Nigeria’s capital market regulator, the Securities and Exchange Commission Nigeria, has directed an immediate freeze on the assets of 13 individuals and entities over alleged links to terrorism financing.
The directive, which takes effect without delay, targets 10 individuals and three companies recently listed on the Nigeria Sanctions List by the Nigeria Sanctions Committee.
In a circular issued to capital market operators, the Commission said the action is backed by provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, which empowers authorities to block access to funds tied to designated persons or groups without prior notice.
The SEC ordered all operators to identify and immediately freeze accounts linked to the affected parties, halt all transactions, and report any such assets or attempted dealings to the Sanctions Committee Secretariat.
“The directive is binding on all capital market operators and must be enforced without delay,” the Commission stated, warning that hesitation could undermine efforts to curb illicit financial flows.
Regulators disclosed that some of the individuals had previously been convicted by the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal in April 2019 for offences connected to terrorism financing, including raising funds abroad and channeling them into Nigeria to support activities linked to Boko Haram. Sentences ranged from 10 years’ imprisonment to life terms.
The SEC also highlighted the role of corporate entities in masking illicit transactions, noting that some of the affected companies were used as conduits for cross-border fund movements.
Describing the measure as preventive rather than punitive, the Commission said the objective is to disrupt financial networks that sustain terrorism before funds are deployed.
It warned that non-compliance would attract severe consequences, including civil and criminal sanctions, as well as reputational damage for defaulting institutions.
The directive extends beyond financial institutions to include designated non-financial businesses and professions, underscoring what the SEC described as a more aggressive and comprehensive approach to combating money laundering and terrorism financing.
Operators were further advised to strengthen compliance systems through real-time name screening, asset monitoring, and prompt reporting, while ensuring that affected clients are not tipped off ahead of enforcement.
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has paid glowing tribute to the late Amanyanabo of Opobo Kingdom, Dandeson Douglas Jaja, describing him as a fulfilled and exemplary ruler whose life reflected peace, resilience and selfless service.
Fubara spoke on Saturday at the funeral service held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, where dignitaries, traditional rulers and members of the Opobo community gathered to honour the monarch, who died at 83.
The governor said the late king’s life was worthy of emulation, marked by calmness and dignity even in adversity. He recalled the prolonged succession dispute that lasted over two decades, noting that the monarch’s composure ensured sustained peace in the kingdom.
“He kept his cool and the kingdom remained peaceful. He was a man of class and dignity who treated as his children without discrimination,” Fubara said.
He added that the monarch’s reign would remain a reference point in Opobo’s history, noting that beyond the founding fathers, he stands among rulers who left a lasting imprint on the kingdom.
According to him, the late king’s era witnessed significant political milestones, including the emergence of both a deputy governor and a governor from the kingdom, a feat he said history would not forget.
Fubara urged scholars and historians to properly document the monarch’s legacy, describing him as a leader who triumphed despite turbulent circumstances.
Addressing members of the royal family, the governor stressed the need for unity and hard work, cautioning against disputes over inheritance. He said success is not transferable but must be earned through individual effort.
“What you inherit are assets; you do not inherit success. The king has done his part; what we celebrate today is his success, and it cannot be transferred. Everyone must work for their own success,” he said.
He warned that internal conflict would undermine the monarch’s peaceful legacy, urging family members to avoid actions that could bring disrepute to his memory.
Fubara also highlighted the fleeting nature of material possessions, advising the family to focus on enduring values and future development rather than short-term gains.
He concluded that it was an honour to celebrate the life of the late monarch, whose legacy of peace, humility and service, he said, would continue to inspire generations within and beyond Opobo Kingdom.
President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to deepening collaboration with state governments, commending the Bayelsa State administration for what he described as purposeful leadership and effective partnership with the centre.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Government House Banquet Hall in Yenagoa, the President said greater achievements would be recorded when all tiers of government work in close synergy.
Earlier, Tinubu inaugurated four major projects executed by the Bayelsa State Government, including a 60-megawatt gas turbine, the dualised New Yenagoa City Road, the 630-metre Angiama-Oporoma Bridge, and the Sagbama–Ekeremor Road—initially started by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Dignitaries at the event included the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku; Executive Director, Corporate Services, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde; and Bayelsa State representative on the NDDC Board, Senator Dimaro Denyanbofa.
The President noted that the projects reflected the spirit of cooperation underpinning his administration’s Renewed Hope agenda.
“You have done a great job. I have commissioned very transformative projects that are creating opportunities, jobs and renewed hope for our nation,” he said.
