NEWS
Alleged N785m fraud: Court orders arrest of Imo state Deputy Speaker, Iwuanyanwu
Following his alleged involvement in a N785million fraud, the Federal High Court in Abuja issued an arrest warrant for Hon. Amarachi Iwuanyanwu, the deputy speaker of the Imo state House of Assembly, on Friday.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, the Nigeria Police, the Department of Statistic Services, the Nigerian Immigration Services, and Interpol were ordered by the court in a ruling delivered by Justice Inyang Ekwo to immediately arrest the lawmaker “anywhere he is sighted in Nigeria or outside Nigeria and produce him before this honorable court or to the EFCC headquarters, Abuja.”
The EFCC filed an ex-parte motion with the court on November 14 through its attorney, Mr. Olanrewaju Adeola, which led to the court ordering Iwuanyawu’s detention.
The EFCC informed the court that it received information that the legislator had since fled the nation and was currently hiding in the United States of America, USA, in the application with the file number FHC/ABJ/CS/2124/2024.
It informed the court that the Respondent declined to show up to answer a petition filed against him and his business, Sun Gold Estate Limited.
The EFCC claims that Hakiz Investment Company Limited entered into a Memorandum of Understanding, or MoU, with Iwuanyawu’s company at some point in 2012 to develop an estate with 14 units of four-bedroom terrace homes and one block of six flats on the petitioner’s land in Mabuchi, Abuja. The petition was signed by the company’s lawyer, Mr. A. A. Malik, SAN, and was addressed to the EFCC’s Chairman.
It informed the court that the terms of the agreement were as follows: Upon Respondent’s completion of the estate, the complainant—who is the landowner—would receive 40% of the building, and Respondent—who is the developer—would receive 60% of the building.
However, the anti-graft agency alleged that its investigations revealed that “upon completion of the estate, the Respondent sold all the buildings and criminally diverted the funds without the knowledge of the Complainant”.
“That the market value of 40% of the buildings is about N785million.
“That investigation is still ongoing and all invitations extended to both Iwuanyanwu and his company proved abortive.
“That a lawyer to the Respondent had on one of the occasions, received a copy of the invitation on his behalf and made promises that he would be available for questioning.
“That there is an intelligence report that the Respondent is in the USA.
“That without the suspect being apprehended or voluntarily coming to state their side of the story, the investigation will be incomplete.
“That in the light of the calculated effort by the suspect to remain evasive, there is need to place the suspect on watch list of the Commission, the police and any other law enforcement”, EFCC averred in an affidavit that was deposed to by one of its officials, Ufuoma Ezire.
According to the EFCC, the court should issue an arrest warrant for the Respondent in the interest of justice.
It used section 35(1)(c) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, sections 3, 37, and 39(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, as well as sections 6, 7, 13, and 41 of the EFCC (Establishment Act), to support the request for an arrest warrant to be issued against the Respondent.
The Commission testified before the court that it has since sent letters outlining its investigation operations to the Corporate Affairs Commission, banks, and other pertinent organizations.
Meanwhile, in his ruling, Justice Ekwo held that there was merit in the ex-parte application and accordingly granted it.
Specifically, the court, made an order: “Issuing a warrant of arrest against Hon. Amarachi Iwuanyanwu.
Justice Ekwo adjourned the matter till February 23 for report.
NEWS
Dangote Preaches Ambition, Africa First to Nigerian Creatives
President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has challenged Nigerian entrepreneurs and creative industry practitioners to think beyond conventional limits, build globally competitive enterprises and create enduring legacies, declaring that Africa must take responsibility for its own economic transformation rather than depend on foreign investors for prosperity.
Dangote gave the charge while hosting leading figures from Nigeria’s creative industry at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals complex in Lekki, Lagos, where he also disclosed that the Group was considering raising its US$100 billion Vision 2030 target in response to its expanding industrial investments and growth ambitions. The delegation, comprising Nollywood stars, content creators, comedians and other entertainment and lifestyle personalities, toured the industrial complex before engaging Dangote in a conversation on entrepreneurship, innovation, ambition, and legacy.
Addressing the creatives, Dangote urged Nigerians to match their creativity and entrepreneurial drive with discipline, perseverance and the courage to pursue ambitious projects, stressing that lasting success should be measured not merely by personal wealth but by the businesses built, opportunities created and contributions made to society.
“It is not just about money; it is about legacy. We have often been taken for granted, and in many ways, we have contributed to that by waiting for foreigners to come and make our continent prosperous. That will never happen. We must take responsibility for building Africa’s prosperity ourselves,” he declared.
READ ALSO: Renaissance, Sterling Bank Back Indigenous Oil and Gas Contractors Financially
Speaking on the Group’s long-term ambitions, Dangote revealed that its US$100 billion Vision 2030 target was being reconsidered, with a more ambitious target expected to be unveiled in January.
“We realised that our Vision 2030 target was too modest. We are working towards unveiling a new vision in January, with a revised target that reflects our ambition to achieve far more than US$100 billion,” he said.
