A fire ravaged the Olusola Saraki Market in Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara State on Friday night, destroying seven shops and valuable goods worth millions of naira.

The blaze, which erupted around 9:36 pm, was reportedly caused by a power surge resulting from fluctuations in the electricity supply.

Hassan Adekunle, spokesperson for the Kwara State Fire Service, confirmed that the fire consumed seven of the 269 shops in the market.

The fire affected businesses including meat vendors, clothing stores, and provision shops.

Adekunle credited the swift response of the fire service personnel, who were able to prevent further damage by saving the remaining shops.

He also shared that Prince Falade John, Director of the Kwara State Fire Service, expressed his sympathy to the market leadership and the affected shop owners.

The cause of the incident highlights the risks posed by unstable power supply, with efforts now focused on assisting those impacted by the fire.

The Nigerian national grid has suffered its first collapse of 2025, leaving several regions of the country without electricity on Saturday. The power outage affected homes, businesses, and essential services, causing widespread disruption.

According to data from the Nigerian System Operator’s portal (niggrid.org), the grid failure occurred at 1:56 pm, marking the 13th collapse in the last 13 months.

Efforts are currently underway to restore power, though many areas remain in darkness.

Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has appealed to the hoodlums responsible for the murder of the state’s former APC woman leader, Hon. (Mrs.) Jenny Rachael Okonkwo, and other acts of violence, urging them to abandon their criminal activities and reintegrate into society.

Speaking at the funeral of Mrs. Okonkwo, who was tragically killed in 2022 by suspected assailants and abandoned in a bush, Uzodimma called for peace and reconciliation.

At the service held in Ogberuru, Orlu Local Government Area, the Governor expressed deep sorrow over the untimely death of Mrs. Okonkwo, describing her as a key figure in the party and a dedicated organizer.

He lamented that she was murdered not for any personal offense but because of her active role in the APC, a political act that led to her assassination.

Uzodimma assured the families of Mrs. Okonkwo and the other victims of the political violence that the state government would support them, approving N10 million for each deceased family.

He also offered to provide employment or vocational training for any of their children who are eligible or willing to learn a trade.

Reiterating his condemnation of the political violence in Orlu, the Governor stated that those behind these killings were still operating in the region, but warned that divine justice would soon catch up with them.

He urged the people of Orlu and Imo State to stay resolute, remain united, and continue supporting the APC and the state government in the face of these challenges.

Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has strongly refuted rumors of his death, calling the false reports a deliberate attempt to disrupt the ongoing self-determination movement.

In a statement released by his media aide, Olayomi Koiki, Igboho reassured his supporters that he is alive, in good health, and remains committed to the Yoruba cause.

The rumor, which spread via the Seyi Tinubu Youth Battalion’s Facebook page, was described by Igboho as a malicious ploy to damage his reputation and derail the Yoruba Nation’s pursuit of self-determination.

Igboho’s statement emphasized that the mission for Yoruba independence is unwavering, urging supporters to stay focused and vigilant.

He also criticized the state of affairs in Nigeria, citing corruption and insecurity as key reasons why many Nigerians have lost pride in their citizenship.

He further expressed optimism that the youth of the Yoruba people, inspired by global exposure, are ready to transform the region into a prosperous and modern society similar to those in Europe.

A Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has ordered a freeze on the assets of Nduka Obaigbena, the chairman and Editor-in-Chief of THISDAY Media Group and Arise News Channel, following allegations of an outstanding debt worth $225.8 million.

The court restrained commercial banks in Nigeria from releasing or dealing with any funds or assets tied to Obaigbena and his family members, including Efe Damilola Obaigbena and Olabisi Eka Obaigbena, who are also directors of General Hydrocarbons Limited, an oil and gas firm.

The action follows a lawsuit filed by First Bank of Nigeria Limited and FBNQuest Trustees Limited, seeking to recover the debt, which is linked to loans extended to General Hydrocarbons Limited.

According to the plaintiffs, as of September 30, 2024, the company had a debt of $225.8 million.

In its suit, First Bank accused the Obaigbenas of using their firm to assume a debt of about $718 million.

The Federal High Court issued a Mareva injunction on December 30, 2024, aimed at preventing Obaigbena from moving any of his assets out of the jurisdiction.

The order, issued by Justice Deinde Dipeolu, also froze bank accounts held by the Obaigbenas and ordered all Nigerian commercial banks to block any financial transactions involving them or businesses linked to them.

In response, the Obaigbenas’ legal team, Abiodun Layonu & Co, accused First Bank of overstepping by seeking the injunction after an earlier ruling from Justice Lewis Allagoa of the Lagos Division of the Federal High Court.

The December 12, 2024 ruling had already barred First Bank from taking any further action related to the dispute pending arbitration proceedings.