

Additionally, some residents speculate that divine intervention or spiritual influences might have contributed to their abrupt decline.

Should the incapacitation of Kachalla Dan Baba, Abu Guddi, and Bello Kurma be verified, it could considerably diminish the effectiveness of bandit activities in Maru Local Government Area and its neighboring regions.

“With their leaders gone mad, their gangs will either scatter or seek new alliances. This gives us an opportunity to strike harder and eliminate them before they reorganize,” the source reportedly said.

Why Protests Fail in Nigeria: A Nation Trapped in its Own Chains

"Nigeria, my beloved country
Working together is the key
Nigeria, my beloved country
Her future is you and me."

Every time I remember the above song by Funmi Adams, it evokes feelings of despair. Gone is the nationalist and patriotic spirit that was so prevalent in the 60s, 70s, 80s, and even early 90s. Things have gotten so bad that even activists and have given up.

Nigeria, our land of resilience, hope, and immense potential, the great giant of Africa, seem to have fallen flat on her face.

I noticed that despite the passion and sacrifice, most protests in our country fail to bring lasting change. This includes the EndSARS movement, labour strikes, fuel subsidy, inflation, high cost of living protest, and electoral demonstrations.

Why?

1. The Nigerian Mindset: Survival Over Revolution

The average Nigerian is in a daily battle for survival. With inflation skyrocketing, job scarcity, and economic hardship at an all-time high, most people can not afford to dedicate themselves fully to a protest. A taxi driver in Lagos may sympathize with the cause but can not afford to park his car for too long because he has a family to feed. A market woman in Kano may be angry at government policies but will prioritize selling her goods over joining a protest. Many Nigerians, conditioned by years of suffering, have developed a “we move” mentality, adjusting to every hardship rather than fighting to change it.


2. Corruption: A Poison That Kills Every Protest

Protests require strong leadership, organization, and funding. However, in Nigeria, many protests are infiltrated and compromised by corrupt influences. Politicians and powerful figures often identify key protest leaders and buy them off. Once a leader is bribed, the movement crumbles from within. History has shown that many supposed "activists" suddenly become silent or change their stance after a private meeting with those in power. Once money changes hands, the movement loses momentum, and the people feel betrayed.

3. Divide and Rule: Using Citizens Against Themselves

Nigerian politicians are masters of the divide-and-rule strategy. They exploit ethnic, religious, and regional differences to weaken protests. A protest that starts as a national movement is soon labelled as a “Igbo agenda” or a “northern plot.” A demonstration against bad governance is repainted as an attack on a particular political party, making it easy to turn citizens against one another.

It's a dog eat dog system. Even celebrities have become disillusioned and stop speaking out. It's so easy to brainwash the masses such that the very people you fight for can easily turn against and tag you the villain. To thy tent O Isreal.

A classic example is the #EndSARS protest. While many Nigerians were united in their call to end police brutality, government-backed elements infiltrated the protests, labelling them as an anti-government agenda. Soon, paid thugs attacked peaceful protesters, creating chaos and forcing many to retreat. The government then used this confusion to justify a violent crackdown.

4. Anti-Protests: A Tool to Weaken Genuine Resistance

Another tactic used to weaken protests is the organization of counter-protests. Government-sponsored groups suddenly appear, staging rallies in support of the very policies the people are protesting against. Imagine a group of students demanding better university funding, only to see another group of students holding banners, and chanting praises of the government, countering them. The goal is to create the illusion that not all Nigerians are suffering, making the protest seem like the agenda of a few disgruntled elements.

It is a great paradox that Nigerians are so smart yet so easily brainwashed and manipulated by the government.

5. Poverty and Hunger: Weapons Against the People

A hungry man cannot fight. Poverty is one of the strongest tools used to suppress protests in Nigeria. The government knows that most citizens live hand-to-mouth. During protests, security forces often use hunger as a weapon. A prolonged demonstration means protesters must find food, shelter, and security. When resources run out, people go back home.

Those in power distribute money, food, and small favours to weaken the protest spirit. A protest that starts with 10,000 people may end with only 500 because many have been bribed with as little as a bag of rice or a few thousand naira.

6. Violence and Fear: Crushing the People’s Will

Fear is a powerful tool. The government and security agencies have repeatedly used excessive force to crush protests. The Lekki Toll Gate Massacre during the #EndSARS movement is a painful reminder that speaking out against injustice can cost one’s life. When peaceful protesters are met with tear gas, bullets, and arrests, many Nigerians choose silence over resistance.

