Author: Dodo Elias Denen

Chairman of Fidelity Bank Plc, Mrs. Amaka Onwughalu, has been honoured as Woman of the Year at the 5th Edition of the Anambra Man of the Year Awards (AMTY) in recognition of her outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s banking industry, corporate governance, leadership and service to society.

The award ceremony, held at the Stanel Dome Conference Centre, Awka, Anambra State brought together distinguished business leaders, academics, captains of industry and public figures to celebrate individuals and institutions whose achievements continue to shape business, governance, academia, public service and community development. The event was chaired by Prof. Joe Ezigbo, Founder of Falcon Corporation, while Prof. Bond Anyaehie, Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, delivered the keynote address themed, “Unstoppable Anambra, Leveraging Human Capital for Global Impact.”

Mrs. Onwughalu, who was appointed Chairman of the Board of Fidelity Bank effective January 1, 2026, joined the bank’s Board in December 2020. She has over 32 years of experience in financial services and has held senior leadership positions across leading institutions, including serving as Group Managing Director of legacy Mainstreet Bank Limited and Deputy Managing Director of Skye Bank Plc.

In her acceptance speech, she described the honour as deeply meaningful, noting that the recognition reinforced the values that have shaped her journey.

“I have been privileged to receive several honours over the course of my career. However, to be recognised by my home state makes this award especially meaningful. It reminds me of the values that have guided my journey such as integrity, resilience, service and excellence,” she said.

She dedicated the award to the mentors, colleagues, teams and institutions that have supported her career, adding that leadership is built on trust, shared responsibility and collective commitment.

“I am especially grateful to the Board, Management and staff of Fidelity Bank Plc. It is a privilege to serve as Chairman of a bank that continues to place strong governance, customer focus and sustainable growth at the heart of its operations,” she added.

Mrs. Onwughalu also expressed hope that the recognition would inspire more young people, especially young women, to pursue their dreams with courage, discipline and confidence.

Other awardees at the ceremony included High Chief Anthony Ikenna Obele, Chairman of Mekens Integrated Nigeria Ltd, who was named Business Icon of the Year, and Most Rev. Dr. Valerian Maduka Okeke, Metropolitan Archbishop of Onitsha, who received the Person of the Decade Award.

Also recognised were Dr. Chioma Irene Awuzie, Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Oko, who was named Public Servant of the Year, Prof. Stella Okunna, who received a Lifetime Achievement Award, Joy Egolum, Corporate Affairs Manager, East, Nigerian Breweries Plc, who was honoured as Corporate Leader of the Year, and Chinyere Moneme, SAN, who was named Inspiring Woman of the Year.

In his remarks, Prof. Ezigbo described the AMTY Awards as society’s acknowledgement that excellence, character and service matter, adding that celebrating people while they are alive helps encourage them to continue doing good and inspires others to follow their example.

The Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base (FOB) Badagry has intensified its crackdown on cross border crimes, recording fresh operational gains against smugglers and human traffickers operating along Nigeria’s western waterways and land borders.

The Base disclosed that intelligence driven operations conducted across the Badagry Porto Novo Creek and adjoining land corridors led to the interception of large quantities of smuggled goods, the seizure of vehicles used for illegal activities and the rescue of victims of human trafficking.

According to the Commanding Officer of FOB Badagry, Navy Captain SKM Kabir, the operations reflect the Nigerian Navy’s renewed determination to strengthen border security, combat economic sabotage and protect vulnerable persons within its Area of Operations.

One of the major breakthroughs was the interception of 529 bags of foreign parboiled rice suspected to have been smuggled into Nigeria through illegal routes along the Badagry waterways.

In line with established procedures, the Navy handed over the seized rice to the Nigeria Customs Service on Monday. Of the total quantity, 420 bags were transferred to the Seme Area Command, while another 109 bags were delivered to the Western Marine Command at the Base Jetty.

The Base also recorded another success during operations targeting fuel smuggling networks. Personnel intercepted Premium Motor Spirit allegedly being moved across the border illegally and confiscated three vehicles linked to the operation.

The seized items, comprising the three vehicles, 51 gallons of Premium Motor Spirit and 11 empty gallons, were officially handed over on Tuesday to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Badagry Command, for further investigation and necessary action.

In a separate operation, the Navy disrupted a suspected human trafficking network and rescued two victims within its operational area. The victims were subsequently taken to the Western Naval Command Maritime Crime Investigation Desk for documentation and biometric capture in accordance with national procedures.

