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COURT GRANTS SIRIKA, DAUGHTER, OTHERS N100M BAIL

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Justice Sylvanus of a Federal Capital Territory High Court has granted bail to the immediate past Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika; his daughter Fatima, and others in the sum of N100m each.

The court also ordered the accused persons to produce two sureties each.

According to the court, the accused should be remanded in prison, if they fail to meet the bail conditions.

Sirika was arraigned on a 6-count amended criminal charge before the court.

Before plea taking, the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Jacobs SAN, informed the court of an amended charge by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) dated May 7, and filed on May 8, which was not opposed by Counsel to the defendants.

After the charge was read and the defendants had pleaded not guilty, Jacobs urged the court for expeditious hearing of the case.

At this juncture, Kanu Agabi SAN, counsel for Sirika (1st defendant) informed the court of his client’s bail application dated May 6.

All the defendants moved their bail applications, and asked the court to be liberal in the bail conditions.

Interjecting, Jacobs told the Court that all the defendants are on administrative bail and urged the court to grant bail on the condition that will make them appear for their trials.

In his ruling on the bail application, Justice Oriji granted bail to each of the defendants in the sum of 100m with two sureties each.

The court held that the sureties must own landed property within the FCT with valid land titles.

Also, the sureties must depose to an affidavit of means.

The Court also restricted the defendants from traveling abroad without its permission.

Trial has been fixed for 10, 11 and 20 June.

The EFCC dragged the former minister and others before the court for alleged fraud and abuse of office.

The ex-minister and others are facing a six-count amended charge to the tune of N4.135b.

The third defendant arraigned alongside Sirika and his daughter, is his son-in-law, Jalal Sule Hamma.

Al-Duraq Investment Limited is also a defendant in the case.

The accused persons all pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

EVENTS

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu Meets Tallest Man in the Emirates at Abu Dhabi Hotel.

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Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu Meets Tallest Man in the Emirates at Abu Dhabi Hotel.

 

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, captured public attention on Friday, 14th November 2025, after sharing a remarkable encounter on her official Instagram account. In a post that quickly attracted praise and curiosity, the Minister revealed that she met the man widely regarded as the tallest in the Emirates during her visit to a hotel in Abu Dhabi.

According to her Instagram update, Ojukwu described the meeting as an exciting and memorable cultural experience. She noted that the encounter highlighted the beauty of human diversity and the importance of building meaningful connections across borders.

The Minister also expressed admiration for her host’s towering height and warm personality, sharing photos of their friendly exchange inside the elegant hotel lobby.

Ojukwu used the moment to underline the role of personal interactions in strengthening diplomatic ties. She stated that diplomacy goes beyond official meetings and often flourishes through genuine human engagements that promote unity, respect and cultural understanding.

The Minister’s visit to Abu Dhabi continues her series of engagements aimed at promoting Nigeria’s global visibility and fostering stronger international partnerships.

 

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EZE OBI EJESHI MARKS INAUGURAL UGU-UZO EMEKUKU CULTURAL CARNIVAL 2025

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The indigenes of Emekuku Ancient Kingdom in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State are set to celebrate the inaugural edition of the “Ugu-Uzo” Cultural Carnival 2025 — a festival designed to promote unity, culture, and community spirit among the people of Emekuku.

The event is being held under the distinguished leadership of His Royal Majesty, Eze Obi Ejeshi KSM, JP, the Ezeukwu IV of Emekuku Ancient Kingdom, whose reign has brought renewed peace, progress and cohesion, even as the Monarch used the occasion of his granting this interview on behalf of him being the Eze-in-Council, Nde Oha, and the members of the 2025 planning committee extends his warm welcome to the general public.

Speaking with our correspondent, Eze Obi Ejeshi revealed that the Ugu-Uzo Cultural Carnival officially commenced on November 8, 2025, with the traditional rites performed by the Chief Priest at Nkwo Emeke Square. This spiritual exercise, he said, is an integral part of Emekuku’s heritage and serves as the foundation for the celebrations that follow.

According to the Royal Father, the main highlights of the festival include a grand cultural parade organized by the various age grades within the community. Each age grade is expected to showcase its unique cultural dance patterns, attire, and canopy decorations, reflecting the rich diversity and traditions of Emekuku.

In addition, the Monarch announced that the carnival will feature a cooking contest aimed at promoting indigenous cuisine. Participating age grades will prepare local delicacies on-site under time-bound conditions, with prizes awarded to the most skillfully and tastefully prepared traditional dishes. This innovative addition, he noted, will not only entertain but also help preserve the culinary heritage of Emekuku. Other major attractions of the carnival include the traditional renditions by the people and her march-past.

Dignitaries expected to grace the occasion include top government functionaries such as the Honourable Commissioner for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Traditional Rulers from other Communities, members of the clergy, community leaders and distinguished guests from across Nigeria and beyond.

The Ugu-Uzo Cultural Carnival 2025 promises to be a colourful celebration of Emekuku’s cultural identity, fostering unity, and strengthening the bond among its people under the visionary leadership of Eze Obi Ejeshi, the Ezeukwu IV of Emekuku Ancient Kingdom.

Report by Fredrick Njoku

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Obasanjo Seen Dancing With Gov. Makinde At Bus Terminal Unveiling (Video)

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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo drew attention on Wednesday as he danced and warmly sang for Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde during the inauguration of the newly completed Ibadan Central Bus Terminal at Iwo Road.

In a viral video from the event, Obasanjo referred to Makinde as “my beloved child,” drawing applause from the crowd in a display that reflected their close mentor–protégé relationship.

The former president was the special guest of honour at the inauguration which marked the formal opening of one of Oyo State’s flagship transport infrastructure projects.

Unveiling a commemorative plaque to inaugurate the terminal, Obasanjo commended Makinde and the people of Oyo State for their sustained commitment to infrastructural development.

 

“This project is not just about transportation; it’s about improving lives, boosting commerce, and promoting order in our cities,” Obasanjo said.

In his remarks, Makinde said the Ibadan Central Bus Terminal represents his administration’s resolve to build a modern, sustainable, and efficient transport system that will enhance mobility within and beyond the state.

“We are creating a system where transportation is safe, reliable, and coordinated.

“This terminal is part of our integrated transport master plan for Oyo State,” Makinde stated.

Located in the Challenge area of Ibadan, the terminal is one of four modern bus terminals constructed across the state.

It features spacious waiting areas, ticketing sections, electronic information systems, and enhanced security infrastructure.

Dignitaries at the event included top government officials, traditional rulers, and representatives of transport unions, who commended the Makinde administration for transforming the state’s transport network.

The inauguration marks another milestone in Oyo State’s ongoing drive toward modern infrastructure and urban renewal under Makinde’s leadership.

See the video of the event below:

 

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