Top Nigerian Newspaper Headlines for Today, Wednesday April 24, 2024.
Good morning! Here are today’s highlights from Nigerian Newspapers:
1. Lead British International School Abuja, embroiled in controversy over viral videos showing bullying among its students, has been closed for three days. The closure directive was issued on Tuesday by the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohaneye, in response to growing concerns about the safety and well-being of students within the school premises. This decision reflects the government’s proactive stance on addressing issues of school violence and ensuring a conducive learning environment for all students.
2. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is considering the prosecution of 300 forex racketeers operating on a peer-to-peer platform outside financial regulations. EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, revealed this during an interactive session with editors and bureau chiefs in Abuja on Tuesday, stating that their accounts were frozen following a court order issued on Monday. This move underscores the EFCC’s commitment to tackling financial crimes and enforcing regulatory compliance within the forex market.
3. The EFCC has filed a fresh charge against the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory. The charge accuses Emefiele of approving the printing of N684,590,000 at the rate of N18.96 billion, raising questions about financial transparency and accountability within the country’s central banking system. This development underscores the EFCC’s efforts to hold public officials accountable for their actions and uphold the rule of law.
4. The naira continued its depreciation against the US dollar at the official market on Tuesday, closing at 1,300/$. This occurred as the Central Bank of Nigeria intensified efforts to stabilize the exchange rate by selling more dollars to Bureau De Change operators. The ongoing depreciation of the naira underscores the challenges facing Nigeria’s foreign exchange market and the need for effective monetary policies to address currency volatility and promote economic stability.
5. The EFCC urged Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court Abuja to deny bail to the detained executive of Binance Holdings Limited, Tigran Gambaryan. The agency cited the risk of admitting the foreigner to bail, noting the escape of his co-defendant, Nadeem Anjarwalla, from custody. This highlights the EFCC’s concerns about flight risks and the importance of preventing individuals facing criminal charges from evading justice.
6. The crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the Rivers State Caretaker Committee list has escalated, with the Federal High Court Abuja restraining the party’s leadership from further action on the matter. This was revealed by the National Working Committee after its emergency meeting on Tuesday, underscoring the legal challenges facing the party and the need for internal reconciliation efforts to address factional disputes.
7. EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, pledged to ensure the prosecution of former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello. Olukoyede stated during a meeting with select editors in Abuja on Tuesday that he had called Bello directly out of respect, urging him to address the charges against him. This statement reflects the EFCC’s determination to hold public officials accountable for alleged financial misconduct and uphold the principles of transparency and accountability in governance.
8. Former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, was arrested on Monday and is set to face charges alongside his brother, Abubakar, following an investigation into alleged N8.06 billion fraud during his tenure. EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, announced this development, signaling the agency’s commitment to investigating corruption allegations and prosecuting individuals implicated in financial malpractices. This underscores the importance of accountability and integrity in public service.
9. Former House of Representatives Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha, has resigned from the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In a letter delivered to the party’s national headquarters in Abuja, Ihedioha cited his long-time association with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and deemed his decision appropriate. This development reflects the evolving political landscape and the dynamics of party affiliations in Nigeria, highlighting the need for politicians to align with their principles and values.
10. A Dana Air aircraft with registration number 5N BKI, flying from Abuja to Lagos on Tuesday morning, veered off the runway while landing at the Murtala Mohammed Airport in Lagos. A statement from Mr. Kingsley Ezenwa, Head of Corporate Communications of the airline, confirmed that all 83 passengers and crew members onboard were unharmed. This incident underscores the importance of aviation safety protocols and the need for vigilant monitoring to prevent accidents and ensure passenger safety.
That’s all for today’s edition of Nigerian newspapers’ headlines. We’ll see you again tomorrow for the latest news updates!
