WELCOME TO PETER NWAMA'S BLOG

  A Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCPT) sitting in Abuja, has restrained Multi-choice Nigeria Limited from increasing its tariffs and cost of products and services scheduled to begin on May 1. The  three-member tribunal, presided over by Saratu Shafii, gave the interim order on Monday following an ex-parte motion moved by Ejiro Awaritoma, counsel for the applicant, Festus Onifade. In a ruling, the tribunal restrained multi-choice from going ahead with the impending price increase schedule to take effect from May 1, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed before it. She also directed all parties in the suit to appear before the tribunal on May 7 at 10 a.m. for the hearing and determination of the motion on notice. The petitioner had dragged Multi-choice Nigeria Ltd and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) before the tribunal. In the suit filed on April 29, Onifade, also a legal practitioner, sought two or...

  Former UFC champion, Francis Ngannou, has lost his 15-month-old son Kobe to the cold hands of death. Ngannou  confirmed the tragic news in an emotional social media post. “Too soon to leave but yet he’s gone. My little boy, my mate, my partner Kobe was full of life and joy. Now, he’s laying without life. I shouted his name over and over but he’s not responding. “ I was my best self next to him and now I have no clue of who I am. Life is so unfair to hit us where it hurts the most. “How do you deal with such a thing? How can you live with it? Please help me if you have an idea because I really don’t know what to do and how to deal with this,” he wrote. The cause of Kobe’s death is yet to be made public. Ngannou  was billed to make his PFL debut against reigning champion, Renan Ferreira this summer, but that is now uncertain following the tragic news.

Some bank customers have expressed panic as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), bans mobile money operators including fintech firms from onboarding new customers. However, the Bank Customers Association of Nigeria backed the CBN directive. The new directive will affect fintech companies such as OPay, Palmpay, Kuda Bank, and Moniepoint, from opening new accounts until further notice. Reliable sources from three major fintechs who requested not to be mentioned as they were not permitted to speak, confirmed the latest development to the newsmen on Monday. The CBN’s move was linked to an ongoing audit of the Know-Your-Customer process of the fintechs, which have been under scrutiny in recent months over concerns around money laundering and terrorism financing. It was gathered that the CBN had summoned some of the heads of fintechs to Abuja to discuss issues around KYC last week. The CBN has not yet publicly commended on the directive to the fintech firms. Several calls made to the telephone...

In a gesture of appreciation and support, a renowned record label executive, Moses Bliss, has surprised his artistes, Neeja, SON Music, and Godfrey Gad with new cars. In a now-viral video on Saturday showing the presentation of the gifts to the mentees under his record label, Spotlite Nation, Bliss said, “A year ago, by the mercies of God, we were able to give out three cars to Ebuka songs, Doris Joseph and Clinton, and today is exactly one year later and by God’s grace, we are about to give out another three cars to encourage the music talents we have in Spotlite Nation.” The video showed the upcoming artistes entering the house, and upon seeing the surprise, they expressed shock, joy, and gratitude while being presented with their new cars. Bliss further hailed the artistes while presenting the gifts and prayed for them. “Thank you, you guys have been amazing. This is just a little appreciation from us at Spotlight Nation to say thank you for the work you do for the kingdom of God,” ...

  Law Lee, an associate of embattled singer, Naira Marley, has made a snide remark about the late singer, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad. Mohbad, who died at the  age of 27, on Tuesday September 12, 2023, with circumstances surrounding his death sparking controversies on social media. In an Instagram post on Friday, Law Lee expressed his level of hatred for Mohbad. His statement came after Portable tackled Zinoleesky, on social media for acquiring a Ferrari despite not having a hit song. According to him, the hatred for the deceased increases every day even after his death. He explained that Mohbad’s alleged disparaging remarks about fellow artiste Oniyide Azeez popularly known as Zinoleesky led to a public confrontation towards him on social media by a controversial artiste, Habeeb Okikiola popularly known as Portable. He  further stated that if Mohbad had not made negative remarks about Zinoleesky, Portable wouldn’t have made such a move. He wrote...

  Lagos State command of the Nigerian Correctional Service has made clarifications on the status of the controversial cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky in its facility. Bobrisky  is currently serving a six-month prison sentence over abuse of the naira notes.   A news platform had reported that the convict occupied a newly built VIP apartment in the Kirikiri correctional centre. Meanwhile, NCoS in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Rotimi Oladokun, on Saturday disproved the claims. Oladokun noted that Bobrisky shared the same cell with other convicted inmates, adding that there were no en-suite or "one-bedroom flat" style cells in the Custodial Centre. The spokesman revealed that cell block infrastructure in the facility was built as shared buildings to accommodate multiple inmates. The statement read, “The attention of the Nigerian Correctional Service Lagos State Command has been drawn to some mischievous and misleading online publications. W...

