Reports
Paris Club Refunds: Anxiety In States As Workers Await Payment
Serving and retired public servants in many states were still awaiting payment of their salary arrears/gratuities yesterday, four days after the release of N243.7billion to them of the second tranche of the Paris Club refund.
Some state governors are understood to be treading carefully to avoid a repeat of their confrontation with retirees and workers over the last disbursement.
They are opening the account books for labour leaders and other representatives to have an input in the spending pattern of the money, having realized that the allocations will not be enough to clear the accumulated salaries, gratuities, pensions and other entitlements.
Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State who got N4.7 billion as the state’s share has invited leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC),Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) to discuss the disbursement of the cash.
Also expected at the meeting are the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE).
Ahead of the talks, the governor’s media aide, Lere Olayinka, said the refund of N4.7 billion is N3 billion short of the total wage bill of state civil servants, local government workers and pensioners.
But the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state disagreed. It branded the planned meeting as “a worn-out tactic to fraudulently deny workers their salaries and con Ekiti people for selfish motives.”
“We are aware that after collecting the money, he has started calling another round of meetings brainwashing workers that N4.7b Paris Club refund will not be enough to pay one month salary barely a month after he confessed that the actual Ekiti monthly wage bill is N1.7b and several months after he consistently lied that the state’s wage bill was N2.6b,” APC Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatunbosun said.
“Since the Paris Club and bailout issues became major sources of the state finances, Fayose is no longer talking about the state’s monthly statutory allocations of N1.9b and another monthly N1.3b Budget Support Facility he has taken for 11 months but which he diverted to purposes through which he can make personal gains.”
However, Fayose’s Chief Press Secretary, Idowu Adelusi, described the allegation by the APC as mischief taken too far. He said the APC was blinded by partisan politics and argued that Fayose was the first governor in the country to go public with the state’s share of the fund.
Abia State Finance Commissioner, Obinna Oriaku, admitted that the N5.715 billion received by the state is not enough to clear all the salary arrears as promised by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu. Oriaku said Abia was expecting between N12 and N13 billion which the governor had ordered to be committed to the clearing of accumulated salaries.
The State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Uchenna Obigwe, said the N5.715 billion won’t “go far” and appealed to the federal government to “release more money to Abia State.
“If Abia gets about N20-N25 billion, I think that everybody will be okay in Abia State. All pension and arrears of gratuities would have been a thing of the past. You know that over 15 years gratuities have not been paid in Abia. So, you can see that it is enormous,” he said.
Obigwe said labour leaders in the state will meet the government to “determine how many months of salary that money can cover in paying the workers.”
Civil servants in Ondo however, told The Nation that they were still waiting to be alerted by the banks about payment of their salaries. A government source said payment would commence next week.
Ondo state got a refund of N7,003,648,314,28b. Of the sum, 32.68 per cent will be allocated to the local councils while the state government will retain 67.32 per cent as its own share. Seventy-five per cent of the state’s share will be spent on salaries and pensions and the balance of 25 per cent will be expended on capital projects.
The Cross River State government is yet to release the modalities for paying the workers which was one of the highlights of the agreement it reached with labour leaders to end the recent strike in the state.
The state chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, John Ushie, expects government to live up to its promise. He told The Nation that he expected government to use the money for workers’ salaries.
Finance Commissioner, Asuquo Ekpenyong Jr., did not specify when workers will be paid. He simply said as soon as possible. The non-utilization of the N11.3 billion first tranche of the refunds by the state government was partly responsible for the last workers’ strike.
In Enugu, government has set up a committee to ensure ‘proper utilization’ of the state’s refund. The committee comprises representatives of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), the NLC and other stakeholders.
Chairman of the state council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Virginia Nwobodo, expressed optimism that workers would get a fair deal.
“In Enugu we have no fears as far as Paris Club refund is concerned,” he said.
