Geek Pulse

09/09/2025

Senate Standoff: Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan's Return Blocked Amidst Legal Battle

Abuja, Nigeria – Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, is facing a significant hurdle in her attempt to return to the National Assembly following the expiration of her six-month suspension.

Her lawyer, Victor Giwa, confirmed that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is currently on vacation in London but is fully prepared to resume plenary alongside her colleagues on September 23rd, 2025. Giwa asserted that the six-month suspension has expired and that the Senate leadership is ready to welcome her back, assuring that "there is no obstacle at all". He also stated that pending legal disputes would not hinder her return, suggesting they would become "academic exercises".

However, the National Assembly Management has officially turned down her request to resume legislative duties. In a letter dated September 4, 2025, and signed by the Acting Clerk to the National Assembly (Ag. CNA), Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, the parliament clarified that her suspension formally took effect from March 6, 2025, and remains in force.

The core reason for blocking her return is that the matter is "sub judice" (under judicial consideration) at the Court of Appeal. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was initially suspended on March 6th, 2025, following allegations of insubordination after she rejected a change of her designated seat during plenary, a dispute reportedly stemming from disagreements with Senate President Godswill Akpabio. She consistently argued her ordeal was linked to a petition accusing Senator Akpabio of sexual harassment, a claim the Senate dismissed.

Although she challenged her suspension in court and secured a judgment she believed favoured her recall, the Senate leadership maintained she would remain suspended until the six-month penalty elapsed. While the Federal High Court in Abuja upheld the Senate's decision, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan proceeded to the appellate court to seek redress.

The National Assembly management stated that until the judicial process is concluded and the Senate formally reviews the suspension in light of the court's pronouncement, no administrative action can be taken to facilitate her resumption. This development means that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan's constituents in Kogi Central will remain without representation until the Court of Appeal issues a definitive verdict on the dispute.

08/09/2025

https://youtu.be/KPwjTYlTeec

✈️ British Airways Ordered to Pay N53 Million in Landmark Lost Luggage Case! 💼

A Nigerian passenger, Mr. Stephen Osho, has won a groundbreaking case against British Airways after the airline lost his checked luggage. The Federal High Court in Lagos, presided over by Justice Ibrahim Kala, ordered BA to pay N53 million in total compensation – including N50 million in general damages and N3 million for legal costs.

British Airways had argued that an old Air France tag was to blame and tried to limit compensation to just N60,000. But the court dismissed this as a “weak defence” and upheld Mr. Osho’s rights under the Montreal Convention, 1999, domesticated under Nigeria’s Civil Aviation Act.

This ruling marks a huge victory for passenger rights and sets a precedent in Nigeria’s aviation industry.

📌 Watch now to learn what this means for air travelers, airlines, and future legal battles in aviation law.

Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more travel, legal, and aviation updates!

✈️ British Airways Ordered to Pay N53 Million in Landmark Lost Luggage Case! 💼A Nigerian passenger, Mr. Stephen Osho, has won a groundbreaking case against ...

08/09/2025

British Airways Ordered to Pay N53 Million in Landmark Lost Luggage Case!

A Nigerian passenger, Mr. Stephen Osho, has secured a significant victory against British Airways, as the Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the airline to pay N53 million in compensation. This amount includes N50 million in general damages for the loss of his luggage and unfair treatment, plus N3 million to cover the cost of the legal action.

Justice Ibrahim Kala, who delivered the judgment on August 21, 2025, ruled that British Airways breached its obligations under the international contract of carriage. Mr. Osho's checked baggage failed to arrive on Flight BA307 from Paris to London on December 2, 2022, leading to undue hardship, inconvenience, and financial loss.

British Airways had argued that an old Air France tag negligently left on Mr. Osho’s bag was responsible for the loss. The airline also contended that any compensation should not exceed N60,000. However, the court faulted this defence, describing it as a "weak defence" that "collapsed like a pack of cards" and an "afterthought" aimed at exonerating the carrier. The plea was dismissed as "untenable".