  The British monarch, King Charles III, will resume his public duties next week following a three-month break to focus on his treatment and recuperation. A few months ago, the British monarch was diagnosed with an undisclosed type of cancer and has been receiving treatment. However, Buckingham Palace on Friday said the monarch would be visiting a cancer treatment centre on Tuesday, the first of several public appearances he will make in the coming weeks. According to the palace, one of his first major engagements will be to host a state visit by the emperor and empress of Japan in June. The palace didn’t provide an update on the king’s treatment but said his medical team is “very encouraged by the progress made so far and remains positive about the king’s continued recovery.” Charles continued his state duties, including reviewing government documents and meeting with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, after his diagnosis was disclosed on February 5. “As  the first anniversary of th...

Funeral arrangements for the burial of the late Nollywood actor, John Obumneme Odonwodo popularly known as Junior Pope have been released by his family. Junior Pope and four other actors drowned after their boat capsized in the Anam River in Anambra State on April 10 while returning from a movie shoot. Of the 12 individuals who boarded the ill-fated boat, only seven were rescued alive, while five died. The  details of funeral arrangements for the late actor, signed by Divine Odonwodo on behalf of the family, indicated that besides the April 23 requiem mass at Saint John-Mary Vianney Parish in Asaba, Delta State, another requiem mass is scheduled to be held at Christ the King Catholic Parish, G.R.A., Enugu, on May 13. On May 14, an evening of tributes and candlelight will follow at Amadeo Event Centre in Enugu at 5 pm. A wake will follow on May 16 at his country home in Uwala Abaka, Ukehe, a community in Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area of the state. Pope will be buried on Friday, M...

  The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has appointed National Chess Master, Tunde Onakoya, the Sports Ambassador of the State following his world record-breaking chess marathon campaign at the Times Square in New York. He  disclosed this on Thursday when he received Onakoya in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. He also announced the commencement of the state chess competition to be held in all parts of the state in honour of Onakoya. The governor, who was impressed with the achievement of the National Chess Master at the global stage, said this could not have been possible without determination, resilience and hard work. “I can see why you continue to be inspiration to many young people across the length and breath of this country. You have gone further by establishing a foundation called the ‘Chess in Slums Africa’ because you are determined to tell your story and encourage other children and get them out of the slums and give them hope and future,” he said. “Today, w...

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has suspended the Air Operators Certificate of Dana Air. This came barely 24 hours after Dana Air plane coming from Abuja landed at the Lagos airport runway and veered off into a nearby field. Dana Air plane with registration number 5N BKI, had 83 passengers onboard. However, all the passengers and crew members disembarked unhurt. Emergency responders and regulatory agencies immediately rose to the occasion and opened an investigation to unravel the real course of the incident. While the outcome of the investigation by the Nigerian Safety and Investigation Bureau is being awaited, NCAA said it was important to audit the operations of the carrier. NCAA in a letter with the ref no: NCAA/DGCA/DANA/1/24/001, and signed by the Acting Director NCAA, Chris Najomo, said the AOC of the airline had been suspended. While awaiting the investigation report from the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau, NCAA said it had initiated an in-house compliance assessment...

  Barcelona manager, Xavi Hernandez, has changed his mind about leaving the club this summer. Xavi  is reported to have met with the club’s president, Joan Laporta and sporting director, Deco, on Wednesday night. After the meeting he had a change of heart and accepted the conditions to continue in charge of the LaLiga side. This was revealed by football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, on his X page. Romano wrote: “BREAKING: Xavi has decided to change his mind and STAY as Barcelona manager! “After tonight’s meeting and Laporta insisting for him to stay, Xavi accepts Barça conditions and will continue as head coach. “ Formal steps to follow.” Xavi, had in February, announced that he would leave the Nou Camp at the end of this season.

  The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has warned that it has improved its technology check for those engaging in all forms of examination malpractices, saying a father was arrested writing the exams for his son during the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). Speaking in Kaduna on Wednesday, the JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede who inspected the UTME centres in Kaduna, expressed satisfaction over the 2024 examination, which had 1.94 million students this year. He, however, frowned at few cases of impersonation, adding that some people now have multiple National Identity Number (NIN) which the examination body would take up with the Identification Management body. “For those who engage in cheating, they should know that it does not pay. The technology is helping us to check that. Across the country, most of the problem we have is impersonation. For instance now, we say we have NIN, we now have cases of people with two NIN and therefore, that h...