The Oyo State government yesterday confirmed receipt of a N7.9 billion refund. Finance Commissioner, Abimbola Adekanmbi, disclosed that a minimum of 60 per cent of the sum would be used to clear salary and pension arrears. He said payment would commence “as soon as possible.”
According to him, the state received the third tranche on Monday July 17. On the application protocol, the commissioner explained that over 60 per cent of the first tranche of N7.2 billion was used for salaries and pensions, 100 per cent of the second tranche of N5 billion was used for the same purpose, a decision he said was above the 50 per cent minimum prescribed by the Federal Government.
The leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Oyo State had on Thursday appealed to Governor Abiola Ajimobi to use 100 per cent of the latest refund for salaries and pension arrears.
The NLC chairman, Waheed Olojede, told The Nation yesterday that workers were expecting 100 per cent of the N7.9 billion refund to the state to be used for workers and pensioners’ unpaid arrears. Civil servants in the state are being owed for the months of April, May and June 2017.
“We have written a letter to the government demanding clearance of all outstanding salaries and pensions. We want the governor to fulfill his reported promise during Ramadan to use 100 per cent of the refund for salaries and pensions,” he said.
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(DDM) – A dramatic scene unfolded in Aku community, Imo State, as a family burial turned chaotic over allegations of financial settlement demands by the deceased’s first son.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the first son, identified as Uzoma Nwawere, reportedly blocked the burial of his late mother, insisting that his married sisters and their husbands must “settle” him before interment could proceed.
The incident occurred at the family compound where a large crowd gathered for the ceremony, only for the event to descend into confusion.
Eyewitnesses said Uzoma argued that his late mother and sisters had allegedly disrespected him while she was alive, depriving him of the recognition traditionally accorded to a first son.
A retired police officer at the scene narrated in Igbo that the deceased’s husband, Godwin Nwawere, had passed away earlier, leaving behind Uzoma as the first son and several daughters now married into different families.
The officer alleged that Uzoma had lived in the family compound for years, claiming he was left to fend for himself “on credit” while his sisters enjoyed better treatment.
He accused the daughters of conspiring with their late mother to undermine Uzoma’s status as heir to the family property, a situation that allegedly fueled tensions even before her death.
Reports indicated that Uzoma insisted the burial could not hold in the family compound, which he now claims as inheritance, unless his in-laws complied with his demands for settlement.
A viral video from the scene showed mourners and family members exchanging heated words near a freshly dug grave as light rain drizzled over the area.
In the footage, relatives and sympathizers were seen pleading with Uzoma to allow the burial to proceed, but he reportedly stood his ground.
The argument quickly attracted onlookers, causing embarrassment for the family and disrupting what was expected to be a solemn ceremony.
Cultural analysts say disputes over inheritance and burial rites are common in parts of Igbo land, particularly when tensions exist between sons and married daughters.
They note that first sons traditionally hold significant authority in family affairs, including burial decisions, but such authority can spark conflicts when perceived to be misused.
Social media reactions to the incident have been mixed, with some condemning Uzoma’s action as insensitive, while others argue that cultural norms were ignored by the deceased’s daughters.
As of press time, it was unclear whether the burial was eventually completed or postponed, as efforts to reach the family for clarification were unsuccessful.
(DDM) – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed the arrest of thirty-six suspected internet fraudsters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the operation was carried out by operatives of the Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the anti-graft agency.
The sting operation reportedly took place on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at various locations within Port Harcourt.
According to EFCC officials, the arrests followed credible intelligence linking the suspects to widespread internet-related fraud.
Authorities disclosed that the crackdown was part of ongoing efforts to curb cybercrime in Nigeria’s southern region.
Recovered items from the suspects included exotic vehicles, a Q-link motorcycle, and several high-end mobile phones.
Laptop computers reportedly containing incriminating documents were also seized during the coordinated raid.
EFCC stated that investigations are ongoing to determine the scale of the fraudulent activities uncovered.
The suspects are expected to face charges in court as soon as preliminary investigations are concluded.
