The Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana, Stephen Blewett, has dismissed accusations that the telecom operator steals customer data, a persistent complaint he says he’s faced in every market during his career, MyJoyOnline, Ghanaian online news portal, reported on Wednesday.

His comments come as a wave of similar concerns sweeps through Nigeria, where subscribers are also pointing fingers at the country’s largest telco, with over 80 million users, and other operators for what they claim is the unfair depletion of their data.

The PUNCH reported on Tuesday that customers have flooded the Nigerian Communications Commission and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission with emails and messages, demanding a probe into unexplained data consumption.

The operators who spoke on the matter denied any system to siphon data, blaming increased usage on shifts from 3G and 4G to 5G networks and heavier video streaming.

At MTN House in Accra, Blewett addressed the widespread belief that data vanishes due to deliberate tampering.

“I’ve heard ‘You’re stealing my data’ in every country I’ve worked—not just at MTN,” he said, reflecting on his long industry tenure, adding, “I swear to God as my witness: we have no reason to steal your data.”

Blewett argued that there’s no financial incentive for such actions, noting his bonus depends on declared revenue.

“If I steal data, I can’t report it—I’d lose my bonus,” he said, seeking to dispel notions of profit-driven manipulation by MTN or its peers.

He attributed rapid data depletion to enhanced networks, not foul play.

“A better network speeds up data use,” he explained.

“YouTube switches to higher resolution on stronger signals—it’s like Pac-Man eating your data. We don’t control that,” he added.

To build trust, Blewett highlighted MTN’s oversight mechanisms. “We’re independently audited—billing errors would fail our financials,” he said, adding that an internal revenue assurance team constantly checks for discrepancies to ensure compliance and accuracy.

“We don’t want revenue leaks or incorrect billing,” he stressed, underscoring MTN’s commitment to transparency amid customer frustration over vanishing data.

SaharaReporters gathered that these workers have been rotting behind bars without a court conviction, as their trial has been repeatedly stalled on the orders of the influential former First Lady.

In a blatant violation of Nigeria’s constitutional provisions on the presumption of innocence, former First Lady Patience Jonathan has kept 15 of her domestic staff locked up in Bayelsa State’s Okaka Correctional Centre since 2019 over an unproven case of robbery.

SaharaReporters gathered that these workers have been rotting behind bars without a court conviction, as their trial has been repeatedly stalled on the orders of the influential former First Lady.

Sources familiar with the case raised the alarm, calling for urgent intervention to ensure justice for the detained workers.

“Since 2019, former First Lady Patience Jonathan has locked up about 16 of her domestic staff in Okaka Prison for allegedly stealing her jewellery, without first allowing a competent court of law to try them and sentence them.

“Some years ago, TECH4JUSTICE was able to provide legal services for them, which they have been doing ever since. But since the current Chief Judge came on board, she has been deliberately dragging the case on Patience Jonathan’s instructions. She is a stooge of the former First Lady,” one of the sources said.

Also, a relative of one of the detained domestic workers, speaking to SaharaReporters, stated, "They are at Okaka Prison in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. They are 15 in number and have been in prison since 2019. They were domestic workers for the former First Lady, Patience Jonathan.

“In 2019, there was a case of breaking and entering in one of her apartments in Otuoke, and she decided to arrest all her workers—even though they were not working in that apartment at the time.”

“Since then, there has been no evidence to prove the case in court, and the case is not proceeding. They keep saying they are waiting for witnesses to come forward until today,” the source said.

The names of the detained workers include Vincent Olabiyi, Ebuka Cosmos, John Dashe, Tamunokuro Abaku, Saabi Liman, Emmanuel Aginwa, Erema Deborah, Williams Alami, Precious Kingsley, Tamunosiki Waribobo, Salomi Reginald, Sunday Boma, Oba Golden, and Vivian.

“They are being charged with armed robbery, malicious damage, attempted murder, stealing, and so on. But there is no evidence! They are even going to court this morning (Thursday),” the source added.

The prolonged detention of these workers is a breach of Nigeria’s constitutional guarantee of the presumption of innocence.

Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria explicitly states that every person accused of a criminal offence shall be presumed innocent until proven guilty. Furthermore, Section 35 guarantees the right to personal liberty and stipulates that no person shall be detained beyond a reasonable period without trial.