Following the documentation process, the rescued victims were transferred to officials of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, Ikeja Office, for rehabilitation and further investigation in line with the Harmonised Standard Operating Procedures on human trafficking cases.

Captain Kabir said the successful operations demonstrate the Nigerian Navy’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain through effective inter agency collaboration. He reaffirmed that FOB Badagry would sustain intelligence driven operations against smugglers, traffickers and other criminal elements while urging members of the public to provide credible information to support national security efforts.

Fidelity Bank Plc, has sponsored the 2026 Young Innovators Camp, a free educational initiative organized by MONAT to equip children with practical Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) skills needed to grow, thrive and prosper in a rapidly evolving world.

The camp, which is scheduled to commence on 20 July 2026, will provide participating children with a hands-on learning experience focused on creativity, innovation, problem solving and critical thinking.

Through the programme, children will be introduced to age-appropriate STEM concepts, guided build sessions and other engaging activities designed to stimulate curiosity and encourage practical learning. The camp will also feature small group learning with facilitators, financial literacy sessions, creative activities, and other interactive experiences that support confidence building among participants.

Speaking on the partnership, Dr. Meksley Nwagboh, Divisional Head, Brand and Communications, Fidelity Bank Plc, said, “The future will be shaped by those who can solve problems, think creatively, and harness technology to improve lives. At Fidelity Bank, we believe these abilities should be nurtured from an early age. Through the Young Innovators Camp, we are giving children the opportunity to explore science, technology, engineering and mathematics in a fun, practical and engaging way that inspires curiosity, builds confidence, and encourages innovation. We want every child who participates to leave believing that they have the potential not just to succeed in the future, but to help create it.”

He added, “As a bank committed to helping people grow, thrive and prosper, we see education, particularly STEM education as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future. Today’s young innovators will become tomorrow’s engineers, scientists, entrepreneurs, inventors and technology leaders. By partnering with Monat, we are investing in a generation equipped with the skills, mindset and confidence to solve real-world challenges, create opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to national development. This is more than a summer camp; it is about unlocking potential and inspiring the next generation of innovators.”

The Young Innovators Camp reinforces Fidelity Bank’s ongoing investment in initiatives that prepare children and young people for the future. It builds on the Bank’s education focused interventions, including initiatives such as SWEETA, which supports children, and the Bank’s broader CSR agenda, which prioritises youth empowerment, education, skills development and access to opportunities that can improve long term outcomes for individuals and communities.

Every participant will also receive a specially curated gift pack filled with educational resources and STEM learning materials to encourage continued exploration and learning at home, making the camp both a memorable and transformative experience. Participation in the Young Innovators Camp is free and interested parents and guardians are encouraged to sign up their wards aged 4-10 years old for a chance to join the programme by visiting https://monatng.com/event/young-innovators-camp/ .

The Ilorin Emirate Integrity Youth Vanguard (IEIYV) has condemned what it described as persistent and unsubstantiated public attacks by social media activist, VeryDarkMan (VDM), against Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Olohudare Moshood Jimoh over the Ajiran murder case, insisting that any allegation must be pursued through lawful channels rather than social media campaigns.

In a statement signed by the National President of IEIYV, Mallam Alaburo Abdulsalam Sherif, the association, operating under the leadership and royal guidance of His Royal Highness, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, CFR, expressed confidence in the integrity and professionalism of AIG Olohudare Moshood Jimoh, describing him as a distinguished officer with an established record of dedication, justice and exemplary service.

The group acknowledged the role of VeryDarkMan (VDM) and other civil society advocates in promoting justice and accountability but maintained that allegations of criminal conduct should be backed by credible evidence and presented before the appropriate investigative and judicial authorities instead of being litigated on social media.

According to the association, while public participation in the pursuit of justice is important, the rule of law must remain the guiding principle in every democratic society, warning that media trials and online campaigns could undermine confidence in the nation’s justice system.

Speaking on behalf of the association, Mallam Alaburo Abdulsalam Sherif described the sustained public criticism directed at AIG Jimoh as unfair and capable of damaging the reputation of what he called an accomplished son of the Ilorin Emirate. He cautioned against politicising or sensationalising a matter that should be left to competent investigative and judicial institutions.

The group called on VeryDarkMan and other concerned parties to refrain from actions capable of eroding public trust in the justice system, stressing that anyone in possession of credible evidence against AIG Olohudare Moshood Jimoh should submit such evidence to the appropriate security agencies or the courts for impartial investigation and adjudication.

