News

Court Rejects No Case Submission’ Dy Varsity Don Accused Of Electoral Fraud

Published

4 years ago

April 28, 2022

Editor

An Akwa Ibom State High Court sitting in Uyo, the state capital on Thursday dismissed as a no-case submission filed by the defence counsel for Professor Ignatius Uduk, who is standing trial over alleged electoral fraud in the 2019 general elections.

The presiding judge, Justice Bassey Nkanang said Uduk a Professor of Physical and Health Education, University of Uyo, and Collation/Returning officer for Essien Udim state constituency elections has a case to answer.

Speaking with newsmen shortly after that ruling, lead counsel to the Independent National Electoral Commission, Clement
Onwuenwunor described the ruling as “wonderful, well-researched and incisive”

He said it would have been a miscarriage of justice for the court to have held that the accused who had issued contradictory documents had no case to answer.

“The ruling covers everything. As you all heard the primary objection of the accused was dismissed, and the no-case submission was also dismissed because in the course of the proceedings in court, we had witnesses and we tendered an avalanche of documents showing the connection of the accused to the crime charged before the court.

“Honestly speaking, it would have been a failure of justice for the court to have held that the accused who had issued contradictory documents had no case to answer. He has to explain the contradictions, the first official report he submitted to INEC shows that there was no collation and no returns made.

“He has to explain why within 24-hours or less, the results now appear. This is all that we urged the court to see, that he has a prima-facie case and we’re very grateful that the court did a wonderful job and we felt justice has been served”

He advised that as the nation prepares for 2023, elections, it must pay attention to human elements which according to him, play a key role in the conduct of an election.

He said,”As we approach the 2023 general election, we want everyone to understand that human element is very key because the process of election is not self-executed, we need human elements to run the process, so everyone needs to pay attention to how the process is being managed by the INEC staff and other persons that will be involved in the election”.

Reacting to the ruling while fielding questions from newsmen, the lead counsel to the accused, Abasiodiong Ekpenyong said he was not satisfied with the ruling, adding that he would take a closer look at it to understand the next steps to take.

“Having followed this trial to this point, I am not satisfied with the ruling, but that is the court for you. When a litigant through his counsel makes a position, the court must decide in one way or the other. Today was not our day. The ruling has just been handed down, we will take a firm and a closer look at it and we will understand what next to do” he said.

Justice Nkanang adjourned the case to the 23rd, 27th,28th and 30th of June for commencement of defence.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

1 hour 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

2 hours 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

4 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.