This landmark decision underscores the airline's liability under Article 17 (2) of the Montreal Convention, 1999, as domesticated under the Nigerian Civil Aviation Act. It represents a significant win for passenger rights! ✈️💼

04/09/2025

Nigeria's CNG Price Jumps to N450/SCM as Subsidies Shift, Fueling Concerns!

The cost of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in Nigeria has seen a significant increase, with a standard cubic metre (SCM) now selling for N450 for trucks and N380 for private and commercial vehicles. This marks a notable jump from the previous price of N230/SCM.

Retailers have confirmed that the Federal Government has recently reduced its subsidies on CNG, with NNPC Gas Marketing Limited reviewing prices upwards. However, the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) has since clarified that the Federal Government does not directly subsidise CNG, stating that pricing decisions are made by private sector operators, such as NIPCO Gas. An official from PCNGI did acknowledge that commercial vehicles currently receive some subsidy to prevent an increase in transportation costs, but noted that a broader subsidy was "supposed to be across the board". The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) is responsible for regulating prices to ensure CNG remains cheaper than petrol and diesel.

CNG was promoted as a cheaper alternative fuel after the removal of petrol subsidies in 2023, which saw petrol prices soar from N175 to N870 per litre. While drivers like Abuja-based e-hailing driver Samuel Udedike have reported substantial savings of over 50% on daily fuel expenses, there are concerns that the price may soon rise further to N500 or N600/SCM. Experts suggest that a retail price of around N520/SCM may be necessary to ensure commercial viability and attract the significant private investment needed to expand refuelling infrastructure nationwide.

Despite the PCNGI's efforts, which include converting over 100,000 vehicles to CNG in one year, increasing conversion centres from 7 to 265, and expanding operational refuelling stations from 20 to 60 (with 175 more planned), long queues (some stretching up to 1.5km) and insufficient refilling stations remain major challenges. Vehicle owners, many of whom spent up to N1.5 million or more to convert their vehicles, are worried that persistent queues and rising prices might force them back to petrol, despite the initial investment.

The PCNGI's primary focus remains on increasing the availability of gas and building more refuelling stations across the country to reduce queues and ensure converted vehicle owners have reliable access to CNG.

03/09/2025

Political temperature soaring ahead of 2027! 🔥 Former President Goodluck Jonathan's rumoured presidential bid, Nyesom Wike's fiery warnings, and growing party realignments are setting the stage for a tumultuous election. Here’s the latest:

Former President Goodluck Jonathan's potential 2027 presidential bid is facing early opposition. Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, SAN, and law teacher Professor Chidi Odinkalu, have warned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against giving Jonathan its ticket, arguing that his two previous swearings-in would lead to legal challenges. However, Jonathan's brother, Robert Azibaola, strongly defended his eligibility, stating Jonathan is "100% constitutionally and legally qualified to contest" and doesn't need unsolicited legal advice.

Meanwhile, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has weighed in with strong opinions. He cautioned that Jonathan is being "deceived" by "political hawks" into contesting and should maintain his international respect as an elder statesman. Wike also launched a scathing attack on any move to draft Peter Obi into the 2027 race for PDP, describing it as a "recipe for disaster" that would "kill the party". He questioned Obi's integrity, pointing out Obi previously called the PDP "rotten". Wike also dismissed former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai’s prediction that President Tinubu would come a distant third in 2027, expressing confidence that Tinubu would "win this election squarely". The FCT Minister also firmly rejected insinuations that he harbours presidential ambitions, stating, "I will not run for president".

Wike's comments have not gone unchallenged. PDP members, including former National Secretary Ibrahim Tsauri and Deputy National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor, criticised Wike for trying to dictate party affairs, welcoming both Obi and Jonathan, stating their return would help the PDP grow. The Obidient Movement, through Yunusa Tanko, accused Wike of being "obsessed" with Peter Obi and misusing his ministerial platform for political "brouhaha" instead of focusing on his duties.

Amidst this brewing political storm, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar maintains that "Nigerians, not the APC or PDP, will determine the outcome of the 2027 presidential election". His media adviser highlighted growing enthusiasm for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition, noting significant defections to the party.

