Continental Reporters

14/08/2025

International Human Trafficker Arrested In Enugu, Police rescue two victims

The police in Enugu State, have arrested a suspected transnational human trafficker in the state. Police said the suspect and the victims were intercepted on 30 June during a routine patrol by police operatives along Enugu - Onitsha Expressway in Enugu State.

The suspect, Raymond Wonna, 30, hails from Yala Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria’s South-south.

The police spokesperson in Enugu State, Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

Mr Ndukwe, a superintendent of police, said the police operatives rescued two trafficked teenage girls from the suspect.

Like the suspect, the rescued victims hail from Yala Local Government Area, Cross River State, according to the police.

“They were intercepted on 30th July 2025, at about 2:00 p.m. by operatives of the Command’s Crack Tactical Squad during a routine patrol along the Enugu–Onitsha Expressway, Enugu,” Mr Ndukwe said.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims were being trafficked to Ghana under the guise of securing job opportunities.

“Without the knowledge or consent of their parents or relatives, the suspect, who claimed to be a casual labourer, lured them from Ogoja, Cross River State, to work in a restaurant allegedly owned by his ‘baby mama’ in Ghana.”

The spokesperson said further findings indicate that the suspect also attempted to r**e the victims while lodging them in a hotel, where they were kept pending departure to Ghana.

“The victims have been safely returned home and reunited with their families, while efforts are ongoing to track down other members of the trafficking network,” he stated.

The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Bitrus Giwa, has commended the operatives for their vigilance and swift intervention, Mr Ndukwe said.

Mr Giwa ordered an investigation and prosecution of the suspects involved in the alleged crime while urging police personnel to sustain the momentum against criminality in the state.

The commissioner also reiterated the commitment of the police in the state to combating human trafficking and other violent crimes.

The police chief called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the police for action.

Nigeria in 2015 enacted the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act which outlawed all acts of human trafficking in the country.

The Act prescribes imprisonment of not less than five years or a fine of not less than N1 million or both as general punishment for human trafficking.

However, the Act also prescribes imprisonment of not less than seven years or a fine of not less than N1 million or both as punishment for child trafficking.

Several persons have been convicted of human trafficking across the country.

The Kano State High Court, in July 2021, sentenced a man, Paul Owne, to 91 years in prison for kidnapping and trafficking of children in the state for sale in Onitsha, Anambra State.

A Federal High Court in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, in 2019, sentenced three persons to a combined 12 years imprisonment for trafficking a two-year-old male child and one other child.

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14/08/2025

Latest Africa's Billionaire Ranks

In August, Egyptian real estate tycoon Hisham Talaat Moustafa and Malawian banker Thom Mpinganjira both crossed the $1 billion mark, boosting Africa's billionaire ranks.

Mpinganjira’s wealth surged due to the growth of FDH Bank, while Moustafa's wealth increased with a rise in Talaat Moustafa Group’s stock .

These additions, along with other recent billionaires like Zak Calisto and Anas Sefrioui, reflect a historic year for wealth creation in Africa, driven by the continent’s booming. equity markets.

This milestone follows a year in which Africa's equity markets saw an unparalleled surge in wealth creation, with five individuals joining the billionaire class so far in 2025.

Recent data from Billionaires.Africa reveals that Mpinganjira’s wealth increase is directly linked to the successful operations of FDH Bank Plc, a company based in Blantyre. He indirectly holds a substantial stake in FDH Bank through his investment company, M Development.

The company owns 74.05 percent of FDH Bank and 55 percent of FDH Financial Holdings, the bank’s parent company. Through this arrangement, Mpinganjira indirectly controls around 2.81 billion shares, or approximately 40.73 percent of FDH Bank’s total stock.

From MWK416.6 billion ($240.5 million) in January to MWK1.94 trillion ($1.12 billion) in August, the value of Mpinganjira's stake has seen a significant increase. This remarkable 365 percent surge in FDH Bank's share price on the Malawi Stock Exchange, from MWK148.23 ($0.085) at the start of the year to MWK689.99 ($0.398) in recent weeks, reflects the $878.9 million increase. As a result, FDH Bank has become Malawi’s most valuable publicly traded firm, with a market capitalization of MWK4.76 trillion ($2 billion).

Similarly, Hisham Talaat Moustafa, the chairman and largest shareholder of Talaat Moustafa Group (TMG), has also reached the billionaire status following a significant rise in the value of his company’s shares on the Egyptian Exchange.