SaharaReporters has learned that the detained staff’s case has been deliberately stalled in court, allegedly under the influence of Patience Jonathan.

Patience Jonathan, the wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan, served as the First Lady of Nigeria from 2010 to 2015 and as the Second Lady of Nigeria from 2007 to 2010.

LAGOS TRAFFIC UPDATE

Governor of Lagos State, Mr @jidesanwoolu has apologized to Lagosians over the severe traffic situation yesterday and this morning, on behalf of both State and Federal Governments.

Mr Governor says the decision to fix the bridge by Messrs Buildwell construction has been on for over 3 years and it was to prevent a disaster waiting to happen.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7P1nJVN2axw?si=AEnCHi19o8MVycwM

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned countries Wednesday not to retaliate against a barrage of tariffs from the White House, saying if retaliation does not occur, higher customs duty rates will not be applied.

"I would advise none of the countries to panic. I wouldn't try to retaliate, because as long as you don't retaliate, this is the high end of the number," Bessent said in an interview with Bloomberg.

Bessent said markets can be confident that these rates will be fixed as long as no retaliation occurs.

Noting that countries had reached out for tariff negotiations, he said what will be done in this regard depends on President Donald Trump.

In an interview with Fox News, Bessent reiterated his advice, saying: "Right now, my advice to every country is not to retaliate. Let's see how things unfold, because if you retaliate, things will escalate."

French President Emmanuel Macron called on Thursday for European companies to suspend planned investment in the United States after U.S. President Donald Trump announced sweeping global tariffs on American imports.

"I think what's important, and that's all the work that must be done by sector, that the investments to come or investments announced in recent weeks should be suspended until things are clarified with the United States," Macron said during a meeting with French industry representatives.

Macron said no response had been ruled out yet and suggested using the anti-coercion mechanism, responses targeting digital services and looking at financing mechanisms of the U.S. economy.

Macron added that the response to the reciprocal tariffs would be "more massive" than its earlier retaliation to U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs.

Macron called the tariffs "brutal and unfounded" and a shock for international trade, and that Europe must respond "industry by industry".

By Leadership News


Former lawmaker representing Adamawa North in the Senate, Elijah Ishaku Abbo, has alleged that he lost his senatorial seat in the 10th Senate due to what he described as “judicial banditry.”

Abbo made the claim during an interview on Arise News Channel’s PrimeTime show on Wednesday night, monitored by our correspondent.

He accused the judiciary of manipulating the 2023 election outcome against him.

“I lost my senatorial seat through judicial banditry because there is no law that backs what happened,” Abbo asserted. “I believe the judge knows what she did, and that is why she had to send Ken Nnamani to my house to come and beg me.”

According to Abbo, former Senate President Nnamani’s visit was a confirmation of irregularities in the judicial process. “And it’s true, Ken Nnamani is still alive,” he added, emphasising that the former Senate President could corroborate his claims.

The former federal lawmaker further criticised the court’s decision, particularly the cancellation of election results in two out of five local government areas of Adamawa North without ordering a rerun.

“A situation where a judge said that an election that took place in five local governments, and she cancelled the election in two local governments, disenfranchised two local governments, 263 polling units, and did not order a re-election as the law stipulates—that is not the law, that is robbery, that is a coup against democracy,” he maintained.

Abbo also alleged that the judge was pressured to rule against him, claiming that the judicial system was compromised. “Of course, she was pressured, and I have stated it time and time again. Unfortunately, I petitioned the National Judicial Council (NJC), but the NJC has become a body that only punishes small judges—Magistrates and High Court Judges—but cannot punish big Judges,” he said.

Expressing frustration over what he described as a lack of accountability in the judiciary, Senator Abbo advocated the dissolution of the NJC, arguing that it had failed in its duty.

“They should dismantle the NJC, they are doing nothing,” he declared. “I am advocating that the NBA should be the one punishing judges by passing a vote of no confidence on erring judges,” he added.

LEADERSHIP recalls that the Court of Appeal in Abuja had, on October 16, 2023, nullified Abbo’s election and declared Amos Yohanna of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the rightful winner of the February 25, 2023 senatorial election in Adamawa North.

