GOMBE POLICE DEBUNK FALSE INFORMATION CIRCULATING ON SOCIAL MEDIA ALLEGING THAT THE HOUSE OF MR NAFI’U WAS SET ABLAZE IN GOMBE
The Gombe State Police Command wishes to categorically debunk the false information alleging that the house of Mr. Nafiu Bala was set ablaze in Gombe State.
The Command confirms that the report is false, as no such incident has been recorded anywhere in the State.
The Commissioner of Police, Gombe State Command, CP Umar Ahmed Chuso, mnips, fwc, psc(+), urges members of the public to disregard this misinformation and remain calm, as the Command remains committed to ensuring peace and security across Gombe State.
DSP Buhari Abdullahi, Anipr, ANISMA Police Public Relations Officer, For: Commissioner of Police, Gombe State Command. 29/04/2026
A Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted and sentenced Lagos socialite, Mrs Funmilola Ogbuaya, popularly known in social circles as “Ariket,” to 15 years’ imprisonment for conspiracy, aiding, and abetting the trafficking of cocaine.
The conviction comes nine years after her co-conspirator, Odeyemi Omolara, also known as Ariyo Olabisi, was sentenced to 25 years’ imprisonment for her role in the same drug trafficking operation.
Justice Deinde Dipeolu, who delivered the judgment on Wednesday, held that the prosecution had successfully established its case against Ogbuaya beyond reasonable doubt.
After reviewing the arguments of both parties, the judge found her guilty of conspiracy, aiding, and abetting the attempted illegal export of 1.595 kilograms of cocaine to Saudi Arabia.
“The prosecution has proved all the essential ingredients of the offences charged against the convict,” Justice Dipeolu held.
He subsequently sentenced Ogbuaya to 15 years’ imprisonment but ordered that the term should run concurrently with the earlier 25-year sentence already imposed in connection with the matter.
The court further ruled that the jail term would take effect from May 19, 2017.
The case dates back to 2017, when Ogbuaya and Omolara were first arraigned before Justice Hadizat Rabiu-Shagari, now a Justice of the Court of Appeal, on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, unlawful possession of cocaine, aiding and abetting, and attempted export of the prohibited drug.
While Omolara faced charges of conspiracy, unlawful possession, and attempted exportation of cocaine, Ogbuaya was specifically charged with conspiracy, aiding and abetting, and procuring Omolara to traffic the narcotic substance.
Both convicts initially pleaded not guilty and were granted bail on varying terms.
However, midway into the trial, Omolara informed the court of her decision to change her plea.
Following a re-reading of the charge, she pleaded guilty to attempting to illegally export the narcotic drug to Saudi Arabia
Justice Rabiu-Shagari subsequently sentenced her to 25 years’ imprisonment.
Omolara challenged the conviction at the Court of Appeal, but her appeal was dismissed on February 26, 2021.
A three-member appellate panel, led by Justice Ebiowei Tobi, affirmed the lower court’s decision and held that the appeal lacked merit.
The prosecution, led by NDLEA counsel Abu Ibrahim, thereafter proceeded with Ogbuaya’s trial, calling nine witnesses and tendering several documentary exhibits, including the seized cocaine, all of which were admitted in evidence.
At the close of the prosecution’s case, Ogbuaya opted to file a no-case submission instead of opening her defence.
Arguing for the no-case submission on February 26, 2025, her counsel urged the court to discharge her on the grounds that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case.
But in a ruling delivered on April 24, 2025, Justice Dipeolu dismissed the application.
“From the evidence adduced by prosecution witnesses one to nine, a prima facie case has been established against the defendant. There is a need for the defendant to open her defence against the charges against her,” the judge ruled.
Following the dismissal, Ogbuaya opened her defence, after which both parties filed and adopted their final written addresses.
The matter was then adjourned to April 28, 2026, for judgment.
Delivering the final verdict, Justice Dipeolu upheld the prosecution’s submissions and pronounced the socialite guilty as charged, but she was not sentenced until Wednesday.
The charges against Ogbuaya and her co-convict stated that they conspired on February 23, 2017, to export 1.595 kilograms of cocaine, contrary to Section 14(b) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act.
Ogbuaya was also specifically accused of aiding and procuring Omolara to export the narcotic substance on February 24, 2017, while Omolara faced an additional charge of unlawful possession of the drug, contrary to Section 19 of the same Act.
