YPP Rep Member Dumps Party, Joins APGA
A member of the House of Representatives, Clara Nnabuife, has announced her defection from the Young Progressives Party (YPP) to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Nnabuife, who represents the Orumba North/Orumba South Federal Constituency in Anambra State, attributed her decision to her exclusion from party activities, which she described as a key factor in her move.
During Thursday’s plenary, Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided in the absence of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, read her letter of defection.
In the letter, Nnabuife explained that APGA offers a more suitable platform for her to champion the interests of her constituents.
“The exclusion from YPP activities and the need to embrace a more effective platform for representing the wishes of my people are the reasons for this decision,” the letter stated in part.
Wildfires Devastate South Korea, Killing 24, Displacing Thousands
Blazes fueled by strong winds have consumed vast areas, destroying over 200 structures and forcing mass evacuations.
At least 24 people have died, and thousands have been displaced as wildfires continue to sweep through South Korea’s southern regions.
The fires, driven by powerful winds, have consumed over 43,330 acres (17,535 hectares) of land, forcing the evacuation of 27,000 people and destroying homes, factories, and an ancient Buddhist temple.
Among the casualties was a helicopter pilot who died on Wednesday when his aircraft crashed while battling the flames in Uiseong, one of the worst-affected areas.
The fires, which began last Friday, have burned through several southeastern cities and towns, including Andong, Uiseong, Sancheong, and Ulsan.
In Uiseong, the flames devastated nearly half of the structures at Gounsa Temple, originally built in the seventh century.
Two state-designated national treasures—an ornate pavilion from 1668 and a Joseon Dynasty structure from 1904—were damaged, though an eighth-century stone Buddha statue was safely relocated.
In Cheongsong, authorities evacuated 500 inmates from a detention center as a precautionary measure, though no damage was reported at the facility.
South Korea’s Ministry of the Interior raised the wildfire warning to its highest level, requiring local governments to deploy emergency personnel, tighten access to forests and parks, and suspend military live-fire exercises.
The death toll includes four firefighters and government workers who perished on Saturday in Sancheong after being trapped by fast-moving flames. More than 20 others have sustained injuries.
Government officials suspect human activity may have triggered some of the blazes.
Investigators are looking into reports that fires may have started from sparks caused by welding equipment or traditional grass-clearing practices near family tombs.
More than 4,650 firefighters, soldiers, and emergency personnel have been deployed to contain the wildfires.
However, strong winds and dry conditions continue to make firefighting efforts difficult.
Observers have described the ongoing disaster as the third-largest wildfire in South Korea’s history in terms of land consumed.
As authorities work to contain the blazes and assess the full extent of the damage, the affected communities are left grappling with the destruction left in the fires’ wake.
Pharmaceuticals Now Exempted From Import Duty, VAT – Customs
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a two-year exemption from import duty and Value Added Tax (VAT) on essential raw materials used in pharmaceutical production.
This relief, granted under a presidential executive order, was disclosed on Wednesday in a statement by the NCS National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada.
According to Maiwada, the exemption applies to active pharmaceutical ingredients, excipients, and other crucial raw materials necessary for manufacturing essential medicines.
It also covers long-lasting insecticidal nets, rapid diagnostic kits, reagents, and packaging materials.
He stated, “Drawing from Presidential directives aimed at enhancing local manufacturing of healthcare products, reducing the costs of medical equipment and consumables, as well as stimulating local investments, the Nigeria Customs Service is pleased to announce that President Bola Tinubu, through the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Olawale Edun, has approved the comprehensive guidelines to actualise these objectives.
“Consequently, critical raw materials essential for the production of pharmaceutical products will be exempted from import duty and Value Added Tax for a period of two years.
“This exemption covers Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients, excipients, and other vital raw materials required for manufacturing essential medicines, Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets, Rapid Diagnostic Kits, reagents, and packaging materials.”
The statement further clarified that only manufacturers recognised by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare would be eligible for this incentive, provided they hold a valid Tax Identification Number.
This measure aims to ensure that the policy benefits legitimate manufacturers working to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure.
To promote transparency, the NCS will compile and publish quarterly reports detailing all importations under this policy.
These reports will include data on importers, quantities, and the values of imported items to ensure compliance with the policy’s objectives.
“In commitment to transparency and effective monitoring, the NCS will compile quarterly reports detailing all importations under this policy, including data on importers, quantities, and values of the imported items, ensuring the policy’s implementation aligns with its intended objectives.
“The Nigeria Customs Service remains committed to supporting government policies while fulfilling its mandate to facilitate trade, enhance border security, and drive national development.
“Successful implementation of this policy requires collaboration from all stakeholders, including importers, manufacturers, and relevant government agencies. Through our collective efforts, we can achieve the shared goal of a robust healthcare sector that meets the needs of all Nigerians,” the statement concluded.
MTN, Airtel Partner To Cut Costs In Nigeria-Uganda Network Sharing Deal
MTN Group and Airtel Africa have entered into a network infrastructure-sharing agreement in Nigeria and Uganda, aiming to reduce operational costs and expand mobile connectivity, especially in underserved areas.