PRESS STATEMENT
RE: BASELESS ALLEGATIONS BY MR ELISHA ABBO AGAINST THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE

The attention of the Office of the President of the Senate has been drawn to another round of spurious and malicious accusations by Mr. Elisha Abbo, who unlawfully represented Adamawa North Senatorial District save a judicial intervention. He has again sought to blame the President of the Senate, His Excellency, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, for the travail of his judicial sanction that occasioned his ouster from the Senate.

It is sad and regrettable that despite publicly retracting a similar allegation in 2023—after admitting that his earlier accusation was “premature and based on the available information at our disposal”—Mr. Abbo has once again embarked on a campaign of misinformation and blame transfer.

Following a discussion with the Senate President last year, Mr. Abbo himself acknowledged that Senator Akpabio had “no involvement” in the judicial process that led to his removal. It is puzzling that he would now return to the same baseless allegations he once renounced.

For the avoidance of doubt, the Court of Appeal, after a thorough legal process, ruled unequivocally that Mr. Abbo’s presence in the Red Chamber was in error. The court determined that he was not validly elected as the Senator for Adamawa North, and consequently, he was removed.

The court acted in accordance with the extant laws and the Constitution within its sacred duty to uphold the rule of law. Senator Akpabio, a seasoned lawyer and democrat, holds the independence of the judiciary in the highest regard and would never interfere in its processes.

It is therefore both illogical and irresponsible for Mr. Abbo to now turn around and allege that the Senate President influenced a court judgment—a judgment which he himself accepted at the time and for which he expressed contrition for his earlier unfounded claims. ( see Punch newspaper of 18th October, 2023)

Mr. Abbo has also sought to create the impression that he was unjustly denied official benefits following his ouster. He claims entitlement to salaries, allowances, and even an official vehicle, despite the court’s declaration that his tenure was null and void ab initio.

In matters of financial and administrative processing, it must be stated that the Senate President only approves payments that have been duly vetted and forwarded by the appropriate administrative units, in line with extant laws, Senate procedures, and standard due diligence practices.

If any of Mr. Abbo’s claims for payment did not reach the desk of the Senate President, it is because they failed to meet these lawful standards—not because of any personal or political vendetta.

It is unfortunate that instead of accepting the consequences of his legal and political failings, Mr. Abbo continues to resort to media theatrics and reckless finger-pointing. Even more telling is his record of public conduct. Nigerians will recall that in 2019, he was caught on video assaulting a female citizen in Abuja—an incident for which he was ordered by a competent court to pay N50 million in damages. This is a matter of public record and speaks volumes about his temperament and disposition.

His recent outbursts about unpaid travels and imagined plots further reinforce the conclusion that his actions are driven not by facts or principle, but by bitterness and desperation to remain politically relevant. These claims are not only baseless, but they reek of grievance and a refusal to accept personal responsibility for his removal and loss of public trust.

Senator Godswill Akpabio remains focused on the noble task of nation-building, providing purposeful leadership in the Senate, and strengthening democratic institutions—especially the independence of the judiciary. He will not be distracted by the antics of individuals who seek to rewrite history to mask personal failures.

We urge Mr. Abbo to reflect deeply, respect the rule of law, and focus on rebuilding the confidence of his constituents if he hopes to return to public life. Nigeria’s democracy can only thrive when its actors show maturity, responsibility, and an abiding respect for the truth.

Signed:

Rt Hon Eseme Eyiboh
Special Adviser, Media/Publicity and official Spokesperson to the President of the Senate
April 3, 2025

Senator representing Kogi Central, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for rejecting fake process by sponsored groups and individuals to recall her from the Senate.

The Senator thanked the Nigerian electoral umpire for upholding justice, constitutionality and refused to bow to pressures from undemocratic elements both from Kogi state and in the Senate.

The INEC had on Thursday, declared that "the petition for the recall of the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District has not met the requirement of the Constitution. Therefore, no further action shall be taken on the matter."

Responding to the development through a statement signed personally by Senator Natasha, she said, "God has put to shame anti-democratic forces plotting my recall from the Senate, including one of the most wanted person by the EFCC, former governor Yahaya Bello."