Lagos socialite Funmilayo Ogbuaya,popularly known as ARIKET ,has been sentenced to 15 years for conspiracy and involvement in traff!cking 1.595kg of Coke to Saudi Arabia.
The court ruled that the case against her was proven beyond reasonable doubt. Her accomplice, Odeyemi… pic.twitter.com/ViYEMf669t
"My ex is not my enemy” — Lady says as she attends her ex-boyfriend's wedding.
Neche's Treats writes:
I woke up this morning with this strange heavy feeling in my chest... I didn't understand why. I kept asking myself, "what is it?"
Only for me to check the date and realize... Today is 28th of April.
My ex's birthday
This particular ex eh... no be small thing. This is someone I built with, someone I gave my full support, my time, my everything. But what did he do? He left me... and went to marry his village girl. Said his people insisted he must marry from home. Omo... e pain me, I won't lie
Ice Prince shares his before and after weight loss transformation journey. He listed things that helped him achieve his new look including abstinence from sexual intercourse.
Testimony Of Grace... Work in prograce... No sugar No alcohol, wine or Energy Drinks No Soda No Noodles/Pasta No bread Quit smoking No seed or Veg Oil Daily Walk Morning + Eve Daily workout Exercise Celibacy Water Home made smoothie/ Coconut water Ginger Tea, Green Tea or Black coffee Daily OMAD 4 times a week TWOMAD 3 times a week 50% Protein, 30% Veggies, 20% Carbs 10pm Bedtime 6/7 hours sleep 1 hour Read Daily Chew chewing gum and mind my business + i have never tried or had interest in trying any drug or substance or supplements ever in my whole life.
Explainer: CBN’s new BVN rules: what bank customers must do before May 1
The Central Bank of Nigeria has introduced new BVN guidelines set to take effect from May 1, 2026, bringing major changes to how Nigerians access and manage their bank accounts. The update includes stricter security measures such as one-device login limits, a one-time phone number change policy, and possible temporary restrictions on accounts flagged for suspicious activity.
With the new rules applying to all BVN holders, customers are advised to update and secure their details ahead of the deadline to avoid disruptions. While the policy aims to reduce fraud and strengthen digital banking, concerns remain about its impact on access, especially for users navigating Nigeria’s existing banking and network challenges.
According to circulating reports, her husband posted it himself in a private group chat, and it got out.
Popular social media personality known for selling herbal concoction, Eniola Fagbemi, identified as Sisi Alagbo, has apologised for the leaked 3some sex tape involving her, husband (Adesola Hakeem), and another woman.
The video, which went viral on Monday but was not sighted by our correspondent, has since generated controversy, with many disgusted by the event’s coordination and others questioning the reason behind their fantasy.
Fagbemi revealed the struggles she’s going through, adding that she has been unable to sleep for days and that even sleeping medications had not worked for her since the video broke out on the internet.
Taking to her verified Facebook account on Wednesday, the internet sensation wrote, “I own my mistakes, and I apologize with all sincerity for the video circulating online. I am deeply sorry to everyone who felt disappointed in me.
“This is a great phase for me, and I pray for God’s forgiveness and my fans’ forgiveness, please let’s move on past this because this media is where I get little support to feed, pls don’t condemn me or castigate me am already passing through a lot,
‘I can’t eat or sleep for days, even sleeping meds aren’t working for me anymore, I am deeply sorry, everyone. Please forgive me, I don’t want to injure myself, it’s only the little strength I have.”
Fagbemi broke into the internet after showcasing her craft and promoting her grandmother’s business to the world, including China and Qatar.
She again became a social media sensation after a heart-warming encounter with Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen in Morocco, at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
In the short video she shared online, she respectfully knelt to greet the football star, and the video quickly went viral, sparking widespread reactions and conversations across social platforms.
Responding to critics who questioned her action, she wrote, “You are dragging me because I knelt down to greet Osimhen. I did not know that being respectful is now a crime. Osimhen is wealthier and more famous than me. Do you even know how elites and influential people all over the world are eager to meet him? For Osimhen to come down to my level — me, an ordinary agbo hawker from the trenches — I need to give him maximum respect.