Tinubu further stressed the importance of stable electricity to national development, noting that the state’s Independent Power Plant would drive industrialisation and economic growth.
“There can be no industrialisation, skill development or empowerment without power. I assure Nigerians that we will have electricity to power our growth,” he added.
In his remarks, Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, lauded the Federal Government for creating an enabling policy environment for development.
He said the administration’s reforms, particularly in the power sector, had facilitated the delivery of reliable, independent energy through the state’s gas-fired turbines.
Diri also highlighted the completion of the Angiama-Oporoma Bridge, describing it as a long-overdue project that corrected decades of neglect.
He further commended the Federal Government for supporting key infrastructure initiatives, including waivers for the importation of equipment for the Independent Power Plant and the award of the second phase of the Nembe-Brass Road.
The governor said sustained collaboration between the state and federal authorities had accelerated development, as efforts intensify to boost national security and increase crude oil production to over two million barrels per day.
An extraordinary shift in the Premier League title race is gathering pace, with Manchester City surging ominously toward long-time leaders Arsenal and threatening to upend what once appeared a settled campaign.
As reported by ESPN, the permutations are as simple as they are seismic: should City win their two games in hand and overcome Arsenal in their looming showdown, the gap at the summit would vanish entirely. Points would be level. Momentum would not.
What had seemed, for months, like Arsenal’s title to lose has suddenly become precisely that.
“If Manchester City win their two matches in hand and defeat Arsenal next weekend, the two clubs will share the same points,” one widely shared assessment noted. “We might be witnessing one of the most remarkable collapses in history.”
Such language, once unthinkable, now reflects a growing unease around Arsenal’s position. The north London side, so assured for much of the season, are staring at the full force of a familiar and unforgiving reality: a late charge from a City side that specialises in them.
Under Pep Guardiola, City have built a reputation for relentless, clinical finishes — turning pressure into precision, and tight races into processions. The closing stretch of a season is their natural habitat.
Arsenal, by contrast, now face a defining test of nerve. Composure, resilience and belief will be required in equal measure against opponents who rarely falter when it matters most.
The impending meeting between the two is no longer merely a fixture. It is a potential pivot point — a match that could tilt not only the table but the psychology of the title race itself.
Victory for City would do more than erase a deficit; it would plant doubt, shift belief and redraw the emotional landscape of the run-in. Arsenal’s margin for error, once generous, has all but disappeared.
With the title hanging in the balance, the Premier League finds itself on the brink of a finale rich in tension and consequence, a contest that may yet be remembered as one of the most dramatic in recent memory.
Nigeria’s opposition party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has intensified pressure on the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joash Amupitan, calling for his immediate resignation over allegations of political bias.
The party issued the warning on Saturday, vowing to escalate civil disobedience if Amupitan remains in office. The latest controversy stems from alleged past social media posts suggesting sympathy toward the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
INEC, through its spokesman Adedayo Oketola, had earlier dismissed the claims, cautioning against misinformation and the activities of impersonators online. The commission reaffirmed its commitment to credible elections and urged Nigerians to rely on verified communication channels.
However, the issue gained momentum after US-based Nigerian scholar Farooq Kperogi published a column alleging that archived posts linked to Amupitan’s name reflected pro-APC sentiments, including perceived support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The publication sparked widespread debate on social media, with opinions sharply divided over the authenticity and implications of the alleged posts.
Reacting, ADC spokesman Bolaji Abdullahi described the revelations as a serious threat to the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral system.
“In a democracy, the umpire must not only be independent but must be seen to be independent beyond doubt,” Abdullahi said. “What we are witnessing is a grave affront to that principle.”
He further alleged attempts to manipulate digital records linked to the controversy, describing such actions as “a calculated assault on truth and accountability.”
According to him, Amupitan’s continued stay in office undermines public confidence in INEC and sets a dangerous precedent.
“The referee cannot wear the jersey of one of the teams,” he added.
“Professor Amupitan must resign immediately. Anything less is unacceptable.”
The ADC also disclosed plans to update its petitions to relevant institutions, including international bodies and the Nigerian Bar Association, while pledging to intensify protests until the INEC chairman steps down.
The ancient kingdom of Opobo will on Saturday, April 11, 2026, bid a final farewell to one of its most distinguished sons and revered monarchs, His Majesty, King Dr. Dandeson Douglas Jaja, Jeki V—an embodiment of candour, refinement, and enlightened traditional leadership.
His passing marks the end of an era defined by cultural revival, administrative excellence, and dignified royalty.
