Anchor Ngr, Abuja (2025)

22/05/2025

FG Files Criminal Charges Against Suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially filed criminal charges against suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

According to court documents seen by The Anchor, the case—Charge No. CR/297/25—was filed by the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The charge stems from a live interview on Channels TV’s “Politics Today” programme held on 3rd April 2025, where the Senator is alleged to have made statements considered defamatory and injurious to the reputation of another individual.

COUNT ONE: Making Imputation with Intent to Harm Reputation

The charge accuses Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan of knowingly making imputations likely to damage the reputation of a person, an act punishable under Section 391 and Section 392 of the Penal Code Law, Cap 89 Laws of the Federation, 1990.

The charge sheet states:

> “Making imputation knowing or having reason to believe that such imputation will harm the reputation of a person contrary to Section 391… and punishable under Section 392 of the same law.”

Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who has already been suspended from the Senate, now faces legal battles that could further complicate her political future.

Stay with The Anchor for more updates as this story unfolds.

14/05/2025

Galatasaray Reigns Supreme as 2024–2025 Turkish Cup Champions!

Galatasaray has once again etched its name in Turkish football history, lifting the 2024–2025 Agricultural Turkey Cup and solidifying its legacy as the undisputed Cup King of Turkey.

With this latest triumph, the Lions have now won the Turkish Cup a record-breaking 19 times, more than any other club in the nation’s history. The Yellow-Reds continue to dominate the domestic scene with their unmatched legacy of excellence.

Adding more glory to the season, Victor Osimhen shattered records by becoming the highest-scoring foreign player in a single season for Galatasaray, netting a phenomenal 35 goals in the campaign. The Nigerian star has become a fan favourite and a key figure in Galatasaray’s victorious run.

It’s official— has taken its crown back!

13/05/2025

NAFDAC Storms Suleja Market, Seizes ₦47M Worth of Fake Toothpaste, Banned Spaghetti, and MSG

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has intensified its crackdown on counterfeit and unwholesome products with a major raid in Suleja, Niger State. During the operation, the agency sealed a warehouse run by one Alhaji Ahmed for the illegal open-market sale of Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) in 25kg bags—a product that has been banned for large-scale importation into Nigeria due to health and regulatory concerns.

The raid extended to the Ibrahim Babangida International Market, where officials confiscated unregistered and counterfeit goods estimated at over ₦47 million in value. Items seized included fake Oral-B toothpaste, unapproved foreign spaghetti, and various adulterated oral care products such as Bamboo Charcoal toothpaste, and knock-off variants like “Crogate” and “Cloguide” triple-action toothpaste. Some products were falsely branded to mimic the trusted Colgate label.

Several shops in the market have now been placed under investigation as NAFDAC moves to verify their inventory and trace the sources of the illicit goods. The agency is also working to uncover the distribution network that allowed these dangerous items to infiltrate the market.

NAFDAC issued a strong warning to the public, urging consumers to steer clear of repackaged MSG and food additives that lack proper labelling. According to the agency, any consumable product must display a valid NAFDAC registration number, manufacturing and expiry dates, batch number, and the manufacturer's address to be considered safe and legal for use.

This operation underscores NAFDAC’s commitment to curbing the circulation of harmful products and protecting public health through stringent enforcement actions.

13/05/2025

Nottingham Forest Striker Taiwo Awoniyi in Induced Coma After Life-Threatening Injury

Nottingham Forest and Nigerian international forward Taiwo Awoniyi has been placed in an induced coma following a critical abdominal surgery after sustaining a potentially fatal internal injury during his club’s 2-2 draw with Leicester City at the weekend.

The 26-year-old striker, known for his tenacity and goal-scoring prowess, collided with the goalpost late in the match. Despite visible discomfort, Awoniyi courageously returned to the pitch and completed the game at the City Ground. However, by Monday evening, Forest’s medical team discovered alarming complications stemming from the incident, prompting immediate hospitalisation and urgent surgical intervention.

Forest issued a statement on Tuesday confirming that the Nigerian forward was “recovering well,” but medical professionals later opted to place him under an induced coma — a medically controlled state aimed at facilitating a safer and more effective recovery. Sources close to the medical team indicate the injury could have been fatal had it not been swiftly detected and treated.