“Just the video I posted, I already know what I have gained from it. People from Ibadan have told me that all the agbo in my store have been sold out. Everyone in Morocco is rushing to taste the agbo I brought. If I see Osimhen again, I will kneel down to greet him as a proper Yoruba girl that I am. I am a beautiful story.”
- Sisi Alagbo is a popular herbal vendor on TikTok and Facebook. She is also based in Ibadan.
- Sisi Alagbo was previously trending for being the second wife of her husband and for claims that she caused issues in the first wife’s marriage.
- A few days ago, a woman who used to be her godmother posted a video saying someone sent her an explicit video of Sisi Alagbo and her husband involving a threesum , but she said she would not be able to post it publicly.
- Different people started talking about it until the video eventually made its way onto social media, which led Sisi Alagbo to lock her page and change her TikTok name.
- After some time, she reopened her page and began cruising with the situation online. In the video, it appeared that she was the one recording while her husband was having sêx with another woman.
- She then turned the camera to herself, appearing to include herself in the video while filming her husband and the other woman.
- According to her godmother, Sisi Alagbo and her husband, Engineer Alagbo, had a misunderstanding, and he allegedly mistakenly shared the video in a WhatsApp group chat.
- The husband has made a post on Facebook saying “Astaghfirullah,” while Sisi Alagbo has reportedly issued a public apology to her fans, asking for forgiveness.
"Despite the backlash on social media, Akeem, the husband of Sisi Alagbo, has shared a video of himself and his wife on Facebook, captioned: 'Reassurance till the sundry of the sea ❤️ I pledge!'" https://t.co/FbxMBj9nqwpic.twitter.com/RnOCmob8Ik
I decided to lose my virginity at 16 to beat my dad’s record of losing his at 17— Singer Femi Kuti’s son, Ayo
Ayo Kuti, son of Nigerian music legend Femi Kuti, has sparked widespread reactions online following controversial personal and family-related remarks made during a recent livestream.
During a recent livestream with Davreal, Ayo Kuti linked his decision to lose his virginity at the age of 16 to a conversation he claimed to have had with his father. He stated:
“The only reason I lost my virginity at 16 is because my dad told me that he lost his at 17 so I said okay I have to be number one in my family cos you have to know say e dey shake, e dey break. My dad is a bad boy”
He also made claims about his parents’ sleeping arrangements, attributing it to health-related concerns involving STDs
“My parents do not also sleep on the same bed because of STD’s we don’t do that in our house”
The comments quickly spread across social media platforms, drawing mixed reactions.
“The reason I lost my virginity at 16 is because my dad told me that he lost his at 17. Cuz I want to be number one in my family. My dad is a very bad boy.”
Renowned business leader Ibukun Awosika has resigned from the Board of Directors of Cadbury Nigeria Plc after nearly two decades of strategic contribution.
Having joined the board in October 2009, Awosika’s 17-year tenure was characterised by a period of significant transformation for the consumer goods giant, during which she provided steady governance through fluctuating market cycles and major shifts in the Nigerian corporate landscape.
The consumer goods company’s stock currently trades at its 52-week high and has risen this year by 22.70 percent to N73.50 according to trading data as at close of trading on Tuesday April 28.
“This to notify Nigerian Exchange Limited and the investing public that the Board has considered and accepted the resignation of Mrs. Ibukun Awosika as Director of Cadbury Nigeria Plc (the Company) with effect from Friday, 1st May 2026,” Cadbury said in a notice at the NGX.
Cadbury reported a profit before tax (PBT) of N17.27billion for the full year 2025, representing a 161 percent increase in profit over the loss of N28.33billion that the company recorded for the same period in 2024, according to its unaudited results.
Ibukunoluwa Abiodun Awosika (born Bilkisu Abiodun Motunrayo Omobolanle Adekola on December 24, 1962) is a Nigerian businesswoman and author. She is the first female Chairperson of First Bank of Nigeria. She was appointed as a member of Binance Global Advisory Board in September 2022.
Early life and education
Born as the third child of seven children in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, Ibukun completed her primary and secondary school education at St. Paul's African Church Primary School, Lagos and Methodist Girls' High School, Yaba respectively. She proceeded to the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) where she graduated with a BSc in Chemistry although she had initially wanted to study Architecture at the University of Navarra.
