Kunle Awosika

Lovers of the Yoruba genre of Nollywood movies are in for a double treat this Valentine's season, as a new cookie has just been added to the jar. The new movie, titled 'Oran Ife' is Ultimate Communication’s debut Yoruba movie and is billed for a Youtbe premiere on Yorubaplay come Friday, February 11.

No doubt, President Muhammadu Buhari bears, like a badge, an indecipherable flame of affection for the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele. Honestly, his love for Emefiele resonates, even as you read, as a melody of faith whose mutuality and passionate intensity appear to make it untarnished and priceless.

Former Director-General of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside says Governor Nyesom Wike’s forceful ejection of over 100,000 poor and vulnerable Rivers residents from their waterfront homes is “wicked, evil and inhuman,” pointing out that it is part of the governor’s plans to convert the areas into personal ownership.

The Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO Plc or the Group) (GTCOplc.com), a diversified financial services provider, today notified the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) and the investing public that GTCO Plc has concluded the acquisition of the 100% equity stake in Investment One Pension Managers Limited (IOPM) and Investment One Funds Management Limited (IOFM) (together, the Companies) held by Investment One Financial Services Limited (IOFS or the Seller).

A Federal High Court in Abuja has revoked the N2 million fine imposed on the Legal Adviser of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Jimoh Abdulkadir Adamu, over alleged disobedience to an order of the court.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has concluded plans to announce his presidential ambition immediately after the All Progressives Congress (APC) national convention, slated for Saturday, February 26.

The owner of Eagle-7 Radio, Segun Odegbemi has clarified some information about the interview granted to The Nation newspaper and published on February 5, 2022 which presents aspects of misinterpretation.

Frank Edoho has been announced as host as one of Nigeria’s biggest television shows stages a comeback.

Chukwudimeme Onwuamadike, suspected kidnap kingpin better known as Evans, had denied the allegation of his involvement in abducting a businessman.

He denied being a kidnapper, adding that he has a transport business with over 30 workers.

Evans also denied collecting $420,000 as ransom from the family of one Sylvanus Ahamonu, a businessman, stating that he never met the man until his arrest.

Ahamonu and his wife testified via Zoom on December 17.

The businessman had told the court that his car was ambushed by some men in police and military uniforms, including Evans, who claimed to be officers of the defunct special anti-robbery squad (SARS) of the Nigeria Police Force.

He said he was released weeks after a ransom of $420,000 was paid.

However, when the prosecutor noted during cross-examination that Ahamonu had identified him (Evans) in court, the defendant said he was easily identifiable.

“Ahamonu and Idowu Haruna (the investigating police officer) could have conspired with the police,” he said.

“My pictures are everywhere, all over the world. Before my picture was everywhere, people knew who I was.

“I had a haulage and logistics business with over 30 staff and drivers in Amuwo-Odofin.”

Evans also claimed that there was no mention of his haulage and logistics business in his statement because it was written by the police.

He also said he does not have medical documents before the court to prove that he was tortured by the police.

He, however, noted that while he was incarcerated, he filed a fundamental human rights suit against the police at the federal high court in Lagos over the alleged torture.

Evans also spoke on why he was portrayed in a happy mood in the confessional video played in court when the prosecution presented its case, saying he was forced to do so by the police.

“The police told me to be laughing and smiling in the video. You do not know what I encountered in the hands of Abba Kyari and his boys. My eyes saw hell,” he said.

“It was what they told me to be doing that I was doing.”

Earlier, while testifying in his defence, Evans denied knowing Ahamonu.

“I do not know Slyvanus Ahamonu. I only met him at the IG guest house in Falomo,” he said.

“One day, at the IG guest house, the police brought some documents and asked me to sign. I asked what the documents were for; they didn’t answer me. They said that if I didn’t cooperate with them, they would kill me.

“When I refused, inspector Philip asked them to take me to the back of the guest house. When I got there, they were pressing cigarette butts on my body.”

He also spoke about seeing people he was paraded with, adding that “they said l will see what will happen to those people; that it is better I sign those documents”.

“They killed about six persons in my presence and I signed the document. I was not allowed to read it. I think it is the document that was used to bring me to court,” he said.

“I do not know anything about the allegations before this court. I don’t know who Ahamonu is. I only met him at the IG guest house. I had no prior contact with him.”

Evans also stated in court that the police found no guns in his residence.

Oluwatoyin Taiwo, the presiding judge, adjourned the case till March 11 for continuation of trial.

The funeral service of former Head of Interim Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan, was held at the Cathedral Church Of Christ, Marina in Lagos state today February 4.

Leading the Federal Government delegation was Vice President Yemi Osinbajo. Others in attendance are the Secretary to the Government of Federation, Boss Mustapha, Minister of Information Lai Mohammed, Former Head Of State Yakubu Gowon, the Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, as well as the Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan was also in attendance.

Late Shonekan who served as the head of the Interim national government between August and November 1993 died on the 11th of January 2022 at the age of 86.