News

Court Orders DSS To Release, Pay Bizman N5m Two Years After

Published

3 years ago

March 9, 2023

Editor

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the Department of State Service to immediately and unconditionally release a businessman, Mr. Emeka Ngornadi, who was arrested and detained by the agency since April, 2021.

This is contained in a judgement delivered by Honourable Justice Maha, who also awarded the sum of N5 million in favour of Ngornadi as compensatory and exemplary damages.

In September 2021, The PUNCH reported that the plaintiff, through his lawyer, Festus Ogun, brought the DSS before the Federal High Court, Abuja, in his bid to enforce his fundamental human rights.

Ngornadi prayed the court to declare that his arrest and continued detention by the DSS without any probable cause violated his right to personal freedom and liberty.

In the application marked FHC/ABJ/CS/994/2021, he also prayed the court to declare that his physical and mental torture and continued detention were cruel punishments under Section 34 (a) of the constitution and Article 6 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act 2004.

Ngornadi also sought for “an order of this honourable court directing the first respondent and second respondent to immediately and unconditionally release the applicant.

“An injunction restraining the respondents whether by themselves, their servants, agents, officers or otherwise howsoever from further arresting and detaining the applicant and constituting a threat or hindrance to the applicant’s life, property, and investments and business in any manner whatsoever.”

In the affidavit supporting his application, it was claimed that Ngornadi was on his way from Lagos to Anambra State in April to meet with his pregnant wife when he was intercepted and arrested at Ore, Ondo State, by DSS officials.

The affidavit also stated that the DSS had detained Ngornadi for about one month in Lagos before he was transferred to Abuja where he was currently being detained.

The affidavit also claimed that Ngornadi was forced and tortured to identify himself as a member of the Indigenous People of Biafra.

Ngornadi’s lawyer, Ogun, while speaking to The PUNCH on Thursday said the Tuesday judgement was a “victory against tyranny and arbitrary clampdown on citizens liberty.”

He said, “the DSS is now left no other option than to release my client immediately. Indeed, this is a victory over reckless abuse of human rights.”
PUNCH

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

13 minutes ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

35 minutes ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

News

N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

3 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.