Career
While on her compulsory one-year National Youth Service Corps service (NYSC) in Kano State, Ibukun Awosika worked as an audit trainee at Akintola Williams & Co. which later became Deloitte, but she returned home after the service and joined Alibert Nigeria Ltd., a furniture company, as showroom manager.
Personal life
Ibukun Awosika is married to Abiodun Awosika with whom she has three children.
Police Arrest Officer Involved in Killing of 28-Year-Old in Delta
The Delta State Police Command has arrested and transferred a police officer, ASP Nuhu Usman, to Force Headquarters, Abuja, for disciplinary action over the murder of a 28-year-old suspect, Mene Ogidi, in Effurun.
The incident, captured in a now-viral video, which occurred on April 26, 2026, has drawn condemnation from the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, who described the act as a clear violation of established rules and procedures guiding police operations.
In a statement by the Command’s Spokesperson, Bright Edafe, on Tuesday, the Command said the deceased was earlier apprehended by members of the public while allegedly attempting to waybill a parcel containing a Beretta pistol loaded with four rounds of ammunition.
Police operatives attached to Area Command Effurun were subsequently deployed to the scene to take custody of the suspect.
However, ASP Usman, who led the team, reportedly discharged his firearm in breach of Force Order 237 and the Nigeria Police Force Standard Operating Procedure, resulting in the suspect’s death.
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police ordered the immediate arrest of the officer and his transfer to the State Headquarters in Asaba for preliminary investigation.
The Command confirmed that the officer has been queried and subsequently moved to Force Headquarters, Abuja, where he is expected to appear before the Force Disciplinary Committee “for immediate disciplinary sanction and prosecution.”
Reiterating its stance, the police said the Command upholds the rule of law, respect for human rights, professionalism, and accountability, stressing its zero tolerance for “lawlessness, recklessness and extra-judicial conduct.”
CP Oyeniyi also extended condolences to the family of the deceased and assured them that justice would be served.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is quitting the Opec and Opec+ groups of major oil producing nations next month after nearly 60 years of membership.
The UAE said its decision would help it meet growing global energy demand in the long term after recent investments to boost its production capacity.
It is seen as a blow to the cartel, with one analyst describing the exit as "the beginning of the end of Opec".
The Gulf state's energy minister said being a country with no obligation under the groups would give it more flexibility.
The UAE's departure represents a win for US President Donald Trump, who has previously attacked Opec for "ripping off the rest of the world". In January he asked Saudi Arabia and other Opec nations to "bring down the cost of oil" and doubled-down on his threat to use tariffs.
It also opens the door for closer ties between the UAE and US.
And Saul Kavonic, head of energy research at MST Financial, said it was "the beginning of the end" for the alliance.
"With the UAE leaving, Opec loses about 15% of its capacity and one of its most compliant members."
Nigeria’s military backs local startup unveiling drones, mine-clearing vehicles
Nigerian defense-tech startup Terra Industries unveiled its latest autonomous defense systems including interceptor drones, mine-detection vehicles and battlefield intelligence software.
Terra had until now focused on civilian drones and other security equipment.
Terra CEO Nathan Nwachukwu said, "We are unveiling new defence systems such as our interceptor UAVs, our minesweepers, ground vehicles that can detect IEDs on the ground, and our battlefield intelligence software."
Major General Babatunde Alaya, who heads Nigeria's state-run military-industrial corporation DICON, said collaboration with Terra Industries was necessary given high troop casualties from improvised explosive devices.
Nigerian defense-tech startup Terra Industries unveiled its latest autonomous defense systems including interceptor drones, mine-detection vehicles and battlefield intelligence software https://t.co/1G04IE7nIipic.twitter.com/89HJe8wbSQ
This Nigeria guy living in USA ordered for egusi soup and fufu from African Restaurant but this was what they delivered to him
They even added cabbage and source.
A Nigerian truck driver in the USA drove for many hours and finally took a break and decided to order an African food (Egusi& poundo) from a supposed African restaurant and this was what they brought for him.
A Nigerian truck driver in the USA drove for many hours and finally took a break and decided to order an African food (Egusi& poundo) from a supposed African restaurant and this was what they brought for him…. If na me, Police go arr£st all of us o cos wetin be this? 😭😭💔💔 pic.twitter.com/qLqL9NHuhi
Another source, Ijeoma Ayuba, also announced the death of Solomon Akiyesi:
NOLLYWOOD AND OSOSO IN SHOCK 💔
A heavy cloud has fallen over the good people of Ososo as reports emerge about the passing of Mr. Solomon Akiyesi, a Nollywood actor, director, entrepreneur, and proud son of Akoko-Edo. Known for his presence in the movie industry and his connection to Ososo, his name has remained familiar to many lovers of Nollywood and those who followed his journey over the years.
