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SERAP Sues FG, NCC Over 50% Telecom Tariff Hike

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The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has filed a lawsuit against the administration of President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian Communications Commission over what it described as the “arbitrary, unconstitutional, unlawful, unfair, and unreasonable” 50% increase in telecom tariffs.

The NCC recently approved the tariff hike, which raised the cost of a one-minute call from N11 to N16.5, the price of 1GB of data from N287.5 to N431.25, and SMS charges from N4 to N6.

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The hike has sparked widespread criticism, with SERAP leading legal opposition to the decision.

In the suit filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja (Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/111/2025), SERAP contends that the tariff hike infringes on citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and access to information as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and international treaties.

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A statement issued on Sunday by SERAP titled, “SERAP wants court to stop Tinubu govt, telcos from implementing 50% telecom tariff hike,” disclosed this.

“The unilateral decision by the NCC to approve a 50% hike in telecom tariffs is arbitrary, unconstitutional, and unfair,.

“This action contravenes both the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act of 2018 and international human rights standards.

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“It also reflects a failure to consult key stakeholders, such as the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission,” said SERAP’s lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN.

SERAP argued that the decision disregards the principle of legality, which requires fairness, reasonableness, and adherence to due process in the exercise of statutory powers.

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“The NCC’s action undermines citizens’ right to seek, receive, and impart information through communication media without discrimination,” the lawsuit read.

The increase comes amidst Nigeria’s economic challenges, with a recent report by the National Bureau of Statistics revealing that 133 million Nigerians are multidimensionally poor.

Telcos’ operating costs surged by 50.92% – NCC
The report highlights worsening living conditions, with over half of the population relying on wood, dung, or charcoal for cooking.

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SERAP stated, “This tariff hike is happening at a time when Nigerians are grappling with a cost-of-living crisis. Many are struggling to afford basic necessities, let alone higher communication costs.

READ ALSO: N21m Jumbo Pay: SERAP Sues Akpabio, Abbas For ‘fixing N’Assembly Running Costs’

“The move adds to existing burdens, including fuel subsidy removal, rising electricity tariffs, and soaring food prices.”

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In its prayers, SERAP is seeking a court declaration that the tariff hike violates constitutional provisions and international human rights treaties, as well as an injunction to halt the implementation of the hike.

The organisation is also asking the court to nullify the NCC’s decision, describing it as “extortive, unreasonable, and a breach of due process.”

SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, emphasised the broader implications of the tariff hike.

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The statement further noted, “Access to communication is not a luxury; it is a fundamental right.

“The government and the NCC have a duty to ensure that telecommunication services remain affordable, especially for the millions of Nigerians living in poverty.”

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No date has been set for the hearing of the case, which could have significant ramifications for telecom regulation in Nigeria, the statement noted.

Meanwhile, subscriber groups issued an ultimatum to the Nigerian Communications Commission, demanding the reversal of the 50 per cent tariff hike to 10 per cent by Wednesday, January 29, 2025. /

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Shock As Odumeje Predicts Own Mysterious Death

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Prophet Chukwuemeka Ohanaemere, popularly known as Odumeje, has once again stirred controversy with a dramatic prophecy concerning his own death.

In a now-viral clip from a recent church service cited by on Monday, the Onitsha-based cleric claimed that his time on earth is coming to an end — but when he dies, no one will ever find his body.

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Declaring himself the “strongest spiritual man in the world after TB Joshua,” Odumeje said his mission is not about living a long life, but about fulfilling a divine assignment. “One has completed his mission and returned home; now it’s just the Lion himself, the dead man,” he proclaimed to a stunned congregation.

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He said, “I am the strongest spiritual man in the world after the general TB Joshua. We are not many, we are just two. One has done his job, and when I die, no one will see my corpse, and I do not have much time here, and our mission here is to clear the doubt of Jesus Christ, and one mission, one God and one power,” he added.

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Odumeje, or “The Indaboski Bahose,” is a controversial Nigerian pastor based in Onitsha, Anambra State.

He leads the Mountain of Holy Ghost Intervention and Deliverance Ministry, a church known for dramatic deliverance sessions, theatrical preaching styles, and unconventional prophecies.

His latest prophecy, where he declared that no one will see his corpse after he dies, is not entirely out of character.

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READ ALSO:‘I Was An Armed Robber, Terrorist At 14’ — Pastor Odumeje [VIDEO]

Odumeje is known for blending charismatic showmanship with bold spiritual claims. Over the years, he’s built a reputation for dramatic spiritual warfare (often acting out physical “fights” with demons), making public prophecies that go viral, and claiming he possesses supernatural powers that place him above typical religious leaders.

