FAAN probes airport incident involving K1

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has addressed Tuesday’s incident at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, involving a musician and a ValueJet pilot.

This is contained in a statement on Wednesday by Mrs Obiageli Orah, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection.

Orah confirmed that King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, also known as K1 De Ultimate, was due to board morning flight VK 201 to Lagos.

She said preliminary findings confirmed the musician attempted to carry an unidentified liquid on board, in spite of repeated warnings from Aviation Security (AVSEC) and the Flight Captain.

She noted that under international standards, including Nigeria’s Civil Aviation Security Programme and ICAO Annex 17, liquids above 100ml must be declared and medically justified.

The passenger was reportedly informed but declined to comply with the regulation.

“As boarding continued, an airline security officer asked the passenger to step aside for clarification,” she said.

Orah stated that the passenger allegedly refused and poured the liquid — later confirmed as alcohol — on the officer.

She said the Flight Captain intervened but faced resistance and later ordered the aircraft door closed once boarding was complete.

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The passenger then moved to the front of the aircraft and refused to vacate the area, in spite of repeated instructions.

Orah said the musician was eventually escorted away by AVSEC’s crime unit for investigation and was later released.

“FAAN reiterates its firm commitment to the safety and security of all passengers, crew, and airport personnel,” she said.

She added that FAAN would not condone actions that compromise operations or violate aviation safety rules, regardless of who is involved.

“This matter is under thorough investigation. All responsible individuals will be held accountable according to the law,” Orah added.

She further stressed FAAN’s dedication to professionalism, safety, and full regulatory compliance at all Nigerian airports.

(NAN) 

Court upholds FRSC’s sanction over tampered number plate

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has welcomed a recent Federal High Court judgement which upheld its authority to penalise motorists who violate traffic regulations, particularly those concerning number plate standards.

This is contained in a statement by the Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO), Olusegun Ogungbemide on Thursday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the judgement was delivered on June 23, 2025, by Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court, Lagos.

It came in suit number FHC/L/CS/2367/2024 between Ojo Victor Olomi and the Federal Road Safety Commission.

Ogungbemide said that in the well-considered judgement, the court dismissed Olomi’s claims challenging the legality of the fine imposed on him and the confiscation of his driver’s licence by FRSC officials.

He said that the case stemmed from the applicant’s unlawful hand-painting of his vehicle’s number plate, rendering it non-reflective and in breach of the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2016.

According to him, the regulation mandates that all number plates remain reflective for visibility, security, and enforcement purposes.

“Justice Kakaki affirmed that the applicant’s action was a violation recognised by law and declared that the confiscation of his driver’s licence did not infringe on his fundamental human rights, as claimed.

“The court also drew a clear line between this case and an earlier judgement in Chinwike Ezebube v. FRSC, stressing that hand-painted number plates remain a punishable traffic offence,” he said.

Ogungbemide described the ruling as a landmark judicial endorsement of its powers to enforce road safety laws and a validation of its statutory responsibilities.

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“This verdict serves as a significant nod from the judiciary validating the powers and responsibilities of the FRSC in enforcing traffic regulations.

“This is particularly as they relate to vehicle identification and road safety compliance,”he said.

Reacting, the FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, urged all motorists to desist from acts that compromised road safety and violate established regulations, such as tampering with or altering number plates.

Mohammed also called on the public to ignore misleading interpretations of previous court rulings and take due note of the legal clarity provided by the new judgement.

“The FRSC remains committed to its mission of creating a safer motoring environment and will continue to carry out its lawful duties.

“This will be with professionalism, integrity, and respect for the rights of all Nigerians,” he said.

(NAN)

Tributes as Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, Abiodun, NPAN, NGE honour Doyin Abiola’s legacy

Nigerian leaders and media stakeholders have continued to pay glowing tributes to Dr. Doyin Abiola, the late media icon and widow of Chief MKO Abiola, who passed away at the age of 82 after a brief illness.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governors Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, as well as the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), all described her as a towering figure whose legacy shaped Nigeria’s media and democratic journey.

Tinubu: “She Was a Soldier of Democracy”

In a heartfelt statement, President Tinubu hailed Dr. Abiola as a “soldier of democracy” whose contributions to journalism, nation-building, and the June 12 struggle will never be forgotten.