“The seriousness of his injury is a powerful reminder of the physical risks in the game, and why a player’s health and well-being must always come first,” Nottingham Forest stated.

Awoniyi, who came on in the 83rd minute of the match, has been instrumental to Forest’s attacking setup since his arrival and remains a key figure in Nigeria’s national team plans.

As fans and fellow players await further updates, concerns now surround the striker’s long-term recovery, including the possibility of a second operation. The Premier League community and the Nigerian football fraternity have flooded social media with prayers and well-wishes.

Should the Premier League implement stricter post-injury protocols to prevent players from continuing with undetected internal injuries? Share your thoughts.

08/05/2025

Habemus Papam! Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost Elected Pope Leo XIV

Vatican City — White smoke, jubilant bells, and a historic name: Pope Leo XIV. The world now has a new shepherd.

On Thursday, May 8, the College of Cardinals concluded their sacred duty, electing Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as the 267th Successor of Saint Peter. Emerging from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, the newly elected Pope greeted the cheering faithful with his first Urbi et Orbi blessing — “to the City and to the World.”

The 133 Cardinal electors chose the American-born Cardinal Prevost after several rounds of voting in the Sistine Chapel, marking a momentous chapter in Church history. Known for his deep pastoral care, theological insight, and administrative experience, Pope Leo XIV’s selection signals both continuity and hope for Catholics worldwide.

Addressing the crowd in multiple languages, the new Pope called for unity, compassion, and a renewed commitment to peace in a divided world.

07/05/2025

No Pope Yet: Black Smoke Rises from Sistine Chapel as Conclave Enters Day Two

Vatican City — At exactly 21:00 Rome time, a thick plume of black smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling that no new Pope was elected on the first day of the conclave. The world watched as centuries-old traditions played out once again, following the ceremonial closure of the Chapel earlier with the Latin phrase, “Extra omnes” — meaning “Everyone out.”

This marks the official end of Day One of the secretive and sacred papal election process. The 266th successor to Saint Peter remains unnamed — for now.

The College of Cardinals will resume deliberations tomorrow at 10:30 a.m. local time, gathering again under Michelangelo’s famed ceiling to cast another round of ballots in the historic quest to elect the 267th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church.

Stay tuned with The Anchor for real-time updates as history continues to unfold in Vatican City.

06/05/2025

EFCC Clarifies Arrest of Martins Innocent Otse over Alleged Financial Crimes

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has clarified the circumstances surrounding the arrest and detention of Martins Innocent Otse, stating that his arrest followed several petitions alleging serious financial crimes and his refusal to honour repeated invitations.

In a statement issued by the Commission, the EFCC explained that Otse had failed to respond to multiple summons delivered via his known addresses and communication channels. The Commission emphasized that the allegations against him were grave and could not be overlooked, prompting lawful action in accordance with its statutory mandate to combat economic and financial crimes.

The EFCC acknowledged Otse’s vocal criticisms of its operations, which have circulated widely on social media, but dismissed any suggestion that his arrest was retaliatory. “His arrest was not informed by such attacks. The relevant law enforcement agency will be allowed to look into them,” the statement read.

The Commission further noted that it had obtained the necessary remand order and that Otse, like every other suspect under investigation, had been granted administrative bail. “He would be released after fulfilling all the bail conditions,” it stated.

While appreciating the public’s interest in its work, the EFCC called for support and urged Nigerians to refrain from misinterpreting its motives. “The EFCC should be allowed to do its job without fear or favour,” the statement said, adding that appropriate charges would be filed upon conclusion of investigations.

The Commission reiterated its commitment to transparency and due process, assuring the public that justice will be served in accordance with the law.

Do you think high-profile suspects should be granted bail during active financial crime investigations?

03/05/2025

FCCPC Dismisses Meta’s Exit Threat, Insists Tech Giant Must Face Legal Sanctions in Nigeria

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has dismissed reports that Meta Platforms Inc.—the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp—could evade legal accountability by exiting the Nigerian market. This follows a recent tribunal ruling affirming sanctions imposed on the global tech company over violations of Nigeria’s competition and data protection laws.

