News

CBN Gov, Legal Adviser Face N220m Contempt Suit

Published

5 months ago

April 18, 2025

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso, and the CBN’s Director of Legal Services, Salam-Alada Kofo, have been sued for contempt of court at the Federal High Court in Abuja over their alleged refusal to comply fully with a Supreme Court judgment.

Melrose General Services, the applicant, filed a contempt suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/532/2025, against Cardoso, Kofo, the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and the Minister of Finance, listed as 1st to 5th respondents respectively.

The applicant claims that the respondents have failed to release N220 million owed to them, despite the Supreme Court’s judgment reversing the earlier forfeiture of the funds.

Meanwhile, the suit stems from the controversial Paris Club Refund, which involved payments to consultants who rendered services to the Nigerian Governors’ Forum.

In June 2024, the Supreme Court overturned a previous forfeiture order affecting Melrose General Services Limited, directing the release of frozen funds, including N1.22bn held in Melrose’s bank account and N220m transferred to Wasp Networks and Thebe Wellness as loans and investments.

The court ruled that the EFCC had failed to prove the funds were proceeds of fraud, as alleged, and ordered the release of the full amounts to the rightful owners.

However, nearly a year after the Supreme Court’s decision, Melrose alleges that while the CBN has refunded N1.22bn, the N220m remains unpaid.

Through its counsel, Chikaosolu Ojukwu (SAN), Melrose argues that the refusal to comply with the court’s directive constitutes contempt of court. The firm contends that the partial compliance undermines the authority of the Supreme Court.

In its defence, the CBN’s legal team, led by Abdulfatai Oyedele, claims the Supreme Court directed payment of the N220m to the original accounts of Wasp Network Limited and Thebe Wellness Services, not to Melrose.

Oyedele further argued that Wasp Network has requested N200m, while Thebe Wellness has yet to claim N20m.

The EFCC, represented by M.A. Babatunde, filed a motion for misjoinder, asserting it should not be a party to the case.

Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja will resume hearing the matter on June 4, 2025, to determine whether the CBN and its officials have wilfully disobeyed the Supreme Court or if their actions align with the judgment’s interpretation.

News

Navy Opens Recruitment For Basic Training School Batch 38

Published

3 hours ago

September 26, 2025

Editor

The Nigerian Navy has opened applications for its Basic Training School (BTS) Batch 38 recruitment exercise, scheduled to run from October 2 to October 31, 2025.

According to an official statement, the recruitment process is free, and interested applicants must submit their applications online at https://www.joinnigeriannavy.navy.mil.ng/https://www.joinnigeriannavy.navy.mil.ng.

Successful candidates will undergo basic military training before being officially enlisted as Ordinary Seamen.

The Navy stressed that eligibility is restricted to Nigerian citizens by birth with a valid National Identification Number (NIN). Applicants must have no criminal record and must not be affiliated with secret societies, cults, or fraternities.

Educational and age requirements were clearly outlined. Candidates applying with O’level results must be between 18 and 22 years old as of December 31, 2025.

Those with OND/NCE qualifications must be aged 18 to 26, while Chaplain/Imam Assistants and Drivers/Mechanics must fall within the 18 to 28 age bracket.

In all cases, applicants are required to have at least five credits, including English Language and Mathematics, obtained in not more than two sittings in WAEC, NECO, GCE, or NABTEB, with certificates not older than 2015.

The Navy added that special professions, such as Medical Assistants and Nurses, require proof of registration with relevant professional bodies.

Applicants for technical trades including tailoring, plumbing, carpentry, welding, and electrical works must present valid Trade Test certificates in addition to academic qualifications.

Similarly, candidates applying as sportsmen and women are expected to provide certificates and medals as evidence of their sporting achievements.

The recruitment examination is scheduled for November 29, 2025, at designated centers nationwide.

Candidates are required to bring their Attestation Form, duly signed with a passport photograph of the signer, along with valid identification such as a Driver’s License, International Passport, or National ID Card.

Applicants have been cautioned against multiple applications, which will lead to disqualification.

The Navy further advised candidates to seek clarification only through official communication channels provided on the recruitment portal.

News

BREAKING: Gov Fubara Dissolves Rivers Pension Board

Published

4 hours ago

September 26, 2025

Editor

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has dissolved the State Pensions Board with immediate effect.

Rivers State Head of Service Mrs Inyingi Brown made this announcement on Friday in Port Harcourt.

According to the governor, the office of the State Accountant General will handle the functions of the board until a new one is constituted.

News

FAAN Launches Cashless Payment System Across Airports

Published

5 hours ago

September 26, 2025

Editor

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has launched the cashless system of payment across all airports.

“FAAN in partnership with Paystack, is proud to announce the roll out of OPERATION GO CASHLESS, a cashless contactless payment solution across all airports beginning with Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja,” the agency said in a communique on Thursday.

Effective September 29, 2025, all payments at FAAN’s revenue points, including airport Access Gates, Car Parks, FAAN VIP and Protocol Lounges will go cashless which means the agency will be phasing out the collection of cash at these points.

FAAN added that travelers and airport users will now enjoy fast and seamless services by using a secure contactless payment option.

This initiative, it stated, is a response to the growing demand for safe, modern, and transparent payment systems while ensuring Nigeria’s airports remain aligned with global digital trends.

By reducing reliance on cash, FAAN said it aims to enhance efficiency, improve revenue assurance, and deliver a better customer experience at our airports.

To ease the transition, trained brand ambassadors have been deployed at access gates and around the terminals to guide users, assist with onboarding, provide demonstrations, and answer questions they may have.

In addition, passengers have been directed to obtain a FAAN Go Cashless Card at any airport access gate in Lagos and Abuja.

After collection, users are encouraged to activate and fund their cards immediately by visiting www.gocashless. faan.gov.ng.

FAAN added that it remains committed to continuous improvement and will expand this cashless policy to other airports nationwide in phases.

For inquiries, airport users have also been advised to contact FAAN’s support line at 0700 CBS FAAN (0700 227 3226) or email the agency at gocashlesssupport@faan.gov.ng.