“Her immense contributions to journalism and gender equity laid a foundation for generations of women. Her impact on our democracy was even more profound,” Tinubu said.

He noted her bravery during the political crisis that followed the annulment of the 1993 presidential election won by her husband, Chief MKO Abiola. He praised her leadership at the Concord Group, which played a pivotal role in championing democratic values despite the military clampdown.

Governor Abiodun:

“A Distinguished Individual and Defender of Democracy”

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, expressed deep sorrow over Dr. Abiola’s passing, describing her as a remarkable woman and a staunch defender of democracy.

“Her dedication to justice, democracy, and the betterment of her country exemplifies the strength and resilience of her character,” he said.

Governor Abiodun highlighted her unwavering role during the post-June 12 election crisis, emphasizing her courage in standing by her husband and using her media influence to uphold democratic ideals.

Sanwo-Olu:

“She Was an Amazon of the Media Industry”

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, through his Special Adviser on Media, Gboyega Akosile, said Dr. Abiola’s death was a significant loss to the journalism profession.

“She etched her name in gold in the media industry as the first Nigerian woman to be an editor and Managing Director of a national daily,” Sanwo-Olu stated.

He described her as a role model who mentored and nurtured generations of journalists who have gone on to become leaders in various sectors.

NPAN:

“A Quintessential Journalist and Media Guru”

The Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN), in a statement signed by its President, Kabiru Yusuf, described Dr. Abiola as a trailblazer and media legend.

“She was the first woman to be named editor of a national daily in 1980 and became Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of the Concord Group in 1986,” the statement read.

NPAN noted that Dr. Abiola left an indelible mark in the newspaper industry and was a trustee of the association until her passing. She was also a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME).

Read Also: Late media icon Doyin Abiola to be laid to rest in Lekki, Family Confirms

NGE: “A Trailblazing Journalist and Mentor”
The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) mourned Dr. Abiola as a pioneering force in journalism, celebrating her legacy of excellence, courage, and mentorship.

“Her remarkable career trajectory, from reporter to the pinnacle of journalism, broke gender barriers and inspired generations,” said NGE President Eze Anaba and General Secretary Onuoha Ukeh in a joint statement.

The Guild highlighted her role in defending press freedom during the military era, noting that her leadership of the Concord Newspapers during turbulent times showed her strength and integrity.

Legacy of a Media Icon

Dr. Doyin Abiola was the first Nigerian woman to become Editor and later Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of a national newspaper. Her tenure at National Concord was marked by editorial excellence, fearless journalism, and a commitment to democratic values.

She is widely celebrated for her resilience during Nigeria’s darkest political period and for paving the way for women in leadership across media, politics, and civil society.

Dr. Abiola will be buried in Lekki, Lagos, with her family confirming that condolence visits should be directed to her Ikoyi residence, not the Ikeja home of her late husband.

Abandoned Abuja Estates owned by corrupt civil servants – EFCC

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has revealed that many of the abandoned estates scattered across Abuja are owned by civil servants who siphoned public funds.

Speaking on Wednesday during a policy dialogue themed “Critical Issues Affecting Nigeria’s Real Estate Ecosystem,” organised by Law Corridor in Abuja, Olukoyede lamented the surge in uncompleted estates that have remained untouched for over a decade.

According to him, the EFCC has launched a special investigative team to track down the true owners of these properties across the country.

“I have set up the team. We will start visiting all the estates, not only in Abuja but across Nigeria. We want to know who owns what,” Olukoyede said.

He added that preliminary findings suggest many of these estates were developed using stolen public funds.

“It will shock you that some of these estates have been abandoned for 10 to 20 years. They just take it to a level and abandon it.
Nobody knows what is going on. What we have been able to gather is that most of these estates were funded by civil servants who have stolen money,” he explained.

Olukoyede noted that once these corrupt officials leave public office and no longer have access to stolen funds, the projects are deserted, leaving developers struggling to find investors to complete them.

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The EFCC boss further disclosed that the agency has recently filed for the forfeiture of about 15 such estates and warned that more legal actions will follow.