In a strongly worded statement on Saturday, the FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, described Meta’s reported threat to withdraw from Nigeria as “a calculated move aimed at inducing public sympathy and pressuring regulatory authorities to reconsider their position.”

Meta and its subsidiaries—collectively referred to as the “Meta Parties”—were investigated for breaching the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR). According to the FCCPC, the tech giant was found culpable of unauthorised data transfers involving Nigerian users, discriminatory practices, and enforcement of “unfair privacy policies” that infringe on user rights.

The Commission further accused Meta of abusing its dominant market position to the detriment of Nigerian consumers, drawing comparisons with international precedents where Meta had been penalised for similar offences. These include a $1.5 billion fine in Texas, a $1.3 billion penalty in the European Union, and regulatory actions in South Korea, India, France, and Australia.

“In all these jurisdictions, Meta complied with the rulings without threatening to exit. Nigeria cannot be an exception,” the FCCPC stated. “For the avoidance of doubt, the FCCPC remains committed to protecting consumer rights and ensuring data privacy. Nigeria’s digital market must be fair and safe for all.”

The Commission urged Nigerians not to be swayed by emotional tactics and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining regulatory integrity in the face of corporate pressure.

03/05/2025

EFCC Arrests Former Refinery MDs Over $2.9 Billion Rehabilitation Funds, Uncovers ₦80 Billion in Account

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested the recently sacked Managing Directors and top officials of the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries over allegations of monumental fraud in the rehabilitation contracts of the three facilities.

According to reliable sources within the EFCC and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the investigation involves a staggering $2.9 billion allocated for the revamp of the three state-owned refineries. This includes $1.5 billion for the Port Harcourt Refinery, $740 million for Kaduna Refinery, and $656 million for Warri Refinery.

Among those arrested are Mr. Ibrahim Onoja, former Managing Director of the Port Harcourt Refining Company Ltd, and Efifia Chu, former Managing Director of Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company Ltd. EFCC sources disclosed that ₦80 billion was found in the personal account of one of the arrested former MDs.

An EFCC insider who spoke to The Punch under anonymity said, “We are investigating the money that was released for the rehabilitation of all three refineries—money disbursed in recent times. Some of the principal officers during this period have been arrested, and others are still under surveillance. Nigerians are interested in seeing our refineries work. We are asking: where is the money, and what has happened to the refineries?”

A document obtained from the NNPCL, dated April 28, 2025, and titled ‘Investigation Activities: Request for Information’, also showed that the former Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPCL, Mele Kyari, is under investigation along with 13 other past senior executives of the company.

The arrest and probe are likely to reignite public outcry over the prolonged failure to make the nation’s refineries operational despite repeated budgetary allocations and public assurances.

Has justice finally caught up with corruption in the oil sector—or is this just the beginning?

02/05/2025

Atiku Attends Inauguration of National Youths For Atiku Executives in Abuja

Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general elections, Atiku Abubakar, today graced the inauguration of the executive members of the National Youths For Atiku at the prestigious Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.

The event, which drew young supporters from across the country, marked a significant step in the consolidation of Atiku’s youth mobilization structure ahead of the 2027 elections. Atiku, in a brief address to the gathering, described the occasion as an honour and a privilege, underscoring the pivotal role youths play in the democratic and developmental future of Nigeria.

"Earlier in the morning today, I had the honour to attend the inauguration of executive members of National Youths For Atiku, at the Yar’Adua Centre Abuja. It is a privilege that I hold dear," Atiku posted on his official social media handle.

During the event, newly inaugurated youth leaders pledged their commitment to championing democratic values, youth inclusion in politics, and promoting Atiku's leadership vision. Speakers at the ceremony lauded Atiku’s consistency, resilience, and readiness to continue championing the cause of the common man.

The formation of National Youths For Atiku is seen by political analysts as part of ongoing realignments and early preparations by opposition figures who seek to reposition ahead of the next general elections.

With Nigerian youths constituting over 60% of the voting population, Atiku's engagement with youth-focused platforms continues to position him as a figure keen on intergenerational political collaboration.