Security forces also deliberately plant troublemakers in protests to turn peaceful demonstrations into violent riots. Once violence erupts, the government declares the protest unlawful and moves in with force, destroying whatever momentum the movement had.

7. Lack of Strategic Leadership and Follow-Through

While Nigerians are passionate about protests, many movements lack strategic planning and leadership. A successful protest must have clear demands, negotiation strategies, and a plan for sustaining pressure. In Nigeria, many protests start with energy but fizzle out due to a lack of direction. The government, knowing this, simply waits for protesters to get tired and disperse.

It is the sad reality, and if nothing is done, Nigeria will sink into dictatorship where the will of the people is crushed and their voices are forever silenced. I weep for Nigeria, my beloved country.


Lisa Bassey is a Political Analyst, Writer, and Author.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Monday Ubani says Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has not stepped aside from his position while investigation into the sexual allegations leveled against was going on because the accuser, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan did not supply any evidence to back up her claim.

Ubani, who is a Special Adviser to the Senate President said he would have personally advised Akpabio to step aside while the investigation is ongoing if Natasha had presented any evidence against him.

He argued that in civilised nations like United Kingdom or United States, public officers usually step aside for proper investigation if there are evidences against them.

“My take is that in nations like United States and United Kingdom, if such an allegation is made against any public officer, they normally want to allow proper investigation to be done which is what the senate is trying to do in this circumstances. But there must be evidence. I’m also curious to look at the evidence that the person who has alleged this sexual harassment has presented”.

According Ubani, despite making two allegations against Akpabio, Natasha did not provide a single evidence to back up her claim.

“There are two things she has said, which if there are sufficient evidence, I will be one of the person that will advise Senator Godswill Akpabio to step aside”.

“The first allegation is that on 8th of December, in the home of Senator Akpabio in Uyo, she was with her husband and the senator took them to all the rooms and then said ‘do you like my house?’ I will like for you to come back here to make me happy, you know I am a presiding officer’.

“The second one is when she did not wear her wedding ring and the man saw that and said ‘is this an invitation to treat?’. According to her, those things were said in the presence of senators”.

“As I speak to you, there is no single witness that has been named . There is no single exhibit, there is no single text message. There is no single evidence in the verifying affidavit. All the allegations she made were all verbal”.

“Also, there was no witness. She didn’t tell her husband all these things until 2025 when her seat was re-allocated”.

There is anxiety in the downstream arm of the oil and gas sector as operators await the decision of the Federal Government on the naira-for-crude deal between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

The six-month deal, which started in October 2024, officially ends today, Monday, March 31, 2024. The deal’s extension or complete halt is still being discussed by the parties involved.

However, it was gathered on Sunday that the committee responsible for the negotiations has yet to resolve on the matter. As this lingers, the effect is now felt in the pump prices of refined petroleum products.

Petrol has increased from about N860/litre to over N930/litre within one week. Dealers blamed this on the failure of the Federal Government to extend the naira-for-crude deal between the NNPCL and the Dangote refinery.



Our marketers also projected further hike in petrol price. They said the cost may hit N1,000/litre in weeks if nothing is done about the naira-for-crude deal that earlier helped in checking the rise in petrol prices.

Meanwhile, barring any last-minute change, the 650,000 barrels per day Dangote refinery is expected to shut down its petrol-producing unit for maintenance. According to Reuters, the maintenance, which may occur in June, will last for 30 days.

On the naira-for-crude deal, an insider at the finance ministry familiar with the ongoing negotiations revealed that no significant progress has been made. The source said both parties could not engage in any meeting throughout the past week.


“Nothing new has happened. Probably after the holidays, the committee will sit and meet,” the senior government official stated.

Recall that on October 1, 2024, the government commenced the sales of crude oil in naira to the Dangote refinery to improve supply, save the country millions of dollars in petroleum product imports, and ultimately reduce the pump prices of fuel.

NNPC recently stated that the Dangote refinery had received 48 million barrels of crude oil in naira under the deal. It also said a total of 84 million barrels of crude had been supplied to the refinery since it commenced operations in 2023.

NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, in a statement, explained that the initial deal was for six months and discussions for the renewal of the agreement were currently ongoing, with the aim of establishing a new contract.

However, events took a drastic turn when the Dangote refinery, on March 19, announced a temporary suspension of the sale of petroleum products in naira.