TMG, Egypt’s largest real estate developer, has regained investor confidence thanks to its continuous growth, well-known projects, and rising buyer demand. Moustafa’s 43.5 percent stake increased by EGP 3.49 billion ($72.04 million) between July 30 and August 11, bringing his holdings to EGP 50.27 billion ($1.04 billion).

The rise of Mpinganjira and Moustafa adds another chapter to what has already been a historic year for wealth creation in Africa through public markets. In March, South African tech entrepreneur Zak Calisto, who transformed his start-up vehicle tracking company, Karooooo Ltd., into a global mobility analytics company, and Moroccan real estate tycoon Anas Sefrioui both returned to the billionaire ranks.

With these new additions, Africa’s billionaire count now stands at 25, up from 20 a year ago, marking both individual successes and a shift in the continent’s capital markets.

The collective net worth of Africa’s billionaires rose from $82.4 billion in 2024 to $105 billion in March, according to a report published by Billionaires.Africa. The inclusion of Thom Mpinganjira and Hisham Talaat Moustafa demonstrates how the equity markets continue to be a significant source of wealth on the continent.

This growth is indicative of rising investor confidence and serves as a reminder that domestic company executives are increasingly shaping Africa’s economic narrative.

Another Nigerian billionaire and investor, Adebayo Ogunlesi, has recorded a sharp increase in his net worth in 2025, as he joins African billionaires such as Aliko Dangote, Johann Rupert, and others on the list.

Ogunlesi’s investment includes a significant stake in the US asset management company, BlackRock, which has pushed his fortunes to $2.5 billion, landing him among the world’s richest people. A Forbes report disclosed that the investor’s wealth has edged up by $800 since January, rising from $1.7 billion at the beginning of the year to $2.5 billion in August.

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14/08/2025

MSF laments endemic cholera in Nigeria,records 1,500 cases in Zamfara By Aliyu Usman, Birnin Kebbi

MSF laments endemic cholera in Nigeria,records 1,500 cases in Zamfara By Aliyu Usman, Birnin Kebbi The Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has Responded to

14/08/2025

At ₦3.6 trillion, Nigeria is already Cooked!!!

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14/08/2025

VIDEO: More revelations from the Ibom Air saga as a lawyer who was one of the passengers onboard Ibom Air speaks to Channels television

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14/08/2025

CBN Recapitalisation: Two National Banks Enter Secret Merger Talks to Beat Deadline

Two national banks have commenced merger talks ahead of the recapitalisation target set by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) The banks reportedly commenced the merger talks because they are unwilling to begin public offers Already, five Nigerian banks have crossed the recapitalisation hurdle, with another six facing a N965 billion funding gap.

More and more banks are facing intense heat, with six banks having about N965 billion funding gap, a prior report, already, five banks have scaled the recapitalisation hurdle and will proceed with their operations. The banks include Access Bank, Zenith Bank, Lotus Bank, Ecobank, and Stanbic IBTC Bank.

However, The Sun newspaper quotes sources as saying that the two banks, which both hold a national banking licence, have been discreet about the merger talks since the beginning of the second quarter.

The report disclosed that the move would create a stronger mid-tier institution to meet CBN’s new minimum capital of N200 billion for national banks, representing a significant leap from the previous ceiling of N25 billion.

The CBN order gave the banks a 24-month window to recapitalise, with analysts saying that several banks may merge and others have their licences downgraded.

They disclose that the recapitalisation is part of CBN’s larger effort to build a more resilient and globally competitive banking industry to finance Nigeria $1 trillion GDP target by 2030.

However, several smaller banks face challenges in meeting the new threshold and face mergers and acquisitions (M&As).

Osas Igho, a financial analyst, disclosed that the Nigerian banking industry will be revolutionised at the end of the exercise.

“At the end of the day, we will have a strong, robust, and globally competitive banking industry. However, as the deadline nears and more banks are battling to raise the required capital, there may be more mergers and acquisitions. It is too early to tell which banks will merge or be acquired,” he said.

While some tier-1 and tier-2 banks are said to have hit the target, several small players remain far off target. According to reports, the two banks, which are in secret merger talks, are reluctant to pursue public offers due to high regulatory costs, tough Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) disclosure rules and investor apathy.

The institutions are said to be assessing synergies, board structure, and shareholder alignment before any formal disclosure.

Reports already have it that the number of Nigerian banks that have hit the recapitalisation target set by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has swollen to about five.