“We have gotten more intelligence, too. Some of you sitting in this room, probably some of those estates belong to you,” he said.
“But very soon, we expect to meet you in court because there is no way we will develop this sector if we continue with that attitude.”

He also warned lawyers and real estate developers against aiding individuals involved in money laundering, urging them to uphold ethical standards and transparency in property transactions.

Meanwhile, Afam Osigwe, President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), emphasized the need for a centralised property ownership verification system to address issues of transparency and credibility in the real estate sector.

He also cautioned against arbitrary revocation of land titles, especially over unpaid ground rent, noting that such practices could discourage foreign investment.

Ayokunle Erin, head of the real estate, construction, and infrastructure practice group at Law Corridor, highlighted Nigeria’s growing housing deficit, currently estimated at 17 to 20 million units, with only about 5,000 units delivered in Abuja in 2024 — meeting less than 10% of the city’s housing demand.

“These gaps reflect deep-rooted policy failures, regulatory lapses, and legal ambiguities that continue to embolden fraudsters, quacks, and unlicensed agents,” Erin said.

The EFCC’s renewed commitment to investigating the funding and ownership of abandoned estates could mark a turning point in Nigeria’s fight against real estate-related corruption and illicit financial flows.

Trump to announce Apple’s $100 billion boost in U.S. manufacturing investments

Former U.S. President Donald Trump is set to announce that Apple Inc. will invest an additional $100 billion in American manufacturing over the next four years — a major win for the country’s economy and national security.

The announcement, expected on Wednesday, marks a significant expansion of Apple’s domestic operations, raising its total planned investment in the United States from $500 billion to $600 billion. The move also includes the direct hiring of 20,000 American workers.

“Today’s announcement with Apple is another win for our manufacturing industry that will simultaneously help reshore the production of critical components to protect America’s economic and national security,” said White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers.

Apple CEO Tim Cook confirmed the commitment, stating: “We’re proud to increase our investments across the United States to $600 billion over four years and launch our new American Manufacturing Program. This includes new and expanded partnerships with 10 U.S. companies that produce components used in Apple products sold worldwide.”

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The tech giant’s decision comes amid mounting trade tensions, as Trump continues to push for reshoring of manufacturing and reduce dependency on foreign supply chains. Apple, which heavily relies on global suppliers and assembles most of its products in China, has been in the crosshairs of Trump’s tariff policies.

Earlier this year, Cook warned that the proposed tariffs could cost Apple as much as $900 million in a single fiscal quarter. To mitigate the impact, Apple has ramped up production in countries like India — a move Trump has publicly criticized.

During a recent event in Qatar, Trump recalled telling Cook: “I don’t want you building in India.” On the same day as Apple’s announcement, Trump doubled U.S. tariffs on Indian goods from 25% to 50%, citing the country’s purchase of Russian oil.

In a bid to avoid the financial hit from these tariffs, Apple reportedly shipped up to 1.5 million iPhones from India to the U.S. earlier this year, according to Reuters.

Apple’s expanded U.S. investment also includes a $500 million deal with MP Materials, the operator of America’s only rare earths mine. The partnership aims to expand a Texas factory that will produce vibration magnets for iPhones using recycled materials.

Speaking on a recent investors call, Cook stressed Apple’s growing domestic footprint: “There’s a load of different things done in the United States.” He pointed to the iPhone’s glass displays and Face ID modules as examples of components already made in the U.S.

“We’re doing more in this country,” Cook added. “We already produce roughly 19 billion chips in the U.S. and we plan to do even more.”

Despite the ongoing trade challenges and investor concerns over Apple’s delayed entry into artificial intelligence, the company’s latest earnings report exceeded expectations. Surging iPhone sales helped drive a strong financial quarter, causing Apple’s stock to jump over 5% on Wednesday.

With this $100 billion boost, Apple’s commitment signals a strong push toward strengthening America’s tech manufacturing sector, aligning with Trump’s “America First” economic agenda.

Don’t apply for visa just to give birth – US warns pregnant Nigerians

The United States Mission in Nigeria has issued a stern warning to Nigerians, especially pregnant women, regarding attempts to travel to the US with the sole purpose of giving birth in order to obtain American citizenship for their children.