The Lekki-based refinery lamented that there was a mismatch between its sales proceeds and its crude oil purchase obligations, which it said were currently denominated in US dollars.

“Dear valued customers, we wish to inform you that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has temporarily halted the sale of petroleum products in naira. This decision is necessary to avoid a mismatch between our sales proceeds and our crude oil purchase obligations, which are currently denominated in US dollars.


“To date, our sales of petroleum products in naira have exceeded the value of naira-denominated crude we have received. As a result, we must temporarily adjust our sales currency to align with our crude procurement currency,” the firm announced.

Immediately after the announcement, the cost of loading petrol at private depots in Lagos jumped to about N900/litre. It was less than N850/litre before the announcement.

Industry sources said the deal failed because the national oil company had used large volumes of its yet-to-be-produced crude oil to acquire loans from various international financial institutions, making it tough for the oil firm to have enough crude to supply the domestic market.

Retail stations also increased their pump prices between N930 in Lagos, N950 in Abuja and N960 in the far north.

While industry stakeholders have expressed optimism that a deal would be sealed between both parties, the intense uncertainty concerning the discussions points to a different direction.

Reacting to this, the National Publicity Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, Chinedu Ukadike, decried the current situation, noting that it was the sole reason for the upward movement in petrol prices by depot owners and retailers.

He said a stakeholders meeting has been called by relevant bodies to chart a way forward.


Ukadike said, “Because of this issue, we’ve called for a stakeholders meeting. We are going to meet to discuss it and come out with a way forward. We clamoured that crude oil should be sold in naira and any deviation would affect us. Our stakeholders’ meeting is very imminent.

“We had initially planned to meet this week, but it was postponed to May 1, 2025, because of the Sallah break and the upcoming Easter break.”


The national officer said the industry stakeholders expected at the meeting include the IPMAN National Working Committee and the executive and members of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria.

He further disclosed that marketers have lost over N200bn to price fluctuations in the last six months, which has, in turn, discouraged bulk buyers.

“We have lost over N200bn because of the price fluctuations in the last six months. What happens is that when we buy at a price, and vessels load, by the time they get to the depots and point of discharge, Dangote has reduced the price again. That little difference is borne by the marketer, and this makes it difficult to go back again and buy, after selling at a loss.

“This is because they don’t have any buffer to cushion the loss. Bulk traders have also reduced due to these risks,” Ukadike stated.

Dealers blamed the Federal Government for orchestrating the current hike in the price of petroleum products, especially petrol.


They said the reluctance of the Federal Government to renew the naira-for-crude deal with the Dangote refinery led to the hike in petrol, warning that citizens should not be suffocated because of dollars.

The Vice President of IPMAN, Hammed Fashola, regretted that Nigerians might go back to buying a litre of petrol at N1,000/litre if the sale of crude in naira is not reconsidered with the Dangote Group.

The Dangote refinery had announced that it would no longer sell fuel in naira to local marketers because it no longer gets crude oil in naira from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

During the weekend when Nigerians were celebrating Eid-el-Fitri, The PUNCH observed that the Dangote refinery, which had crashed petrol prices multiple times between December and March, bowed to pressure, as its partners like MRS, Heyden, and Ardova raised petrol prices from N860 to N930/litre in Lagos and neighbouring states. These prices were higher in the north.

As it is, Nigerians may once again grapple with the consequences of rising fuel prices, which have triggered an increase in transport fares. The abrupt change in government policy appears to have undermined the relief many had anticipated, fueling worries about the escalating cost of living.

The IPMAN VP described the price hike as unfortunate, calling on members of the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria to pity the poor masses.

Fashola said that though the price of crude oil and the exchange rate are the major factors determining the prices of petroleum products, he argued that the naira-for-crude arrangement would help to tame the local price of fuel.


“It’s unfortunate the price of PMS is going up again. Although if you look at the crude oil, it is rising, the cause of this matter is Dangote and the naira-for-crude issue. Because we noticed that when Dangote announced the stoppage of the contract, there was an immediate reaction, especially from DAPPMAN members. They increased their prices, which is unfortunate,” he said.

While appealing to the Federal Government to renew the deal with the Dangote refinery, Fashola called on fellow businessmen to be more patriotic.

He declared that there was no justification for the price hike by depot owners, the same day Dangote announced the suspension of the sale of petrol in naira.