What are your thoughts on these early political manoeuvres?

02/09/2025

Nigeria Faces Dual US Visa Crisis – $2M Forex Loss, 250 Jobs At Risk, & Citizens Stranded by Quiet Revocations!

Nigeria is currently grappling with a severe blow to its economy and citizens' travel plans due to recent shifts in US visa policies.

Seafarers in Crisis: New, tighter US visa rules for Nigerian seafarers are threatening an estimated $2 million monthly foreign exchange loss for the country and putting over 250 seafarer jobs at risk. The crucial C1D visa, essential for seafarers to join international vessels, has been restricted to a three-month, single-entry validity period.

Nigerian seafarers, represented by their attorneys, have petitioned the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stressing their stellar track record of compliance with US immigration laws and their rigorous employment screenings. They are urging for diplomatic intervention to reinstate a longer, multi-entry visa, citing the recent success for Zimbabwean seafarers who saw their two-year multiple-entry C1D visa reinstated. The inability to join ships directly impacts livelihoods and national foreign exchange reserves.

✈️ Valid Visas Quietly Cancelled for Other Nigerians: Simultaneously, the US Embassy in Nigeria has reportedly begun quietly revoking valid visas previously issued to Nigerian citizens. This affects professionals, entrepreneurs, frequent travellers, and families, leaving them stranded with disrupted plans and mounting costs.

Individuals have received official letters citing "new information" but providing no detailed explanations or avenues for appeal. Many have been forced to cancel overseas trips, refund tickets, or have even discovered cancellations at airports. This opaque process has sparked growing fears of a targeted tightening of US visa policy against Nigerians.

Call for Action: Nigerian lawmakers, including the Senate Committees on Foreign Affairs and Marine Transport, alongside the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), are urged to support government efforts. A coordinated diplomatic push is imperative to protect seafarers' rights and shield the economy from these significant losses.

01/09/2025

https://youtu.be/qtDGjxNrWKo?si=gasN4odjhkYrv9UP

Nigeria Mourns: Dr. Solomon Arase, Former Inspector-General of Police and PSC Chairman, Dies at 69

Nigeria has lost one of its most respected police leaders. Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase, the 18th Inspector-General of Police and former Chairman of the Police Service Commission, passed away on August 31, 2025, at the age of 69.

Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Arase was known for his reform-driven leadership, police welfare advocacy, and commitment to justice and national security. He introduced key initiatives such as the Intelligence Response Team, Complaint Response Unit, and Safer Highway Patrols, leaving behind a lasting impact on Nigeria’s policing system.

Tributes have poured in from President Bola Tinubu, Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, former IGPs, civil society leaders, and many Nigerians who respected his patriotism and service.

Join us as we look back on his life, career, and the legacy of a man who dedicated his life to protecting Nigeria.
May his soul rest in peace. 🕊️

📌 Stay updated with the latest news and tributes.
💬 Share your thoughts and condolences in the comments.

Nigeria Mourns: Dr. Solomon Arase, Former Inspector-General of Police and PSC Chairman, Dies at 69Nigeria has lost one of its most respected police leaders. ...

01/09/2025

Nigeria Mourns: Dr. Solomon Arase, Former IGP and PSC Chairman, Passes Away at 69

It is with a heavy heart that we report the passing of Dr. Solomon Ehigiator Arase, Nigeria's 18th Inspector-General of Police and former Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), who died on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at the age of 69. He passed away at the Cedar Crest Hospital in Abuja after a brief illness. His death was confirmed by a family source and his son, Solomon Arase Jnr, with the Force Public Relations Officer also confirming the incident.

Born on June 21, 1956, in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State, Arase embarked on a distinguished career after studying Political Science at Ahmadu Bello University and later earning Law and Master's degrees from the Universities of Benin and Lagos, respectively. He joined the Nigeria Police Force on December 1, 1981.

Throughout his impactful career, Arase held several strategic positions, including heading the Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Bureau and serving as Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State. He also represented Nigeria in a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Namibia and was a Fellow of the Nigerian Defence Academy. He retired from the Force on June 21, 2016, upon reaching the statutory retirement age.