According to the Senator, the voice of the people is the voice of God. Nobody, be it a former Governor Yahaya Bello or Senate President Godswill Akpabio and their associates can toy with the mandate freely given by the resolute people of Kogi Central without being put to shame.

"All along, I did not exercise any fear because I have a God that can never fail and I have people on my side. The decision to reject the recall process is a justice against injustice. INEC has proven to be truly independent and the history will never forget this justice.

"I commend the umpire for shaming the shameless agents of darkness and setting the record straight according to the laws of our land.

"To God be the glory, we have defeated them again. This development is another record-breaking against those who prefer coming from the back yard, the manipulators, election riggers, the violent machants and their allies in Kogi Central and beyond.

"Please bear it in mind that your days are numbered in politics because the new era has come when people will no longer reckon or identify with evil politicians whose trade mark are not more than violent, rigging and corruption.

"Again, my appreciation goes to all Nigerians for standing firm with me in this battle, especially my people in Kogi Central. For me, I am out to bring justice to the oppressed, freedom to the captives and to make my modest contribution to ensure Nigeria is great again. Thank you the lovers of justice, " she stated.

On God it’s victory for the people of 🇳🇬.

One battle down, two more to go.

Deep gratitude to my beloved husband, awesome support team, magnificent people of Kogi Central and great people of Nigeria at large.

INEC Nigeria, you did well.

Senator Natasha H Akpoti Uduaghan
Proudly Kogi Central 🔥🌹🔥

After spending eight years in jail, a Nigerian televangelist accused of raping young women from his South African church has been found not guilty of all charges.

Timothy Omotoso had denied the 32 charges in a trial that was broadcast live and gained huge interest across the country.

In 2018, one witness told the court she had been raped by the pastor - who ran a church in the city of Port Elizabeth - when she was 14 years old.

When delivering the verdict on Wednesday, the judge presiding over the trial said that Mr Omotoso had been found not guilty because prosecutors had mishandled the case.

South Africa's National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) shared a similar assessment, saying that "former prosecutors in the case acted improperly and the accused were not sufficiently cross-examined by the state".

The NPA said it would now "consider its legal options" and that the drawn-out nature of the trial was partly down to Mr Omotoso filing numerous legal challenges.

For his part, Mr Omotoso told the media he thanked God for the verdict.

Hi co-accused, Lusanda Sulani and Zikiswa Sitho, were also found not guilty.

Mr Omotoso was dramatically arrested at an airport in 2017 as he sought to leave the country.

His trial was the first prominent rape case to be broadcast live in a country where sexual violence is rampant.

The hearings attracted huge interest, and raised difficult questions about victims' rights, impartiality and whether justice is best served by having television cameras in courtrooms.

Following Wednesday's verdict, Mr Omotoso will be deported to Nigeria, South African media outlet News24 reported.

Operatives of the Ondo State Security Network codenamed Amotekun Corps have rescued 28 Ghanaians kidnapped and held at the Oda area of Akure, the Ondo State capital.

The Ghanaians were lured to Akure by a 28-man syndicate under the false pretense of procuring United States of America visa for them after paying between $1,500 and $2,000. Upon arrival, they were kidnapped and held hostage by the syndicate until they lured another victim.

The Ondo Amotekun operatives also recovered N210,000 from kidnappers who abducted a family of four and demanded a ransom of N10m.

Commander of Ondo Amotekun, Adetunji Adeleye, spoke at a press briefing while parading 61 suspects arrested for kidnapping, cultism, vandalism and anti-open grazing.

Adeleye said the recently launched Operation Daadaa by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa conducted coordinated operations in forests at Ose, Akure North, and Akure South local government areas leading to release of kidnapped victims.

According to the Amotekun boss: “My advice to young men, please ensure you deal with credible people in your quest to seek for greener pastures abroad. These 28 suspected kidnappers have defrauded thousands of people, and it’s an international syndicate being coordinated by a Ghanaian resident in Akure, though at large.

“The syndicate operates by calling unsuspecting individuals in foreign countries, offering assistance with U.S. or Canadian visa processing for a fee of $1,500 – $5,000. They also promise jobs, claiming that the only route is through Nigeria. Upon arrival in Lagos, agents pick them up, bring them to Akure, and then seize their money.