“I think we need to plead with the government to look at the agreement again, maybe that will drive the price down. I will equally appeal to our people to be more patriotic too, because I don’t see any justification for that initial increment. At least, they should have waited for the new consignment or so.

“But being what we are in Nigeria, it’s just a pity. But, I think that everything should not be about profit all the time. We should consider our citizens before we do anything. We hope that if the government goes back to the naira-for-crude arrangement, it will help reduce the price,” Fashola stated.

Asked if the NNPC and the Dangote refinery had announced an official price to marketers, he replied that the NNPC might name a new price after the Sallah break, saying whatever MRS says is from the Dangote refinery.

“NNPC is yet to react to the price hike. But we know that when MRS talks, it’s Dangote who is talking. MRS has announced new prices. And, I am very sure that after the holiday, NNPC will react too. MRS has informed marketers of its new prices. The prices depend on your location. For Lagos, I think it’s around N905 per litre. Outside Lagos, like Ogun State, it’s around N911. The pump price in Lagos is N930,” Fashola explained.


He stressed that prices may hit N1,000 in the coming days, saying, however, that the naira deal could have been a game changer.

“N1,000/litre is expected, but we just have to be patriotic and sincere with one another. In this era of deregulation, the price will go up and down. It depends on what is happening in the international market and the exchange rate. Those two factors are key to determining the prices of petroleum products.

“However, the local arrangement between Dangote and the Federal Government, that is, the naira-for-crude deal, would have been a game changer. We all witnessed that. It was working well before the agreement was terminated. But I think they can still renew it. At least, that would help to stabilise the prices. It would also help the Nigerian citizens, at least,” he maintained,

On the call by depot owners that the Federal Government should stop the naira-for-crude agreement because of its ‘negative effects’ on the economy, the IPMAN leader stressed that DAPPMAN members were only trying to protect their territory.

Controversial streamer, Peller, has claimed that he has been receiving death threats after he urged Nigerians to stop the ongoing #30DayRants challenge on TikTok.

Peller has faced significant backlash after urging Nigerians to refrain from criticising poor governance under the #30DayRants challenge. He highlighted that continued criticism could lead to a ban on the platform in Nigeria, which would affect his livelihood.

During a recent livestream, Peller claimed that some persons threatened to shoot him like they shot his colleague, Oloba Salo, in the Lekki area of Lagos State last year.

He said, “I have been receiving death threats. Some people threatened to shoot me like they shot Salo in Lekki Phase 1. They asked me to watch my back when going out.

“What is all these? I’m not talking again. Good bye.”

Prominent leaders from Omuma Local Government Area in Rivers State have distanced themselves from the recent allegations made by Dr. George Nweke, a former Head of Service in the state, against Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Speaking at a press briefing in Port Harcourt, the leader of the Concerned Omuma Stakeholders, Maximus Nwafor, expressed disappointment in Nweke’s statements and accused him of attempting to mislead the public.

“We are saddened that Dr. George Nweke has allowed himself to be used as a tool for misinformation,” Nwafor said. “The claims he made against the governor are false and baseless. We fully support and stand with Governor Fubara.”

Nwafor, who previously served as the state’s Commissioner for Energy and Natural Resources, alleged that Nweke had, until recently, sought financial assistance from the governor and his Chief of Staff.

“We are aware that after his resignation, Dr. Nweke reached out to the governor and the Chief of Staff for financial aid. When things did not go as he wanted, he resorted to making unfounded claims,” he stated.

He urged the public to disregard Nweke’s allegations, noting that the former HoS was neither part of the local government’s inner caucus nor the state caucus.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), loyal to Governor Fubara, has dismissed Nweke’s claims, including allegations that the governor ordered the bombing of the State House of Assembly.

PDP factional chairman Dr. Robinson Ewhor described the accusations as an orchestrated attempt to discredit the governor.

“Dr. Nweke is acting out a script prepared by those who want to undermine Governor Fubara,” Ewhor stated. “The claim that the governor ordered the bombing of the State Assembly is completely false.”

Ewhor also refuted allegations that Fubara was supporting Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed’s potential presidential bid in 2027. He emphasized that the PDP Governors’ Forum chairman had not declared any intention to contest the presidency.

“The assertion that the governor and Senator Bala Mohammed hold secret meetings is another fabrication,” he said. “As chairman and deputy chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum, it is natural for them to interact on party matters.”

