Author: Vardiafrica

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has commenced a comprehensive investigation into alleged discrepancies surrounding the disbursement of student loans under the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). This action follows a recent media report alleging that no fewer than 51 tertiary institutions were implicated in illegal deductions and exploitation related to the NELFUND scheme. These institutions were alleged to have made unauthorized deductions ranging from N3,500 to N30,000 from each student’s institutional fees received through the loan fund. Open source revealed significant gaps in the financial disbursement process, alleging that while federal government while the Federal Government…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) says it has traced funds linked to the failed crypto bridge exchange (CBEX) scheme to at least four countries. Speaking on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme, on Wednesday, Ola Olukoyede, EFCC chairman, said although efforts are underway to recover the stolen funds, full restitution to victims may be impossible. Olukoyede said several accounts have been blocked and funds frozen, although the amounts cannot be disclosed yet. He said most of the transactions were conducted in cryptocurrency and routed through wallets beyond Nigeria’s jurisdiction. “We have been able to block some accounts. We have been able to…

Governor Monday Okpebholo has raised the minimum wage for workers in Edo State from ₦70,000 to ₦75,000 in a bid to improve their living standard The governor announced this on Thursday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City during the celebration of this year’s Workers’ Day. “Today, I am proud to announce that our administration has approved a new minimum wage of N75,000 per month for Edo workers. “It’s our way of saying thank you, Edo workers. We believe this will make a real difference, and in return, we count on your renewed dedication as we build a better Edo together. “Since…

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has imposed  new penalties targeting individuals who violate Hajj permit regulations. The Ministry of Interior made this known on Thursday saying the sanctions include a heavy fine of $26,661 on those who apply for visit visas on behalf of people attempting to perform Hajj without proper authorisation. The new measures, released via the Saudi Press Agency, SPA, are said to be part of intensified efforts to curb unauthorised access to Makkah and the holy sites during the annual pilgrimage. The enforcement period will reportedly run from the 1st of Dhul-Qi’dah to the 14th of Dhul-Hijjah, the…

The United States and Ukraine on Wednesday signed a minerals deal after a two-month delay, in what President Donald Trump’s administration called a new form of US commitment to Kyiv after the end of military aid. Ukraine said it secured key interests after protracted negotiations, including full sovereignty over its own rare earths, which are vital for new technologies and largely untapped. Trump had initially demanded rights to Ukraine’s mineral wealth as compensation for US weapons sent under former president Joe Biden after Russia invaded just over three years ago. After initial hesitation, Ukraine has accepted a minerals accord as…

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is proposing amendments to Nigeria’s electoral framework to strip the President of the power to appoint Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs).   The proposed change would instead give the commission power to make the appointments, though with a different nomenclature to be known as State Directors of Elections.  INEC is also pushing for the introduction of electronically downloadable voter cards to replace Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). Also, the commission’s Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) and other stakeholders have stressed the need for electoral reforms, a single-day voting system and voting without…

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Wednesday ordered the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to, within 24 hours, release socialite and businesswoman, Aisha Achimugu. Justice Inyang Ekwo, in a short ruling, also added that parties in the suit, especially the EFCC, are to report to the court to give report on compliance with the order of the court on May 2, 2025. Recall that Justice Ekwo had, on Monday, ordered Achimugu to submit herself to the EFCC in connection with an ongoing investigation bordering on money laundering and other offences. Justice Ekwo also held that following her…

The Nigeria Police have reactivated the issuance of Tinted Glass Permits, TGP, nationwide using a digital platform. ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, made this known in a statement on Wednesday. “The Nigeria Police Force, under the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has reactivated the issuance of Tinted Glass Permits, TGP, nationwide through a secure and user-friendly digital platform available at possap.gov.ng. “This initiative comes in response to widespread public complaints about the harassment of motorists over the use of tinted windows and reflects the need for a clear,…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has released popular socialite, Emeka Okonkwo, popularly known as E-Money, on bail. A source at the commission who did not want his name in print told our judiciary correspondent, Shola Soyele, via phone that E-money was released on Tuesday and would be charged to court soon. E-money had been arrested on Tuesday on allegations of naira abuse. E-Money was arrested by the anti-graft agency in the Omole area of Lagos State. He was subsequently taken into EFCC’s custody in Abuja. He was said to have been spotted at a public event allegedly spraying…

President Donald Trump on Tuesday celebrated the 100th day of his second term — yet spent much of his rally marking it in campaign mode, fixated on past grudges and grievances. He repeatedly mocked his Democratic predecessor, Joe Biden, attacking his mental acuity and even how he appears in a bathing suit. He again uttered the lie that he won the 2020 presidential election. And he attacked polling and news coverage not favorable to him. And Trump again and again returned to immigration, his signature issue, at the rally that marked his largest political event since returning to the White House —…