At this painful moment, our thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues in Nollywood, and the entire Ososo community.
Adieu, Mr. Solomon Akiyesi.
May God comfort everyone mourning this great loss. Rest in peace, sir. 🕊️💔
‘He was shot in his room’ — family rejects army’s account of NYSC member’s killing, demands probe
The family of Abdulsamad Jamiu, a serving National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member killed by soldiers of the Guards Brigade Quick Response Force in Dei-Dei, Shagari Estate, Abuja, has rejected the military’s account of the incident.
In a statement, the Guards Brigade headquarters had said Jamiu was caught in a crossfire on April 25 when troops responded to a distress call from residents reportedly under attack by armed robbers.
“Upon arrival, the troops came under gunfire from the fleeing armed robbers, resulting in a brief but intense exchange,” the statement reads.
“In the course of the engagement, Mr Jamiu was caught in the crossfire. Despite efforts by troops to secure the area and preserve lives, he sadly succumbed to his injuries.”
The brigade described the situation as “fluid and highly volatile” and said the deceased’s remains were handed to civil authorities at Kubwa General Hospital.
However, the family, in a statement on Sunday, said “physical evidence disproves an exchange of gunfire”, adding that their son was killed at about 2am on Saturday when military personnel entered the estate.
According to the statement, Jamiu’s sister was in the house at the time, while their parents were away in Okene for a burial ceremony.
“Nigerian military personnel discharged a firearm at close range through the door of Abdulsamad’s room. The shot struck him in the head, killing him instantly,” the statement reads.
“The trajectory of the bullet — confirmed by physical examination of the bullet hole, which runs from the room door to the wall — establishes that the shot was fired from outside the room, through a closed door.”
The family argued that an exchange of gunfire presupposes an adversary who is armed and actively firing.
“No such adversary has been identified, produced, or accounted for. No weapon was recovered from the scene. No shell casings attributed to any party other than the military have been documented,” the statement added.
“The point of entry used by the military personnel was the fence, which they scaled. The remnants of fallen barbed wire at the fence remain visible and physically verifiable at the scene to this day.”
It added that the gate to the premises was intact and not damaged at the time of the incident, noting that no robbery was also reported in the community on the night.
The family said Jamiu’s sister, upon hearing the gunshot, rushed downstairs but was told by the soldiers to go outside and “calm down”.
Neighbours who heard the gunshot alerted the community vigilance group.
However, on arrival, the vigilance group members were allegedly instructed by the soldiers to “mop up the blood and flush it”, a directive the family said raises serious concerns about the preservation of evidence.
Jamiu’s body was later taken to the hospital by police officers.
The family said they were compelled to endure hours of statements and administrative procedures before being granted access to retrieve their son’s remains for burial.
They further stated that when confronted, the soldiers admitted the shooting was a mistake and that they had killed an innocent person.
According to the family, this admission was made in the presence of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and documented in a written statement.
The family demanded an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation into the circumstances of Jamiu’s death, to be conducted outside the Nigerian military’s chain of command and with full civilian oversight.
They also called for the identification, suspension pending investigation, and prosecution of the personnel responsible for the shooting.
In addition, the family demanded a retraction of the military’s earlier statement and the issuance of a corrected account consistent with the available evidence and prior admissions.
They further called for a formal public apology from the army.
A video of Mayowa Lambe calling out men who don't satisfy their wives sexually has resurfaced.
In the video, Mayowa, a media personality, is seen speaking to her listeners on radio. She urged men to engage in "constant sex" with their wives.
She added that a lot of women nag because they are ssx starved.
She stated that when a man satisfies his wife sexually, it “relieves frustration” and the woman would be happy, even if the man has no money.
Mayowa recently got married for the third time and this angered her former husband Roby Ekpo, leading to him calling her out on Instagram and also on a podcast.
According to Mayowa's ex-husband Roby Ekpo, the media personality complained about being unsatisfied sexually in their marriage before she left and married another man.