In an official statement posted on its verified X (formerly Twitter) handle on Wednesday, the Mission emphasized that birth tourism is against US immigration policy and could result in a visa denial.

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“Using your visa to travel for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States so that your child will have U.S. citizenship is not permitted,” the Mission stated.

The US Mission clarified that consular officers are under strict instructions to refuse visa applications if they determine that an applicant’s main reason for travel is to deliver a baby in the US.

“Consular officers will deny your visa application if they have reason to believe this is your intent,” the notice further added.

The warning comes as part of ongoing efforts by US authorities to curb visa misuse and uphold immigration laws. Birth tourism has long been a controversial issue, with several countries tightening their regulations to prevent exploitation of citizenship laws.

BREAKING: Two Ghanaian ministers, six others killed in helicopter crash

Tragedy struck Ghana on Wednesday as two serving ministers and six others were confirmed dead following a military helicopter crash in the Ashanti region.

Ghana’s Minister of Defence, Edward Omane Boamah, and the Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, Ibrahim Murtala Muhammed, were among the eight individuals on board the ill-fated aircraft, according to a report by Reuters.

Chief of Staff to President John Mahama, Julius Debrah, who confirmed the incident during a press briefing, described the crash as a “national tragedy” that has dealt a major blow to the country’s leadership and military.

“This is a heartbreaking loss. The President and the government send deepest condolences to the families of our departed comrades and the Air Force personnel who died in active service,” Debrah stated.

The crash also claimed the lives of three other senior government officials and three members of the Ghana Air Force, bringing the death toll to eight. The identities of the remaining victims have not yet been disclosed.

Ghana’s military authorities revealed that radar contact was lost with the Z9 military helicopter shortly before the crash. The aircraft, widely used by the Ghana Air Force for transportation and medical missions, had three crew members and five passengers on board.

Emergency response teams have been deployed to the crash site to conduct recovery operations, while investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the crash.

Preliminary reports suggest a possible technical failure or adverse weather conditions may have contributed to the fatal incident.

The Ghanaian government has called for national prayers as the country mourns the loss of its officials and service members.

Minister seeks new public health order for Africa

Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, has called for a new vision for global  a “New Public Health Order” for Africa, emphasising on domestic resource mobilisation and local manufacturing of health products. 

Speaking on Tuesday at the Africa Health Sovereignty Summit in Accra, Pate challenged existing frameworks that reduced global health to a narrow set of diseases or priorities largely shaped by external narratives:

“Global health is often described through the lens of a few priority issues, diseases like HIV, malaria and tuberculosis, or through specific areas such as health financing or maternal and child health.

“Yet these issues are framed by externally driven perspectives, leaving African voices, especially from poorer countries, less acknowledged,” he said.

The minister said that most health progress in lower-income countries over the past 25 years has depended on domestic financing and local leadership, with donor support playing a complementary role.

He warned that shifting geopolitics and nationalist tendencies demand a recalibration.

“We cannot build healthier populations purely on the generosity of other nations. It is  time to define our path, rooted in sovereignty and aligned with local needs,” he said.

He traced the evolution of global health to two contrasting legacies.

”The first is the positive legacy of 19th-century international sanitary cooperation, which laid the foundation for today’s collaborative institutions.

“The second is the colonial legacy, rooted in tropical medicine and Noe colonial economic structures issues that were powerfully critiqued by Ghana’s Kwame Nkrumah,” he said.

He noted the continuity of structural inequities, inspite of efforts ranging from the Bandung Conference in 1955 and the Alma-Ata Declaration of 1978, to global debt initiatives and public health commissions.

“These efforts have often faltered in delivering meaningful reform,” he said.

Among the systemic consequences we must confront,” he said, “is the continued subordination of health to commercial and strategic agendas. Producers of potentially harmful goods often evade meaningful regulation.

“Donor-driven priorities routinely undermine national agency and compromise the independence of institutions like the WHO.

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“Africa’s deindustrialisation continues to weaken our production capacity.

“Too often, macroeconomic metrics prioritise short-term ‘value for money’ over the critical public health investments our people need, such as sanitation, clean water, waste management and nutrition,” he said.