They are held hostage until they recruit another victim. “We’re sure that the long hand of justice will catch up with him. There are so many profitable ventures that you can engage on as a young man in Nigeria. I want to encourage you that now that the Ayedatiwa-led government is resolute in guaranteeing security of lives and property in the state, you can equally join the wagon in the agricultural sector.

“And a note of warning to those that are occupying the forest illegally. The position of the government is for you to be in the forest reserves of Ondo State, you must seek and obtain government permission. We have met with the leadership of the Miyetti Allah and various groups, and we’ve made the position of government known.

“The era of bringing two, three hundred men behind few bags of rice under the guise of coming to hunt, or coming to offload 10 bags of rice, hiding behind the rice is gone in Ondo State.

Security agencies at the borders had been alerted to send such trucks back once we find more than 10 people who do not have a destination back to where they are coming from.

“Equally, the government of Ondo State has placed a ban on the use of Okada after 8 p.m. with effect from today. So many nefarious activities are been perpetrated by these unknown Okada riders who had found their way from different parts of the country to kidnap, rob, rape, and main unsuspecting members of the public.

“In the same vein, the era of the use of unlicensed vehicles plying the road has ended. This is because majority of these evil perpetrators goes around with fake dealer numbers, fake number plates, and majority of them with unlicensed vehicles. You have one week effective from today to regularize your vehicle particulars.”

David Umahi, the minister of works, says he was unaware of the decision to close the Independence Bridge in Lagos.

On Monday, Olukorede Kesha, the federal controller of works in Lagos, announced the closure of the bridge for essential maintenance and rehabilitation works.

Kesha added that the bridge would remain closed until the end of May.

However, the closure resulted in hours-long gridlock, with commuters and motorists stranded on Wednesday in the Victoria Island area of Lagos.

Following the public outcry that trailed the gridlock, Umahi ordered the immediate reopening of the bridge.

On Thursday, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the governor of Lagos, said the state government would take full responsibility for the gridlock.

The governor also apologised to residents for the gridlock experienced due to the rehabilitation of the bridge.

However, Umahi, who also visited the scene later on Thursday, said the controller decided to shut the bridge independently.

“I am here as directed by Mr. President. The president watched the agony that Lagosians went through yesterday (Wednesday) for the reason of closing the Independence Bridge for rehabilitation,” the minister said.

“I am very displeased, even though the subject matter—the rehabilitation of the already collapsed returned wall of the Independence Bridge—is very important.

“He (Tinubu) has asked me to be in Lagos and to free the traffic. I have looked at the structural problem; I am aware of it.

“We designed the rehabilitation; however, unfortunately, when the bridge was closed, I was not informed. The controller made that decision on her own, which is very unfortunate.

“In a place like Lagos, it has always been the tradition that I, as the minister, should be informed before such closures.

“We should have also studied the implications of shutting down the bridge.

“Even though this was an emergency, we could have conducted an urgent evaluation of the potential impact before closing the bridge.”

The minister warned all controllers and engineers that no road or bridge should have been closed without first obtaining approval from the relevant authorities.

He added that failure to follow this process would result in consequences and disciplinary action for those involved.

By Udeme Akpan, Energy Editor

There are indications that more heads will roll in the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL and its subsidiaries as Engineer Bayo Ojulari yesterday assumed office as the new Group Chief Executive Officer.

This was even as the management and staff of NNPC Ltd welcomed the appointment of a new GCEO Officer and Board of Directors for the company by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

However, checks Vanguard showed that the reorganisation would start from the corporate headquarters to the subsidiaries, including Upstream, Gas and Power, new Energy, Downstream and Non-Energy businesses.

The checks indicated that the reorganisation would be targeted at ensuring that round pegs are placed into round holes based on the commitment of the new leadership to achieve national goals and objectives in the oil and gas industry.

It was confirmed that the businesses to be impacted include the NNPC E&P Limited (NEPL), NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), NNPC Energy Services Limited (EnServ), NNPC Engineering and Technical Company (NETCO), NNPC New Energy Limited (NNEL), NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company (NGIC), NNPC Gas Marketing Limited (NGML), and NNPC Gas & Power Investment Services (NGPIS).