Roby claimed Mayowa wanted intercourse regularly but he did what he could and wouldn't k!ll himself trying to please her sexually.
He also shared chats where Mayowa lamented to a friend that Roby is not satisfying her s£xually.
The allegations from Roby have now led to renewed interest in this throwback video of Mayowa, which was recorded years ago, when she still worked on radio, before she relocated to the United States.
I No Go 4uck Kill Myself - Roby Ekpo speaks about his sexual life with his Ex-Wife
Roby Ekpo, the Nigerian media personality, has revealed more issues from his troubled marriage to his estranged wife Mayowa Lambe.
The on-air personality alleged that due to his age, he was not keen on having sex all the time, but Mayowa wanted it every day.
“Satisfying her how? I would not have sex till I kill myself. One to two rounds are enough for me. I got married at the age of 37, I am going to be 48 this year, I am not a small boy,” he said.
“Forget the tattoos and the earrings, I just do not look or act my age. I am going to be 48 in August. Would I kill myself because I am having sex? If we had sex twice a week, I am okay, but she wanted us to be having sex every day.”
“I am okay with 1 or 2 rounds but she wants more , I’m okay with having sêx 2 times a week but she wants it everyday , I’m not a small boy”
CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA Apple announced that Tim Cook will become executive chairman of Apple’s board of directors and John Ternus, senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, will become Apple’s next chief executive officer effective on September 1, 2026. The transition, which was approved unanimously by the Board of Directors, follows a thoughtful, long-term succession planning process.
Cook will continue in his role as CEO through the summer as he works closely with Ternus on a smooth transition. As executive chairman, Cook will assist with certain aspects of the company, including engaging with policymakers around the world.
“It has been the greatest privilege of my life to be the CEO of Apple and to have been trusted to lead such an extraordinary company. I love Apple with all of my being, and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with a team of such ingenious, innovative, creative, and deeply caring people who have been unwavering in their dedication to enriching the lives of our customers and creating the best products and services in the world,” said Cook.
“John Ternus has the mind of an engineer, the soul of an innovator, and the heart to lead with integrity and with honor. He is a visionary whose contributions to Apple over 25 years are already too numerous to count, and he is without question the right person to lead Apple into the future. I could not be more confident in his abilities and his character, and I look forward to working closely with him on this transition and in my new role as executive chairman.”
“I am profoundly grateful for this opportunity to carry Apple’s mission forward,” said Ternus. “Having spent almost my entire career at Apple, I have been lucky to have worked under Steve Jobs and to have had Tim Cook as my mentor. It has been a privilege to help shape the products and experiences that have changed so much of how we interact with the world and with one another. I am filled with optimism about what we can achieve in the years to come, and I am so happy to know that the most talented people on earth are here at Apple, determined to be part of something bigger than any one of us. I am humbled to step into this role, and I promise to lead with the values and vision that have come to define this special place for half a century.”
Arthur Levinson, who has been Apple’s non-executive chairman for the past 15 years, will become its lead independent director on September 1, 2026. Ternus will join the board of directors, also effective September 1, 2026.
“Tim’s unprecedented and outstanding leadership has transformed Apple into the world’s best company. He’s introduced groundbreaking products and services time and again, and his integrity and values are infused into everything Apple does,” said Levinson.
“On behalf of the entire board of directors, we are incredibly grateful for his countless contributions to Apple and the world, and we are thrilled he will now be executive chairman. We believe John is the best possible leader to succeed Tim and as he transitions to CEO we know his love of Apple, his leadership, deep technical knowledge, and relentless focus on creating great products will help lead Apple to an extraordinary future.”
“I want to thank Art for the incredible work he has done leading the board of directors for the past 15 years,” said Cook. “I have always found his advice to be invaluable and I appreciate his thoughtfulness and his unwavering dedication to the company. I am grateful he will serve as our lead independent director, and I look forward to working with him in my new role.”
Tim Cook joined Apple in 1998. He became CEO in 2011 and has overseen the introduction of numerous products and services, including new categories like Apple Watch, AirPods, and Apple Vision Pro, and services ranging from iCloud and Apple Pay to Apple TV and Apple Music.