As part of this collaboration, both companies will explore different models of network sharing, including Radio Access Network (RAN) and fibre infrastructure partnerships.
This may involve constructing new fibre networks where necessary to enhance service delivery.
Announcing the deal on Wednesday, MTN and Airtel emphasised that the initiative would optimise expenses and improve digital access, particularly in rural areas where connectivity remains limited.
Both telecom giants, which control 51.79 percent and 34.11 percent of Nigeria’s telecom market, respectively, have faced financial strain due to foreign exchange losses caused by the depreciation of the naira.
To manage this challenge, both companies have scaled back investments in network infrastructure, adopting a strategy aimed at minimising forex exposure and addressing rising operational costs, including increasing energy expenses.
MTN Group President and Chief Executive Officer Ralph Mupita noted that the demand for data services continues to grow across Africa, necessitating strategic investments in network expansion.
“At MTN, we are driven by the vision of delivering digital solutions that drive Africa’s progress and will continue to see strong structural demand for digital and financial services across our markets.
“To meet this demand, we continue to invest in coverage and capacity to ensure high-quality connectivity for our customers. That said, there are opportunities within regulatory frameworks for sharing resources to drive higher efficiencies and improve returns,” he said in a statement.
Following the agreements in Nigeria and Uganda, MTN and Airtel are now exploring similar network-sharing opportunities in other African markets, including Congo-Brazzaville, Rwanda, and Zambia.
Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar highlighted the partnership as an efficient way to expand digital infrastructure while ensuring cost-effectiveness.
“As we compete fiercely in the market on the strength of our brand, services and offerings, we are building common infrastructure within the permissible regulatory framework.
“This provides a more robust and extensive digital highway to drive digital and financial inclusion while avoiding duplication of expensive infrastructure to drive operational efficiencies and benefits for our customers,” he said.
Airtel Africa currently serves over 156 million customers across 14 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, while MTN Group operates in 19 countries across Africa and the Middle East, with a total customer base of 287 million.
Court Sentences Two To Death By Hanging For Murder
A Plateau State High Court in Jos has sentenced two individuals, Thomas Danboyi and Pam Lang, to death by hanging for their involvement in the murder of Chung Bot.
Delivering the verdict on Wednesday, the state Chief Judge, Justice David Gwong Mann, found the defendants guilty of criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide in the case State vs. Thomas Danboyi & Pam Lang (Charge No. PLD/J112C/2010).
The judge stated that the offences were punishable under the Penal Code Law of Northern Nigeria, 1963, which was applicable in Plateau State at the time of the crime.
The prosecution, led by the Plateau State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, P.A. Daffi, told the court that the incident occurred on April 26, 2010, at Tahai Gyel Bukuru in Jos South Local Government Area.
According to the prosecution, Chung Bot and his family had gone to their farmland in Ta Hei, Gyel, when they were attacked by the accused persons along with others who are still at large.
The court heard that Thomas Danboyi restrained the victim by holding his hands behind his back while Pam Lang repeatedly struck Bot on the head with a stick.
The victim was later taken to Plateau Hospital, Jos, where he died from his injuries while receiving treatment.
Justice Mann ruled that the prosecution had presented compelling evidence proving the guilt of the defendants beyond a reasonable doubt.
“The evidence before the court was overwhelming, and the prosecution through its witnesses and exhibits tendered established, beyond any reasonable doubt, that the defendants conspired to commit this crime and intentionally caused the death of the victim,” he said.
Following the conviction, the defence counsel pleaded for leniency, citing that the convicts were responsible family men who had conducted themselves well during the trial.
In response, Justice Mann exercised his discretion in the charge of criminal conspiracy, sentencing them to three years imprisonment.
However, for the offence of culpable homicide, he noted that the law prescribed a mandatory death sentence, leaving him no discretion to impose a lesser punishment.
The case, which has been in court since 2010, has drawn significant public attention.
Observers see the judgment as a firm stance against violent crimes and vigilantism in Plateau State, reinforcing the judiciary’s role in ensuring justice is served.
Legal experts point out that the convicts still have the right to appeal the ruling at the Court of Appeal and, if necessary, the Supreme Court.
EFCC Re-arraigns Dasuki, Three Others Over N33.2B Arms Fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, re-arraigned former National Security Adviser (NSA), Colonel Sambo Dasuki (retd), alongside three others before Justice Charles Agbaza of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, over alleged fraud.
Dasuki was re-arraigned alongside a former general manager of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Aminu Baba Kusa, as well as Acacia Holdings Limited and Reliance Referral Hospital Limited.
The EFCC charged the defendants with a 32-count indictment, which includes allegations of breach of trust and dishonesty amounting to N33.2 billion.
One of the charges, Count One, states:
“That you COL. MOHAMMED SAMBO DASUKI (RTD.) whilst being the National Security Adviser, on or about 27th November, 2014, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, entrusted with dominion over certain properties, to wit: the sum of N10,000,000,000 from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the equivalent of which sum you received in foreign currencies—$47,000,000 and 5.6 million Euros—purporting it to be for special security services, but dishonestly released the said amount for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential primary election, thereby committing criminal breach of trust under Section 315 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 532, Vol. 4, LFN 2004.”
