News

SAN Writes 44-page Letter To Buhari, Demands Kanu’s Immediate Release

Published

4 years ago

October 5, 2022

Editor

Mazi Kanu’s lawyer, Mike Ozekhome (SAN), has written President Muhammadu Buhari, asking for the urgent release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra.

In the 44-page letter directed to Buhari, and obtained by The PUNCH, Ozekhome stressed the consequences of not releasing Kanu after so many calls for his release by the public, including the United Nations Working Group.

The lawyer stated that Kanu could be released “through a more political solution,” which he said the President could do by instructing the Attorney-General of the Federation to wield his power under section 174 of the Nigerian Constitution (1999) as amended.

According to the lawyer, releasing Kanu would immediately halt the “restlessness and sit-at-home mantra currently ravaging the South-East and paralysing businesses and normal life.”

Ozekhome, who alleged that Kanu was being subjected to inhumane and degrading conditions, noted that the “continued detention of Kanu violates all known laws both international and domestic.”

The lawyer reminded Buhari of the UN working group’s report which the UN adopted at its 93rd session, and which he said indicted the Nigerian and Kenyan government over the extradition and detention of Kanu. He accused the State Security Service of being a judge in its own case; Lord and master to itself by conspiring with the Kenyan government to forcefully rendition Kanu back to Nigeria.

Ozekhome said not releasing Kanu would “mean that Buhari does not subscribe to the rule of law and respect for citizens’ fundamental human rights.”

Adding that Kanu’s alleged deteriorating health in detention was not being properly managed by the SSS, the lawyer asked Buhari “not to let Kanu die in detention.”

The letter was acknowledged by the Federal Ministry of Justice on Tuesday.

Kanu is being tried at a Federal High Court in Abuja for charges bordering on treasonable felony.

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

1 hour 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.