IEIYV further reiterated that justice cannot be achieved through intimidation, social media campaigns or unsubstantiated allegations, emphasizing that fairness, due process and respect for the rule of law must remain paramount.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to promoting justice, truth and responsible civic engagement while pledging continued support for law-abiding citizens working to preserve peace, unity and the dignity of the Ilorin Emirate and Nigeria as a whole.

A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Peter Akpanke, is facing fresh scrutiny after an Abuja-based travel agency petitioned the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over an alleged unpaid travel debt of N19.15 million.

The petition, submitted by the solicitors to Havilah Global Travels Limited, accused the lawmaker representing Obudu/Bekwarra/Obanliku Federal Constituency of failing to settle outstanding payments for international and domestic flight tickets despite repeated demands.

According to the petition, Akpanke engaged the travel agency on January 16, 2026, to procure three Business Class airline tickets to Rome for himself and two associates. The agency claimed it financed the bookings on his instruction, with the initial cost standing at N24.48 million.

The solicitor further alleged that while the delegation was in Rome, the lawmaker requested the reissuance of tickets for two companions at an additional cost of N5.79 million. A subsequent request to reissue another ticket for a different passenger reportedly added N1.52 million to the travel bill.

The agency maintained that the total value of the international travel arrangements subsequently rose to about N31 million, following the additional requests.

Havilah Global Travels acknowledged receiving part payments from the federal lawmaker, stating that N10 million was paid before the trip, while another N4 million was remitted after the delegation returned from Italy, bringing the total payment to N14 million.

The petitioner claimed the outstanding balance on the international tickets stood at N17.79 million, adding that the agency later purchased a domestic airline ticket worth N1.36 million, which also remains unpaid.

Based on the two outstanding obligations, the travel firm put Akpanke’s total indebtedness at N19,154,468 and urged the ICPC to investigate the matter and ensure justice is served.

The solicitors stated that several attempts to recover the money through demands and engagements failed, prompting the decision to seek the intervention of the anti-corruption agency.

Reacting to the allegations, Akpanke rejected claims that he owes N19.15 million, insisting that although he has an outstanding balance with the company, the amount being circulated is exaggerated and inaccurate.

The lawmaker questioned why details of the petition surfaced in the media while the matter was already before the ICPC, describing the development as politically motivated and suggesting there was an attempt to tarnish his public image.

Akpanke argued that commercial credit transactions are common in business relationships, maintaining that purchasing airline tickets on credit is not unlawful. He added that he had maintained a longstanding business relationship with Havilah Global Travels, which had previously handled ticket purchases worth over N100 million on his behalf.

He further disclosed that he had continued making payments and could provide evidence of recent transactions. While reaffirming his readiness to fulfil any legitimate financial obligation, the lawmaker insisted the debt had been overstated and urged the public to allow the ICPC to determine the facts without prejudice.

The Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 2, Mr. Olohundare Jimoh, has publicly addressed the controversial Ajiran double murder case for the first time, declaring that anyone dissatisfied with the police investigation should approach the court with credible evidence rather than wage campaigns on social media.

Jimoh made the remarks in Lagos while receiving a delegation of civil society organisations that paid him a solidarity visit amid growing public debate surrounding the ongoing murder trial.

The visit followed widespread social media reactions generated by comments from popular content creator Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, over the handling of the high profile case.

Responding to the controversy, the AIG maintained that justice must take its full course, stressing that the police would not be distracted by public pressure, blackmail or media campaigns aimed at influencing the judicial process.
He thanked the delegation led by Comrade Declan Ihakaire for its support, assuring them that his commitment to justice and professional policing would remain unwavering regardless of external pressures.

Jimoh explained that the investigation originated during his tenure as Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, involving two murder cases committed between 2023 and 2024 before he assumed office.
According to him, the investigation commenced after the Inspector General of Police forwarded a petition submitted by the victims’ family through their representative, Chief Rotimi William Chambers.

He disclosed that detectives arrested two suspects during the investigation, whose confessional statements allegedly linked another suspect, Ahmed Tajudeen Akanbi, prompting the police to declare him wanted.

The AIG said Akanbi was eventually returned to Nigeria through the collaborative efforts of Interpol Nigeria and international law enforcement agencies and is currently facing trial before a competent court.

Jimoh further revealed that throughout the investigation he encountered repeated attempts to compromise the process through family contacts and alleged financial inducements, all of which he firmly rejected.