The self-styled “Indaboski” said his mission is not longevity but to prove the supremacy of Jesus Christ.

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Our work is to clear doubts. There is only one God, one power, and that power is Jesus Christ,” he added.

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The prophecy has since set social media on fire, with many Nigerians debating whether Odumeje’s claim is a revelation or theatrics.

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Odumeje operates at the intersection of faith, spectacle, and controversy.

Whether viewed as a genuine prophet or a spiritual entertainer, his influence in Nigeria’s religious landscape is undeniable.

His recent prophecy about dying without leaving a trace is consistent with the dramatic, mysterious persona he has cultivated over the years.

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Yeye Mofin Of Lagos Is Dead

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Yeye Mofin of Lagos and founder of the renowned Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls, Leila Fowler, is dead.

Her death was confirmed on Sunday in a statement by the school, which she established in 1991 in honour of her late daughter.

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It’s with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved founder, Chief (Mrs.) Leila Fowler, on Saturday, September 6, 2025.

​“Chief (Mrs.) Fowler was a true pioneer, an erudite lawyer, and a visionary educationalist who founded Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls in 1991.

READ ALSO:Three Lagos Labourers Found Dead In Makeshift Apartment

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Her life was a testament to the power of empowering young women through education.

“Her guidance and motherly warmth built not just a school, but a community dedicated to excellence,” the statement partly read.

Born in Lagos on March 23, 1933, Fowler (née Moore) was educated at CMS Girls’ School in Lagos and later at Queen of the Rosary College, Onitsha, where she obtained her Senior Cambridge Certificate in 1951.

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She initially pursued a teaching career before training as a nurse at St Thomas’ Hospital in London. Her academic ambition later led her to law at Middle Temple, where she was called to the Bar in 1962, before returning to Nigeria to be called to the Nigerian Bar in 1963.

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Fowler built a career in legal practice, specialising in insurance law and consultancy.

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She also contributed to public life, serving as a councillor in the Lagos City Council from 1978 to 1980, and was actively involved with the Nigerian Bar Association, the Nigerian Red Cross, and the Corona Schools Trust Council.

Her passion for education culminated in the founding of Vivian Fowler Memorial College for Girls, which has since become one of Nigeria’s leading all-girls schools, renowned for its culture of academic excellence and leadership training.

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Fowler was widowed in 2015 after the death of her husband, Professor Vidal Fowler, a surgeon and respected scholar.

In recognition of her contributions to education and society, she was honoured with the chieftaincy title of Yeye Mofin of Lagos by Oba Adeyinka Oyekan II.

The school’s tribute described her as a devout Christian, lover of music, philanthropist and mentor who “will be deeply missed,” adding that “Her legacy of service, faith, and dedication will continue to inspire us all.”
(PUNCH)

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Edo Community Leadership Crisis Claims Two

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Two persons have been killed in a leadership crisis in Iyanomo community, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Edo State.

The two persons, identified as Eboh Enomwa and Stephen Imaghodo, were killed last week at the height of the crisis between the warring factions over who controls the community.

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A statement issued on Monday by the Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor, Fred Itua, said the state government had launched an investigation into the murder of the duo.

Itua in the statement said the investigation is being spearheaded by the Edo State Special Security Squad, codenamed “Operation Flush Out Cultists and Kidnappers”, in collaboration with security agencies and community leaders.

READ ALSO: New Edo Line Passengers Abducted

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According to the statement, on Saturday, the investigative team was led by the Government House Chief Security Officer, CSP Osaro Roberts, and the Principal Security Officer to the governor, Okoh Saturday, to the community to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the killings of Enomwa and Imaghodo.

Addressing the community during the visit, the Secretary of the Special Security Squad, Barr. John Izegaebe, condemned the act of violence and reiterated the government’s resolve to stamp out cultism, kidnapping, and communal clashes in Edo.

He said, “Our findings so far point to a leadership tussle between two rival factions in Iyanomo, which degenerated into violence and ultimately claimed the lives of two men.

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“This is unacceptable. The Governor has directed us to ensure that all those involved in this heinous act are identified, arrested, and prosecuted. No one is above the law.

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“The government condoles with the families of the victims and assures them that justice will be served. At the same time, we are sending a very strong message to community leaders: disputes must be resolved legally, not through violence.

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“Governor Okpebholo has zero tolerance for crime, and anyone who foments unrest in Edo communities will face the full wrath of the law.”

Residents of Iyanomo Community, who received the team with relief, expressed appreciation to the governor and the security squad for their swift response.

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