The development comes as Stanbic IBTC Bank disclosed that it has met the apex bank’s recapitalisation requirements after a successful conclusion of rights issues of the parent company, which raised N148.7 billion, with a 21.9% oversubscription rate to achieve N181.4 billion. Stanbic IBTC Bank holds a national banking licence from the CBN and has a minimum recapitalisation target of N200 billion.

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14/08/2025

Why Nigerian Govt pardoned Ibom Air passenger – Falana

Human rights activist and Lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has revealed the reason the Federal Government pardoned the Ibom Air passenger, Comfort Emmanson.

Falana, who made this revelation in a statement on Wednesday, he said the government withdrew the case against the female passenger because of its refusal to charge Fuji Star, Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, a.k.a KWAM 1, with appropriate criminal offences.

He alleged that the government has lost the moral right to prosecute any unruly passenger who commits an offence at any of the nation’s airports.

The Senior Advocate also frowned at the way the government is handling the case against KWAM 1, over his recent conduct at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

He lamented that the government hastily accepted KWAM 1’s apology and granted him pardon without allowing the police to conclude its investigation.

“Since citizens have equal rights, obligations, and opportunities before the law, the Federal Government will henceforth be accused of subjecting any unruly passenger to discriminatory treatment on the ground that KWAM 1 was ‘pardoned’ without any criminal trial whatsoever,” he said.

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14/08/2025

By-elections: INEC deploys 7,726 BVAS machines in Edo, Anambra, 10 states

The Independent National Electoral Commission will deploy 7,726 Bimodal Voter Accreditation System devices for the upcoming by-elections scheduled for Saturday, August 16, 2025 in 12 states.

A top INEC official made this known to reporters, he disclosed that the devices would be distributed across 16 constituencies in the 12 state.

According to INEC, the by-elections will cover two senatorial districts, five federal constituencies, and nine state assembly seats where there are vacancies. The vacancies arose due to resignations, deaths, and court-ordered nullifications of state and federal lawmakers.

The affected constituencies include Anambra South and Edo Central Senatorial Districts; Ovia South West/Ovia South East (Edo), Babura/Garki (Jigawa), Chikun/Kajuru (Kaduna), Ikenne/Shagamu/Remo North (Ogun), and Ibadan North (Oyo) Federal Constituencies.

The nine state Assembly seats are Ganye (Adamawa), Onitsha North I (Anambra), Dekina/Okura (Kogi), Zaria Kewaye and Basawa (Kaduna), Bagwai/Shanono (Kano), Mariga (Niger), Karim Lamido I (Taraba), and Kauran Namoda South (Zamfara).

In total, 30,451 officials will be deployed to manage elections for 3,553,659 registered voters across 32 local government areas, 356 wards, and 6,987 polling units.

INEC, however, noted that by-elections will not hold in Khana II (Rivers State) and Talata Mafara South (Zamfara State) due to security and legal concerns, however noted that campaigns will run from August 2 to 14.

Additionally, INEC will also conduct re-run elections on August 16 in two previously disrupted constituencies: Enugu South I (Enugu State) and Ghari/Tsanyawa (Kano State).

To ensure security during the elections, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps will deploy 20,850 officers across the affected constituencies as as assured by NSCDC Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Audi, who disclosed the corps’ preparedness to ensure a free, fair, and credible election, working in collaboration with the Nigeria Police, which serves as the lead agency for election security.

“Following INEC’s announcement of by-elections to fill two senatorial seats, five federal constituencies, and nine state assembly constituencies, all NSCDC personnel deployed across Anambra, Edo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Ogun, Oyo, Taraba, Kogi, Kano, Niger, and other participating states are instructed to collaborate closely with sister agencies to ensure a peaceful and orderly process” said an NSCDC correspondent.

The CG further encouraged eligible voters to turn out in large numbers to exercise their democratic rights.

Meanwhile, five candidates contesting the forthcoming Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election in Oyo State on Wednesday signed a peace accord at the state’s INEC headquarters in Ibadan.

The candidates are Femi Akin-Alamu of the African Democratic Congress; Adewale Olatunji of the All Progressives Congress; Olabisi Odususi of the All Progressives Grand Alliance; Fola Oyekunle of the Peoples Democratic Party; and Hammed Badmus of the Zenith Labour Party.

The by-election, scheduled for Saturday, August 16, 2025, follows the death of two-term House of Representatives member Musiliudeen Akinremi, popularly known as “Jagaban,” who died in July 2024 at the age of 51 in Abuja after a brief illness.