Without identifying those behind the alleged pressure, the police chief said the matter had entered the judicial stage, making it inappropriate for him as a serving officer to discuss details capable of affecting the ongoing trial.

He reiterated that once criminal proceedings begin, the responsibility shifts to the judiciary, urging aggrieved parties to ventilate their concerns through lawful judicial channels instead of media platforms.

Jimoh also declined to engage publicly with criticisms attributed to VeryDarkMan, insisting that commenting on issues before the court would be improper while the matter remains pending before the judiciary.

He appealed to journalists, digital publishers and content creators to exercise restraint and professionalism, warning against becoming tools for campaigns that could unfairly tarnish officers performing their constitutional responsibilities.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Comrade Declan Ihakaire said the visit was intended to counter what he described as a sustained attempt to discredit the AIG despite his record of professionalism while serving as Lagos State Commissioner of Police.

Ihakaire maintained that the group would continue supporting Jimoh because his actions remained lawful, adding that should he ever depart from the path of justice, the same organisations would hold him accountable.

He said members of the coalition could personally attest to the AIG’s integrity and urged anyone dissatisfied with the police investigation to pursue legal remedies rather than resort to public attacks and character assassination.

Other members of the delegation, including Comrades Olatunde Owoeye Wise, Efe Brume, Elijah Ajanu and legal practitioner Akintunde Adedeji, called for responsible online engagement, stronger safeguards against leaks of confidential police information and continued public scrutiny of law enforcement through legitimate legal and institutional channels, insisting that such measures would strengthen confidence in the justice system.

Concerned civil rights advocates have renewed calls for justice over the killings of Mr. Sheriff Ishola Salami and Prince Kazeem Ademola Akinloye in Ajiran Community, Eti Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State, insisting that the criminal cases must proceed without interference until the courts deliver their verdicts.

The group made the appeal during a solidarity visit to Assistant Inspector General of Police Olohundare Jimoh, who currently heads the Zone 2 Police Command covering Lagos and Ogun states. They commended his leadership during his tenure as Commissioner of Police in Lagos, describing it as instrumental in advancing investigations into the two murder cases.

According to the activists, Salami was killed on April 18, 2023, while Prince Kazeem Ademola Akinloye, the first son of the Ojomu of Ajiranland, was murdered on August 26, 2024. They maintained that both incidents deserve thorough investigation and justice for the victims and their families.

The delegation alleged that some individuals linked to the cases have continued to sponsor campaigns aimed at discrediting the police investigation and damaging the reputation of officers who handled the matter. They urged members of the public to separate verified facts from unsubstantiated claims circulating on social media.

The group recalled that AIG Jimoh assumed office as Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, on February 18, 2025. Shortly after his appointment, the command reportedly received a petition from Olarotimi Williams Chambers seeking investigation and prosecution over the two killings in Ajiran.

Following the petition, the then Commissioner of Police reportedly directed detectives to commence a comprehensive investigation. The inquiry, according to the activists, led to the arrest of two suspects.

They further claimed that the suspects allegedly made confessional statements detailing how the crimes were carried out and identified individuals they claimed were connected to the killings. Based on the outcome of the investigation, the police subsequently declared Lagos businessman Hammed Tajudeen Akanbi, also known as Ahmed Ajiran or Hamed Tajudeen, wanted in connection with the case.

The activists also alleged that efforts were made by interested parties to frustrate the investigation through influence and lobbying after it became clear that the police intended to pursue the matter to its legal conclusion. They added that the suspect was eventually arrested in the Republic of Benin.

While acknowledging that the matter is now before the court, the group stressed that it would be inappropriate to comment on issues that could prejudice the judicial process. They, however, expressed confidence that the legal system would determine the case based on the evidence presented before it.

The delegation described AIG Jimoh as a disciplined and professional police officer whose commitment to justice has earned public confidence. They said officers who uphold the rule of law should be encouraged rather than subjected to campaigns of intimidation.

They equally appealed to residents, community leaders and stakeholders to remain calm and allow the courts to determine the facts surrounding the killings. They warned against attempts to manipulate public opinion through misinformation or coordinated media attacks.

Reaffirming their commitment to justice, the civil rights advocates urged Nigerians to support lawful investigations and respect the judicial process. They insisted that only a transparent trial and impartial judgment can provide lasting justice for Sheriff Ishola Salami, Prince Kazeem Ademola Akinloye, their families and the Ajiran community.