He explained that the Group’s continued industrial expansion was driven by a determination to build enduring institutions, strengthen Africa’s productive capacity and demonstrate that the continent could develop enterprises capable of competing globally. Drawing lessons from Singapore’s economic transformation, Dangote said nations could overcome difficult beginnings through deliberate investment, enterprise and a commitment to developing their own capabilities. He challenged Nigerian entrepreneurs to reject limiting assumptions about what could be achieved, noting that transformative accomplishments often required the courage to pursue ideas others considered impossible.
Reflecting on his entrepreneurial journey and the development of the refinery, Dangote identified perseverance, disciplined execution and sound judgement as essential ingredients of business success. He cautioned, however, that ambition must be tempered by the ability to recognise when an investment was no longer commercially viable.
“Before embarking on any venture, you must carefully consider all the issues involved. We have made mistakes too, and I share these experiences so others can learn from them,” he said. “One important lesson is never to keep putting good money into a bad investment. Some situations are simply too difficult to turn around, no matter how much you invest.”
Turning to the creative industry, Dangote commended Nigerian entertainers for building a formidable international presence despite operating in a challenging business environment and receiving limited government support. He described Nollywood’s growing global influence as evidence of Nigeria’s creative potential, urging practitioners to build on their achievements through stronger business structures, innovation and collaboration. According to him, the industry’s next phase of growth should go beyond international recognition to building sustainable enterprises, creating employment and strengthening Nigeria’s position in the global creative economy.
Veteran Nollywood actor Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), who moderated the interactive session, praised Dangote’s accomplishments, describing his industrial investments as an enduring contribution to Nigeria’s development.
“Your legacy has already been built, and its continuation is assured. You deserve all the praise and recognition you have received for what you have accomplished,” RMD said.
Nollywood actor Abdullateef Adedimeji described the visit as an inspiration, saying the scale of the refinery had challenged him to raise his ambitions and pursue greater accomplishments in the creative industry.
“Coming here today is a source of motivation for us. As someone in the film industry, this experience inspires me to push beyond my limits, broaden my imagination and strive for greater achievements, including making a more meaningful impact in my community,” he said.
Adedimeji also called for greater collaboration among Nollywood practitioners, drawing lessons from the coordination and partnerships underpinning Dangote’s industrial operations.
“That is what we need in Nollywood. The more we collaborate, the stronger and more successful we become,” he said.
NEWS
Protest Against Oil Company’s Vessel in Rivers Takes 10 Lives
No fewer than 10 people are feared dead after a protest against a vessel belonging to an indigenous oil company turned tragic at Kula community in Rivers State, following an alleged collision involving a community boat and a Nigerian Army gunboat.
The incident reportedly occurred on Tuesday morning when members of the community took to the water in a boat to protest against the oil company’s vessel.
A community leader, Chief Anabs Sara-Igbe, disclosed this in a telephone interview with journalists in Port Harcourt.
Sara-Igbe, a former spokesman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), alleged that a gunboat belonging to the Nigerian Army hit the protesters’ boat, causing some of its occupants to drown.
READ ALSO: Renaissance, Sterling Bank Back Indigenous Oil and Gas Contractors Financially
He said efforts were ongoing to recover the remains of those who drowned during the incident.
The circumstances that led to the protest, the identities of the victims and the precise sequence of events surrounding the alleged collision were not immediately clear.
The Nigerian Army’s response to the allegation was also not immediately available as of the time of filing this report.
NEWS
FRSC Warns Drivers After Brake Failure Kills Two in Kano Crash
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kano Sector Command, has confirmed the death of two persons in a road crash involving a fully loaded tipper truck and a Mercedes-Benz car along the Kano-Zaria Road at Dangi Underpass.
The fatal crash occurred on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, and involved a Howo tipper truck with registration number RMG 332 XA, loaded with bitumen, and a Mercedes-Benz C180 with registration number ABJ 783 GB.
According to a statement signed by the FRSC Kano Sector Public Education Officer, Abdullahi Labaran, four male adults were involved in the crash, with two confirmed dead.
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Preliminary reports indicated that the crash was caused by brake failure in the loaded tipper truck, resulting in the driver losing control of the vehicle.
The truck reportedly slid backwards and collided with the Mercedes-Benz behind it, leading to the fatal incident.
FRSC rescue personnel and other emergency responders evacuated the victims to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital for medical attention.
Reacting to the incident, the Kano Sector Commander, Corps Commander Idris Mohammed Lawal, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the repose of their souls.
Lawal also urged the affected families to find the strength to bear the loss.
The Sector Commander warned motorists, transport unions, construction companies and fleet operators against neglecting regular vehicle maintenance, particularly the inspection and servicing of critical components such as braking systems and tyres.
He emphasised the importance of defensive driving, urging motorists to maintain safe following distances, remain alert to changing road conditions and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on journeys.
Lawal stressed that regular vehicle maintenance, responsible driving and strict compliance with road safety regulations remain essential to preventing avoidable road crashes and saving lives.