They also include NNPC Trading Limited (NTL) NNPC Retail Limited (NRL), NNPC Shipping Limited (NSL), NNPC RefChem Limited (NRCL), NNPC Downstream Investment Services (NDIS), Nigerian Pipelines and Storage Company Limited (NPSC), National Energy Reserve Management Company (NERMC), NNPC Non-Energy Investment Services (NNIS), NNPC Foundation Limited/Gte, NNPC Academy, NNPC Properties Limited (NPL), and Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and Research Technology and Innovation (RTI).

Experts set agenda for oil, gas development

Meanwhile, in an interview with Vanguard, Prof Wumi Iledare, Executive Director of Emmanuel Egbogah Foundation, called on the new team to revisit the Naira for Crude deal with local refineries.

He said: “Second is selling NNPCL shares to the public with a limit to what individuals can buy and restricting corporate buyers. Third, divest some JV shares in divested IOC shares.

“Fourth, rekindle, restructure, and rebound NNPC Limited along the intent of the PIA. Fifth, disavow agency mindset to please the branch instead of the federation and focus on the commercial mandate in the law.

“Sixth, promote economy of scale mentality. Seventh and perhaps most important, encourage more recruitment, training and capacity building to increase productivity.”

Osanebi hails Avuru on NNPC appointment
Prof. Iledare commended the former GCEO, Mele Kyari for his contributions toward the development of the industry, adding that with their rich professional background and experiences, the new team would likely deliver value to the NNPCL and Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.

Similarly, the Chief Executive Officer, CEO, Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, CPPE, Dr. Muda Yusuf, said: “The quality of the governance and management of our oil and gas sector has been the bane of our economic progress over the past few decades. The country has not been able to leverage the huge oil and gas resources to advance our economic development frontiers as many other oil producing countries have done.

“Our peers as oil producing countries have done much better – UAE, Norway, Saudi Arabia etc. We have largely succeeded in building a huge rent economy around our oil and gas sector.

“In all of these, our national oil company [NNPC] is a very strategic institution. If we must change the narrative, we must get it right with the governance and management of the NNPC.

“Recent changes in the NNPC signal the commitment of the present administration to chart a new course. The new management team is populated by professionals with a proven record of performance in the private sector segment of the oil and gas sector. They are therefore expected to change the face of the sector. We would like to see an NNPC that is comparable to its peers like Saudi Aramco, China National Petroleum Corporation, PETRONAS etc.

“We expect to see a dramatic improvement in corporate governance, better optimisation of oil and gas assets, a PPP investment framework that would drive efficiency, productivity and profitability.

“We would also like to see an end to refineries that have become a huge burden rather than assets on the economy. Above all is the imperative of fostering the highest standards of corporate governance. The listing of the NNPC Limited on both national and international stock exchanges would reinforce the desired corporate governance standards.

“However, all of these would be difficult to achieve if the political environment does not complement the realisation of this vision. It is therefore very critical that the independence of the new NNPC is guaranteed with zero tolerance for interference from the Political leadership, the national assembly and the bureaucracy. These are critical success factors.”

NNPCL Embraces New Team

In a statement, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPCL, Olufemi Soneye, said: “The Management and staff of NNPC Ltd have welcomed the appointment of a new Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Bayo Ojulari, and Board of Directors for the Company by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“We extend our profound appreciation to the outgoing GCEO, Mr. Mele Kyari, and the former Board Members for their selfless and dedicated service to the Company and to the nation.

“Mr. Kyari’s leadership and tireless efforts have left an indelible mark on NNPC Ltd., and we are sincerely grateful for his outstanding contributions. We wish him and all departing Board Members continued success and fulfilment in their future endeavours.”

Former Adamawa North senator, Ishaku Elisha Abbo, has accused Senate President Godswill Akpabio of acting like an "emperor" in handling the sexual harassment allegation raised by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Speaking on Arise TV on Wednesday, Abbo criticised Akpabio for allegedly ordering Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension from the Senate, contrasting it with his own past encounter with Akpabio in the 8th Senate.

He recalled a verbal altercation between Akpabio and then-Senate President Bukola Saraki over seat arrangements, emphasising that Akpabio was not suspended.

"In Natasha’s case, Akpabio acted like an emperor and ordered her suspension for six months," Abbo stated.