Addressing the accusations of a plot to demolish the Assembly quarters, Ewhor challenged Nweke to provide evidence. “If there was such a plan, why has the auditorium not been demolished to this day?” he asked.

He further urged Governor Fubara to remain focused on governance, adding, “The governor should find it in his heart to forgive those conspiring against him. The truth will always prevail.”

Ewhor reaffirmed the PDP’s confidence in Fubara’s leadership, calling on Rivers people to disregard misinformation and continue supporting the governor.

President Donald Trump said Sunday that the tariffs he plans to impose in the coming days will apply to “all countries,” not just those with the largest trade imbalances with the United States.

Trump has promised a “Liberation Day” on April 2, when he is set to unveil reciprocal levies to address trade practices that his government deems unfair.

“You’d start with all countries, so let’s see what happens,” Trump told reporters onboard Air Force One, dashing hopes he might scale back some of the threatened levies or that they would target a select group with persistent trade imbalances.

“I haven’t heard a rumour about 15 countries, 10 or 15,” he said when asked which nations would be affected.


“Essentially all of the countries that we’re talking about. We’ve been talking about all countries, not a cutoff,” he said, without giving details.

Trump’s upcoming tariff salvo had been expected to target the 15 percent of partners that have persistent trade imbalances with the United States, a group Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called a “Dirty 15.”

But despite widening the target, the president insisted his tariffs would be more “generous” than those levied against the United States.


“The tariffs will be far more generous than those countries were to us, meaning they will be kinder than those countries were to the United States of America over the decades.


“They ripped us off like no country has ever been ripped off in history, and we’re going to be much nicer than they were to us. But it’s substantial money for the country nevertheless,” he said.

Trump has already slapped tariffs on steel and aluminum imports and additional levies on imports from China.

Tariffs on imported autos are also due to take effect on April 3.

Trump’s top trade aide Peter Navarro said the tax on auto imports could raise $100 billion a year.

“And in addition, the other tariffs are going to raise about $600 billion a year, about $6 trillion over a 10-year period,” Navarro told Fox News Sunday.

Trump’s plans to unleash a wide range of reciprocal tariffs risk a global trade war, with other countries already vowing to retaliate and economists warning the sweeping moves risk stoking inflation and triggering a downturn.


Trump has defended the levies as a way to raise government revenue and revitalise US industry.

The Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBBofC) has disclosed that late boxer Segun "Success" Olanrewaju did not receive approval for the fight that led to his death in Accra, Ghana, News360 Nigeria reports.

Olanrewaju, 40, a former National and West African light-heavyweight champion, lost consciousness during his bout against Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu at Fight Night 15 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League, held at the Bukom Boxing Arena on Saturday.

Reports indicate that Olanrewaju was initially scheduled to fight on Friday but was disqualified after being found overweight.

However, he later agreed to a Saturday fight, allegedly without the necessary approval from the NBBofC.

Eyewitnesses at the arena said Olanrewaju was leading on points when he collapsed unexpectedly.

After exchanging weak punches with Mbanugu, who is known as "Jon Power" and holds a record of 12 wins, one loss, and one draw, Olanrewaju was hit with a right-hand punch.

Moments later, he staggered backward, fell against the ropes, and slumped.

As the referee began the mandatory count, the Nigerian fighter turned face down with his throat resting on the ropes.

His team rushed into the ring, attempting to resuscitate him before he was rushed to Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Speaking to Newsmen, NBBofC Secretary-General Remi Aboderin clarified that Olanrewaju had been cleared to fight on Friday, but after his disqualification, he sought another opportunity to fight the next day to earn money.

"Segun got our approval for a fight on Friday, but during the weigh-in on Thursday, he was found overweight.

His opponent was not in his weight class, so the fight was canceled.

They offered to increase his purse by $500, but he declined the offer, and no agreement was reached," Aboderin explained.

He further revealed that Olanrewaju initially left Accra for Lagos on Saturday morning but changed his mind at the Aflao border.

"He told his coach, Diran Alamu, that returning home without money would be difficult".

He had debts to pay, so he called the Ghanaians to ask if another fight was available".

"They informed him that a match was possible on Saturday night, but we did not give him approval for it. This is where the Ghana Boxing Association made an error," Aboderin stated.

Olanrewaju’s trainer, Babatunde Ojo, expressed regret over the tragic incident, saying he had advised the late boxer against taking the fight on such short notice.