Addressing stakeholders at the ceremony, Oyo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Tella Adeniran, said the peace accord was necessary to ensure a free and fair election.

He urged candidates and their supporters to conduct themselves with decorum and sportsmanship throughout the process, assuring them of INEC’s commitment to a credible poll, in an event which was attended by political party leaders, security chiefs, and other stakeholders.

“This gathering demonstrates your commitment to promoting peace, stability and credibility in the electoral process,” Adeniran said. “The signing of this peace accord is a crucial step towards ensuring a free, fair and transparent election. I urge all stakeholders to adhere to its principles and create an environment where voters can exercise their rights without fear or intimidation.”

In Edo State, the Police Command has invited all candidates contesting for House of Representatives and Senatorial seats in the August 16 by-elections to a similar peace accord signing.

Police Public Relations Officer, Moses Yamu, said in a statement on Wednesday that the move was a proactive step to ensure a peaceful, secure, and credible electoral process.

The event, scheduled for Thursday, August 14, 2025, at noon, will take place at the Edo State Police Command Headquarters in Benin City. Political party chairmen have also been invited.

“The peace accord aims to foster mutual respect among contestants, discourage violence, and ensure democratic principles are upheld before, during, and after the elections,” the statement read.

The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, urged political parties, candidates, and supporters to shun violence, hate speech, vote buying, and any conduct capable of undermining the credibility of the electoral process or the peace and stability of the state.

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14/08/2025

Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has ruled out the possibility of any political figure, including former President Goodluck Jonathan, defeating Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election.

Bwala spoke on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, August, 13, where he dismissed recent calls for Jonathan to contest the 2027 presidential election, describing them as a ploy to damage the former president’s post-office reputation.

“I see that some unscrupulous elements are trying to hoodwink former President Goodluck Jonathan to come into politics so they can destroy his reputation, which, after he left government, he has been building by becoming an international figure globally,” Bwala said.

The Presidential Special Adviser argued that the political landscape in southern Nigeria — Jonathan’s home region has largely aligned with Tinubu, pointing to the support of several governors. He also questioned the sincerity of northern politicians urging Jonathan to run, noting that some of them opposed him when he was in power.

“The elements that are going to him in the north, asking him to run, were they not the ones that chased him away?

“So what hope does he have that this time around, they are calling him because they mean well for him? Then look at the political class that is coming together to cajole him to come into politics. I know President Goodluck Jonathan is smarter than that,” he stated.

Bwala further expressed certainty that Tinubu would prevail against Jonathan or any other contender.

“But if President Jonathan decides to run, let me tell you, I have seen the political climate in Nigeria today, and I will speak to facts, not conjecture. There is not a single politician that has the capacity to knock off President Bola Tinubu,” he declared.

However, Jonathan has yet to publicly confirm whether he will join the presidential race.

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14/08/2025

An Air hostess got promoted by the CEO of the airline who disguised himself as an old but poorly managed passenger. She maintained humility all through the man poor attitude to her and ultimately got rewarded with an instant promotion by the CEO.

Now that's how air hostesses should behave👍

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13/08/2025

First picture is Eni Njoku - First VC of University of Lagos, UNILAG.

Second picture is Kenneth D**e - First VC of University of Ibadan, UI.

Both were Igbo people who helped in development of education during Colonial Masters era.

Eni Njoku and Kenneth D**e were two prominent Nigerian academics who played significant roles in shaping the country's educational landscape.

Eni Njoku: A Nigerian botanist and educator, born on November 6, 1917, in Ebem, Ohafia, Abia State. He served as the first Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos from 1962 to 1965. Later became the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka from 1966 to 1970. His tenure as UNILAG's VC was marked by controversy, particularly when he was replaced by Saburi Biobaku in 1965, sparking student protests and ethnic tensions.

Kenneth D**e: A renowned historian and educator, known for being the first Nigerian-born professor in 1948. He served as the first Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan. He played a key role in shaping Nigeria's historical narrative through his works, such as "Trade and Politics in the Niger Delta" and "A History of Nigeria".

Both D**e and Njoku were instrumental in laying the foundation for Nigeria's educational system, with their contributions still recognized today.

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13/08/2025

African Democratic Congress ADC Reacts to campaign of columny against Malami By Aliyu Usman

ADC Kebbi State Condemns APC’s Desperate attempt to sow discord in the party and embark on Smear Campaign Against Abubakar Malami, SAN a leading member of the