Photo Credit: Dappa Solomon Media
Born on April 28, 1942, King Dandeson Jaja came from a distinguished royal lineage as the son of King Douglas Jaja, former Amanyanabo of Opobo and Chancellor of the University of Jos, and Queen Violet.
King Dandeson Jaja, addressed as Jeki V, was the second child and the second son among the 12 children of his father, King Douglas Jaja, Amanyanabo of Opobo and former Chancellor of University of Jos. His mother was Queen Violet. His siblings include: Prince Arthur (late), Prince Lawrence (late), Prince Douglas Obiesigha (late), Prince Macdonald (late), Princess Daisy Ibalafagh (late), King Charles, Prince Alfred, Princess May, Prince Eugene Barachua, Princess Sotonye and Princess Ibikiri.
As the second son in a large and prominent family, he was raised within a tradition steeped in history, responsibility, and service.
He attended St. Paul’s Primary School, Opobo Town, Rivers State from where he moved to National Grammar School, Nike, Enugu, in the then Eastern Region of Nigeria, for his post primary education. On the completion of his secondary education, he traveled to the United Kingdom to pursue his tertiary education at Hull College of Higher Education.
His early education in Opobo and Enugu laid a solid foundation for a global outlook, later refined through studies in the United Kingdom. His formative years in engineering and banking—spanning the Opobo Boat Yard, the Central Bank of Nigeria, and a brief stint with Barclays Bank in the UK—equipped him with the discipline, precision, and managerial acumen that would later define his reign.
Ascending the throne in 2003 after a prolonged but peaceful legal tussle that tested the unity and resilience of Opobo Kingdom, King Jaja emerged not only as a legitimate ruler but as a symbol of reconciliation and collective identity. His reign, which spanned 45 years, having been proclaimed king in 1980, was marked by stability, development, and cultural pride.
A modern monarch in every sense, King Jaja seamlessly blended tradition with contemporary governance. He served in several high-profile roles, including Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers and Chancellor of the Federal University Dutse-Ma in Katsina State. In these capacities, he demonstrated rare administrative depth, earning recognition for his ability to manage people and institutions with tact and foresight.
Yet, it was perhaps in the cultural sphere that his legacy shines brightest. A custodian of Ibani heritage, he championed the revival of indigenous language, customs, and artistic expression. He institutionalized festivals, reformed masquerade traditions, such as the Owu-Ogbo and Nwaotam,and understood and displayed the dance steps of the “ngunume” and “okporo,” beats. He elevated the Opobo International Boat Racing and Regatta to national prominence. His advocacy ensured Opobo’s cultural footprint extended beyond regional boundaries, reinforcing identity in an era of rapid globalization.
King Jaja was also a master of cultural diplomacy, having facilitated Opobo’s participation in FESTAC ’77, and later creating enduring platforms for cultural exchange and recognition. Through the Opobo Kingdom Awards, he honoured excellence and service, strengthening communal bonds and inspiring civic responsibility.
In personal bearing, the monarch was the very definition of elegance. Whether adorned in regal traditional attire or formal Western dress, his appearance reflected meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of the symbolism of kingship. His style was not mere aesthetics—it was a statement of identity, discipline, and pride.
Despite his elevated status, King Jaja remained deeply spiritual and grounded in faith. A devout Christian, he was actively involved in church life, offering quiet philanthropy and drawing strength from his beliefs. His humility was evident in his oft-expressed conviction that ultimate power rests with God alone.
Under his leadership, Opobo witnessed notable infrastructural and developmental strides, including road projects, shoreline protection, and strategic advocacy for educational institutions. These efforts underscored his vision of a progressive kingdom anchored in both heritage and modernity.
Above all, King Dandeson Douglas Jaja will be remembered as a monarch of rare candour—forthright yet diplomatic, principled yet compassionate. He ruled not with ostentation, but with quiet authority, intellectual depth, and an unwavering commitment to his people.
He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and a grateful kingdom that now celebrates a life of purpose, dignity, and enduring impact.
As Opobo transitions to a new chapter under his successor, the legacy of Jeki V will remain indelible—a timeless reminder that true royalty lies not merely in heritage, but in character, service, and vision.
By Adagogo Cockeye Brown, PhD
brown.adagogo@ust.edu.ng
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has called for deeper collaboration with Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) to enhance healthcare delivery, spotlighting ongoing improvements at Bonny General Hospital.
Speaking during a meeting with NLNG’s Chief Executive Officer, Adeleye Falade, the governor underscored his administration’s commitment to strengthening critical infrastructure, noting that sustained partnerships would deliver tangible benefits to host communities.