"He told me about the fight last week, and I warned him that it was too soon. He wasn’t training properly, and I told him to wait for a better offer," Ojo said.

"He initially mentioned the fight would be on April 1, but later said it was moved to March 29. I told him it was too soon and suggested we travel together if they booked our flights. But they offered to arrange a car for him instead, which I refused. He knew I didn’t want him to go," Ojo added.

Ojo revealed that Olanrewaju later told him he had obtained a release letter for the fight but did not inform him about his final decision to travel.

"He knew I wouldn’t allow him to go, so he left without telling me. Now, we are dealing with this painful loss. This is why I always warn my boxers against taking fights on short notice. You need at least one month to prepare. May his soul rest in peace," Ojo concluded.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OJGGjgMvrw?si=XIhWgEYe30d6QO7S

The killing of innocent northern travellers in Uromi, Edo State, has triggered widespread outrage and renewed scrutiny of the Okpebholo administration’s handling of security across the state. What is now being described as a preventable tragedy is increasingly being linked to earlier warnings about the breakdown of the state’s security structure; warnings the government allegedly chose to ignore.

On February 5, just one month before the attack, operatives of the Edo State Security Network (ESSN) staged a public protest in Benin City. The corps members passed a vote of no confidence in their commander, retired Commissioner of Police Friday Ibadin, citing rising insecurity, a surge in kidnappings and killings, and the alleged infiltration of the network by unregulated vigilante groups.

The protest came a day after Governor Monday Okpebholo reportedly removed Ibadin and appointed Assistant Commander Balogun in his place. That decision was reversed within 24 hours, reinstating Ibadin and igniting the revolt within the ESSN.

Speaking at the protest, ESSN operative Imade Eweka accused Ibadin of turning the network into a political instrument. “Commander Ibadin is playing politics. He has been deploying his loyalists to extort money from innocent citizens, undermining the integrity of our mission,” she said. “Meanwhile, we are unarmed, unpaid, and our members are dying during rescue operations.”

Eweka and others accused Ibadin of disarming the corps and replacing trained officers with loyalists drawn from illegal vigilante groups known to the government. They also claimed that the security situation, particularly in Edo Central where both the governor and Ibadin hail from, had worsened under his leadership.

Despite these public warnings, the administration failed to act. On March 29, vigilantes operating in Uromi, described by the government itself as “illegal”, were implicated in the killing of innocent travelers reportedly en route from Port Harcourt to the North for the Sallah holiday. The victims were said to have been incorrectly profiled as kidnappers and then summarily murdered in cold blood.

In[b] the wake of the incident, the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) issued a strongly worded statement, condemning the governor’s failure to address the crisis when it first emerged.
[/b]
“The recent government classification of the perpetrators as an illegal vigilante group only further exposes the absence of a coherent security framework under the current administration and a continuation of the blame game this government has come to master,” said PDP Publicity Secretary, Chris Nehikhare.

“The knee-jerk, Abuja-ordered suspension of the Commander of the Edo State Security Corps, CP Friday Ibadin (Rtd), is a clear admission by the government that the security architecture of the state has failed.

“The February 5 mutiny by members of the Edo Security Corps was an early warning sign of deep-rooted inefficiencies, yet Senator Monday Okpebholo chose to ignore it. Now, Edo people and Nigerians are paying the price of Okpebholo’s incompetence with their lives.

“It is particularly distressing that a vigilante group, operating without any oversight or proper registration, was allowed to take up arms and engage in extra-judicial killings. This is an indictment of the Okpebholo administration’s failure to properly regulate, train, and coordinate security efforts in the state.”

Though the governor has now suspended Ibadin and ordered a security review, tensions remain high. Fears of reprisal attacks are growing as the identities of the victims come to light. Anger also simmers within the ESSN over the administration’s initial refusal to act.

“Ibadin was a Labour Party politician in Uromi who supported the governor’s election. They rewarded him with the top security job,” an ESSN member said. “How can you turn security into political compensation? Why didn’t they appoint Balogun when we warned them?”

Dr. Bulama Bukarti, a reputable human rights lawyer from Kano, stated on his social media handle that “This is not an isolated attack…this is state-backed negligence, and we will no longer tolerate it! The repeated and unaddressed killing of Northerners might lead some to resort to violent retaliation in the name of justice. If that happens, the blame will squarely rest on the perpetrators, the political leaders who have failed us, and the security forces who have neglected their duties.”