Another charge, Count Five, alleges:
“That you COL. MOHAMMED SAMBO DASUKI (RTD.) whilst being the National Security Adviser, between 9th October, 2014, and 17th April, 2015, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, dishonestly misappropriated N1,450,000,000, belonging to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which sum was transferred to ACACIA HOLDINGS LIMITED’s bank account controlled by Aminu Baba Kusa, purportedly for organising prayers, thereby committing an offence under Section 309 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 532, Vol. 4, LFN 2004.”
Similarly, Count 19 alleges:
“That you COL. MOHAMMED SAMBO DASUKI (RTD.) whilst being the National Security Adviser, between 4th April, 2014, and 30th November, 2014, in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, entrusted with dominion over certain properties, to wit: an aggregate sum of N4,685,000,000 (Four Billion, Six Hundred and Eighty-Five Million Naira), dishonestly transferred the sum into the bank account of SYVAN MCNAMARA LIMITED, purportedly for physical security infrastructure, whereas the sum was actually released for the People’s Democratic Party’s gubernatorial election campaigns in Ekiti and Osun States, thereby committing criminal breach of trust under Section 315 of the Penal Code Act, Cap 532, Vol. 4, LFN 2004.”
The defendants pleaded “not guilty” to all the charges. In response, prosecution counsel Oluwaleke Atolagbe requested a trial date, while the defense sought to allow Dasuki and Kusa to continue enjoying their existing bail conditions.
The prosecution did not oppose but asked for assurances that the defendants would regularly appear in court.
Following submissions from both parties, Justice Agbaza adjourned the case until July 1, 2025, for hearing.
The case, initially assigned to Justice Hussain Baba-Yusuf of the FCT High Court, was recently reassigned to Justice Agbaza for further proceedings.
Rivers’ Sole Administrator Suspends SSG, Other Political Appointees
The Rivers State Government has announced the suspension of all political office holders appointed by the suspended Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.
Among those affected by the suspension are the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), the Chief of Staff, Commissioners, Chairmen and members of all boards, councils of agencies, commissions, institutions, and parastatals, as well as Special Advisers, Special Assistants, and Senior Special Assistants.
The government stated that the decision aligns with the powers vested in the Administrator of Rivers State, Vice-Admiral Ibok Ibas (retd), by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
A statement titled “The Rivers State Government Announces the Suspension of Political Office Holders and Appointees in Rivers State” was issued from the official government mailing box and signed by the Chief of Staff to the Administrator.
According to the statement, the suspension takes effect from Wednesday, March 26, 2025.
It also directed all affected officials to hand over to the Permanent Secretaries in their respective Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
“In cases where there is no Permanent Secretary, the most senior Director or Head of Administration shall assume responsibility,” the statement added.
Niger’s Junta Leader Inaugurated As Transitional President
Abdourahamane Tiani, leader of Niger’s ruling junta, has been officially sworn in as transitional president for a five-year term under a newly established charter.
Tiani, a former commander of the presidential guard who led the 2023 coup, was also promoted to the highest military rank of army general.
Following his inauguration, he signed a decree dissolving all political parties in the country.
The swearing-in ceremony took place on Wednesday in Niamey, the capital, signaling the beginning of what government secretary general Mahamane Roufai described as a “flexible” transition period.
This move poses a direct challenge to efforts by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to restore democracy and reintegrate Niger into the regional bloc.
Initially, Tiani proposed a three-year transition to civilian rule, a plan ECOWAS rejected, warning of possible military intervention.
After failing to reach a compromise, Niger joined Mali and Burkina Faso in withdrawing from ECOWAS—a decision that was officially finalized earlier this year.
We Got N77K, But It’s Barely Enough – NYSC Members React As FG Finally Pays Increased Allowance
The Federal Government has commenced the disbursement of the newly approved ₦77,000 monthly allowance for members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) after months of delay following its approval in September 2024.
Corps members in various states have confirmed receiving the increased stipend, though reports indicate that the payments are being made in phases, with some still awaiting their disbursement.
NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, reaffirmed the development while addressing corps members in Abuja, assuring them that all outstanding payments would be processed.
Similarly, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, confirmed the commencement of payments during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, stating that the disbursement process had been finalized.
Corps members in states such as Kwara, Kano, and Yobe have confirmed receiving their allowances, with reports suggesting that 2024 Batch A Stream 2 members were prioritized in the first phase of payments.
While the increase has been welcomed, some corps members believe that ₦77,000 remains inadequate given the country’s rising cost of living.
A corps member in Kwara State, Adepoju, remarked, “Yes, the scheme has commenced ₦77,000. The increase is long overdue.”
Similarly, Nkiruka, serving in Kano State, confirmed, “Yes, the increase was long overdue, and I have received the ₦77,000 allowance.”
Another corps member, Ibrahim Tunde, also verified the payment, stating, “Yes, the Federal Government has begun disbursing the newly approved ₦77,000 monthly allowance to corps members across the country.”