Fubara commended NLNG for its resilience and operational success, attributing it to an effective Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, and assured the company of continued government support.
He emphasised that improved collaboration in the health sector, particularly at Bonny General Hospital, would significantly uplift service delivery and expand access to quality care for residents.
In his response, Falade lauded the state government’s support and reaffirmed NLNG’s commitment to community development and sustainable impact across Rivers State, pledging continued investment in initiatives that improve the wellbeing of host communities.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called for the immediate resignation or removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, over alleged partisanship and actions it said could undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
The demand was made on Wednesday during a protest by party leaders and supporters at INEC headquarters in Abuja, amid a deepening leadership crisis within the party that has persisted since September 2025.
The party, in a statement jointly conveyed by its National Chairman, David Mark, and National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, accused the INEC boss of exceeding his constitutional mandate and allegedly aligning with a faction in the party.
ADC said recent actions by the electoral umpire raise serious concerns about neutrality and pose risks to Nigeria’s multi-party democracy ahead of the 2027 polls.
“Your recent media interview was not only disgraceful and unbecoming of the high office you occupy, but it also exposed a troubling willingness to descend into partisan controversy,” the party stated.
It faulted the INEC chairman for allegedly interpreting court rulings relating to the party’s internal leadership dispute, insisting that such responsibility rests solely with the judiciary.
“The interpretation of court judgments is the exclusive preserve of the judiciary. For the Chairman of INEC to publicly assume that role amounts to a serious constitutional breach,” the statement added.
The party warned that any perceived bias by the electoral body could erode public trust and compromise the integrity of future elections, stressing that credible, transparent and impartial oversight remains critical to the success of the 2027 general elections.
ADC further alleged that the commission had taken steps capable of interfering in the internal affairs of political parties, describing such actions as dangerous to democratic pluralism.
“Any action that tilts the electoral playing field strikes at the very heart of democratic practice,” it said.
The party also recalled that INEC had previously monitored and acknowledged its internal processes in 2025, including National Executive Committee meetings that produced the current leadership under Mark, and had updated its records accordingly.
It, however, expressed concern over what it described as a shift in the commission’s posture, urging a recommitment to neutrality to safeguard the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process.
The Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), Dr Abdullahi Bello, has urged staff of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to strictly comply with provisions of the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, warning that ignorance of the law would not shield offenders from prosecution.
Bello gave the charge during an enlightenment session on good governance and ethical conduct for NDDC personnel in Port Harcourt, stressing that asset declaration remains a mandatory obligation for all public servants.
He emphasised the need for sustained commitment to transparency, accountability and professionalism, noting that the Bureau’s role is not to victimise officials but to educate and enforce compliance with established ethical standards.
“Asset declaration is not optional,” he said, urging staff to complete and submit the required Code of Conduct forms to avoid sanctions.
In his remarks, NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, described ethical conduct as the cornerstone of good governance, aligning the Commission’s reforms with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Ogbuku disclosed that the Commission is implementing a new Governance Advisory Report aimed at strengthening institutional performance and repositioning the agency for greater impact in the Niger Delta.
According to him, the initiative would deepen adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and reinforce the Commission’s code of conduct, which underpin effective service delivery.
“We are fostering unity of purpose, improving communication and reinforcing ethical standards to enhance efficiency and transparency,” he said, adding that the programme would boost internal cohesion and accountability.
He noted that the training goes beyond compliance with asset declaration requirements, providing staff with a clearer understanding of legal obligations and ethical expectations.
Also speaking, the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Alabo Boma Iyaye, represented by Director of Administration and Human Resources, Kelechi Nwelue, said the initiative forms part of ongoing efforts to reorient staff towards a culture of integrity.
Iyaye stressed the need for strict adherence to civil service rules, financial regulations and other extant laws, urging employees to become champions of transparency at all levels of the Commission’s operations.
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has announced April 22, 2026, as the commencement date for the Batch ‘A’ Stream II orientation course nationwide.
In a statement issued by its Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, the scheme disclosed that the 21-day exercise will be held simultaneously across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
According to the schedule, registration and reception of prospective corps members will begin on Wednesday, April 22, and end at midnight on Friday, April 24, 2026.
The swearing-in ceremony is slated for Friday, April 24, while the orientation programme will conclude on Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
The NYSC advised all mobilised graduates to travel safely to their respective camps, reiterating its long-standing warning against night journeys.
“Prospective Corps Members are advised to break their journeys once it is 6:00 p.m. and pass the night at any available Corps Members’ Lodge, military formation, police station or palace of a traditional ruler before continuing the next morning,” the statement said.