The former senator also revisited his ousting from the Senate, calling it an act of "judicial banditry."

He alleged that the judge who ruled against him knew the decision was unjust, revealing that an intermediary was later sent to his house to plead with him.

"The judge ruled that elections took place in five local governments but cancelled results in two, affecting 203 polling units, without ordering a rerun. That was outright robbery," he said.

Abbo further criticised the National Judicial Council (NJC) for its inability to discipline appellate-level judges, advocating for restructuring the body to ensure accountability.

When questioned about his controversial past, including an incident where he was filmed slapping a store owner in Abuja, Abbo claimed the video excluded the part where his sister was allegedly assaulted.

In 2019, Abbo faced widespread criticism after being filmed assaulting a woman in a intimacy gadget shop in Abuja. The court subsequently imposed a fine of N50 million on the lawmaker for the assault.

Some months later, Abbo was again caught on camera, this time assaulting a man named Silas Daniel in his hometown of Mubi.

Silas, a former Personal Assistant (PA) to Abbo, was reportedly attacked with machetes, daggers, and clubs by thugs acting under the lawmaker's orders.

On January 4, 2023, SaharaReporters revealed that policemen from the Federal Capital Territory, acting under Senator Abbo's orders, detained freelance journalist Yau Saeed Mubi.

Mubi was arrested on December 27 following a publication criticising the lack of good governance in Adamawa North, which Abbo represented at the time.

15 NATIONS MOST INDEBTED TO IMF — 02 APR 2025

1 Argentina — $31.10 billion
2 Ukraine — $10.86 billion
3 Egypt — $8,63 billion
4 Ecuador — $6.43 billion
5 Pakistan — $6.23 billion
6 Kenya — $3.02 billion
7 Angola — $2.84 billion
8 Cote d'Ivoire — $2.68 billion
9 Ghana — $2.48 billion
10 Bangladesh — 2.00 billion
11 Costa Rica — $1.88 billion
12 Congo DR — 1.79 billion
13 Sri Lanka — 1.52 billion
14 Jordan — $1.49 billion
15 Ethiopia — $1.46 billion

A young man in Anambra state met his death in a very tragic way. The man who is yet to be named lost his life while trying to earn a living.

A video sighted by wikigists shows how the man was electrocuted while roofing a house with his other coworkers.

An eyewitness account reveal that the deceased was roofing the said house when the zinc he was carrying touched the high tension wire that passed very close to the building.

The eyewitness further reveal that all efforts by his coworkers and passersby to revive him proved impossible. The victim died and his body was evacuated.

Site engineer k!lled in Delta by employees after discovering he had large sum of money in his account

The police in Delta state have began an investigation after a site engineer identified as Chigozie Udalor was k!lled by his employees after discovering he had a lot of money in his account.

In a statement released, the spokesperson of the command, SP Bright Edafe, said on December 12, 2024, one Hyacinth Nnalue reported to Akwu-kwu Igbo division that his cousin Chigozie Udalor had been missing since the 10th of December 2024. He also stated that the said Chigozie was his site manager at his fish pond in Bod camp Akwukwu Igbo community.

Edafe said upon receipt of this information, the DPO commenced an investigation and later transferred the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department. Edafe said the state Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, directed the DPO Ekpan CSP Aliyu Shaba to carry out a technically driven investigation. The DPO detailed operatives who commenced an intelligence-led investigation, on 31st March 2025, they arrested one David Tacho ‘m’ who attempted to withdraw money from the victim’s account through his phone and also arrested Daniel Orshio who took part in the murder.

‘’Investigation also revealed that David Tacho is a brother to one Victor Tacho who conspired with Pius Daniel, (both presently at large) and Daniel Orshio, and murdered the victim. The two suspects are presently in custody. Preliminary investigation revealed that all four suspects were employed by the deceased who is the site engineer, but they discovered he had some money in his Moniepoint account and they conspired, used a hammer to hit him on his head, tied him and buried him in a shallow grave at the site. Two of the suspects David Tacho and Daniel Orshio are presently in custody while two other suspects Pius Daniel and Victor Tacho are still on the run. The body of the deceased has been exhumed and awaiting autopsy while efforts to arrest the other two suspects are ongoing.’’ Edafe said