The anti-graft commission maintained that no one would be spared in its fight against cybercrime and financial malfeasance.
Background of EFCC’s operations
The EFCC has intensified its clampdown on internet fraud across Nigeria in recent years.
In 2024, the agency recorded multiple arrests in Lagos, Abuja, and Benin City as part of its cybercrime crackdown.
Cybercrime, popularly called “Yahoo Yahoo” in Nigeria, has continued to tarnish the nation’s international image.
According to law enforcement data, billions of naira are lost annually to internet scams originating from Nigeria.
Experts link the rise of internet fraud to unemployment, economic hardship, and greed among youths.
EFCC has repeatedly urged young Nigerians to explore legitimate sources of income rather than resort to fraudulent schemes.
Port Harcourt under spotlight
Port Harcourt, a major commercial hub in the Niger Delta, has seen a surge in cybercrime activities in recent years.
Authorities believe the city’s thriving nightlife and influx of oil wealth make it a hotspot for fraud syndicates.
Previous raids in 2023 and 2024 led to the arrest of over 150 suspects, with many facing prosecution.
The EFCC warned that more sting operations would follow as part of its ongoing anti-fraud campaign.
Conclusion
The latest arrests signal a renewed drive by the EFCC to dismantle cybercrime networks across Nigeria.
The agency has promised to release further updates as investigations progress and suspects face legal proceedings.
News
Anambra Govt Arrests, Beats Up 18 Journalists Monitoring Senatorial Bye-Election
By Chuks Collins, Awka
The Anambra State Government has reportedly arrested eighteen journalists, who were touring electoral Wards and communities of the 7 Councils that made up the Anambra South senatorial zone where the bye-elections were held on Saturday, August 16, 2025.
Our correspondent reported that the journalists were arrested and detained at gunpoint by the operatives of the Anambra State Vigilante Service, generally known as Udo-Gachi.
The journalists had gone to Nnewi, in Nnewi North, as well as Ukpor, Osumenyi, Ezinifite, Amichi and other communities in Nnewi South LGA of the State to monitor proceedings in the bye-elections.
The journalists, it was learnt, were rushing after the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship flag bearer, Prince Nicholas Ukachukwu, for his remarks on the day’s process after covering the day’s proceedings.
At a spot, described as Eke Orsumenyi, they were jolted when their vehicle was forcefully stopped.
They were, thereafter, detained for more than three hours, allegedly on the orders of the State ‘s Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Gilbert Ibezim, according to the security operatives.
“Journalists are the problem of Nigeria, they write whatever they like and deceive the people.
“We will deal with you people today,” an overzealous Udogachi operative threatened the journalists.
Some of the journalists and their cameramen were arrested and detained by the vigilante goons.
The journalists include correspondents of The Guardian, Daily Independent, Authority Newspaper, Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS) Arise TV, TVC, National Vision and National Daily newspapers.
The leader of the over one hundred vigilante operatives who kept surging in with about 20 vehicles said that the arrest was on the instruction of the Anambra State Deputy Governor.
As the altercations continued, the Deputy Governor, in company of Nnewi South LGA Mayor, arrived the scene and ordered a thorough search of the media practitioners.
Information of the development later got to the APC gubernatorial candidate in the November 8 Anambra State governorship election.
Prince Ukachukwu quickly arrived the scene and ensured that the detained journalists were released, insisting that they we’re merely doing their normal civic duties.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the collation of the bye-election in the seven local government areas that constitute the Anambra South senatorial zone.
(DDM) – Popular Nollywood actor Segun Remi, widely known by his stage name Chief Kanran, has passed away at the age of 72.
The news of his death was confirmed by celebrity journalist Seun Oloketuyi in an Instagram post on Friday morning, though details surrounding the cause of his passing have yet to be disclosed.
Chief Kanran was a celebrated figure in the Yoruba film industry, known for his distinctive style, sharp humor, and commanding presence that endeared him to audiences over several decades.