Even after retirement, Dr. Arase continued his national service, notably appointed Chairman of the Police Service Commission by then-President Muhammadu Buhari in January 2023, a position he held until June 2024. He was widely respected for his reform-driven leadership and unwavering dedication to police welfare. During his tenure as IGP, he introduced major initiatives such as the Intelligence Response Team, the Complaint Response Unit to address police misconduct, and the Safer Highway Patrols, significantly improving security for travellers across the country. His contributions extended to policing reforms in election security and neutrality, and consultancy roles with various national and international bodies.

Tributes have poured in from across the nation for the late police chief. President Bola Tinubu hailed Arase's "meritorious service" to the nation, stating his contributions would be "deeply missed". Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo remembered him as a "distinguished son of Edo and a patriotic Nigerian" whose "legacy of service, professionalism, and dedication to national security will be remembered for generations". Former Inspector-Generals of Police like Sir Mike Okiro described him as a "gem" and a "wonderful patriot," while Suleiman Abba noted he was "almost perfect in his performance". Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju also recalled Arase's unique bond with civil society, highlighting his efforts to reform the police and his accessibility.

Dr. Solomon Arase's impactful life and unwavering commitment to justice and security leave an indelible mark on Nigeria. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time. Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.

Rest in Peace, Dr. Solomon Arase.

29/08/2025

https://youtu.be/R5tA_Y8Spb4

Planning to Apply? Here’s what you need to know!
From September 1, 2025, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) will implement new passport fees:

32-page, 5-year validity → ₦100,000

64-page, 10-year validity → ₦200,000

Diaspora fees remain → $150 (5 years), $230 (10 years)

This marks a 100% increase compared to last year’s rates. With Nigeria experiencing the Japa phenomenon—a mass migration of its youth—what does this mean for travel, families, and opportunities abroad?

Drop your thoughts in the comments 👇

📌 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more updates on Nigeria’s policies, travel, and lifestyle news!

Planning to Apply? Here’s what you need to know!From September 1, 2025, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) will implement new passport fees:32-page, 5-yea...

28/08/2025

Planning to Apply? Be Aware: ₦100k for 5-Year, ₦200k for 10-Year Passports Starting Sept 1, 2025

Get ready for an update on Nigerian passport application fees! The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced a significant upward review of the cost of obtaining the Nigerian Standard Passport, which will take effect from September 1, 2025.

This adjustment represents approximately a 100% increment over the old fees.

Here's what you need to know about the new rates for applications made within Nigeria:
• 32-page passport with 5-year validity: Now ₦100,000
• 64-page passport with 10-year validity: Now ₦200,000

Good news for Nigerians in the diaspora: Your passport application fees remain unchanged:
• 32-page passport with 5-year validity: $150
• 64-page passport with 10-year validity: $230

According to NIS spokesperson, A.S. Akinlabi, this review aims to "uphold the quality and integrity of the Nigerian Passport" and enhance service delivery. It's worth noting that this is not the first increase; an earlier adjustment took effect from September 1, 2024, which saw the 32-page passport go from N35,000 to N50,000 and the 64-page from N70,000 to N100,000.

This development comes amidst the ongoing 'Japa' phenomenon, a mass exodus of Nigeria’s youthful population seeking better education, employment, and security abroad, particularly in destinations like the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Europe. While Nigerians in the diaspora contribute over $20 billion annually to the nation's economy, the outgoing African Development Bank (AfDB) President, Akinwumi Adesina, has lamented 'Japa' as a significant loss for Nigeria and Africa, stressing that the future of young Africans should lie in a robust, growing Africa that creates quality jobs.

What are your thoughts on these new passport fees? Share in the comments below! 👇

26/08/2025

https://youtu.be/3Bidpp4XlLw

Unmasking the Hidden Link: Metabolic Syndrome & Parkinson’s Risk
New research shows that people with metabolic syndrome — a cluster of conditions including obesity, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar — are up to 40% more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease.