  A soldier celebrating his birthday has allegedly killed a villager in the Marish Community of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.  The  Bokkos Cultural Development Council Vanguard in a statement by its chairman Farmasum Fuddang said the soldier accidentally pulled the trigger at a relaxation centre in the community which allegedly hit and killed the villager. Farmasum stated that the brutal act perpetrated by the trigger-happy soldier occurred on Monday evening. According to him, the soldier fired random shots during his birthday celebration. He said, instead of owning up to the accidental discharge, the victim was labelled as militant alongside residents that attempted to save the life of the passerby. We strongly condemn the perpetrator’s desperate attempt to conceal the crime by falsely labelling the innocent passerby and residents who tried to save his life by transporting him to the hospital as militants,” he said. “This deceitful action has result...

  A former governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha has left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), 26 years after joining one of Nigeria’s leading political parties. Having been one of the party’s founding members, Ihedioha cited a variance of “personal beliefs” as part of his reason for quitting the PDP. “Regrettably, in recent times, the party has taken on a path that is at variance with my personal beliefs. Despite my attempt to offer counsel, the party is, sadly no longer able to carry out internal reforms, enforce its own rules, or offer credible opposition to the ruling All  Progressives Congress,” he said in a Tuesday letter addressed to the party’s chairman in the Mbutu Ward of Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State. “It is in the light of the foregoing, that I am compelled to offer my resignation from the People’s Democratic Party effective immediately.” He described the decision as “difficult” but restated his resolve to work towards the deepening of the country’s...

  Controversial cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, on Monday, filed a notice of appeal challenging the six months maximum sentence given to him by a Federal High Court in Lagos State. Bobrisky  was charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on four counts bordering on naira abuse. He pleaded guilty before Justice A.O. Awogboro of the Federal High Court, Lagos. Justice Awogboro, on April 12, sentenced Okuneye to six months imprisonment without an option of fine. The judge while sentencing the convict said the judgment should serve as a deterrent to others fond of abusing and mutilating the naira. However, counsel for Okuneye, Mr Bimbo Kusanu, filed a notice of appeal, praying the Court of Appeal to set aside the maximum sentence. Kusanu  is asking the court to replace the sentence with an option of N50,000 fine on each of the counts. The counsel stated in the notice of appeal that the trial court imposed the maximum sentence on th...

The Kenya Police Service has arrested fleeing Binance executive, Nadeem Anjarwalla, as the International Criminal Police Organisation moves to extradite him to Nigeria within the week. Government sources familiar with the case who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak on the matter confirmed the development to our correspondent on Sunday night. One of the sources said, “Binance executive, Nadeem Anjarwalla, has been arrested by the Kenya Police Service, and he would be extradited to Nigeria this week by INTERPOL.” Another source noted, “As we had said before that Anjarwalla would be extradited, he has been arrested in Kenya, and he’ll be extradited to Nigeria this week. It was gathered that the Federal Government had traced Anjarwalla to Kenya, following his escape from a lawful custody in Nigeria. Following the development, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the International Criminal Police, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Kenya...

  A 60-year-old man, Malam Danjuma, popularly known as “Black”, his son, Ibrahim, 35, and Aminu Gaye, also 35, died in a pit toilet while trying to recover a cellphone. Saminu Abdullahi, Kano State Fire Service Public Relations Officer confirmed the incident on Sunday. He said the service received an emergency call from Tsanyawa Fire Station at about 11:00 a.m. that four men had been trapped inside a pit toilet. According to him, Danjuma was trying to retrieve a cellphone that fell into the pit toilet, when he got trapped. Thereafter, his son entered the pit toilet to save his father and also got trapped. “Gaye and Alasan also entered to rescue both men and they also got trapped,” he said. Abdullahi said the first three victims were rescued unconscious, while the fourth victim was rescued alive. He said all the victims were handed over to Superintendent of Police Iro Lado, at Tsanyawa police division. Abdullahi, further stated that the police conveyed the victims to Bichi Special H...

  Renowned philanthropist and General Overseer of Christ Mercy Land church, Billionaire Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin, has generously donated N10 million to the family of late Engr. Precious Ofurum, a sound engineer who lost his life in a boat mishap alongside Nollywood star, Junior Pope in Anam River, Anambra State on Wednesday April 10. Fufeyin’s act of kindness has drawn widespread praise from Nigerians, who commended his compassion and generosity as a true embodiment of humanity. Recall that the Akwa Ibom state governor, Pastor Umo Eno had on 13th April visited late Nollywood make-up Artist, Ms Abigail Edith Frederick’s family to console them over the demise of the 24-year-old girl. Eno promised to assist her two undergraduate sisters in school. He equally approved the remodeling of the deceased family house in Eket. Eno during the condolence visit offered automatic employment to the deceased elder sister in the state civil service and directed that their home be renovated. However,...