Inspite of these structural flaws and the emergence of over 70 global health partnerships like the Global Fund, Gavi and CEPI, he warned of fragmentation and dwindling resources.

To reclaim leadership in global health,” he said, “we must act decisively through a seven-point strategic framework.

“First, we must forge a strategic South-South alliance, uniting Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean to form a new geopolitical axis that, while mindful of global power dynamics, remains committed to equity-driven governance.

“Second, it is essential to renegotiate trade agreements. By leveraging our collective expertise, we can revise trade terms that currently restrict manufacturing capacity and limit access to essential medicines.

“Third, we must champion true country ownership and accountability. Global health initiatives should align with our national priorities and be directed toward strengthening structural health systems and community-level services.

“Fourth, we must push for a more independent and effective WHO by restructuring its funding model to emphasise predictable, unearmarked contributions that allow for impartial and equitable leadership.

“Fifth, we need to prioritise domestic financing models. This includes exploring innovative instruments such as pooled regional health funds, diaspora bonds, and blended finance approaches that reduce overreliance on foreign aid.

“Sixth, we must industrialise health trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

“This means engaging trade and finance ministries to build infrastructure for continental markets, harmonise professional standards, and support the health value chain, from diagnostics and test kits to digital health platforms.

“Finally, we need to strengthen intellectual property protections while encouraging local innovation.

“This, requires developing contextualised IP frameworks and coordination mechanisms that promote access, equity, and technological advancement without undermining public health goals,” he said.

Pate underscored the role of private sector investment models and public-private partnerships as vital complements to government-led reforms.

He reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment: Nigeria is operationalising bold reforms in primary care, financing, and digitisation, while expanding access through community-level data systems.

“Africa must move from the sidelines to the centre of global health governance.

“This is our time to lead, boldly, justly, and collaboratively,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN), reports that Pate’s vision aligns with broader continental priorities focused on health resilience, economic sovereignty, and inclusive growth, a strategic roadmap emerging from recent high-level African summits. 

(NAN) 

Trump announces U.S.-Russia meeting ahead of Ukraine ceasefire deadline

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a meeting between the United States and Russia for Wednesday.

“We have a meeting with Russia tomorrow,” Trump told reporters on Tuesday, adding: “We’re going to see what happens.”

The meeting is set to take place just days ahead of a deadline Trump has given Russian President Vladimir Putin to reach a ceasefire in the war in Ukraine.

The U.S. president did not provide further details, including who would attend the meeting.

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On Sunday, Trump had said he planned to send his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, to Russia in the middle of the week.

Trump has said he intends to impose sanctions if the deadline – set to expire on Friday – passes without result.

The measures are intended to target countries that buy Russian oil and gas in order to restrict Moscow’s ability to finance its war in neighbouring Ukraine.

The U.S. president had already announced on Monday his intention to raise tariffs on India due to its continued trade with Moscow.

He did not specify the exact tariff rate. (dpa/NAN)

Police launch investigation on suspected murder in church A’Ibom

The Police Command in Akwa Ibom says it has commenced investigation into the suspected murder of a-45-year-old man found in pool of blood while sleeping with his family inside Church.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, disclosed this in a statement in Uyo on Wednesday.

John said that preliminary investigation revealed that the incident occurred on Tuesday, at about 12:10 a.m., in Ukanafun Local Government Area of the state.

“The victim, his wife, and children were sleeping at a Church in Ikot Oku Usung village, when a gun shot was heard in the church.

Reda Also: Police arrest seven suspects linked to killing of lawyer

”It was later discovered that Mr Udeme Uko has been shot on his head suggesting either a suicide or an attack from enemies.

“The command was alerted to the incident by concerned citizens who received the report from the victim’s wife, and on receipt of the information, a team of police officers was immediately dispatched to the scene of the crime.

“During the visit, a locally made pistol was recovered as an exhibit. The corpse of the deceased has since been deposited at the mortuary for preservation and autopsy,” John said.

The police spokesperson said that the state Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare has directed a thorough and swift investigation to be conducted in order to apprehend those responsible for the heinous act.

Azare gave assurance that all necessary resources would be deployed to ensure the perpetrators were brought to book.

(NAN)