Do you think youth-led political movements can shape Nigeria’s 2027 elections?

30/04/2025

Court Sentences Portable to Three Months Imprisonment for Assault, Theft

Controversial Nigerian street-hop artist, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has been sentenced to three months in prison by an Ogun State Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Ifo Local Government Area. The court, however, gave the singer the option to pay a fine of ₦30,000 in place of incarceration.

The charges stemmed from an incident on November 18, 2022, when Portable was reported to have assaulted a police inspector and resisted lawful arrest at Okeosa, Ilogbo, within the Ifo Magisterial District. The police stated that the artist and others, still at large, conspired to commit the felony of assault and also unlawfully beat the officer, contrary to and punishable under Sections 517 and 351 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun State, 2006.

In addition to the assault charges, Portable was also accused of stealing musical equipment including a Yamaha H55 studio monitor, a Studio 2 interface connection cable, and an AKG P420 condenser mic in 2022—an offence punishable under Sections 384 and 390 of the state’s criminal laws.

During the trial, the presiding judge, Chief Magistrate Babajide Ilo, found the singer guilty on Counts 1 and 2. He sentenced Portable to one month in prison or a ₦10,000 fine on Count 1, and two months in prison or a ₦20,000 fine on Count 2.

The court ruling comes just weeks after Portable was declared wanted by the Nigeria Police Force via an official Gazette Bulletin. According to the notice, a warrant for his arrest was issued by the Magistrate Court in Ogun State for a different incident involving allegations of attempted murder, conspiracy, and breach of peace. The police alleged that Portable recruited armed thugs to attack officials of the Ogun State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development at their zonal office in Ota on February 5, 2025.

The Police Gazette described Portable as a 31-year-old hip-hop artist from Yoruba ethnicity with tainted hair and a round face. His last known location was listed as Odogun Bar/Restaurant in Ota, Ogun State.

This sentencing marks a turning point for the artist, who has been in the spotlight for his brash persona and legal troubles. It also raises concerns about celebrity accountability and the rule of law in Nigeria.

Do you think Portable’s sentence sends a strong enough message about equal justice under the law?

30/04/2025

Benin Palace Declares: Igbanke People Are Indigenous to Benin Kingdom

The Benin Traditional Council has firmly stated that the people of Igbanke in Edo State are historically and culturally Benin, refuting recent claims suggesting an Igbo identity for the community. In a press release dated April 30, 2025, and signed by top-ranking palace chiefs, the council expressed deep concern over what it described as attempts by "self-styled individuals" to distort history.

According to the Council, Igbanke has deep ancestral roots in the Benin Kingdom, and its people have historically paid homage to the Oba of Benin. The palace pointed out that while the Igbanke dialect may have been influenced by proximity to Ika-speaking communities in neighbouring Delta State, the core identity of the people remains Benin.

The statement reads in part: “They are historically and genetically Benin people whose ancestors have constantly paid homages to the OBA OF BENIN on whose traditional land they inhabit.”

The Council also dismissed the use of Igbo titles such as “Obi” and “Eze” within Igbanke, asserting that no such titles have ever been recognized by law or tradition in Edo State, including during the Midwest and Bendel State eras.

The statement goes further to address recent tensions surrounding suspended Enigie (local Benin chiefs) in Igbanke, noting that those formerly installed as Enigie were recognized only through the authority of the Oba of Benin. Their alleged rebellion and alignment with foreign traditional titles, the Council said, amounted to a “sacrilegious” act.

“The Enigie that have lived in Igbanke have all been loyal and played their traditional chieftaincy roles loyally in history to the Oba of Benin as other Enigie in the rest of the Benin Kingdom,” the Council emphasized.

It warned the public and security agencies to be vigilant against individuals whose actions might lead to a breach of peace in the community, stating that “the Igbanke people are peace-loving and law-abiding” and must not be misled by “misguided elements and miscreants.”

The press release was jointly signed by seven high-ranking chiefs of the Benin Kingdom, including the Obasogie, Oliha, Esere, Obazelu, Eribo, Oyeoba, and Inne of Benin.

Oba ghato ‘kpere, Ise!

Anchor Ngr

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