In this video, we explain:
✅ What metabolic syndrome really is
✅ Why it’s not just a heart problem but a brain risk
✅ How Parkinson’s may be silently linked to your metabolic health
✅ Prevention tips: weight control, glucose management, and blood pressure care

This groundbreaking study, published in Neurology, suggests that taking control of your metabolic health today could protect your brain tomorrow.

📌 Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more science-backed health insights!

26/08/2025

Unmasking the Hidden Link: How Metabolic Syndrome Could Increase Your Parkinson's Risk by 40%
London, UK — As much as 31% of the world's population lives with metabolic syndrome, a cluster of health issues known to heighten the risk for serious conditions like type 2 diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. Now, compelling new research sheds light on an even more concerning link: metabolic syndrome may substantially increase an individual's risk of developing Parkinson's disease.

A recent study published in Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology, provides further evidence of a strong correlation between metabolic syndrome and Parkinson’s disease risk. Researchers found that people with metabolic syndrome were approximately 40% more likely to develop Parkinson's disease than those without the condition.

What Exactly Is Metabolic Syndrome?
Metabolic syndrome isn't a single illness but a combination of several health problems. For the purpose of this study, it was defined as having at least three of the following five conditions:
• Abdominal obesity: A waist circumference of 40 inches or more in men, or 35 inches or more in women.
• Elevated blood sugar levels: A fasting glucose of 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or more.
• High blood pressure: A systolic blood pressure of 130 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) or more, or a diastolic blood pressure of 85 mmHg or more.
• Hypertriglyceridemia: High triglyceride levels of 150 mg/dL or more.
• Low HDL cholesterol levels: Less than 40 mg/dL in men or 50 mg/dL in women of "good cholesterol".

The study, which analysed medical data from over 467,000 individuals in the U.K. Biobank over 15 years, revealed that 38% of participants had metabolic syndrome.

A Clear Signal: More Than Just a Heart Concern
Dr. Michael S. Okun, director of the Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases at UF Health, who was not involved in the study, highlighted that this research offers "one of the clearest signals yet that metabolic syndrome is more than just a cardiovascular concern — it may also prime the brain for Parkinson’s disease". He further explained that these findings suggest abdominal obesity, high blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol patterns are not just cardiovascular red flags, but may "accelerate brain neurodegeneration".
What's particularly striking is the "dose-response relationship," as Dr. Okun pointed out. "In simple terms the more features of metabolic syndrome you have, the higher your Parkinson’s risk. Those folks carrying four or five components seem to be at the greatest risk".

Weili Xu, PhD, professor of geriatric epidemiology at the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden and corresponding author of the study, also noted a higher risk for individuals with both metabolic syndrome and a genetic susceptibility for Parkinson’s disease. This suggests that "maintaining metabolic health may be especially important for people who have genes that increase their risk for Parkinson’s disease," Xu added.

Prevention Is Possible: Taking Control of Your Metabolic Health
The good news is that metabolic syndrome is considered "highly modifiable". Dr. Daniel Truong, a neurologist and medical director of the Truong Neuroscience Institute, commented that the study strengthens the argument that metabolic syndrome is a "broader systemic disorder with neurological consequences".

He stressed the importance of early intervention, stating that Parkinson’s disease can "smolder for 10–20 years before motor symptoms appear". Knowing that conditions like metabolic syndrome predispose individuals to Parkinson's allows for much earlier identification and intervention, making prevention a real possibility.

Experts suggest that interventions targeting obesity, hypertension, and hyperglycemia may help delay or reduce risk in vulnerable populations. Dr. Truong advises motivating patients to lose weight and control hypertension to protect their brain, recommending closer attention to early Parkinsonian features in obese patients.

This research paves the way for a new frontier in Parkinson's prevention, suggesting that managing waist circumference, blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol could potentially delay or reduce the incidence of this neurodegenerative disorder. While further studies are needed to see if modifying these risk factors can change the outcome, the message is clear: prioritising your metabolic health could be a crucial step in protecting your brain's future.