He was also instrumental in expanding existing product lines. Under Cook’s leadership Apple has grown from a market capitalization of approximately $350 billion to $4 trillion, representing a more than 1,000% increase, and yearly revenue has nearly quadrupled, from $108 billion in fiscal year 2011 to more than $416 billion in fiscal year 2025. The company has expanded its global footprint substantially, particularly in emerging markets; it is now in more than 200 countries and territories.
Apple operates over 500 retail stores and has more than doubled the number of countries in which its customers can visit an Apple Store. During his tenure, Apple has grown by more than 100,000 team members and increased its active installed base to more than 2.5 billion devices. Apple Services has been a major focus area of Cook’s, and during his tenure the category has grown to become a more than $100 billion business, the equivalent of a Fortune 40 company. Cook was also instrumental in creating the wearables category at Apple, which now includes the world’s most popular watch and headphones, and which has served as the foundation for Apple’s remarkable impact on the health and safety of its users. Under Cook’s leadership, Apple also transitioned to Apple-designed silicon, enabling the company to own more of its primary technology and deliver industry-leading gains in power efficiency and performance that directly benefit users across its products.
Cook has made Apple’s core values even more central to the company’s decision making and product development. Under his leadership, the company reduced its carbon footprint by more than 60 percent below 2015 levels during a period in which revenue nearly doubled. Cook, who has long advocated for privacy as a fundamental human right, has made privacy and security imperative at Apple, setting a standard for user protection that continues to set the company apart from the rest of the technology industry. He has also pushed for continued innovation in the accessibility space, believing that Apple products should be made for everyone. And he has made central to his leadership the notion that Apple should be a place where everyone can feel they belong and where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
The Dangote Group says it has achieved its first oil from its upstream assets and is preparing to begin marketable crude production in the coming weeks.
In an interview with Platts, part of S&P Global Energy, Devakumar Edwin, the vice-president of the Dangote Group, said early testing has commenced on crude from its Niger Delta licences.
According to Edwin, the company has already begun standard well testing and is preparing to scale up output.
“We have opened a well and begun standard testing, which should be completed in the next three to four weeks maximum,” he said.
“After that point, oil can start to be pumped in larger volumes, and the company can begin work on drilling new wells.”
Also speaking, Olajumoke Ajayi, the CEO of Dangote’s upstream joint venture West African E&P, said the Dangote-backed upstream project is currently producing about 4,500 barrels per day (bpd) from the Kalaekule field on oil mining lease (OML) 72, following its long-awaited start-up in December 2025.
Ajayi said output is expected to ramp up to 15,000 bpd within the next month.
Dangote is said to hold an 85 percent stake in the upstream business, also known as WAEP, which in turn holds a 45 percent working interest in two oil licences — OML 71 and 72.
The balance is held by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, while WAEP’s minority stakeholder, First E&P, operates the assets.
Based in the shallow water of the Niger Delta’s south east, the two oil licences are located roughly 22 kilometers from the country’s onshore Bonny terminal.
Discoveries were first made on the blocks in 1966, with WAEP acquiring the assets from Shell in 2015. Output peaked at 21,000 b/d in 1999, before declining in 2003.
On his part, David Bird, the chief executive officer (CEO) of the Dangote refinery, said the upstream assets could provide a more stable crude supply for the refinery.
“Alongside its upstream interests, the company is seeking to establish its own shipping presence to help reduce logistics costs and improve the reliability of its crude sourcing,” Bird said.
“Combined with WAEP’s indigenous production, Dangote-owned vessels could offer the refinery a fully integrated and attractive source of stable crude supply.”
He said the refinery will take delivery of the crude “if it makes sense”, noting that the company’s joint venture partners will be eager to realise maximum value for the barrels produced.
“Dangote has interests in upstream, we will continue to grow that, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it won’t be arms length at every phase,” he said.
The Dangote refinery and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) did not respond to enquiries on the development as of the time of filing this report.
Crude oil production could help close supply gaps, a major challenge that threatened the refinery’s operations when it came on stream.
On April 1, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited said it would allocate seven cargoes in May to Dangote refinery, an increase from the five allocated in previous months.
I was in your shoes from secondary school to university and even after graduating. Mine was Coca-Cola mostly. I just liked soft drinks. I was worried about the health effect. I started trying on my own but it wasn't working.
Until I met my wife. She helped me overcome the addiction.