He was recognized for his memorable performances in numerous stage plays and films, often portraying authoritative and affluent characters, and was considered a household name in Nigerian cinema.
Segun Remi began his career in the arts in the mid-1970s and gained popularity with notable roles in Ola Rotimi’s play “Kurunmi,” and the Lagos Television drama “Aláàfin Kanran” in 1988.
His extensive filmography includes several acclaimed Yoruba films such as “Vigilante,” “Ose-Sango,” “Eri Okan,” “Itunnu,” and “Orire,” among others.
Despite his success, Chief Kanran faced significant personal challenges, including devastating fire incidents that destroyed his home, studio, and equipment, which left him struggling and at one point homeless.
His contributions to Nollywood have been widely celebrated, with colleagues and fans mourning the loss of a veteran actor who left an indelible mark on the Nigerian entertainment industry.
This news comes as the Nollywood community recently mourned other actors, adding to the list of notable film personalities who have passed away this year.
Chief Kanran’s legacy as a pioneer and beloved actor will continue to be remembered by fans and the wider film fraternity.
In a major crackdown on cybercrime, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured the convictions of three internet fraudsters following a sweeping operation at a hotel located within the precincts of the former President Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) complex in Abeokuta.
The operation, which initially saw 93 suspects apprehended, has shone a spotlight on the rising tide of cybercriminal activities in high-profile Nigerian locations, underscoring the agency’s commitment to combating financial crimes in the country’s digital age.
The suspects, Isaac Akinwale, Ibrahim Azeez Olatunji, and Habeeb Oladipupo Oshundairo, pleaded guilty to an array of charges linked to false pretence, identity theft, and illicit acquisition of funds, contravening provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 and the EFCC Act, 2004.
Presiding over the proceedings as a vacation judge, Justice Dehinde Dipeolu handed down measured sentences designed both as punishment and deterrence, reflecting the seriousness with which the judiciary views such offences.
EFCC operative Umar Shuaibu revealed that Isaac Akinwale operated a celebrity scam on WhatsApp under female pseudonyms, defrauding a victim of $500.
The court accepted multiple exhibits tendered by prosecution counsel Franklin Ofoma, including a 2007 Toyota Camry, a Samsung Galaxy smartphone, and a N400,000 bank draft, as proceeds and instruments of crime.
Justice Dipeolu sentenced Akinwale to three months imprisonment or an alternative fine of N1million.
Olatunji, convicted for running a romance scam, was sentenced to one month imprisonment or a N500,000 fine.
Oshundairo, who posed as an expert in service certificates and tax preparation through a fraudulent Gmail account, was ordered to perform 30 days community service.
His punishment is publicly symbolic: he must carry a banner with the cautionary message, “Cybercrime Does Not Pay. Stay Away from Cybercrime”.
In a notable twist, fourth defendant Onunoye Fawas Olamilekan entered a not guilty plea to charges of impersonating a nurse on Facebook and controlling $50 acquired via fraudulent transactions.
His counsel disputed the validity of the charges under the Cybercrimes Act, prompting the court to remand him at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre pending further trial in October 2025.
The EFCC had flagged a total of 23 suspects for arraignment, but only four were accommodated by the court during its session, indicating broadening investigations and prosecutions may follow.
This operation marks one of the EFCC’s largest anti-fraud sweeps from a single Nigerian location in recent memory.
The prominence of the Obasanjo Presidential Library as the scene of the arrests dramatically heightened public awareness, raising questions about the security and due diligence in hospitality establishments across the country.
Nigerian authorities continue to escalate efforts against cybercriminals, aiming to assert the rule of law over digital spaces.
The EFCC, empowered by the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act and other statutes, urges citizens to remain vigilant online and to report suspicious activities.
With growing internet adoption in Nigeria, law enforcement faces an evolving battle against increasingly sophisticated scams, making deterrent convictions like these a critical step in restoring confidence in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
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