Flutterwave denies knowledge of reported $75 million Nigerian government investment
Flutterwave has said it has no knowledge of a reported $75 million investment by Nigeria’s federal government, pushing back against local media reports that suggested the deal had been approved as part of the company’s path toward a public listing.
Earlier reports on Monday, including a now-deleted tweet from a special assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stated that the president had authorised an investment of $75 million in the payments company through the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MoFI). The reports also indicated that the startup was preparing to raise up to $250 million in an initial public offering.
In a statement to Techpoint Africa, a Flutterwave representative disputed both claims, describing the information as inaccurate.
“We’d like to clarify that the information circulating is inaccurate, including the reported $250 million figure,” the company said. “Flutterwave is not in any way close to an IPO, and they have made no announcements regarding a listing or fundraising tied to an IPO as described.”
The denial highlights the continued uncertainty surrounding one of Africa’s most closely watched potential listings. Valued at more than $3 billion at its last fundraising, Flutterwave has long been seen as a leading candidate for an African tech IPO, though timelines have repeatedly shifted amid changing market conditions and internal priorities.
Chief Executive Officer Olugbenga Agboola has previously indicated that while the company intends to go public eventually, its immediate focus is on strengthening internal systems and achieving operational maturity.
“Right now our goal is to be IPO-ready, ensuring we have the right corporate governance in place and that we are operating well,” Agboola said at the Semafor World Economy Summit 2024 without providing a timeline for a potential listing.
Flutterwave added that if it were to pursue an IPO, it would likely prioritise a domestic listing before considering international exchanges.
The company’s cautious tone marks a shift from earlier years, when it signalled more aggressive ambitions to go public. In 2021, Flutterwave raised $170 million in a funding round that cemented its position as one of Africa’s most valuable startups and fuelled speculation that a listing could follow within a few years.
Since then, global equity markets have become less receptive to high-growth technology listings, prompting many startups to delay IPO plans. Flutterwave has also faced regulatory scrutiny in some markets, reinforcing its emphasis on compliance, governance, and profitability ahead of any public debut.
While the company did not comment directly on its interactions with Nigerian authorities, the government has shown increasing interest in the country’s technology sector since Tinubu took office in 2023. Public backing of a high-profile fintech could signal confidence in Nigeria’s startup ecosystem and attract foreign investment at a time when the government is seeking to boost economic growth.
A successful Flutterwave listing would also be a milestone for Africa’s tech industry, which has produced few large-scale public offerings despite rapid growth over the past decade. For Nigeria, it could also represent a symbolic win, showcasing the country’s ability to nurture globally competitive technology firms.
For now, however, Flutterwave appears focused on internal readiness rather than near-term fundraising. Whether and when it ultimately taps public markets remains an open question.
Heartbroken Ex Husband Cries Over Ex Wife Who Ghosted Him After Years of Financial Support Abroad
Roby Ekpo tearfully describes on The Honest Bunch podcast how he financially supported his wife Mayowa Lambe for years after she relocated abroad, only for contact to cease since 2021 with no children from the marriage.
Mayowa Lambe got married to her 3rd husband last week.
Nigerian media personality, Roby Ekpo, has opened up about his 11-year marriage to his ex-wife, Mayowa Lambe Ekpo, which ended without children.
Ekpo spoke during a recent episode of The Honest Bunch podcast, where he shared details about the relationship and what led to its collapse.
Ekpo also alleged that he discovered she had been using contraceptives during their marriage.
“I am 48 years old, I don’t have a kid. I started going for sperm test despite being a Calabar man. I now got to find out that she was taking contraceptives,” he said.
According to him, he only recently became aware of a message his wife allegedly sent to someone, where she expressed dissatisfaction in the marriage.
In the message, she reportedly said that love had not benefited her, adding that her husband was not taking care of her as expected, not satisfying her sexually, and not supportive of her spiritual growth or general well-being.
He further spoke about a trip she made to Miami while they were still married.
“She traveled to Miami to do BBL after telling me she was going for surgery for something that would be able to make her conceive.”
❝If I had a kid out of wedlock, I would have been justified. Mayowa travelled abroad 6 years and for the small money I had, I was sending money to Mayowa everytime. Since 2021, I didn't see Mayowa again..❞
Politics › Nafiu Bala's House Not Set Ablaze — Police by nlfpmod(mod): 9:13pm On Apr 30
